How small. how light (camera gear and tripod) and probably the real deciding point - how much do you want to pay?
I like my $120 tripod but it's not in the same league as a $600 Gitzo with a $300 Markins head on it, etc. Mine has some limitations. I can live with them for $700 or so.
Seriously, the high end cf pods with a high end head will outperform an inexpensive pod (and especially a cheap pod) in more rugged conditions, will likely stand up to rougher intentional or accidental treatment. But there are some pretty competent little tripods as well. How you plan to use it, the weight of the gear you expect to use, the folded sizes, can all play a part in deciding. What you probably don't want is one of the very low priced tripods - unless price is your only object. too many compromises for them to be suitable for much or for long.
MS PHOTO wrote:
Craig
What is your $120.00 tripod? What is the hight? sound like it might just work.
Paul
Have you checked the weight of your camera and the heaviest lens that you expect to use? I'd start there first before looking at price. Also need to factor in the weight of a grip (if you're using one), ballhead, and clamp. A decent ballhead can easily add a full pound or more to your weight...
You may want to take a look at the Velbon El Carmagne series...I'm using the 540 model with a Gitzo 1277 head and RRS clamp. The weight is good for hiking, and it folds up to a decent height (don't have the number handy right now).
I usw the Bogen 725b. It's designed and rated by Bogen as a digicam camera and they don't tag it for dslr/slr use - but it's rated at 7.7 lbs. Permanentlytly attached head - very similar to the 484 rc2. So If I swap other heads out to Arca Swiss, the plate could be changed easily. "Independent" legs but only one setting and along center post - ao it doesn't get down low. 4 section, just under 20" folded, weight 3.1 lbs.
The bag isn't a backpack style, only one strap but I usually just fasten it under my backpack w/o the bag,
I find it does pretty well with a dslr and smaller zooms, the D200 with the unbalanced 75-300 vr is saggy. Kind of wind sensitive.
dentman wrote:
I use a bogen 3021 with an acratech ball. seems perfect blend between weight and performance.
Except that it (the 3021) sucks to travel with (air). If air travel is your thing, you'll probably need a 4 section tripod. Gitzo 0540 or 1540 are both small enough to fit in a standard roll-aboard suitcase with the head removed. I believe Velbon's 540 is short enough folded too. There is also a small and light Slik CF tripod that fits this bill.
I'm not sure what aluminum ones would work. I can tell you from experience that the Giottos aluminum traveler tripod is not OK. The 4th leg section cannot be extended because it is extremely thin and unstable and that makes it difficult to use.
I just measured my Velbon 540...without the head, it measures in at 18.25 inches long (measured to the bottom of the feet). My tripod has been modified to include retractable spikes on the feet, so the stock Velbon may even be a bit shorter. The head (Gitzo 1277M) and the RRS lever clamp together add another 4.50 inches to the overall length.
Yesterday I just checked my friend's new Benro tripod bought from B&H for $199. It is almost identical to my Gitzo CF 1228 and it seems to be as strong and well built as my Gitzo CF tripods. I am very impressed with the Benro C-288 tripod for that price and I can recommend it to anybody. If I don't already have so many CF tripods, I will buy one myself. Usually I don't believe a "counterfeit" tripod, but I am a believer after seeing the tripod with my own eyes. That tripod should be able to support a 1 series body and a lens as big as a 500f4IS without any problem, and it even have build-in level and compass !!
