Sorry for another tripod post, but I searched through and didn't see anything useful in past discussions.
I have a light hiking tripod, rated for ~10 lbs, and a heavy tripod, rated for ~22lbs, and i'm looking for something in the middle that's light to carry around.
The intention is to support a full frame mirrorless camera with a 2.8 zoom lens, with an arca swiss L bracket, yet be close to ~2 lbs in weight.
I've read a lot of concerns about it though, double center column having vibrations, and the ball head not really being capable of supporting 22 lbs that it's rated at when it's off center.
Any thoughts? I just want a light tripod, around 2.2 lbs, that can support the setup above, and be pretty solid. I don't have a crazy need for height, and reversible center column is merely 'nice to have'.
I wanted an absolutely no compromises travel tripod that was small enough to fit in a backpack, weighed as little as possible, and could hold all the gear I own.
There are a few other options that stood out to me, but the main contender was the lightweight Gitzo tripod. In the end, there were far more reports of issues with the Gitzo, their famously bad customer support, and a smoking deal on the RRS that sealed the deal for me.
If there is something comparable or better I would love to hear about it, but I don’t know of it. The main thing that disqualified 90% of the contenders was folded length. Everything else was a few inches longer and just wouldn’t fit in a regular backpack. The Gitzo 1-Series Traveler is actually more compact than the RRS, but it was the only one that really competed there.
After seeing numerous recommendations and positive reviews I went for the Leofoto Ranger LS284C which has an additional (purchase) small detachable centre extension that may come in handy but in fact I only very rarely use, however overall this is an excellent tripod and superb value for money.
The centre column extension adds around 30 cms to its standard 120cms (about the same height as the RRS TQC 14 mentioned above), and it's folded length is also 1cm shorter than the RRS at 44 cms, with volume a little less, due to it's fold back design, at 1.8 litres vs 2.4 litres. Weight 1.12 kgs vs 1.19 kgs. So these are very comparable tripods.
It comes in 4th in the Centre Column's ratings but at around ⅓ price of the Gitzo and ¼ and 1/5 of the price of the two RRS tripods above it. The other two Leofoto's in this series (254 and 224) come in 8th and 10th in the travel tripod ratings.
If thinking Sirui, I'd think about a 4 section version, the 5s being very skinny in the last section. I'd be wary of weight ratings and they often are both optimistic nor comparable across brands.
I have the W1204 which is CF and just under 4 lbs with head. I've used the W1204 some but not extensively with aps-c mirror-less. I've also just received the A1005 (the aluminum version of the A1205 mentioned) kitted "free" in a purchase package with a camera. I haven't used it at all yet. The As are a little shorter overall with telescoping centerpost compared to the W series. The A1005 I have is just over 3 lbs with head.
There's an even smaller T (or now AM) series which is close to 2 lbs in aluminum and CF. The T-024SK has sturdier (I thnk) 4 section and a better (looking) centerpost arrangement. I was researching the T024SK but a week ago I got a really good deal on the aluminum 5 section Am-005. I'd be wary of using them with a full frame with an f2.8 zoom except in mild conditions. Haven't used it at all yet either.
If really trying to keep weight down and not going to the most expensive brands, you could look at the Feisol tripods. You might be able to get a little closer to 2lbs.
Craig, actually, my 'light' tripod is the Sirui T-025, and my "strong" tripod is the Feisol CT-3441S. I'm looking for that middle ground tripod between these two.
Do you think that A1005 can support a full frame mirrorless, like the Canon R5 or the Nikon Z7?
I'll take a look at the Leofoto, RRS, and Gitzo as well, thanks for those suggestions guys.
A 2lb tripod like you desire is almost always going to hold less weight than you are looking for.
I am looking right now and there are always so many tradeoffs, but those Leofoto Ranger tripods seem to have enough options that you can precisely make those trade offs.
I am kind of looking for the same requirements and the LS 224C is right at 2lbs, but doesn't hold as much weight, great for backpacking like I want though. The next step up I like is the LS 254C, but it is much longer and I really, really wanted to be around 15 inches collapsed, but that is really hard to find a stable tripod that can do that and doesn't cost a ton of money.
nineblade wrote:
Craig, actually, my 'light' tripod is the Sirui T-025, and my "strong" tripod is the Feisol CT-3441S. I'm looking for that middle ground tripod between these two.
Do you think that A1005 can support a full frame mirrorless, like the Canon R5 or the Nikon Z7?
.
I went to the W1204 as a middle ground, too. A little bigger than the BeFrees, somewhat sturdier, I wanted CF, I'd had aluminum, having found the aluminum tripod (like but before the BeFrees) was sensitive to breezes or other vibrations, especially with a dslr and 70-300. It's also "bigger" than the A-1xxx series, mostly that leg lengths are longer overall.
I got the A1005 this week as part of one of those side deals to work around "price" and advertising limits. So I now have a full frame and a couple of ff zooms to try on it. But I haven't had a chance yet to try any of them out even casually.I think the usual aluminum versus CF issues would be there. Mirror-less has the advantage that one can not only do away with mirror flap but also use electronic shutter under some conditions.
I was budget sensitive and it seemed that to get to 2 lbs either required very high end materials or a smaller tripod than I wanted, 3 to 4 lbs was possible with some selectivity. Fwiw, had I known I was going to get the A-1005 free, I wouldn't have gotten the AM-005. The A-1 series is somewhat larger length wise but the larger leg diameter seems (without really checking) quite a bit sturdier. The little one is quite conveniently small but I think I'll limit it to the aps-c gear.
Frogfish wrote:
After seeing numerous recommendations and positive reviews I went for the Leofoto Ranger LS284C which has an additional (purchase) small detachable centre extension that may come in handy but in fact I only very rarely use, however overall this is an excellent tripod and superb value for money.
The centre column extension adds around 30 cms to its standard 120cms (about the same height as the RRS TQC 14 mentioned above), and it's folded length is also 1cm shorter than the RRS at 44 cms, with volume a little less, due to it's fold back design, at 1.8 litres vs 2.4 litres. Weight 1.12 kgs vs 1.19 kgs. So these are very comparable tripods.
It comes in 4th in the Centre Column's ratings but at around ⅓ price of the Gitzo and ¼ and 1/5 of the price of the two RRS tripods above it. The other two Leofoto's in this series (254 and 224) come in 8th and 10th in the travel tripod ratings.
The Leofoto tripods like the Sirui models is a little too narrow on the first leg angle. It seems to be their biggest flaw. Center Column covers that in his reviews.
This is where Gitzo and RRS shine as both get this right.
I have a Sirui 025x. I ditched the center Column. It's a fine little tripod but I am always afraid it will tip over even with light gear when set to first leg angle. At second leg angle it's really nice but first does scare me enough never to just leave it.
You might consider the Gitzo 1545T. Folds smallerin length (it is wider) and stands taller than the Leofoto. With a skinner leg tube it is in the same league of strength as the Leofoto
A quick check back this morning. I put the A7Riv and 28-200 (the 17-28/2.8 is an inch shorter) on all three (AM-005B with D-10B head, B = Blue, the follow on to the T-005SK?, the A-1005 with Y-10 head, both aluminum, and the W-1204 with K-10 head, this one CF).
Folded length, the A-1005 and AM-005 are essentially the same, the center column on the AM-005 extends farther through the shorter legs. The A-1005 is bulkier, with larger spider, leg diameters, and head, the W1204 is much larger, longer legs, 4 section legs, bigger head, etc.
The A-1005, center column extended, to compare to the AM-005 with column in place, is 4" taller. The W1204, CF, is taller than both without extending the center column. Tapping in spots got a lot more vibration from the 2 aluminum pods with extended center columns. The AM-005 seemed to hold the camera and lens in place, the A-1005 looked and felt more secure. I was OK with the little tripod for casual use with an aps-c camera, I can see some use with FF. I don't think one should expect miracles with a $100 or so lightweight.
Frogfish wrote:
After seeing numerous recommendations and positive reviews I went for the Leofoto Ranger LS284C which has an additional (purchase) small detachable centre extension that may come in handy but in fact I only very rarely use, however overall this is an excellent tripod and superb value for money.
jstrawman wrote:
I agree 100% with your recommendation. I opted for the 284CEX variant, that has no center column. Very pleased with its operation and quality.
Another vote for Leofoto tripod. I have the LS-324, which also came with the LH-40 ballhead, and add-on center column. I did replace the ballhead with an Acratech GXP ballhead. I was going to get the highly talked about LS-284C, but worried it would be too short, thus the LS-324.
Like the others I’m very satisfied with it and carry it everywhere. Total weight with ball head is 4lbs. Max height is 55 inches without center column (67 max with column}, and folds down to 19 (19.9) inches. I’m 6 foot even so the tripod with center column work well for me. Add that my ballhead adds 4 inches so that’s 59 inches of height, gain, without center column installed.
Nothing wrong with big name brand tripods, but if you’re looking for a quality carbon fiber tripod, without breaking the bank, Leofoto is good bet. BTW, I use mine to hold a D850 with a Nikon 70-200 F2.8E VR lens. No issues whatsoever.
I paid $333 for mine from Amazon (with a Prime membership discount), but it included the LH-40 ballhead, center column, maintenance hardware, and spiked feet. And yeah, you get a pouch to hold the tripod.
Nice review. Missed it when I was looking into Leofoto last year when I bought my tripod. The funny thing is it was the LS-284C that I ran across when looking for an inexpensive carbon fiber tripod. Saw a YouTube review by a couple of fellows from the London Camera Exchange.
WestTexas Sky wrote:
The Leofoto tripods like the Sirui models is a little too narrow on the first leg angle. It seems to be their biggest flaw. Center Column covers that in his reviews.
This is where Gitzo and RRS shine as both get this right.
I have a Sirui 025x. I ditched the center Column. It's a fine little tripod but I am always afraid it will tip over even with light gear when set to first leg angle. At second leg angle it's really nice but first does scare me enough never to just leave it.
You might consider the Gitzo 1545T. Folds smallerin length (it is wider) and stands taller than the Leofoto. With a skinner leg tube it is in the same league of strength as the Leofoto
I began the "search" that ended up in getting the my first Sirui when I left my Manfrotto 725b someplace. I remain completely flummoxed by where I might have left it. No camera on it, just somehow lost it. I was thinking I'd used it for a family holiday group picture and then the next time I considered using it, I couldn't find it. Searches of the car, the usual storage spots, calling the family, etc., didn't turn it up. I didn't use it a lot so wasn't in the habit of mentally checking for it.
This is, however, a different issue than moving away from a tripod in use. Once the camera goes on, I''d agree, it often needs a higher degree of attention, but, if the the tripod maker didn't squeeze height out of too narrow a leg spread, etc., I can see times were one might not always be within immediate panicked grasp of the set-up.
nineblade wrote:
Yeah, that's the exact model that I have For me at least, it's a tank.
I think I'm deciding between the Leofoto LS-224C and the Gitzo GT1545T Traveler. Really helps narrow down the research...
Blade, I've never used a Leofoto so have no direct knowlwdge of them. I do have some first hand knowlwdge of the Gitzos. First, of course, they are expensive!. For that reason I've never bought a new one. For 20 years I used an old Alloy Gitzo for travel, it's similar to a 126. Weighs 2.75 pounds and folds to about 14". It had always been good enough for how I used it during my travels, BUT, just a few weeks ago I found(here on FM) a 1541T, the foreunner to the 1545T. I will say that the 1541 is a lot siffer than my old alloy model, especially with the center column all the way up. I will say also I was surprised at how much bigger it was than my old alloy tripod. The new one weighs 2 pounds. The 1545 inverts better for reducing size.
Something I've always liked about the gitzos is their simplicity. I kinda always look at what mecanisms operate the leg spread and if one failed in the middle of nowhere would it be easy to jerry-rig or would the pod be useless. The Gitzos are very simply made. I'll assume the leg locks are equally simple.
Although we tend to keep a nice tripod for many years, the Gitzos do command a very high resale and as far as I can figure are in demand used.
I vote for the Gitzo. They ARE expensive but there are used ones floating around out there, if they're not asking as much as new! Good luck
John
I considered almost everything that's been mentioned in this thread, and nearly any of them could work for you. I ended up with the FLM CP30-S4 II (with a p0 head) and couldn't be happier. The weight is excellent, with the ball head the height is absolutely perfect for me (5'10") on level ground, and it's super stable. Admittedly it's not the smallest folded, but I can take the head off and it fits in a suitcase (plus closes tighter without a center column), and it fits the tripod holder pocket of my backpack just fine. Plus I'm really confident in the build quality. Just to throw another idea out there!
