Travel Hiking Tripod Suggestions

I recently bought a Vanguard Alta-Pro carbon fiber tripod (24cb 50) from one of B&H's lightning deals and I love it. However, it is a little too big to fit in my carry on luggage and a little heavier than would want for a long hike/backpacking. My "clever" idea was to buy a less expensive, lightweight tripod, too. I bought a Vanguard VEO 204AB and I'm really disappointed. The specs say that it has a loading capacity of 8.82lbs and it was shaking when I put a camera lens combo on there that weighed 3.9lbs. Also, the photo shows a multi-angled center column and that isn't true. The column can be straight up or straight down. I tried adjusting it to an angle in between and it just fell over. I spoke with a Vanguard representative and she confirmed that the center column can only be 0º or 180º, despite the photos on their website and the box.

So any suggestions for a tripod head combo weighing about 3lbs/1.3kg or less, folds to 16"/41cm or less, and can support about 4lbs/1.8kg and actually lives ups to published specs? Thanks!

MANY folks buying tripods are led to believe that the "maximum weight supported" specification for a tripod (or head) has something to do with rigidity of the unit. That's the furthest thing from the truth. In fact, there is no standardized testing for the industry to provide even a useful "maximum weight supported" figure. Still, all that would let the buyer know is what weight would cause the tripod to disassemble itself. It still has nothing to do with rigidity which, of course, is what most of us really are concerned with.

I hope you can return the junk tripod and get your money back.

Did you have any particular budget in mind?

Well, if you could stretch your requirements to 19", I would look at the Feisol CT-3442. If not, but you could live with 17", the Feisol CT-3441s. Gitzo makes some traveler tripods from 14-17 inches folded, but quite expensive. I'm sure others here will have additional options.

I'm quite happy with my MeFoto road trip tripod. Small, light, pretty sturdy (especially if you don't extend the last thinnest leg parts, but that's with all small tripods) and you can convert it to a monopod in a minute.

hi,the induro carbon fiber tripods are vary good,as i own the smaller version CT-014 that i take hiking all the time,i'm 6'2 and it seems to hold my 1d mk3 and a 70-200 2.8 vary steady along with my other smaller lenses,really it was my first travel tripod and i have never looked back,all though there are probably others that will say you must buy gitzo!i think this would be as close to it without the big price tag,the question of a ball head is another thing,vary important' as i think one should buy the best he can,there are about 6 really good ones on the market and i would pick one of these,but its going to cost more then your tripod will ! but then its a investment,one should buy the best he can as far as tripods/ballheads go,look under tripos & support hear on the forum and ask questions,most people are kind and will help you,good luck.

SkipD wrote in post #17529341
MANY folks buying tripods are led to believe that the "maximum weight supported" specification for a tripod (or head) has something to do with rigidity of the unit. That's the furthest thing from the truth. In fact, there is no standardized testing for the industry to provide even a useful "maximum weight supported" figure. Still, all that would let the buyer know is what weight would cause the tripod to disassemble itself. It still has nothing to do with rigidity which, of course, is what most of us really are concerned with.

I hope you can return the junk tripod and get your money back.

Good point! The old benro tripod I gave to my son was rated at like 5.5lbs, but it was a lot sturdier than this thing.

nqjudo wrote in post #17529373
Did you have any particular budget in mind?

Yes, good point, I was thinking $150. That's cheap for a tripod, I know, but this would be the second one used only when I can't fit or carry the nice one.

phantelope wrote in post #17529418
I'm quite happy with my MeFoto road trip tripod. Small, light, pretty sturdy (especially if you don't extend the last thinnest leg parts, but that's with all small tripods) and you can convert it to a monopod in a minute.

I will have to check those out.

blanex1 wrote in post #17529513
hi,the induro carbon fiber tripods are vary good,as i own the smaller version CT-014 that i take hiking all the time,i'm 6'2 and it seems to hold my 1d mk3 and a 70-200 2.8 vary steady along with my other smaller lenses,really it was my first travel tripod and i have never looked back,all though there are probably others that will say you must buy gitzo!i think this would be as close to it without the big price tag,the question of a ball head is another thing,vary important' as i think one should buy the best he can,there are about 6 really good ones on the market and i would pick one of these,but its going to cost more then your tripod will ! but then its a investment,one should buy the best he can as far as tripods/ballheads go,look under tripos & support hear on the forum and ask questions,most people are kind and will help you,good luck.

The Induro legs look very nice, but not in my budget for a second tripod. I think you're right about buying the best you can afford, but sometimes the best is just too big to go everywhere!

I have this for travel - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …004x_aluminum_t​ripod.html

Well, the previous model.

I purchased it prior to a trip to NYC. It works very well as a nice compact tripod. I didn't have any big heavy setups on it, but it did just fine for me. It wasn't as robust or solid feeling as my Manfrotto or Gitzo, but that's due to the build. The legs are not as thick so it doesn't feel quite as sturdy, but when you add some weight onto the hook, it feels planted.

I used my Manfrotto 498RC2 ballhead with it.

I have a mefoto day trip that I take when backpacking or hiking- it's short, but works well for me when I'm just doing landscapes

Update: Laziness caused me to keep the Vanguard Veo. I think the suggested tripods were definitely better than what I have, but not enough to get me to return the Veo and buy a different tripod.

Pros for the Vanguard Veo: Lightweight, compact, cheap. Set up is extremely fast, only thing I found that distinguishes this from competitors. Leg locks work great, better than twist locks. With center column down and the skinniest legs retracted, it is adequately stable. I used it in that configuration in a brisk wind to take some long exposure waterfall shots and got good results.

Cons: Not stable with center column or skinniest legs extended.

Last year, I bought SIRUI T-1005X Aluminum http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …G/T-1005X_ALUMINUM_TRIPOD plus OBEN BE-117 ball Head http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …7592-REG/BALL_HEAD_2-KNOB

Inexpensive, light, small and work great.

Repete.
Last year I was in the same situation.
Smaller, lighter travel tripod that folded smaller so I could stuff in suitcase or carry on while traveling abroad.
Also to be stable to support a 5D Mark III with a 70-200 f/2.8 L IS Mark II or 100-400 L attached.
Surprisingly I found it.
MeFOTO Globetrotter Carbon Fiber. Arca-Swiss style as well which is nice.
Really really pleased with it.
It fits all the demands for my travel tripod needs.

http://www.mefoto.com/​products/globetrotter.​aspx