Looking for a lite weight tripod

I am going to be going on an extended vacation and am looking for a lite weight rugged Tripod. I will be in the National Parks in the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons and more rugged terrain as I head north towards Montana and then to Seattle Washington.
I want it to be lite because it will be in my carry on luggage and I will be carrying it on the outside of my camera Lowpro backpack when hiking. It is not a studio tripod.
I do not want to spend to much money for it. I see there is a wide price range depending on the materials that it is maid of.
Thanks for any help you can provide
LB

I just purchased a Mefoto Roadtrip off Amazon. Pretty well reviewed everywhere. It's compact and lightweight but there are compromises with it as it's not as sturdy as a much bigger tripod. $189 you can't go wrong.

lesbaer wrote in post #16766646
I am going to be going on an extended vacation and am looking for a lite weight rugged Tripod. I will be in the National Parks in the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons and more rugged terrain as I head north towards Montana and then to Seattle Washington.
I want it to be lite because it will be in my carry on luggage and I will be carrying it on the outside of my camera Lowpro backpack when hiking. It is not a studio tripod.
I do not want to spend to much money for it. I see there is a wide price range depending on the materials that it is maid of.
Thanks for any help you can provide
LB

Those three features (light weight, rugged/sturdy, and inexpensive) cannot be had together in any one tripod unless you find a real deal in a used tripod that is light weight and rugged.

Thanks, That is a nice tripod. I have never spent that much for one but I may this time. I have traveled a lot all over the world and documented it all via digital cameras. A lot in south east Asia, Switzerland, Australia and China. All of these places had beautiful photo opportunities. This is the first time I will be having a nice long relaxed travel vacation in the States. I will be going to places that will add a lot of photo's to my collection, Having a tripod like you suggested is a must with the landscapes and places I will be shooting. Thanks again!!!!!

I see that and like all of the hobbies I am into, you learn where to save money and not. This is one of those situations where spending the money for the right tool will make life a lot more enjoyable and seeing the results will make it worth it also. I am going to have close to 10K into this vacation. I think spending $190.00 for a good tripod is a drop in the bucket and well worth it. Thanks for the wake up call. LOL

SkipD wrote in post #16766878
Those three features (light weight, rugged/sturdy, and inexpensive) cannot be had together in any one tripod unless you find a real deal in a used tripod that is light weight and rugged.

lesbaer wrote in post #16766896
I think spending $190.00 for a good tripod is a drop in the bucket and well worth it. Thanks for the wake up call. LOL

That is still considered inexpensive for a good tripod

I would suggest the Feisol 3441S, but I suppose that really is out of your budget!

There's also the Benro C2680TB1 which is cheaper but not as nice (but still nicer than the mefoto roadtrip, same company, higher end legs).

Let me put it this way.
With my limited experience with tripods and the ones I have used in the past the Mefoto Roadtrip tripod will give me better results than I have ever had. At the $190 price range I can justify spending the money for the trip I will be taking. On the other hand, the IS on the camera I bought will not require a tripod except for the use of the 50X telephoto and indoor low lighting. For the amount of time the camera will be on a tripod, I feel the Roadtrip will work fine for me.

If you want lightweight since you're hiking that means basically you need a carbon fiber construction tripod. To stay within your budget that pretty much means buying used. Used tripods are a pretty safe purchase compared to bodies, lenses or flash units. Try calling B&H or Adorama (perhaps a couple times as they constantly get new items in) and see what they have.

I have three travel 'pods. The Gitzo traveler, a version by MePhoto and by Benro. The Benro and the Gitzo are carbon fiber; the MePhoto and the Benro are four-section and the Gitzo is three. It's a long story as to why I have three, trying to add video capabilities and enough height for certain purposes, I suppose is the main reason.
In order of more flex to less flex, it is MePyhoto Aluminum, Benro CF and Gitzo CF. The Benro is rated to carry more weight than the other two and has thicker legs, but it takes the weight to reach the working stiffness. The Gitzo is the lightest and easiest to carry back-packing but you have to stoop to focus.
Splitting the difference between my heavy-duty CF and older Aluminum tripods is the Benro C2691TB1 kit tripod. It is nearly as compact as the Gitzo, not quite as heavy as the MePhoto and, with care, can hold the weight of my larger camera and lens combinations.

Trying to make recommendations on a tripod without knowing:
1. your height
2. your camera gear (wgt and focal length)
3. your shooting style, ie like/need to shoot at eye level or willing/prefer to shoot from lower angles
is more of a "I like MY gear" discussion. You mention a 50X telephoto, leading me to believe you're using a relatively light/small compact or P&S camera vs a 35mm DSLR. If so, you're allowed a somewhat lighter tripod.

That said, I do like MY gear!!! Like many others doubtlessly, I've attempted over the years to save a few bucks and have a collection of junk tripods until I finally bought Gitzo, initially a 3541XLS for everyday and then a 1541 for hiking/travel (with shorter lenses up to 200mm). I opted for the 1541 vs Traveler version as the latter was too short (extended) for my needs and ultra compactness wasn't the most compelling issue. Do not overlook head/clamp/quick release plate issues.

I carry an old manfrotto carbon. I also carry a small bag and a string. I'll fill the bag with rocks or sand or whatever and string it to the tripod to add some weight. Seems to help especially when it's windy.

lesbaer wrote in post #16766940
Let me put it this way.
With my limited experience with tripods and the ones I have used in the past the Mefoto Roadtrip tripod will give me better results than I have ever had. At the $190 price range I can justify spending the money for the trip I will be taking. On the other hand, the IS on the camera I bought will not require a tripod except for the use of the 50X telephoto and indoor low lighting. For the amount of time the camera will be on a tripod, I feel the Roadtrip will work fine for me.

great choice with the roadtrip one! i have the CF globetrotter as I use MF cameras but to be honest, I could have saved 50% by going roadtrip.

what I like about these mefoto/benro tripod is that they are small and light, plus one of the legs can be used as monopod/hiking stick

here's a 4x5 on the globetrotter with a manfrotto head

IMAGE LINK: http://postimg.org/ima​ge/462rbgh17/

I own a Dolica Carbon Fiber Tripod/Monopod with Ball Head from Costco. Right now it is showing $260, but they offer $60 discount from time to time. Comes with Padded Nylon Case, weighs 3 lbs., 20 lbs. Load Capacity, 3 way Bubble Level, Quick Release Plate. It is really great for my need. On a recent trip to London, I stuffed it in my small backpack after I packed all my clothes in it. You can take the center column and a leg off, then it becomes really managable in a bag. I find it very steady with my 5D3 and 24-70/2.8L II. They have five yr warrenty. The top bubble level on the head dried up on mine. Upon contacting dolica, they sent me an entire ballhead including the QR plate without asking to send the other one back. Best Customer service.

lesbaer wrote in post #16766940
Let me put it this way.
With my limited experience with tripods and the ones I have used in the past the Mefoto Roadtrip tripod will give me better results than I have ever had. At the $190 price range I can justify spending the money for the trip I will be taking. On the other hand, the IS on the camera I bought will not require a tripod except for the use of the 50X telephoto and indoor low lighting. For the amount of time the camera will be on a tripod, I feel the Roadtrip will work fine for me.

I don't doubt any of that. I'm just saying: $190 is still considered inexpensive for a good tripod.

The best advice I can give is buy once, and don't look back.. Skimp $$ on tripod, and you will eventually sell, and rebuy the correct one.

Look into Feisol and Benro / Induro Fiberglass, they will be less than Gitzo, and you will have a nice tripod for years to come. You cant go wrong with a Markins ball head and a RRS quick release clamp.