Decent tripods <19" folded, <3.5lbs, <$300 ?

[Patriotic1]

I take my gear when I go hiking (frequently) and need to lighten the load on my pack. I've been using a bogen 3021 for the last 2yrs, but its just to bulky and heavy for my needs now.... but can't afford to spend over $300. I am considering the following:

Benro C-158n6 8x Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
Max height is 58.5”, Folded 19.3”, 3lbs ~$239


Slik Pro 714 CF II Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
Max height is 60”, Folded 18”, 3lbs, ~$245

Comments on these or any other <$300 suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[azpix]

velbon 540
just got one and it's great.

[Jon]

Well, I have the Slik 613CF and if the 714CF's anything like it, you'd be happy. Just don't expect to use any of them at full center column extension . . .

[darkninja67]

Feisol CT-3401: 18.8" folded, max load 19.8lbs, weighs 2.62 lbs, 51.9" max height, and costs $219.

[Patriotic1]

Please excuse my ignorance but what is a good website that sells Feisol tripods at a reasonable price? I couldn't find any listed on B&H, Adorama or Amazon... maybe its just user error (ha-ha). I'm also checking out the Velbon. Great leads, thank you all.

[godzakka]

darkninja and others will most likely point you to Feisol.net (US site) or Feisol.com (overseas site but in English, too).

[darkninja67]

darkninja and others will most likely point you to Feisol.net (US site) or Feisol.com (overseas site but in English, too).

what he said. I ordered mine from feisol.net. Shipped promptly and should have it Monday.

I got their CT-3442 Tournament version. I owned a Feisol in the past. Their max capacity for the price is unmatched anywhere.

[1downfall]

Well, I have the Slik 613CF and if the 714CF's anything like it, you'd be happy. Just don't expect to use any of them at full center column extension . . .
At 6.6 pounds of camera equipment, what do you use on your tri pod?

[Jon]

20D or 5D with 70-200 2.8 IS or 24-70 L. Haven't had occasion to use the 1D3 on it yet.

[Modboyzz]

Reallybigcameras is an authorized dealer for Feisol tripods. Just ordered a tripod from them. Great service , Fast shipping!

http://reallybigcameras.com/