I am looking to purchase a relatively small and lightweight travel tripod+head. This will be for a Canon 40D + EF 24-105mm f/4L setup. I have narrowed my choices down to the following:
I realize that carbon fiber is preferred to aluminum. Both tripods have 4 leg sections. The Manfrotto supports a maximum load of 7.72 lbs while the Smith Victor supports 8.8 lbs. Also, the Smith Victor ends to 64" while the Manfrotto has a maximum height of 56." Not sure how much of an advantage this will be, but the Manfrotto does have an advantage in terms of folded length - 20" versus 24.7" for the Smith Victor.
Take a close look at the weight savings between aluminum and carbon fiber with these smaller tripods. Usually there isn't very much. The bigger tripods, yes. A short tripod will drive you crazy as you hunch over to use it. The SV tripod achieves height by raising up a column. That's not very sturdy in practice. I agree with the others about keep looking. I've come to think that for many kinds of photos, the tripod AND ballhead are the most important thing for sharp photos. I've heard good things about Fiesol, but after buying about five different tripods I finally spent the money on Gitzo cf and first class ballhead. That was seven years ago and I've come to think it was the smartest money I"ve ever spent on photo gear.
I totally agree with the idea of buying a used one. Mine's not for sale and might not be in my lifetime.
with those current specs you will be at the end of their limits in no time. just start thinking about a reasonable tele
He's talking about a light travel outfit, not some big game safari outfit. Worse thing you can do is get something too large and it will stay at home when you travel.
chez wrote:
He's talking about a light travel outfit, not some big game safari outfit. Worse thing you can do is get something too large and it will stay at home when you travel.
Agreed! When I think of a travel tripod, I think of light weight, yet sturdy construction, as the first priority. Who cares if I have to hunch over, or if it's not rock solid, or can support a 1Ds3 + EF 400/2.8L IS? I'm not carrying 40 lbs. of gear when I travel.
I just wish I hadn't wasted money on those Gorillapods. Those things are a joke. I bought one for my DSLR and now the only thing it's good for is off-camera flash. Bought a real carbon fiber tripod. Under 2 pounds with a ballhead. So light, it goes anywhere my camera can go. Is it a studio pod? No. But for a travel tripod, you cannot beat it.
when i think of a travel tripod i think of one that is versatile in all situations. this then is a balance act between weight and usablity. i find that most "travel" tripods are so limited that it makes them "closet clutter" real fast.
chez wrote:
He's talking about a light travel outfit, not some big game safari outfit. Worse thing you can do is get something too large and it will stay at home when you travel.
sjms wrote:
when i think of a travel tripod i think of one that is versatile in all situations. this then is a balance act between weight and usablity. i find that most "travel" tripods are so limited that it makes them "closet clutter" real fast.
What situations are you talking about. The OP is travelling with a 40D and a 24-105 lens. He is not carrying a 400 2.8 bazooka.
greeneggs wrote:
For folded length, remember to add in the length of the ballhead. Between these two tripods, that extra 5" is big if you travel with carry-ons.
Can't comment on the one show but will say that center cols are not very steady if that is important to you. I take them out and replace with a Markins tripod base. Also have to say that tripods that are too short a def not something I want, been there and not ever again. Leaning over all the time, eye to the camera, composing, etc. is really a pain.
Flip locks, yuck. However that brand seems to be popular in monopods anyway. I have some of thier higher end light stands, they are good stuff. No flip lock on those tho.
Did you check out Fiesol? YMMV
Nov 15, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I'm mostly concerned about the folded length because I travel with this tripod. While the 055XPROB is the best value and quality of the 3, I'm concerned that 25.8" + 4" (head) will be too large to travel with.
chez wrote:
What situations are you talking about. The OP is travelling with a 40D and a 24-105 lens. He is not carrying a 400 2.8 bazooka.
i don't carry a 400/2.8 around too often traveling. a 300/2.8 occasionally but rarely. i own 2 sets of legs as of the moment, and their capabilities overlap. i play the what if scenerio. i have this gear now. what will i have later. what do i need to cover not just today but tomorrow too. i currently have 2 really good tripods that do pretty much everything i need them to do where others have 5 or 6 mediocre or too limited ones like golf clubs.
the two becomes three at the end of the week and then after a short time two again when one is sold.
