My current tripod and ballhead are 4 and 1.5 lbs, respectively.
Carrying them on a multiple days hiking is truly painful.
My ideal system would be an integrated tripod/head system weighs ~2 lbs:
1. Capable of supporting a full frame body with a wide angle lens.
2. Doesn't need to be high, 20 inch Maximum height is enough
3. Legs are only one or two sections
Does such tripod exist on the market?
The Gitzo GT1541T weighs 2.1 lbs, if they cut two sections of the legs and make an integrated ballhead it might satisfy the above.
Which ballhead weighs 3 pounds For my lightweight, low-level setup, I've got an older Gitzo G1097, with a Markins Q3 and ground level kit. Weighs almost a pound more than your request, though.
As for the GT1541T you mentioned, the extra couple of leg sections really add only a tiny bit of weight, as the CF tubing itself is amazingly light, which you'll find if you take a CF tripod apart. Maybe look for a head like the RRS BH-25 or BH-30 to save more weight on top. You can save a few more ounces by getting a "ground level kit" for the Gitzo, which eliminates the center column.
EDIT: thinking about it, I'm not sure you can get a ground level kit for one of the Gitzo "Traveler" tripods.
I have a set of manfrotto carbon fiber/basalt legs-don't know the # off hand and a Joby X ball head. Nice light and compact rig. Holds my 5d2 with 24-70 f2.8 fine. Weighs probly between 2 and 3 lbs total. Cost about $200 for legs and head total.
Thanks all for the replies.
Just checked, the G1097/Q3 weighs less than 2.5 lbs. Amazing...
Sorry, my ballhead is actually 1.5 lbs (arca swiss B1).
dcains wrote:
Which ballhead weighs 3 pounds For my lightweight, low-level setup, I've got an older Gitzo G1097, with a Markins Q3 and ground level kit. Weighs almost a pound more than your request, though.
As for the GT1541T you mentioned, the extra couple of leg sections really add only a tiny bit of weight, as the CF tubing itself is amazingly light, which you'll find if you take a CF tripod apart. Maybe look for a head like the RRS BH-25 or BH-30 to save more weight on top. You can save a few more ounces by getting a "ground level kit" for the Gitzo, which eliminates the center column.
EDIT: thinking about it, I'm not sure you can get a ground level kit for one of the Gitzo "Traveler" tripods....Show more →
Mar 11, 2013 at 08:17 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
You have the Berlebach mini tripods. It comes in two versions. One is 14 inch and the other 25 inch tall. The have two leg sections and are very strong and stable. Holds a short tele lens without problems. Weight is 0,6 kg and 0,9 kg.
For my lightweight, low-level setup, I've got an older Gitzo G1097, with a Markins Q3 and ground level kit. Weighs almost a pound more than your request, though.