Need a Lightweight Tripod for Hiking + Landscapes

[Coppatop85]

Hey everyone!

I'm an avid outdoorsman, and I would love to get a nice lightweight tripod for hiking. I have a very sturdy tripod now, but it is not meant for hiking. It supports up to 19lbs, which I don't need at all for a hike.

I'd like to get a nice tripod that is lightweight, but not so light that it would blow over with a gust of wind. This would be used exclusively for landscapes from atop a mountain and cityscapes at night. Any reccomendations would be welcomed and appreciated. Looking to spend around $350 (plus or minus a bit) with a head included. I don't mind shopping used.

Thanks!

[Sirrith]

If you can add a bit more to your budget, I'd recommend the Feisol 3441 or 3442, I spent a week in Iceland with my 3441T doing quite a bit of hiking in varying conditions (hot sun to horizontal rain to snow/ice) and it never let me down even once. They're around $400 without the head though (for the new leg lock version, the old versions are about $100 cheaper). Alternatively there's the Benro tripods that come with heads and are within your budget though I am not familiar with them (based on specs alone, they support slightly less and weigh slightly more than their Feisol counterparts, but thats what you get for the $$). I know a lot of people on here are happy with the Benros even though I went Feisol myself.

[Tim S]

http://www.adorama.com/DOZX600B300.html $125, Carbon fiber, weighs 3.5 lbs, supports 17 lbs, and has a decent ball head.

[Plane Maker]

Originally Posted by Sirrith

If you can add a bit more to your budget, I'd recommend the Feisol 3441 or 3442, I spent a week in Iceland with my 3441T doing quite a bit of hiking in varying conditions (hot sun to horizontal rain to snow/ice) and it never let me down even once. They're around $400 without the head though (for the new leg lock version, the old versions are about $100 cheaper). Alternatively there's the Benro tripods that come with heads and are within your budget though I am not familiar with them (based on specs alone, they support slightly less and weigh slightly more than their Feisol counterparts, but thats what you get for the $$). I know a lot of people on here are happy with the Benros even though I went Feisol myself.

I'll second this. I hike quite a bit with my Feisol 3441T and it's been great. Without leg locks, you'll be close to your budget after picking up a head. For me the leg locks are a great feature though - they make picking up and moving a breeze.

[Coppatop85]

Originally Posted by Plane Maker

I'll second this. I hike quite a bit with my Feisol 3441T and it's been great. Without leg locks, you'll be close to your budget after picking up a head. For me the leg locks are a great feature though - they make picking up and moving a breeze.

What exactly are leg locks? Do you mean the legs lock out at certain lengths? Isn't this a standard feature on tripods? I will check out the Feisols, I have heard about them before. They do seem a bit outside my budget though -- close to 400 without a head. Maybe I can get one used?

[rick_reno]

Originally Posted by Coppatop85

What exactly are leg locks? Maybe I can get one used?

I think - and someone who has should comment on this - that the legs don't rotate. They have two versions; one with non-rotational legs and the other with legs that (apparently) rotate.

Yes, you should be able to find a used one.

[emalvick]

Originally Posted by Sirrith

If you can add a bit more to your budget, I'd recommend the Feisol 3441 or 3442, I spent a week in Iceland with my 3441T doing quite a bit of hiking in varying conditions (hot sun to horizontal rain to snow/ice) and it never let me down even once. They're around $400 without the head though (for the new leg lock version, the old versions are about $100 cheaper). Alternatively there's the Benro tripods that come with heads and are within your budget though I am not familiar with them (based on specs alone, they support slightly less and weigh slightly more than their Feisol counterparts, but thats what you get for the $$). I know a lot of people on here are happy with the Benros even though I went Feisol myself.

I recommend the above too. I just got a 3441T as well and gave it a test spit on a coastal hike a couple of weeks ago. I set it up in some shallow ocean water as well as in a 15 mph wind. I have extra confidence with the above poster since I'm going to Iceland with mine in a few months.

In the meantime, the 3441T is nice because it folds up fairly compact. I was able to place it in my back-pack. It is also light. I did add a new head, but if you already have a head, you'd save that cost.

[emalvick]

Originally Posted by rick_reno

I think - and someone who has should comment on this - that the legs don't rotate. They have two versions; one with non-rotational legs and the other with legs that (apparently) rotate.

Yes, you should be able to find a used one.

I had an old tripod 10+ years ago that had legs that rotated. It made it a bit difficult to actually lock the legs in place as the legs would rotate as you tried to lock in the clamp. With the leg-locks, the legs can't move making it much easier to lock the legs in place. It also allows you (with practice) to unlock/lock the legs into place very quickly in the fully folded position.

The leg-locks are similar (although still not as good) to the behavior of Gitzo tripods.

[Coppatop85]

Ahh, that explains the locks. I have 2 tripods (one is a crappy plastic one, and one is super-heavy) and neither of them have rotating legs. Will check out Fieseol, but other suggestions are welcomed!

[Coppatop85]

Having a hard time finding Feisol used, and new ones seem a bit outside my budget. Normally in this position I would save for quality, but hiking season is now, and that is when I need a tripod most. I may have to go with a cheaper option.

[peter_n]

How tall are you?

[Coppatop85]

Originally Posted by peter_n

How tall are you?

5'11''

[peter_n]

OK so you're tall(ish) and the Feisol line will be suitable for you as most of the other makers don't have the same reach when extended. Many members here like them and it's worth it to get a tripod that has the non-rotating legs, it's one of the best usability advances in the last few years.

[tvphotog]

Sorry about the budget constraints, as I also have a Feisol 3441T and recommend it. It would be a shame to get something for "in the meantime" use, and throw away money that you could have spent on a better set of sticks. But I can sympathize with the dollar issue.

[Coppatop85]

I definitely think the Feisol is in my future. Maybe I will just chug along with my huge heavy tripod until I can afford a nice lightweight one.