light sturdy tripod for hiking

[azpix]

can anyone recommend a light sturdy tripod for hiking? it will hold a 40d, possibly gripped with a 24-105.

[azpix]

right now i have a bogen 3021b pro with 488rc2 head. the tripod weighs about 1 lb and the head is just over 2lbs.

trying to get the weight down. Is there a lighter weight head I can use on this tripod?

[johnz]

I have a feisol cf tripod, and i mostly use it with manfrottos quite heavy camerahead, but when i take it outside i switch to the ball head that came with it. It's a very small and compact ballhead with QR-plate, made by Feisol. It's not a very good ball head in general, but it does the job when i am outside and it's very light and compact.

[Lester Wareham]

can anyone recommend a light sturdy tripod for hiking? it will hold a 40d, possibly gripped with a 24-105.

As a light weight pod I use a Velbon CF 530 Pro Tripod (carbon fibre), Velbon PH-253 ball and socket head + a smaller Kirk AS QR, very light weight about 1.1Kg all up, comes with carry bag, stone bag, weight hook. Centre column splits for low level use and legs can be set to different angles. Great for light weight stuff where you can use MLU like flowers closeup and landscape, it is even OK with a 400mm lens as long as you use MLU and the wind is not too high.

[Jim G]

I use a Feisol CT-3442 for hiking and I would highly recommend it. At 1,050 grams and <19" folded including head (so long as you don't have a massive head) it's perfect for this application.

Also look into the CT-3441S. Smaller.

I use the Markins M10 head with the CT-3442. Very lightweight and sturdy combination.

[jhom]

I would recommend a Gitzo 0 or 1 series tripod with a Markins Q3 ballhead.

[Shuko]

Here is my Feisol CT-3442 with Markins Q3 (48cm/19in and 1430g/3.15lb)

http://derfel.org/kuvia/canon/feisol.jpg

[Win]

I have been reading all the tripod threads and trying to make a decision. I just weighed my 5D w/24-70 at 4.47 lbs, 5D w/70-200 2.8 IS is 5.12 lbs the 40D with 300 F-4 is 5.01 lbs. These were without grips. I'm going to go with Markins Q3 and 0530.

I appreciate all the help.

Win

[ed rader]

right now i have a bogen 3021b pro with 488rc2 head. the tripod weighs about 1 lb and the head is just over 2lbs.

trying to get the weight down. Is there a lighter weight head I can use on this tripod?

it's gotta weigh more than that :D.

ed rader

[René Damkot]

I have been reading all the tripod threads and trying to make a decision. I just weighed my 5D w/24-70 at 4.47 lbs, 5D w/70-200 2.8 IS is 5.12 lbs the 40D with 300 F-4 is 5.01 lbs. These were without grips. I'm going to go with Markins Q3 and 0530.

0530?

That's too light for the 70-200 and certainly 300mm IMO;
According to Gitzo (http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/pid/4765?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GT0530&productDescription=Mountaineer%206X%20tripod&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BB59:3CAT:CC4 9:4CAT:D291&curMarketId=MARKET:MKT1): "Recommended for [...] DSLRs with 75mm lens or 135mm maximum".
I'd think a 1530 (http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/pid/4765?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GT1530&productDescription=Mountaineer%206X%20tripod&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BB59:3CAT:CC4 9:4CAT:D293&curMarketId=MARKET:MKT1), 1540 or 1540T (http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/pid/4765?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GT1540T&productDescription=Traveler%206X%20tripod&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BB59:3CAT:CC4 9:4CAT:D358&curMarketId=MARKET:MKT1) would be the minimum for a 300mm.

Tripods are not about bearing weight, but about stability...

Lightstream did a review on the 1530 here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=320767)

[Tsmith]

I know a few on here know I have the 0530/Q3 and will say that it works fine with the 40D & 70-200 f/4L with a tripod collar on the lens. Even extended I haven't seen an issue and detail in photos has been very sharp to my liking and I'm picky about that.

I spoke with a few owners prior to deciding to go with the GT0530, they stated they have used the 300 f/4L on the setup but often don't use it fully extended for better stability. I'm 5' 10" tall and hardly ever use a tripod fully extended anyways.

[Win]

In real life the 0530 will be paired with either a 17-40 or 24-70. I hardly ever hike with a longer lens. I have a 3221 and that's in the car if I need it. The 1530 does have a height advantage which may still sway me that way.

Still have time, Markins is BO on the plate for the 40D.

Win

[azpix]

it's gotta weigh more than that :D.

ed rader

you're right, don't know what i was thinking. My pod is 5 lbs and head is about 2( taken from specs oniline)

now i really need a light tripod for hiking.

[argyle]

If you don't want to spring for a Gitzo, give a look at the Velbon El Carmagne series (similar to what Lester posted). Prior to getting a Gitzo, I was using a Velbon 540 carbon fiber, with a Gitzo 1277M ballhead and an RRS lever clamp. It weighs much less than your current set-up, and handled my gear without any problems. The Velbon is a good, middle-of-the-road package.

But if you can spring for a Gitzo 0 or 1 series with the Markins Q3, you surely won't be disappointed...the minute you pick one up in your hands, you will feel how well they're built. I gave my GT2540 some pretty rough treatment out at Havasu Canyon over four days...in water, crawling through tunnels, climbing down cliff faces, dirt/dust and bushwhacking, and it worked flawlessly. Unless something better comes along, I'll probably continue to stick with the Gitzo line...a bit more expensive than others, but you get what you pay for.

[azpix]

If you don't want to spring for a Gitzo, give a look at the Velbon El Carmagne series (similar to what Lester posted). Prior to getting a Gitzo, I was using a Velbon 540 carbon fiber, with a Gitzo 1277M ballhead and an RRS lever clamp. It weighs much less than your current set-up, and handled my gear without any problems. The Velbon is a good, middle-of-the-road package.

But if you can spring for a Gitzo 0 or 1 series with the Markins Q3, you surely won't be disappointed...the minute you pick one up in your hands, you will feel how well they're built. I gave my GT2540 some pretty rough treatment out at Havasu Canyon over four days...in water, crawling through tunnels, climbing down cliff faces, dirt/dust and bushwhacking, and it worked flawlessly. Unless something better comes along, I'll probably continue to stick with the Gitzo line...a bit more expensive than others, but you get what you pay for.


argyle,
the havasu falls hike i have coming up is exactly the reason i 'm looking for a lighter more compact tripod.

how was going through the cave and climb at mooney falls with your gear?

to all,
thanks for the recommendations!

[JohnJ80]

right now i have a bogen 3021b pro with 488rc2 head. the tripod weighs about 1 lb and the head is just over 2lbs.

trying to get the weight down. Is there a lighter weight head I can use on this tripod?

I think you are confused on your specs. You mean the tripod weighs 5.1lbs not 1lbs. Your total set up is going to be closer to 6 lbs.

If you want to get to 2 lbs you are going to be looking at a Gitzo 1540 or 0540 and a ballhead like a bh25. That will be some major coin.

J.

[JohnJ80]

I have been reading all the tripod threads and trying to make a decision. I just weighed my 5D w/24-70 at 4.47 lbs, 5D w/70-200 2.8 IS is 5.12 lbs the 40D with 300 F-4 is 5.01 lbs. These were without grips. I'm going to go with Markins Q3 and 0530.

I appreciate all the help.

Win

Load ratings are just about worthless for determining which tripod to use. It matters more what the focal length is (magnification magnifies the effect of vibration) and how the load is balanced on the tripod head.

For 300mm you need something that is at least equivalent to the Gitzo 2540 and probably something of the level of the 3540LS would be better.

J.

[azpix]

I think you are confused on your specs. You mean the tripod weighs 5.1lbs not 1lbs. Your total set up is going to be closer to 6 lbs.

If you want to get to 2 lbs you are going to be looking at a Gitzo 1540 or 0540 and a ballhead like a bh25. That will be some major coin.

J.

yea, i was having a brain fart when i posted that. staring at all sorts of specs to the point you can't make sense. according to my bathroom scale it's about 6 or 7 lbs and folded length with ballhead is 30". trying to cut those both down without going super crazy on the wallet.

not trying to get to 2, just something smaller and lighter than i have now.

[ed rader]

yea, i was having a brain fart when i posted that. staring at all sorts of specs to the point you can't make sense. according to my bathroom scale it's about 6 or 7 lbs and folded length with ballhead is 30". trying to cut those both down without going super crazy on the wallet.

not trying to get 2, just something smaller and lighter than i have now.


i have the slik 614 + manfrotto 484 ballhead. the set-up weighs 2.5 pounds and will set you back right under $300.

ed rader

[azpix]

ed,
does that 484 pan or is the movement all at the ball? WIth that type of head, you have to spin your camera on to when it's on the tripod? i'm used to qr plates.

[azpix]

I think I've narrowed it down to the Velbon EL Carmagne 540A for the tripod.

debating between the Manfrotto 484RC2 and the Velbon QHD-61Q heads as I wanted to have a QR and not spend a lot. Anyone familiar with the velbon QR system?

it should cut my weight in half and reduce my size by about 10" over my current tripod.

[ed rader]

ed,
does that 484 pan or is the movement all at the ball? WIth that type of head, you have to spin your camera on to when it's on the tripod? i'm used to qr plates.

pseudo pan by loosening the wingnut to the center column.

there are two 484s. one screws directly to the camera and the other uses the manfrotto RC2 QR plate. i have the RC2 plate on both my tripods and tilt head for my monopod.

the great thing about the 614 is the height when fully extended. i'm 5' 10" and i don't have to stoop over.

ed rader

[argyle]

argyle,
the havasu falls hike i have coming up is exactly the reason i 'm looking for a lighter more compact tripod.

how was going through the cave and climb at mooney falls with your gear?

to all,
thanks for the recommendations!

Not too bad. I picked up a scrape or two here and there on the tripod, but that's going to be expected considering the environment. As far as going down the cliff at Mooney Falls...be sure that you're pack is higher up on your shoulders if you decide to go down facing out...if not, the pack will tend to drag or rest on portions of the cliff, making it a little difficult to "scoot" along on your backside or when trying to change positions...not a lot of room to manuever.

[azpix]

got my Velbon EL Carmagne 540A today and i digg it . really light weight and appears sturdy. the head i got I'm not so impressed with. it has a little play when tilted.

[RPCrowe]

I don't usually recommend equipment with which I am not personally familiar but, I have done a lot of business with Adorama and they stand behind their products. Their label brand is Flashpoint which might be worth investigating:

http://www.adorama.com/Search-Results.tpl?page=searchresults&searchinfo=flashpoint%20tripod

[JohnJ80]

I think Flashpoint is Benro, is that not true?

J.

[Win]

I ended up getting the 1540 and a Markins Q3. Just assembled it last nite and may do a hike with it this weekend. First impressions are that it will be perfect.

Thanks for all the great advise here.

Win

[cowboylife]

The Velbon El Carmagne is nice. I was walking through my local Best Buy and spotted the Velbon El Carmagne 530. It seemed odd for them to have a Velbon so I took a closer look. It was $199. After research, B&H was selling them for $290!!!

Was very surprised to see Best Buy selling an item for $90 less than B&H so I picked it up. The Velbon is my first quality tripod and it's great. It's light and barely noticeable when I go hiking.

[JC4]

I ended up getting the 1540 and a Markins Q3. Just assembled it last nite and may do a hike with it this weekend. First impressions are that it will be perfect.

Thanks for all the great advise here.

Win

Good choice. I just went with a Traveler Gitzo and Q3 as well. So far it seems like a perfect combo. I also picked up a BH25 (ReallyRightStuff), for the days I want to travel/hike super light. Drops about half a pound, and was reasonably priced.

[RPCrowe]

"Flyweight legs with a light ballhead (such as our BH-25 Pro on Gitzo GT0530 or GT1530 legs) can be a great travel setup. Enhance the stability and keep the load straight up (directly over the center of gravity) by using an L-plate on your camera."

RRS L-Plate information: http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

RRS BH-25 information: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/02.html

Gitzo GT0530 Information: http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GT0530&productDescription=SERIES%200%20CARBON%206X%20TRIP OD%20-%203%20SECTION%20G-LOCK&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1&product_from_search=true

Gitzo GT1530 Information
http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GT1530&productDescription=SERIES%201%20CARBON%206X%20TRIP OD%20-%203%20SECTION%20G-LOCK&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1&product_from_search=true

[azpix]

I got the markins q3 and dig it. very well built. i may upgrade the pod down the line but so far the velbon 540 did the job.



in refence to the below, is gitzo a bogen brand?

"Flyweight legs with a light ballhead (such as our BH-25 Pro on Gitzo GT0530 or GT1530 legs) can be a great travel setup. Enhance the stability and keep the load straight up (directly over the center of gravity) by using an L-plate on your camera."

RRS L-Plate information: http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

RRS BH-25 information: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/02.html

Gitzo GT0530 Information: http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GT0530&productDescription=SERIES%200%20CARBON%206X%20TRIP OD%20-%203%20SECTION%20G-LOCK&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1&product_from_search=true

Gitzo GT1530 Information
http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GT1530&productDescription=SERIES%201%20CARBON%206X%20TRIP OD%20-%203%20SECTION%20G-LOCK&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1&product_from_search=true

[travelbuds]

I use a Feisol CT-3442 for hiking and I would highly recommend it. At 1,050 grams and <19" folded including head (so long as you don't have a massive head) it's perfect for this application.

Also look into the CT-3441S. Smaller.

I use the Markins M10 head with the CT-3442. Very lightweight and sturdy combination.

Hi Jim,
I am lookiing at the Feisol CT-3442. I noticed the the round plate (base) of the legs where the head attaches doesn't have the screw insets that some other brands of tripods have. Curious if this makes any "safety" difference in securing the head to the legs.
Thanks.
Bruce

[travelbuds]

Here is my Feisol CT-3442 with Markins Q3 (48cm/19in and 1430g/3.15lb)

Hi,
Thank you for the picture of your setup. I haven't looked at tripods in a long time, and now just trying to replace an old Velbon tripod that I have had for years. YOur setup is one of the two options that I think I have narrowed my choices down to. Just a couple of questions if I may.

Without having seen this first hand, how do you fold the legs around or over the head?

The tips of the legs don't appear to come together. Head too big, or you just didn't close them all the way?

Is there any plastic on the tripod that may break? I thought I read on this board somewhere that someone had some kind of trouble with this?
Thank you.

[homersapien]

Hasn't been a problem with mine yet. If you're worried about the head coming loose (vibrations?) you could use a little loctite. My Kirk BH-3 stays tight without any special attention though.

Hi Jim,
I am lookiing at the Feisol CT-3442. I noticed the the round plate (base) of the legs where the head attaches doesn't have the screw insets that some other brands of tripods have. Curious if this makes any "safety" difference in securing the head to the legs.
Thanks.
Bruce