Lightweight tripod questions

I am looking to finally purchase a lightweight tripod that I can take on long hikes with me next summer. I am looking to get the lightest tripod possible without losing all stability or spending absurd money on it. I have been looking at the Gitzo GT-0541 for the legs and a Markins head.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ountaineer_6X_C​arbon.html
http://www.markinsamer​ica.com/MA5/Q3E.php?re​q=Q3ELK

Seems like a super lightweight setup, but does anyone else have any suggestions for a potential setup? I'm in no hurry to make the purchase so I'm open to suggestions, or even waiting if a hot new product is coming out soon that I don't know about.

Sounds like a good combo. I opted for a similar setup, albeit with the slightly heavier 1541T tripod. Taken it backpacking a few times and its worked out well.

I have the Gitzo 1541T as well, and like it a lot. Small, light weiht, but still very stable.
Currently I have a Manfroto ballhead on it, but Will be switching to the Markins Q3T
when I have enough saved up to pay for it and a Markin Q20 for the big tripod. since I
will need to change the plates on the lenses and camera bodies, I want to be able to
use both tripods and not have to switch plates around. I'm thinking they will make a nice
X=Mas present to myself

The 1541T has been replaced by the new 1542T, but if you look around you can still find
a few places with the 1541T in stock. I know Aden Camera in Toronto is still showing them
as in stock item and I see them on E-Bay as well.

I haven't checked all the difference between the 1541T and 1542T but I think if you to a
quick seachers here, you will probably find a couple threads compairing them.

--Evan

i'm 6'2 so need the height, and am thinking of the FEISOL Traveler CT-3441S with Markins Q3T.
anything lighter like all the gitzo ones seem too short for me.
how tall are you?

IMHO, the 0 series from Gitzo is not stable enough. I wouldn't use it with the 5D2 or any other large DSLR. I've tried the 1541T, and feel that it's better, but still not as stable as I would like.

I've reviewed the Feisol 3441T (Tall), which has the height I want without extending the center column, and much beefier tubes than the 1541T without any more weight. If you're not six feet tall or more, the 3441S (Standard) may be OK.

The 3441S collapses to the same length as the 1541T, the 3441T is longer, but is easily carried (see photo with backpack in review.)

ah so maybe that was the one i was supposed to be looking at.
i actually saw your review on here a while back before i joined.
i didn't realise for the 3441S to get to 178cm height, that the center column is a two-peice telescopic unit. that sounds terrible...
only thing i don't like about the 3441T is that folded length is 48cm, that's pretty big for a travel tripod...
I wouldn't mind having to raise a center colum up a bit to get to eye level, but definetly not a telescopic two peice center colum, that sounds painfull.
I need a compromise!

pmack wrote in post #13053065
I need a compromise!

Good luck. To get a tripod high enough, some part of the leg has to be a bit long, which makes collapsed length longer. The 3441T will fit on a backpack for travel, or in a suitcase.

I generally pack it in checked baggage anyway.

If you go too short collapsed, you end up with a tripod that's only 4 feet high.

I am 5'10" so I'm not overly tall. I'm also willing to bend over a little bit if needed when I use the lightweight tripod since I would much rather have a few less pounds on my back for 10 miles than a slightly taller tripod. I still have my full-size tripod for shorter trips. I do plan on taking the tripod on a lot of longer trips (6+ miles).

I have a Slik PRO 814CF II with an Acratech GV2 head. Reasonably lightweight and still very stable. It's not my Gitzo, but it's good for travel and hiking.

I also wouldn't buy a 0-series Gitzo either or any 5-leg section model, you need a tripod to be stable. I think 5'10"+ people should look at the Feisols (except of course the ones with extensible center columns!). You'll need to bend over if you get a 1541T, although the 1542T is a wee bit taller. I'm 5'8" and I use a Benro C2680T which may be tall enough for you. I reviewed my Benro here. Whatever you get you'll compromise on something; folded length, weight, extended height, legs don't fold parallel, whatever.