Backpacking Camera Supports

I am trying to figure out my best options for backpacking and getting some support for my 20D with 70-200 F4 lens, possibly with a 1.4 extender.

As the camera gear I will be packing is heavy enough I am trying to find a lightweight solution for support.

The Gitzo MonoTrek is one solution that caught my eye. Does anyone have any experience with it. It is rated for only 4.4 lbs so for now I am ok, but if I ever get the 70-200 F2.8 IS it will be over rated value. Do you think they have a wee bit of a safety factor in there? I assume a quick mount is out of the question with this model. Are there any other monopods ohters of you have used that will double as a treking pole?

I would likely try to rig up some kind of guy wire system using small cord or webbing to use it free standing (kinda like a tripod I guess).

I have concidered using some kind of clamp. That way I could use a stick or tentpole (if not in use).

Another thought is a min-pod that could strap to a pole to be used as a monopod, and to be used as a tripod with shorter lenses on it.

Comments on these ideas, or any new ideas from those who have tried some different solutions, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

I prefer a tripod over a monopod for nature shots. You may be shooting late in the evening or early in the morning when exposures will be long. I have taken my Gitzo 2228 Explorer with Acratech ball head on a few backpacking trips and was glad I had a tripod along dispite the added weight. It just meant sacraficing a few other luxuries and I was not gone more than 5 days.

Scott

For backpacking, I keep a moderate zoom lens on the camera and keep that handy for anything that pops up along the trail. The tripod fits in a pocket on the side of the backpack, should it have to be hauled out for something in a hurry. Then, when I get to camp, I get out the heavy artillery. The wildlife lens goes on the tripod (weight about 3.3 pounds), and the camera hangs on that. I'll have a flash unit along also, but it never gets used until after sundown. I set out aiming posts for night/wildlife and step off the distance to each one, because at night, things happen in a hurry.

---Bob Gross---

The maximum weight includes the camera, lens, flash etc etc right? Doesnt 4.4 lbs seem like right on the edge?

I am counting
- a Drebel w/battery at 1.4lbs (20D etc would be much heavier I guess)
- a 70-200 f/4 at 1.6lbs
- a flash at around 1 lb
Total : 4lbs

Beyond this would be extenders, battery grips etc.

I know that a tripod would be ultimate but I already have an older Manfrotto Art 144 that weighs about 8 lbs, I think. To add the expense of a new lighter one is not likely at this time. I do take it along on canoe trips where weight is not as much of a concern.

Kram, I know I am getting near that 4.4 lb (68oz) mark.

20D at 24.2 oz
70-200 f/4 at 25 oz
1.4 Extender at 7.8 oz
Total = 57 oz

I usually have my EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS on the camera at 16.8 oz.

I would not carry a battery grip or 580EX flash when backpacking.

One of the reasons for the MonoTrek idea was that I could definitely use it as a trekking pole. As I approach 50 yo, any help bolstering the load would be appreciated.

I use a cheapy walmart table top tripod when backpacking. Keep it light!!! I am an advid backpacker and understand wieght issues. I usually go on a 8 day trip each year. At the beginng of the trip my pack usually wieghs around 80lbs without any photog equipment. Throw in around 5 more lbs for that and your set. Mid range telephoto the body and a support device. Personally I dont take extra batteries cuz I dont want to leave them in the wild. (pack in pack out) Just my .02 worth.

Edit: And remember ENJOY your trip!!!