Budget travel tripod

Hey guys, looking for a budget travel tripod recommendation. I'm looking for something $150 or below that can definitely fit in a carry-on suitcase, and ideally in a backpack. It will mostly be used for common things like waterfalls and nighttime long-exposures.

I currently use a Canon T2i and Tamron 17-50, which total around 2.2 pounds. I may however end up with a body upgrade and a longer lens in the not too distant future, let's say for example a 70D and Tamron 70-300. That gives 3.4 pounds as a maximum weight.

I went to B&H and was shown a few options. The first was the Benro A-0680 / A-0690. This is pretty small compared to most tripods, but big compared to the two below. It seemed pretty decent. The center column can be lowered down between the legs to be more steady, unlike the other two. Unfortunately the head couldn't pan like the other two, which is a useful bonus feature.

The second was the MeFoto Backpacker. This is also made by Benro, but is much smaller than the above, both folded and extended.

The third was the Sirui T-005X. This one folded to be much smaller than the Benro, but extended taller than the MeFoto. It had a pretty nice head, with extra pan and tension knobs. One issue is that the quick release plate screw didn't have a D-ring, so it would need a screwdriver or coin to turn. I'd need to change this somehow since I use a Rapid strap and would need to screw it in/out every time I use the tripod, and would want to be able to do so with just my hands.

Definitely correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Benro would be steady enough for my usage, if not a little large for my backpack. I'm mainly wondering if the other two would also work. The Sirui folds to 11.8", which would be really nice compared to the 15" of the Benro, as long as it would be solid enough to actually use. The specs all say they can hold the weight, but I don't know if they can be trusted, or if they take the steadiness needed for long-exposures into account at all.

Which one would you guys pick, or would you pick a different one altogether? Thanks in advance.

I love my Travel Angel, however I think you should go up a model from what you posted if you can squeeze another $30 out of your budget. I have no experience with the other two you referenced.

Consider a tripod rated for 3 times the support weight you need.

Personally I would save up double your budget and get a nice travel tripod from Benro (a 2 series CF or aluminium) that will last you indefinitely and not let you down the moment a stiff breeze comes along. I dislike cheap tripods, for a reason!

edit: this one for example.
http://www.huntsphotoa​ndvideo.com …uctid=A2690TBH1​&mfg=Benro

Or if your really absolutely can't push your budget that high, then this one:
http://www.huntsphotoa​ndvideo.com …uctid=A1690TBH0​&mfg=Benro

Maybe check this mefoto out. It folds to 15.4 inches and supports 17 lbs.
http://www.huntsphotoa​ndvideo.com …350Q1K&mfg=Benr​o&show=yes

Maybe this

http://www.manfrotto.c​om/befree

Saikou wrote in post #16389901
Maybe this

http://www.manfrotto.c​om/befree

That looks interesting. Can the head be removed from it?

I like the Benro Mefoto tripods. That befree looks very similar.

Has any one used the Man-BE Free ?? whats your thoughts?? Thanks
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Ron

rick_reno wrote in post #16389934
That looks interesting. Can the head be removed from it?

i think so...it is a ball head like others

There is a video of the tripod

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=eA5EO8vDXJY

thanks...that might work.

I have this one and it's been great
http://www.amazon.com …1-1&keywords=benro+mefot​o

It's not super sturdy, but that's the price you pay for the lightweight portability. It fits into my carryon perfectly and takes up practically no space. Perfect for when I need to do some long exposure shots, but I wouldn't walk to far from my camera while it's set up.

All travel tripods are a compromise. If possible stay away from flip-locks and 5 leg sections, neither help with stability. My experience with travelers is with the Gitzo and Benro brands, and I think the small Benros are well made, durable and relatively stable. If you're unfamiliar with travel Benros and interested in construction there are pictures in a review I did of mine a couple years ago. My tripod is still being sold.

Thanks for all the input. I ended up finding a used Sirui T-1005X tripod paired with a Benro BH0 ballhead, and it seems to be a nice compromise between price, size, and stability. I'll know more soon since my vacation starts tomorrow.

If anyone is looking for something similar, feel free to keep using this thread.

I've owned several travel tripods over the years and now I travel with a gitzo 2541 + markins Q10. in fact it's my only tripod. it fits in my luggage and for long exposures the results are noticeably better than from a "travel" tripod.