Alternatives to the 'Gitzo GT0545T Series 0 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod '

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …5t_series_0_tra​veler.html

I am looking for a tripod solely for the purpose of traveling and hiking, so size and weight are very important. I already own a full size tripod that I use for work and in the studio.

I was about to purchase the Gitzo in the link above, but I figured I would ask here in the forum for any other suggestions first.

The Gitzo folds to 14.4" and weights in at 2 pounds. It is quite pricy at $700, especially considering this will be my second tripod, and not used for work.

So does anyone have any tripod suggestions, for something that compares in size and weight to this Gitzo?? The choices online give me a headache trying to differentiate. Sooo many models!

I previously used a $100 Joby Gorillipod on my last camping trip, while is was small and light, it had too many issues for me, and I must upgrade.

Thanks everyone for your help in advance!

I've got an older version of this that I have found to be quite useful;

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …004_0_stealth_c​arbon.html

Thanks for the recommendation.

I see it is just slightly longer when closed, and a tad heavier........but much cheaper!

I am definitely throwing that into my choices, thanks!

I too have a Gitzo Traveller tripod. Mine is the older GT1550T which fold to 14 3/4 inches.

Depending on your personal requirements I would suggest that a 1 series might be better. It will cost a bit more and weigh slightly more but will be more rigid and taller though still nice and short when folded:

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …5t_series_1_tra​veler.html

If you don't mind a little extra length then a 4 section version will be even more rigid.

Ideally I would suggest a used tripod as my Traveller cost £140 ($170).

That 1555 link you just sent is very interesting. While it does weight slightly more and is taller........it actually folds up smaller! Wow!

So now I would have to consider choices of weight verse size.

Do I take a tripod that folds up smaller but weights more, or a lighter tripod that folds up longer?

Thanks for the recommendation Jognf3f

I am currently exploring options in this area as well, I have a 3 week trip to Thailand planned and don't want to be inconvenienced with a large tripod. I came across this write-up from B&H, you may find it helpful: https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …ying-guide/travel-tripods

I've got the MeFoto Globetrotter in aluminum and it's surprisingly stable for such a small unit. When I was looking for a travel unit, I played with the CF and Aluminum side by side, and found that the CF version wasn't enough lighter to warrant the cost difference; but I've used this tripod for everything up to my 7DII + 100-400, and while it takes maybe a second or two longer to settle out it isn't too bad. It also compacts down well; if I take the head off the legs, it will *easily* stow in a standard carry-on bag or in my Tilopa BC with the rest of my camera gear.

Hey CCCC, funny thing I am looking to upgrade my travel tripod because of my recent trip to Thailand!! I spent a month in Thailand and Vietnam recently, and took along this.........

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …lapod_Focus_Fle​xible.html

&

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …2_494_Mini_Ball​_Head.html

While it got the job done, and I do like it, there was too many instances I would have preferred a ''normal'' tripod.

And looking at the specs. This tiny Joby with Manfrotto head..........it the same exact length and weight as the Gitzo I am looking at!

So the Gitzo would actually be no inconvenience on a trip like this. Not at any point did the weight or size of the Joby was issue for me in Thailand, so the Gitzo even being almost full size, would not, since it is almost identical in weight and dimensions when closed.

That all being said, I am now going to sell that combo, if you want it for your trip Haha

Feisol is worth a look too. They make nice carbon fiber tripods that won't break the bank. I even like their ball heads (after the "safety" feature is removed)

While not marketed as a "travel" tripod I think this comes fairly close to the gitzo you linked to. A little over an inch longer when folded but a little lighter then the gitzo, larger diameter leg tube (21.7mm vs 24mm) and almost half the price

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …2_rapid_carbon_​fiber.html

Feisol makes several other tripods that they market as travel tripods that might be good to look at also.

That looks really great actually, I have never come across that model before.

It is by far the most interesting of everything I have come across in comparison of that Gitzo. I'm going to have to take a trip to B&H and look at that in person. Thanks so much man!

I can't comment on gremlin75's suggestion as I have never even seen one! However 2 friends have Feisol Tournament tripods (a bit long when folded) and they are very good with my 300 F2.8 - nice and light too!

Assuming that Feisol traveller models are as well made, as the Tournament models, then they are certainly worth careful consideration!

I've got the Feisol 3441T traveler tripod which I love, just wish it did indeed fold a bit smaller . Especially since I RARELY use the reverse-folding manner, it's a bit longer (with ballhead on too) than I was hoping for. Great otherwise!

I have the Feisol 3442, which I love for normal AND travel, it's the only tripod I care to use. When I go international, it's small enough to fit my carry on, and I dont like flipping it backwards, so I just take off the ballhead and done.

Month old thread, but I'll mention the Mefoto Carbon Roadtrip fits inside a carry-on. Almost got the Globetrotter, a little bigger, but it was too close in size to the Gitzo basalt I was using. I've travelled with a Joby Gorillapod through full size Bogens and Manfrottos, so knew the compromise in size, weight and support I wanted. The carbon Roadtrip is compact at 15.25" folded and 62" fully extended. Only 2.4 lbs without head for comparison, but it does include a nice Arca-Swiss compatible ballhead. Does not creep with a 70-200 2.8 IS. Also got it from AliExpress for $249 delivered in 4 weeks. Genuine and $100 below the typical US price.

Thanks for the input NDA, I appreciate it.

In the end I went with a Gitzo, not the original I planned, but a very similar model.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …qd_series_1_tra​veler.html

It folds down to 14'' when closed, and is 3.1lbs with ballhead.

I believe it is the tiniest full tripod they make, but it is still solid as a rock. A lot more sturdy than I even imagined. First day out I shot with a 16 stop ND filter, and during a 9 minute exposure, was a huge gust of wind, which I was sure would cause me to do the very long exposure again. But to my surprise, the photo was sharp as a tack. So I am very very with my purchase so far.