I am in process of evaluating a better quality tripod for travel and general usage- shoot people or scenes. Without mentioning brands my current one is one of the lightest and portable ones however also pretty unstable in slightly windy weather so I need a solid yet light one.
I am 5-11 or 180cm tall. My preference is no center column (my current one does have one) however if there is good ones with center column, I am happy to learn. It would be greatly helpful if you could recommend a few really great performing models.
If there is no particular brand or model in mind, would you please let me know how I should choose the height of a tripod in my case? Ohh- if you don’t mind adding the tripod head for the complete set, that would be even more helpful for me. I greatly appreciate your insights- thank you very much in advance!
imho for travel you would like a light and short (collapsed) tripod but for general use you’d like the sturdiest (less sections) heavier tripod.
I use a Gitzo 5542ls with a Katana gimbal or a GH5380SQR head.
A tall and heavy combo not really suited for travelling (by plane) but by car or other means of transport it does not matter
For the height, this very tripod is 60,4 and fully extended the viewfinder is positioned a bit to high for me I am 6,2
(Gimbal and low-profile lensfoot add up 12 inches)
Btw I think you should tell us what camera and what lens(es) you’re going or are planning to use. (In regards with payload etc)
Thank you very much. Sorry for the missed info- I will be using mirrorless setup with wide primes or light zooms. My intention is to use lighter gears for travel, casual hikes, etc.
I don’t know I will be able to afford two tripods, one light and one heavy- I am looking for some compromises however the least possible. The one I have had shakes in light wind which is not very usable. I think your suggestion is probably too heavy for me.
Thern wrote:
imho for travel you would like a light and short (collapsed) tripod but for general use you’d like the sturdiest (less sections) heavier tripod.
I use a Gitzo 5542ls with a Katana gimbal or a GH5380SQR head.
A tall and heavy combo not really suited for travelling (by plane) but by car or other means of transport it does not matter
For the height, this very tripod is 60,4 and fully extended the viewfinder is positioned a bit to high for me I am 6,2
(Gimbal and low-profile lensfoot add up 12 inches)
Btw I think you should tell us what camera and what lens(es) you’re going or are planning to use. (In regards with payload etc) ...Show more →
If the world where you will be shooting is flat, a tripod that brings the viewfinder to your eye is adequate. My usage is for wildlife and birds where a flat surface is a rarity. A four section tripod where the bottom section is mostly not needed to bring camera to eye level might be a good choice.
I'm about the same height as the OP. I went with a Feisol 3441T. It does have a centre column, but I almost never use it because I can get to a good working height with the column down. I was also considering the 3442, which doesn't have a centre column. I'm very glad I went with the 3441 because when I need the extra height it's there, and it's extremely sturdy with my camera (Fuji X-T2 with lenses up to around 700 grams).
The 3441T is also perfect for me because it folds down to a size that goes easily into my air travel carry on bag with the head attached. It's also very light so I can carry it all day easily.
First, which model do you have that shakes in the wind?
Sounds like from your equipment and usage, you want a travel tripod. There is not much point in having the compact mirrorless setup if you are going to be hauling around a 5 lb tripod. Most people like to be able to get the camera to eye level without bending down. I am your same height, and for me that means a minimum of around 55" tall tripod. I actually prefer my tripod to be a couple inches shorter than that since I most have the camera pointed slightly down for landscape style photos. Such tripods are typically more compact and lighter as well.
To measure generically, Your eyes are a couple of inches below your standing height. Then consider the size of your camera, base to eye piece, and then subtract again the height of your tripod head, flat bottom to the mounting plate. That gives you the height most people think would be fine for general use at the top of the tripod either mounting plate or top of retracted center post. For me, at 6'2" I want a 60 inch tripod. But as some have pointed out, having some extra height available for rough ground or if shooting up some for birds, etc., then more height helps keep the camera higher when tilted to look up.
Thank you for your suggestion - I will check it out. Is it adequate in a bit windy situation?
rdeloe wrote:
I'm about the same height as the OP. I went with a Feisol 3441T. It does have a centre column, but I almost never use it because I can get to a good working height with the column down. I was also considering the 3442, which doesn't have a centre column. I'm very glad I went with the 3441 because when I need the extra height it's there, and it's extremely sturdy with my camera (Fuji X-T2 with lenses up to around 700 grams).
The 3441T is also perfect for me because it folds down to a size that goes easily into my air travel carry on bag with the head attached. It's also very light so I can carry it all day easily. ...Show more →
Thank you, this is very helpful- so 55 inches minimum, got it.
I use a Sirui carbon tripod that is super light (probably the lightest) that weights almost nothing.. it is still useful in many situations but not in wind. I think it is the T-025 model but need to confirm.
DaveTCC wrote:
First, which model do you have that shakes in the wind?
Sounds like from your equipment and usage, you want a travel tripod. There is not much point in having the compact mirrorless setup if you are going to be hauling around a 5 lb tripod. Most people like to be able to get the camera to eye level without bending down. I am your same height, and for me that means a minimum of around 55" tall tripod. I actually prefer my tripod to be a couple inches shorter than that since I most have the camera pointed slightly down for landscape style photos. Such tripods are typically more compact and lighter as well....Show more →
Thank you! Which model are you using, if you don’t mind sharing?
Craig Gillette wrote:
To measure generically, Your eyes are a couple of inches below your standing height. Then consider the size of your camera, base to eye piece, and then subtract again the height of your tripod head, flat bottom to the mounting plate. That gives you the height most people think would be fine for general use at the top of the tripod either mounting plate or top of retracted center post. For me, at 6'2" I want a 60 inch tripod. But as some have pointed out, having some extra height available for rough ground or if shooting up some for birds, etc., then more height helps keep the camera higher when tilted to look up....Show more →
That 55" of course does not include a head. Most heads are around 3-4" in height, and then the viewfinder is a couple inches above that. The Sirui T-025X is a miniature tripod, and is reasonable for its size. But it is quite literally the least stiff tripod I have tested. Its no surprise it doesn't fare well in the wind. I was using an Oben 2341 when I had the same kind of experience in the wind, and resolved to find a stiffer tripod. https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/
Right now I've got a Manfrotto 725b for light carry and an ancient Giottos GB-4180. The 725b is adequate for my "travel" interests, especially with the NEX-6. A dslr, especially with 70-300 lens can be a bit overwhelming for it. But the alternatives tend to be either not too much lighter or a whole lot more expensive. Or both.
I'm looking to replace the Giottos as it's a heavy 6.5 lb. beast aluminum monster. I'm spoiled by it size wise. It's about 62" to the top of the plate, legs extended. I swapped out the long center column years ago and never missed it. A little bigger than the Benro TMA38xl and somewhat smaller than the TMA48cxl. It also has the older twist leg locks so it's fussy to extend/collapse. Not as vibration resistant as CF and I do think it's "weight capacity" ratings are better than they seem in comparison to many more recent models, which seem exagerrated at times. Looking at a couple of different models in Benro, Feisol and Sirui but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'd prefer to get something a fair amount lighter but am also considering adding a 200-500 or 150-600 zoom and that will push the weight needs up some.
I'm looking at the TMA38CL and Sirui N-3204x right now, more for general use with an inkling that they may not be great on a big zoom but I don't want to buy up for that and and have added weight, etc., in the way much of the time.
This is incredibly useful for me! Going over the list.. seems to me that Feisol 3342 has the great weight and height, but less stiffness; Gitzo 1542T is slightly shorter but more stiffer, with RRS TFC-14 much shorter but most robust. I am eyeing 2-3lb range. I don’t know which to choose..
DaveTCC wrote:
That 55" of course does not include a head. Most heads are around 3-4" in height, and then the viewfinder is a couple inches above that. The Sirui T-025X is a miniature tripod, and is reasonable for its size. But it is quite literally the least stiff tripod I have tested. Its no surprise it doesn't fare well in the wind. I was using an Oben 2341 when I had the same kind of experience in the wind, and resolved to find a stiffer tripod. https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/
I think what I'm seeing is the RRS hits that sweet spot of a great tripod with less weight...if money is no object. But it looks like you'll only buy it once in a lifetime.
Do you think so? What about height.. it’s the shortest and much lower than 55”
pasblues wrote:
I think what I'm seeing is the RRS hits that sweet spot of a great tripod with less weight...if money is no object. But it looks like you'll only buy it once in a lifetime.
razex wrote:
This is incredibly useful for me! Going over the list.. seems to me that Feisol 3342 has the great weight and height, but less stiffness; Gitzo 1542T is slightly shorter but more stiffer, with RRS TFC-14 much shorter but most robust. I am eyeing 2-3lb range. I don’t know which to choose..
Yep, that is an accurate characterization. Turns out that its pretty much impossible to get a stiff tripod that reaches 55" with no center column, but is between 2-3 pounds. You might also consider the Really Right Stuff TVC-23. This gets to 52.6 in at 3.3lbs, and I am sure it is plenty stiff. I haven't tested it yet, but I am hoping to soon. The Feisol really isn't a bad tripod. But they have a much narrower opening leg angle than most tripods (20deg vs 25deg). This gains height but sacrifices stiffness. The Feisol will still be quite a bit stiffer than your Sirui. The RRS is awesome, but yeah, its on the short side. I use it while backpacking where the weight is top priority and I don't mind crouching down a little bit while shooting. With the RRS, you can also get a center column kit for a fraction of the price of a new tripod and convert between the TFC and TQC versions. This is a nice piece of versatility. https://thecentercolumn.com/2018/03/02/rrs-tfc-14-to-tqc-14-conversion/
The center column on the RRS TQC-14 also performs better than most: https://thecentercolumn.com/2018/03/06/stiffness-vs-center-column-height-for-rrs-tcq-14/
You can't remove the center column of the gitzo, and it performs a little worse with the center column up: https://thecentercolumn.com/2018/03/01/stiffness-vs-center-column-height-for-gt1545t/
but is cheaper, and taller, but more of a compromise tripod. You can't remove the center column. Lets keep the stiffness in perspective though. The Gitzo with the center column all the way up (camera above eye level for me), it still performs better than the Sirui did with no center column.
I'm not sure I've really helped here. I think you will be quite happy with any of the options though.
Thank you very much! I guess I have to accept the trade offs.. I did some research on TVC 23. Interestingly it seems the coverage of this tripod is much less than others.. I don’t know if I will like any center columns so perhaps I have to get a heavier one. I also found some mentioning of using only 3 legs extensions vs. 4 on a TVC 24L- wondering how high that will be. Thank you again- really enjoyed your very helpful list of compares!
DaveTCC wrote:
Yep, that is an accurate characterization. Turns out that its pretty much impossible to get a stiff tripod that reaches 55" with no center column, but is between 2-3 pounds. You might also consider the Really Right Stuff TVC-23. This gets to 52.6 in at 3.3lbs, and I am sure it is plenty stiff. I haven't tested it yet, but I am hoping to soon. The Feisol really isn't a bad tripod. But they have a much narrower opening leg angle than most tripods (20deg vs 25deg). This gains height but sacrifices stiffness. The Feisol will still be quite a bit stiffer than your Sirui. The RRS is awesome, but yeah, its on the short side. I use it while backpacking where the weight is top priority and I don't mind crouching down a little bit while shooting. With the RRS, you can also get a center column kit for a fraction of the price of a new tripod and convert between the TFC and TQC versions. This is a nice piece of versatility. https://thecentercolumn.com/2018/03/02/rrs-tfc-14-to-tqc-14-conversion/
The center column on the RRS TQC-14 also performs better than most: https://thecentercolumn.com/2018/03/06/stiffness-vs-center-column-height-for-rrs-tcq-14/
You can't remove the center column of the gitzo, and it performs a little worse with the center column up: https://thecentercolumn.com/2018/03/01/stiffness-vs-center-column-height-for-gt1545t/
but is cheaper, and taller, but more of a compromise tripod. You can't remove the center column. Lets keep the stiffness in perspective though. The Gitzo with the center column all the way up (camera above eye level for me), it still performs better than the Sirui did with no center column.
I'm not sure I've really helped here. I think you will be quite happy with any of the options though....Show more →
razex wrote:
Do you think so? What about height.. it’s the shortest and much lower than 55”
But then you add the height of the head, and then the distance of the bottom of the camera to the viewfinder (although that might only be a couple of more inches on a mirrorless.) Most of us have faced this conundrum--light & compact for travel, but solid in windy conditions. My solution was two tripods--Gitzo 1325 and Feisol 3441T. Not what you wanted to hear, but what I ultimately came up with. If I were to go with only one tripod, I would go with a heavier but sturdy one. It's very windy where I live, and I often shoot at night. I will compromise convenience before I compromise performance. If the tripod won't do what I want, why would I buy it?
A tripod such as the Feisol CT-3472 that has a height of 58" without need for any center column extension should be tall enough for someone your height. You also gain an additional 3 inches with either a ball head or a gimbal head.
What is great about the Feisol is that in addition to having the build quality and load support capability of a Gitzo or a RRS 3-series tripod it costs roughly half as much. I also have Gitzo and RRS tripods with which to compare the Feisol.
This particular model is perfect for travel plane as it collapses down to only 20.5" and so will fit cross ways into an overhead bin and take only 4" of space. I insert mine and my wife's and put our jackets on top and all is well. No need to pack it into checked luggage and even if you do the length means it does not have to go in at an angle and take more space.
Thank you! I looked into it and there are two different models... both their load capacity are amazing altough they seem very heavy. I also received some positive feedback on the lighter 3442 model and have YouTubed some reviews..
elkhornsun wrote:
A tripod such as the Feisol CT-3472 that has a height of 58" without need for any center column extension should be tall enough for someone your height. You also gain an additional 3 inches with either a ball head or a gimbal head.
What is great about the Feisol is that in addition to having the build quality and load support capability of a Gitzo or a RRS 3-series tripod it costs roughly half as much. I also have Gitzo and RRS tripods with which to compare the Feisol.
This particular model is perfect for travel plane as it collapses down to only 20.5" and so will fit cross ways into an overhead bin and take only 4" of space. I insert mine and my wife's and put our jackets on top and all is well. No need to pack it into checked luggage and even if you do the length means it does not have to go in at an angle and take more space. ...Show more →
