p.1 #1 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
So my title says it all. I am really liking this camera and I would like to be able to set it on a tripod under some circumstances e.g. setting a 10 second timer and jumping into as group photo but I do not want to use my much bigger Feisol tripod I use for my Canon 5DIV.
Not really worried too much about the price. I have, in the past, owned a few Gitzos but a cheaper but pretty much equivalent product could also work.
Any suggestion? Needless to say, the tripod will not be holding up much weight but I need to have some height to it and it must be light.
p.1 #2 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
If you want it to specialize just for the Ricoh, I would probably get one of those small compact travel tripods. I have the Ulanzi Zero Y Travel tripod (similar/copy to the Peak Design version), which weighs 2 lbs, 6 oz. It will handle greater loads, but the ball head seems to be the weak link once you get to more weight. If you want something just slightly larger and heavier that is more stable and has a much better ball head and that can also handle a full frame mirrorless body, Leofoto makes the Leofoto LS-284CX plus LH-30 ballhead at 3.22 lbs. I find that I can use this instead of my Series 3 Gitzo/Kirk ball head for most use cases, and it weighs half as much. I have personal experience with these, but there are many other excellent brands to choose from. Personally, I would choose something better than the small ultra lights unless weight/compactness is your primary goal.
p.1 #4 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
For occasional use, and emphasizing light weight, you might consider a simple system of a trekking pole tripod adapter with three shock-corded tent poles as legs and the lightest ball head that you can tolerate.
p.1 #6 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
The tripod should be matched to the intended focal length (angle of view and magnification considered). Other than a huge mismatch it is not good to assume that a lighter weight camera should be on a flimsier tripod.
p.1 #7 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
John Power wrote:
I want to be able to take it places with me but not take up much space and weigh too much. I will take a look at your first suggestion.
We are talking about a camera that will actually fit in your pocket so camera weight is a non-issue.
I mentioned that the ball head is the weakest link for the Ulanzi Zero Y. Since you are going to look at it, I'll go into more detail on the issue. On a good ball head, as you tighten the Arca Swiss clamp, the clamp seems to get tighter and tighter as you clamp down. Even if you loosen the clamp slightly, it would still be snug. On the Ulanzi, the clamp seems to go from loose to all the way tight very quickly. If the knob loosens even slightly, it's now loose. I rarely use this tripod, only when I use a small non-photo backpack. Because of the clamp issue, I always check to make sure the clamp tight, something I don't do with better ball heads. With a Ricoh GR, maybe this would never be an issue, but it's something to be aware of. That's why I recommended a slightly bigger tripod where you can choose your ball head.
p.1 #8 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
EB-1 wrote:
The tripod should be matched to the intended focal length (angle of view and magnification considered). Other than a huge mismatch it is not good to assume that a lighter weight camera should be on a flimsier tripod.
EBH
The Ricoh has a fixed focal length of 40mm. As for the assumption that certainly may be true but as you get less flimsy you get into bigger and heavier tripods which is what I am trying to avoid. I have ordered the Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Lite Ball Head Carbon Fiber Extendable Tripod Travel. We will see if that will be sufficient.
p.1 #10 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
I have a few Ulanzi tripods and they have been great. I've used them on hiking trips with my GRIII for group photos. No issues setting it up really quick and tearing it down after. Lightweight as well so I don't notice it at all.
p.1 #11 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
I bought the Fotopro X-Aircross 3 carbon and am happy with it from a weight standpoint. It holds my 5D4 and 35 F2 with no problem so my GR is like a feather on it. The leg mechanism is a bit odd but it works.
p.1 #12 · Best tripod and head for my very light and small Ricoh GRiiix
If you're OK depending on the availability of appropriately tall rocks, trees, tables or fenceposts, then a tabletop size tripod or beanbag is as minimal as you can get.
If you want something truly freestanding, the Aoka CMP163CL stands 71cm extended and packs to 37cm with the head. It is the smallest thing I've found that can be considered a legitimate "tripod" with 3 twist lock leg sections. Amazon sells it with a little ball head. Aliexpress has them with a mini inverted pano head.
