Travel Tripod suggestions?

***Thread updated on page 2***

I currently have this as my regular tripod, but I need something that will travel much easier. Lugging around that beast on planes has become out of the question; it's far too large let alone quite heavy.

1. Primarily use tripods for ultra long exposures, so I need something sturdy.
2. Not interested in a tabletop or Gorillapod, because I need flexibility in height.

I was seriously considering the Slik Spring Mini II, but I am open to suggestions along these lines.

Any suggestions for something that will fit the bill?

I use the Benro travel angel, took it to cabo. lightweight and small. they have a few to choose from $$ wise.

What's your budget?

tvphotog wrote in post #10839342
What's your budget?

I'd like to keep it under $150 (or £100). I suppose I could be persuaded higher if something perfectly fit what I was looking for.

My old tripod was this:
http://www.amazon.co.u​k …TF8&qid=1283498​305&sr=1-1

It's a great tiny little tripod, however height without center column raised isn't very high.
I've never tried carrying it on a plane. but I think it fits some criteria you were looking for.

The Pan head can be quite fiddly compared with ballheads but its quite nice.

KC, thank you for the suggestion, but I'm afraid I am going to need something that raises a bit higher. If I was in the market for a tabletop tripod, that would certainly fit the bill!

So far, the Slik Mini II is taking the lead - under 2lbs, folds to 14 inches and extends to 43 inches! I just hope it's quite a sturdy tripod to boot.

I looked at the Silk specs hence I suggested the Velbon, despite it's size it isn't a tabletop tripod

http://www.velbon.co.u​k …bon/pages/ultra​luxim.html

Weight 1.26 Kg (2.8 Ibs)
Fold Height 34.5 cm (13.6")
Max Height 138.5 cm (54.4")
Max Load 2.5 Kg (5.5 Ibs)

KC you're right!

I'll definitely add that to my short list of considerations, thank you. I suppose it's right on up there with the Slik. Since you've had some experience with it, would you find it very sturdy extended? I do mostly long exposures (up to several minutes) so it would have to be pretty solid. I do like that the center column comes apart to allow for low perspectives.

I'm afraid I can't give you a conclusive answer to your question. The Velbon is the only tripod I have used to a long time, so I would say it is stable only because I don't have anything to compare it too.

Having only spent abut 2 hours with my new setup but from first impressions I will say the following about the Velbon:
The legs are fairly flexible, this is definitely noticeable when pulling down on the center column most likely due to the very thin bottom legs (5 section pod)

Due to it's size it is HIGHLY portable (I basically kept it strapped to my bag because it was so small)

With 7D +25-105 I never noticed any instability, however I never took multi-minute exposures.

The camera plate does work it's way loose over time, and near the end it was hard to screw it tight enough (I didn't want to damage the camera) so that it didn't rotate when semi-moderate pressure was applied to the camera. Initially the grip was great though, but I guess the rubber(?) surface got worn with time.

I was confident enough with the tripod push the legs together and lift the tripod with the bottom legs level with my chest to get shots over walls and things:

The Slik is pretty stable for such a compact unit, it handles my 5dm2 gripped and 24-105mm.

lannes wrote in post #10842031
The Slik is pretty stable for such a compact unit, it handles my 5dm2 gripped and 24-105mm.

It's actually your post (and those pictures) from June (?) that got me interested in the Slik to begin with. I did a search and liked what I saw.

Is the Feisol 3441S out of your price range? It's a pretty solid item.

tvphotog wrote in post #10843869
Is the Feisol 3441S out of your price range? It's a pretty solid item.

I found it online for ~£330, which is beyond what I consider reasonable for such a simple item. I would be willing to pay closer to £150 for the perfectly portable tripod, otherwise i'll be satisfied with making a few compromises with those I've found so far.

Thanks anyways, it's always woth a shot!

ken2000ac wrote in post #10841793
I'd like to keep it under $150 (or £100). I suppose I could be persuaded higher if something perfectly fit what I was looking for.

i was going to suggest the "Benro C-269M8 Travel Angel Carbon Fiber Tripod with B-1 Ballhead". i picked that one up recently, and took it on vacation with me last week.
but it won't fit within your budget.


J.

ken2000ac wrote in post #10844659
I found it online for ~£330, which is beyond what I consider reasonable for such a simple item. I would be willing to pay closer to £150 for the perfectly portable tripod, otherwise i'll be satisfied with making a few compromises with those I've found so far.

Thanks anyways, it's always woth a shot!

With all due respect, a tripod is not a simple item. Yes, it's three legs and a disk, but it's what will make your several thousand dollar camera take sharp pictures in low light. Why get a good camera and skimp on the legs?

IMO, you're better off to look on the Selling Forum here for a used, but excellent tripod, or wait until you have the money for a better new one. Or get a Manfrotto aluminum, and deal with more weight. The Manfrottos are rock-solid and will last a lifetime. The adage about tripods is that you can have two of these three features: light weight, stability and low price.

A cheap tripod will last a couple years, and then you'll have to buy a new one. A more expensive tripod will be the last one you have to buy.