Best Tripod When Hiking

[pxchoi]

I plan on doing some day hiking in the near future and eventually maybe do a few over night but I want to make sure to travel as light as possible. However, I really like to shoot in low lighting and I need a tripod. I currently have a Sunpak 7500 pro but it seems to be a bit bulky so I wanted to see what other people were carrying on there backs.

Thanks

[mcluckie]

I've got a Manfrotto carbon-fibre deal, 055MF4, with Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 that is a good combination, and I'd certainly recommend a ball head. Watch out for the weight of the head -- the weight can be as much as the 'pod itself. Maybe also consider a monopod if you're just worried about low light.

[tvphotog]

Gitzo 1541t and a Markins Q3t ballhead with an RRS lever release QR. Whole thing weighs about 3 lbs and is about 17" long. It's so short that I have to extend one leg a bit to allow the top tripod strap on my backpack to grip it!

[JohnJ80]

Gitzo 1541t and a Markins Q3t ballhead with an RRS lever release QR. Whole thing weighs about 3 lbs and is about 17" long. It's so short that I have to extend one leg a bit to allow the top tripod strap on my backpack to grip it!

Agreed. The manfrotto 055 is too heavy.

J.

[jphendren]

I have the Gitzo GT0530, I believe that the tripod only weighs about 1 pound without head. I know that I may be criticized for this, but it works beautifully with my Canon 1Ds2 and 24-70 f/2.8 L. The tripod is super light and nice to carry; my only nit is the it cost $399.

Jared

[DavidTK]

Gitzo 1541t and a Markins Q3t ballhead with an RRS lever release QR. Whole thing weighs about 3 lbs and is about 17" long. It's so short that I have to extend one leg a bit to allow the top tripod strap on my backpack to grip it!

+1 - this is essentially my setup (1540t and older Q3 ballhead). I've carried this setup for many day hikes and it works great. The hardest part is figuring out how to carry it. With my old backpack, I attached it horizontally on the bottom of the backpack, like a sleeping bag. On my new backpack, I stick it in one of the side bottle holders.

FYI, I weighed these on a kitchen scale and it came out to 3.6 lbs. 2.1 lbs for the tripod and 1.5 for the ballhead.

[wickerprints]

Travel Angel FTW!!!!!!! :D :D :D

[RPCrowe]

I use a modified SLIK Pro 330DX for my boonie tromping and general travel tripod.

I have and love my full-size Giottos MT 8180 tripod which is equipped with a Giottos MH 1300 Head. However, this setup, even though the MT 8180 is carbon fiber, is IMO too heavy to boonie tromp and to fly with when I am restricted in the weight I can carry.

I decided to find a lighter camera support. I knew that I would not need to support anything heavier than a 40D with 70-200mm f/4L IS lens (I would use my MT-8180 for heavier packages). I also knew that using an RRS L-plate would allow me to work with a lighter rig because it eliminated the camera hanging cantilevered over to the side when in the portrait position. Of course, this would only be a consideration for camera/lenses without tripod rings.

I chose a SLIK Pro 330DX titanium tripod which was on sale at my local Calumet store. It was a floor model and cost a bit over $60 dollars complete with head. Of course, the darn stock pan-tilt head weighed more than the leg-set, so I replaced it with a lightweight Adorama Flashpoint F-1 magnesium ball head. Since this head is Arca compatible, I could use it with my RRS L-bracket. I also replaced the stock center column with the optional short center column to save additional weight.

The result is a 1-pound 14-ounce tripod and head setup which will support my 40D with the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens. I have used this rig in some fairly stiff winds at Bryce Canyon and, since I don't elevate the center column, it is a stable mount. Additionally, the tripod and head cost only a little over $125.

It is not a total general purpose tripod. I use it for landscapes and for night shots. I also take advantage of having a tripod with me when I want to shoot panos or HDR imagery. It is perfect for those uses. It is also a tripod light enough in weight and small enough in size that I don't think twince about crying anywhere at anytime. I also did not need to sell my homestead to finance it.

The major drawback of this tripod set is that it is fairly short. I would normally need to bend quite a bit to use the viewfinder. However, I most often use a right angle finder on this rig which makes viewing my image a lot easier. I cut my teeth on a twin lens reflex camera so looking down to view my shots is second nature for me. However, it would be inconvenient for following fast moving subjects.

I would not expect to use this rig with my 400mm f/5.6L or even my 300mm f/4L IS lenses, nor would I want to use this rig for macro photography.

It is simply what it is.... a very light and relatively sturdy support for landscapes and night shots which is just fine for panos and for HDR composites.

The images show my modified SLIK next to my full-size Giottos and 40D with 70-200mm f/4L IS lens on the F-1 ball head...

[Shadowblade]

Gitzo GT1541T with Q3T and RRS quick release plate, as well as RRS pano head.

[ben_r_]

See this LINK (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298)

[Dave.H]

the best depends on your lens choice.

I love the gorilla pod for hiking, cheap and light. But its not going to cut it if you need to use a 70-200.

[habsfan93]

Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 with a 486RC2 head

A little heavier than I'd really like, but at 6'3", it was more important for me to have something that was tall enough to reach my eye level.

[netog]

I only use a Manfrotto 709B (table tripod) when go hiking. I put it on a tree or rock or bag or floor. There are many natural surfaces to use.
I have never found a good tripod for hiking, so I prefer going this light.

[pxchoi]

Seeing that a good tripod setup can cost close to $1000 is a bit discouraging... lol

Especially since I'm rocking the T1i. Are there any other, slightly more economical solutions?

I saw this on B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&Ntt=GIGT1541T117*&Q=&N=0&A=endecaSearch

But $688 is still a bit a steep...

[ed rader]

Seeing that a good tripod setup can cost close to $1000 is a bit discouraging... lol

Especially since I'm rocking the T1i. Are there any other, slightly more economical solutions?

I saw this on B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&Ntt=GIGT1541T117*&Q=&N=0&A=endecaSearch

But $688 is still a bit a steep...


check out the benro tripods at B&H or flashpoint at adorama.

ed rader

[wickerprints]

Seeing that a good tripod setup can cost close to $1000 is a bit discouraging... lol

Especially since I'm rocking the T1i. Are there any other, slightly more economical solutions?

I saw this on B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&Ntt=GIGT1541T117*&Q=&N=0&A=endecaSearch

But $688 is still a bit a steep...

See, this is why I wrote (much earlier):

Travel Angel FTW!!!!!!! :D :D :D

Carbon-fiber, 1.8 pounds including ballhead, $400.

Or go a bit heavier with aluminum and save more money.

[pxchoi]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584265-REG/Benro_457_169_A_169M8_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html

I was looking at this. Is there a big weight difference between carbon fiber and aluminum? I definitely want to keep it under the $200 range if possible but if it makes a noticeable difference I can always justify spending more. And I'm guessing for my equipment needs 8.8lbs should be enough support.

[gofer]

...........................The images show my modified SLIK next to my full-size Giottos and 40D with 70-200mm f/4L IS lens on the F-1 ball head........................


.......are you absolutely sure about this?;)

[saristeguieta]

The following is not the best, but it is the one I plan to get.

http://www.amvona.com/shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=3001&category_id=93

[wickerprints]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584265-REG/Benro_457_169_A_169M8_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html

I was looking at this. Is there a big weight difference between carbon fiber and aluminum? I definitely want to keep it under the $200 range if possible but if it makes a noticeable difference I can always justify spending more. And I'm guessing for my equipment needs 8.8lbs should be enough support.

Why don't you visit the Benro website and do a little comparison shopping there?

Carbon fiber is very lightweight yet very strong. I think if weight is extremely important to you, then carbon fiber is the way to go even if it costs significantly more. I can definitely feel the difference between 1.8 pounds and 3 pounds on my hikes.

At some point I will get a larger tripod that supports more weight. But after looking at a variety of solutions (including the horrific Gorillapods...don't ever buy one), I could not find a pod that was as sturdy, lightweight, functional, and reasonably priced as the 068/069 Travel Angels. They're not designed to hold a 400/2.8L IS. Few tripods/heads actually are.... But they are absolutely ideal for hiking and traveling.

As a general rule of thumb, take the maximum rated weight, divide by 2, and that's about the comfortable working weight limit for the head. You could go heavier, but you may find the head increasingly cumbersome to use.

[DrFil]

i've climbed up 5000 ft. mountains with my manfrotto 055xprob and 488rc2 head.

ok...so it's really a struggle with that, especially cuz it's too big to attach to my backpack, which ends up weighing like 25-30 lbs. by itself, so i end up carrying it in one of my hands. it's particularly a pain when i have to actually scale rocks.

if you're fit, weight shouldn't be as much of an issue as SIZE. hell, i'd carry a 10 lb. tripod in my backpack if it could fold down to a foot long and extend to full-size.

[JohnJ80]

Seeing that a good tripod setup can cost close to $1000 is a bit discouraging... lol

Especially since I'm rocking the T1i. Are there any other, slightly more economical solutions?

I saw this on B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&Ntt=GIGT1541T117*&Q=&N=0&A=endecaSearch

But $688 is still a bit a steep...

In general, a good tripod setup is going to be about what you would pay for a good lens.

J.

[JohnJ80]

Well, just because I can doesn't mean I want to.

Maybe he hires out as a sherpa just for fun?

J.

[mcluckie]

Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 with a 486RC2 head

A little heavier than I'd really like, but at 6'3", it was more important for me to have something that was tall enough to reach my eye level.

A LITTLE heavy? I've got the exact same thing in the studio, and I've used that head with the 055MF -- that was my point where the head weighs the same as the tripod. The legs on the 055MF maybe aren't that good, but I got it half price and the weight is decent. All in all very good I think. I just couldn't afford, or justify, the Gitzo MF/CF tripods that are big enough for a 1DsII and a 300. And I'm 6'4 - I don't expect anything at my level, especialy countertops and tripods. A tripod that high is probably on its skinnies; I like to leave those 1/2 way in if possible.

[pxchoi]

See, this is why I wrote (much earlier):



Carbon-fiber, 1.8 pounds including ballhead, $400.

Or go a bit heavier with aluminum and save more money.

hahaha, sorry! I know NOTHING about tripods let alone the brands and the names of them. Definitely looks more reasonable in price!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584275-REG/Benro_458_069_A_069M8_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html

I think this is probably the best option in my price range. It looks like between the Carbon Fiber and the Aluminum is about a .5lbs weight difference. I don't plan on carrying a lot of gear on my day hikes so this is much better than my 5lbs tripod that i currently have.

[ccookdo]

If you watch the sale boards on FM and POTN plus ebay you can pickup a carbon fiber tripod that is inexpensive. I got a Slik 713II CF for $115 and put a lightweight RRS B25 head on it. Total weight it about 3 pounds.

[Jim G]

I use a carbon fibre Feisol CT-3442 when hiking - goes over my eye-height with no column extension so it's definitely tall enough (173cm tall), weighs hardly anything and folds to <18". Combine that with a Markins M-10 head and you have one very nice, lightweight setup.

[JohnJ80]

To the OP -

I'd suggest a lot of education first. Buying tripods is really confusing and the manufacturers have done a terrible job in making it easy to figure out what works and doesn't work. This is compounded by a number of them who have it figured out how to make it look pretty but cut big corners in the inside. You definitely need to learn about this stuff first - the first link below explains why.

Some links:

http://bythom.com/support.htm
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/tripods_&_heads.shtml
http://markins.com/charlie/report4e6.pdf

J.

[wickerprints]

I accept and agree with the need to educate oneself about the variety of equipment out there, but one of the things you have to realize is that, like lenses or camera bags, there is no single tripod that is going to do everything for you in every situation. You could get the most badass Gitzo + Arca-Swiss ballhead that will support 100 pounds of gear but the question becomes, do you even have 100 pounds of camera to support? Are you needing to carry a 10-pound support system to facilitate your shooting conditions?

I went through the linked articles and while it's admirable to pursue the ideal setup, frankly, if I might interpret the OP's needs, he doesn't need something that's going to hold a 400/2.8L IS in gale force winds. He needs something that's not going to become a constant reminder of the weight he's carrying, something that isn't going to intrude upon the enjoyment of the hike.

It seems like when it comes to soliciting gear advice, the tendency of the responses generally run more along the lines of what each respondent would like to have for themselves, rather than along the parameters of what the OP needs. Someone asks for a good lightweight tripod and they get advice to buy something expensive and heavy--because of course, the OP must not know what they need so it becomes incumbent upon the knowledgeable to redefine those parameters for them.

Honestly, I do encourage people to learn as much as they can about the variety of what is out there. It's not easy to sort through all the information and there are no shortcuts. But let's be realistic here and match the needs of the user to the equipment.

[Hogloff]

I use a carbon fibre Feisol CT-3442 when hiking - goes over my eye-height with no column extension so it's definitely tall enough (173cm tall), weighs hardly anything and folds to <18". Combine that with a Markins M-10 head and you have one very nice, lightweight setup.


+1 for the Feisol 3442...however I chose the Markins Q3 head which is a little lighter than the M-10.

[mcluckie]

Markins Q3

I don't get the whole QR plate deal. Do you keep the plate on the camera all day, but not forever, right? As days needs/lenses/terrain change, don't you have to switch the plate around? If you go to handheld, does anyone enjoy the plate being there? I suppose if you live in an all-one-brand environment that might be simplier. I'd rather screw the head in directly; when its off, the whole thing is off.

[tvphotog]

I don't get the whole QR plate deal. Do you keep the plate on the camera all day, but not forever, right? As days needs/lenses/terrain change, don't you have to switch the plate around? If you go to handheld, does anyone enjoy the plate being there? I suppose if you live in an all-one-brand environment that might be simplier. I'd rather screw the head in directly; when its off, the whole thing is off.

The plate really doesn't take up much space on the bottom of the camera, and if you use a tripod , it's ideal to have a fast attachment method. QR's also permit the attachment of a collared long lens to the tripod to control balance, rather than using the body plate and having the heavy lens stick out and unbalance the system.

Also, for the OP, read this: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm (http://www.bythom.com/support.htm)

[mcluckie]

The plate really doesn't take up much space on the bottom of the camera, and if you use a tripod
I get what its supposed to do, and I've tried to use them. But they really never saved me any time. If I leave them on the body (the lens is a good idea) I end up with this odd piece of iron on the bottom that makes the camera not sit well in a bag or on a table, and awkward in my hand. So I would always take it off when I was done with the tripod. Maybe if used a trpod 24/7...

[JohnJ80]

I don't get the whole QR plate deal. Do you keep the plate on the camera all day, but not forever, right?

Leave it on forever. If you have an L plate you just keep it there for sure and works in any orientation.

As days needs/lenses/terrain change, don't you have to switch the plate around?
Not with an L plate.

If you go to handheld, does anyone enjoy the plate being there?

no big deal. It also helps significantly to protect the camera.

I suppose if you live in an all-one-brand environment that might be simplier. I'd rather screw the head in directly; when its off, the whole thing is off.

Just try a quick release plate. You will change your mind quite quickly. As well, with the screw it in method, you typically have a pad between the camera and the tripod. This pad does not insure good vibration free contact. That is why you get a plate that is custom made for the camera body so that there is broad metal to metal contact. That is much more secure of a connection than the screw method with a rubber or cork pad. Remember the goal is to reduce vibration to levels that are significantly lower than 100um amplitude.

J.

[Tsmith]

I plan on doing some day hiking in the near future and eventually maybe do a few over night but I want to make sure to travel as light as possible. However, I really like to shoot in low lighting and I need a tripod. I currently have a Sunpak 7500 pro but it seems to be a bit bulky so I wanted to see what other people were carrying on there backs.

Thanks

Another choice that serves me well: Gitzo GT0530 + Markins Q3 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=476259) _ of course the model has changed to GT0531 I believe.

[mcluckie]

That is why you get a plate that is custom made for the camera body so that there is broad metal to metal contact.
Now THAT makes it worthwhile. Thanks

[mcluckie]

OK, I'm ready to buy a QR. I just went to RRS after searching for custom 5DII QRs. Now THAT stuff looks right: smooth, not obtrusive, efficient. I'm going to get the ultra-lightweight ball head and a plate for my Manfrotto 468. See, thats why I'm here. Guess the BG plate isn't shipping yet.

[JohnJ80]

The only problem with the RRS BH25 (ultralight ballhead) is that the ball movement and panning work off of the same lock. That can get annoying at times. Alternative would be the Markins Q3T or Q3. A few (like, I think, 3 oz) heavier but a lot more capability and, IIRC, a larger diameter ball. I'm not sure of the weight, but just hefting it my hand, the clamp on the Markins Q3T is lighter than the RRS clamps - although I like the RRS lever clamps the most.

J.

[Tsmith]

The only problem with the RRS BH25 (ultralight ballhead) is that the ball movement and panning work off of the same lock. That can get annoying at times. Alternative would be the Markins Q3T or Q3. A few (like, I think, 3 oz) heavier but a lot more capability and, IIRC, a larger diameter ball. I'm not sure of the weight, but just hefting it my hand, the clamp on the Markins Q3T is lighter than the RRS clamps - although I like the RRS lever clamps the most.

J.

Well stated and seen many posts by landscape photographers in other forums that quote this same thing. An alternative would be the Markins Q3T add the RSS plate. I for one actually like the Markins plate.