I want a lightweight

Tripod*
bugger pressed enter too soon.
I'm looking to upgrade from a manfrotto 190cx3 with 484rc2 head.

I'm primarily shooting landscapes and would like something versatile, that can go really really low. I see tripods with columns that can go reaaaaaaal low...to the side (90 degrees) and even 180 in some cases so that you can shoot through the legs. I'm not sure what they are called but weight is also a good consideration of mine- I want something very lightweight (lighter than 5 lbs).

I'm also looking for a head. I hear that a 3D head is the way to go. I was thinking on gitzo but they're extremely expensive and they all look alike.

The heaviest lens I have is the 70-200 2.8L, on a 5D mark II & 1D mark III. So I'm not carrying all that much weight, I understand if I were to get a 500 f4 or something similar I would need a wimberly head anyway and I don't have the money for either or So I'm looking for something that can handle a reasonable payload

So gear genies - work your magic!

Price range: ~500-600 or less.

also if anyone is selling anything related to the above, feel free to PM me.

Karl, the 2 models that immediately comes to mind is the Gitzo 1541T or the 1550T.

ben_r did a great review of the 1541T here and if you go to post 5, you will see how it can be set up very low.

i personally have the 1550T and i think it's just great for travel needs... it's even smaller than the 1541T (folds 14") but it has a lighter max load capacity as well... but i've used it with a 7D + 70-200 2.8 IS without any problems. there's been posts about people using even the 100-400 on this.

for travel, it is very compact and very nice...

ygpm btw...

Hi Karl,

Lol - I understand your aversion to marketing-spiel!

This site has mini-videos demo'ing the product range and they have 'at-a-glance' tables to understand the features......

Giottos for me:
- http://www.giottos-tripods.co.uk …374&product=491​85f7ddd445

Why:
Adjustable Centre Columns - for really low-photography
light-weight (1.5kg-3kg) depending on model
Good maximum height (165-170cm)
They come in 3 or 4 leg-section models
Durable and weatherproofed
they support 8kg of gear
5 year Warranty

I wish you well on whatever you decide to purchase - as this is probably the hardest accessory to spec'
With so many great manufacturers out there, Benbo, Manfrotto, Gitzo...... be sure to go to a Major Camera wholesaler so that you can try these out in person.
What looks and feels right to 'one' - would be totally different for another 'one'

Quality head is going to cost as much as a good tripod. Spend once and use them for life.

You can check out my blog about the Vanguard 254CT tripod if you want. Probably the most flexible tripod on the market and very good quality at an unbeatable price.

www.shakefree.ca

bobbyz wrote in post #10248504
Quality head is going to cost as much as a good tripod. Spend once and use them for life.

Agreed.

I was in the same boat as you recently. Wanted the Gitzo traveler at first but decided to get the Feisol instead. Glad I did, awesome tripod and I just got back from Alaska and my first trip with it. Amazing tripod, packs super small, has a good height when extended, no center column, weighs 3 lbs even with the Photo Clam head I bought. Got the tripod and head from Reallybigcameras in Oregon. Awesome guy to deal with and a forum member here by the same name. Check out my signature and visit the website and look at this model tripod.

I also recently purchased a Feisol/Photo Claim set up from reallybigcameras. I couldn't be happier with the setup (I went with the 3441S ARL legs and 33-NS ballhead). Super light weight, sturdy and right in your price range.

thanks all, I will look into those suggestions. My shoulder (tore my rotary cuff last year) is still healing, so thus the essentialness of something under 5 lbs

Whatever it takes to convince yourself

Shhh :P !