light sturdy tripod for hiking

azpix wrote in post #5609494
right now i have a bogen 3021b pro with 488rc2 head. the tripod weighs about 1 lb and the head is just over 2lbs.

trying to get the weight down. Is there a lighter weight head I can use on this tripod?

I think you are confused on your specs. You mean the tripod weighs 5.1lbs not 1lbs. Your total set up is going to be closer to 6 lbs.

If you want to get to 2 lbs you are going to be looking at a Gitzo 1540 or 0540 and a ballhead like a bh25. That will be some major coin.

J.

Win wrote in post #5611279
I have been reading all the tripod threads and trying to make a decision. I just weighed my 5D w/24-70 at 4.47 lbs, 5D w/70-200 2.8 IS is 5.12 lbs the 40D with 300 F-4 is 5.01 lbs. These were without grips. I'm going to go with Markins Q3 and 0530.

I appreciate all the help.

Win

Load ratings are just about worthless for determining which tripod to use. It matters more what the focal length is (magnification magnifies the effect of vibration) and how the load is balanced on the tripod head.

For 300mm you need something that is at least equivalent to the Gitzo 2540 and probably something of the level of the 3540LS would be better.

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #5622272
I think you are confused on your specs. You mean the tripod weighs 5.1lbs not 1lbs. Your total set up is going to be closer to 6 lbs.

If you want to get to 2 lbs you are going to be looking at a Gitzo 1540 or 0540 and a ballhead like a bh25. That will be some major coin.

J.

yea, i was having a brain fart when i posted that. staring at all sorts of specs to the point you can't make sense. according to my bathroom scale it's about 6 or 7 lbs and folded length with ballhead is 30". trying to cut those both down without going super crazy on the wallet.

not trying to get to 2, just something smaller and lighter than i have now.

azpix wrote in post #5622655
yea, i was having a brain fart when i posted that. staring at all sorts of specs to the point you can't make sense. according to my bathroom scale it's about 6 or 7 lbs and folded length with ballhead is 30". trying to cut those both down without going super crazy on the wallet.

not trying to get 2, just something smaller and lighter than i have now.

i have the slik 614 + manfrotto 484 ballhead. the set-up weighs 2.5 pounds and will set you back right under $300.

ed rader

ed,
does that 484 pan or is the movement all at the ball? WIth that type of head, you have to spin your camera on to when it's on the tripod? i'm used to qr plates.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Velbon EL Carmagne 540A for the tripod.

debating between the Manfrotto 484RC2 and the Velbon QHD-61Q heads as I wanted to have a QR and not spend a lot. Anyone familiar with the velbon QR system?

it should cut my weight in half and reduce my size by about 10" over my current tripod.

azpix wrote in post #5623041
ed,
does that 484 pan or is the movement all at the ball? WIth that type of head, you have to spin your camera on to when it's on the tripod? i'm used to qr plates.

pseudo pan by loosening the wingnut to the center column.

there are two 484s. one screws directly to the camera and the other uses the manfrotto RC2 QR plate. i have the RC2 plate on both my tripods and tilt head for my monopod.

the great thing about the 614 is the height when fully extended. i'm 5' 10" and i don't have to stoop over.

ed rader

azpix wrote in post #5618132
argyle,
the havasu falls hike i have coming up is exactly the reason i 'm looking for a lighter more compact tripod.

how was going through the cave and climb at mooney falls with your gear?

to all,
thanks for the recommendations!

Not too bad. I picked up a scrape or two here and there on the tripod, but that's going to be expected considering the environment. As far as going down the cliff at Mooney Falls...be sure that you're pack is higher up on your shoulders if you decide to go down facing out...if not, the pack will tend to drag or rest on portions of the cliff, making it a little difficult to "scoot" along on your backside or when trying to change positions...not a lot of room to manuever.

got my Velbon EL Carmagne 540A today and i digg it . really light weight and appears sturdy. the head i got I'm not so impressed with. it has a little play when tilted.

Flashpoint might be worth a look...

I don't usually recommend equipment with which I am not personally familiar but, I have done a lot of business with Adorama and they stand behind their products. Their label brand is Flashpoint which might be worth investigating:

http://www.adorama.com …hinfo=flashpoin​t%20tripod

I think Flashpoint is Benro, is that not true?

J.

I ended up getting the 1540 and a Markins Q3. Just assembled it last nite and may do a hike with it this weekend. First impressions are that it will be perfect.

Thanks for all the great advise here.

Win

The Velbon El Carmagne is nice. I was walking through my local Best Buy and spotted the Velbon El Carmagne 530. It seemed odd for them to have a Velbon so I took a closer look. It was $199. After research, B&H was selling them for $290!!!

Was very surprised to see Best Buy selling an item for $90 less than B&H so I picked it up. The Velbon is my first quality tripod and it's great. It's light and barely noticeable when I go hiking.

Win wrote in post #5781482
I ended up getting the 1540 and a Markins Q3. Just assembled it last nite and may do a hike with it this weekend. First impressions are that it will be perfect.

Thanks for all the great advise here.

Win

Good choice. I just went with a Traveler Gitzo and Q3 as well. So far it seems like a perfect combo. I also picked up a BH25 (ReallyRightStuff), for the days I want to travel/hike super light. Drops about half a pound, and was reasonably priced.

Here's a recommendation from Really Right Stuff

"Flyweight legs with a light ballhead (such as our BH-25 Pro on Gitzo GT0530 or GT1530 legs) can be a great travel setup. Enhance the stability and keep the load straight up (directly over the center of gravity) by using an L-plate on your camera."

RRS L-Plate information: http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

RRS BH-25 information: http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/ballheads/02.htm​l

Gitzo GT0530 Information: http://www.bogenimagin​g.us …&product_from_s​earch=true

Gitzo GT1530 Information
http://www.bogenimagin​g.us …&product_from_s​earch=true