tripod for street photography?

I am looking for a very portable tripod that can be on the quick go as I will use for street + urban photography. I am using a 6D with prime lenses (non L). any suggestions for a decent portable tripod? thanks in advance!

I'm curious as to what kind of shutter speeds you're talking about. Also wondering if a monopod might be more suitable, if anything - I was a long-time resident of NYC and I would have flipped out if someone were clogging up the sidewalk with a tripod.

WhyFi wrote in post #17001262
I'm curious as to what kind of shutter speeds you're talking about. Also wondering if a monopod might be more suitable, if anything - I was a long-time resident of NYC and I would have flipped out if someone were clogging up the sidewalk with a tripod.

This.

A tripod seems completely unnecessary for street photography...

pipokun wrote in post #17001230
I am looking for a very portable tripod that can be on the quick go as I will use for street photography. I am using a 6D with prime lenses (non L). any suggestions for a decent portable tripod? thanks in advance!

Doesn't a tripod defeat a lot of what street photography is?

That said, I understand, I've done street in the dead of night and it's a different world in some cities at night.

I use an Ultra Pod II when I'm walking, because it can be attached to rails, or hold up a heavy dSLR with a big lens (just not big telephoto zooms, but any prime upwards of 135mm it can handle). Great for sitting on the table with you at a bar/bistro outside. Great for putting down the camera and getting a perspective from below. Great for selfies if you want to model in your shots.

I don't think I'd use a full on full size large tripod out in the street though. That's just asking for problems. Plus, wouldn't want to carry that.

Very best,

MalVeauX wrote in post #17001613
Doesn't a tripod defeat a lot of what street photography is?

That said, I understand, I've done street in the dead of night and it's a different world in some cities at night.

I use an Ultra Pod II when I'm walking, because it can be attached to rails, or hold up a heavy dSLR with a big lens (just not big telephoto zooms, but any prime upwards of 135mm it can handle). Great for sitting on the table with you at a bar/bistro outside. Great for putting down the camera and getting a perspective from below. Great for selfies if you want to model in your shots.

I don't think I'd use a full on full size large tripod out in the street though. That's just asking for problems. Plus, wouldn't want to carry that.

Very best,

How strong is that velcro connection when it's wrapped around a pole? It can really hold a body and 135mm prime?

pwk wrote in post #17001641
How strong is that velcro connection when it's wrapped around a pole? It can really hold a body and 135mm prime?

Heya,

It holds my gripped camera(s) with my 85mm F1.4 prime no problem. I used it today with a 49mm set of extensions and a 58mm F2 lens at the end and it held fine. It holds my 11-16 F2.8 beast tank of a lens as well which is pretty similar in weight to the 135L.

It cannot hold my 180mm F3.5 Macro though. It's too long.

I find it's not the weight that is an issue. It's the overall length as it becomes unbalanced. If it's relatively short, it'll hold lots of weight. If it's longer, it needs to weigh less.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/o9BL​oQ

...i live in new york too and have never seen anyone use a tripod for "streets" but i guess anything is possible! if you decide to use a tripod, people will definitely notice that you're there taking photos and your shots will be more like street portraits. you could also have other than people for subjects in street photography, but usually does not require a tripod, unless at night!!!

good luck!

Are you talking about taking photos if people on the street or architecture. I always use a tripod when shooting architecture but never for photographing people. The only scenario I can envision needing a tripod for street photos is to get the feeling of motion in your images by having a longer shutter to blur the people as they move but keep the buildings sharp.

sorry, i meant more like shots of bridges and cityscapes at night time. though i do shoot photos of people, i also take shots of old storefronts and architecture at night. thanks for the insight so far!

I use a Feisol 3442 for my quick light tripod. Have used it extensively to shoot architecture in crowded ( places like New Orleans and Portland ) without any incidents. Early morning is my favourite time to shoot buildings.

pipokun wrote in post #17001230
I am looking for a very portable tripod that can be on the quick go as I will use for street photography. I am using a 6D with prime lenses (non L). any suggestions for a decent portable tripod? thanks in advance!

I shoot a lot of street candids but have neve felt the need for a tripod. I'll use a tripod or monopod when shooting video on the street.

A tripod is just a hassle to set up. It takes time while you miss that fleeting espression or gesture. Fast primes are the go.

yogestee wrote in post #17002204
I shoot a lot of street candids but have neve felt the need for a tripod. I'll use a tripod or monopod when shooting video on the street.

A tripod is just a hassle to set up. It takes time while you miss that fleeting espression or gesture. Fast primes are the go.

i used "street photography" way too loose. i do shoot street candid shots which i clearly don't use tripods for. i meant to use the tripod for night shots of architecture, bridges, etc.

pipokun wrote in post #17002250
i used "street photography" way too loose. i do shoot street candid shots which i clearly don't use tripods for. i meant to use the tripod for night shots of architecture, bridges, etc.

Sorry about the misunderstanding. I you're shooting architecture etc and other stationary subjects, by all means a tripod.

Love me a Gitzo. But as a lightweight option the Oben CT-2331 only weights 750g.

I think it's OK to use a tripod for street, regular or otherwise. At dusk/night I pretty much have to since I use comparatively slow film. These were taken at or close to The Spire in Dublin using my travel tripod; a Benro C2680T.