Light weight tripod

Lowrider · Apr 22, 2012

Am looking for a light weight tripod and would appreciate any recommendations. Currently have an Induro CX214 with a Manfrotto 322RC2 head. Shooting a Canon 60D and the Canon 70-200 2.8 is the heaviest load right now. Looking for something like to take when backpacking. Every ounce counts when you have to carry it and everything else. Would like to maintain compatibility with the camera plates so I can easily switch back and forth. One I looked at this weekend is the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4.

Thoughts?

RichardsTPF · Apr 23, 2012

I am also looking for a tripod. What do you think about the 322RC2 head working with the 70-200mm glasses? The 496RC2 head is cheaper on B&H. But the 322RC2 easy to use.

Balmiesgirl · Apr 23, 2012

The 322rc2 is a nice head but I found it sucked with my bigger glass. No matter how much i adjusted it, it tended to "drift". I hate to compose a scene then have it sag down slightly

It was great for video and smaller glass though

I would still have mine if it hadn't gotten stolen!

DorkSterr · Apr 23, 2012

I always recommend the Gitzo GT1542T. It weighs at a mere 1.0kg / 2.1 lbs. and with an amazing load capacity of 8.0kg / 17.6 lbs.

RichardsTPF · Apr 23, 2012

Dorksterr, I see Manfrotto 055XPROB + Manfrotto 498RC4 on your gear list. B&H is selling it for $235 now. What do you think about this set? I want a good tripods that will last long time. Gitzo GT1542T is excellent, light weight and pricey.
Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod Legs Kit (Black) /w 498RC4 Midi Ball

DorkSterr · Apr 23, 2012

I do use the 055xporb but rarely, it's actually pretty heavy after 2-3 hours of shooting. But other than that it's an excellent tripod and can see it lasting 5-10 years.

RichardsTPF · Apr 23, 2012

You are right, this set total weight 6.8lb. A lot of weight for outdoor & carry around.

RichardsTPF · Apr 23, 2012

Gitzo GT1542T + Gitzo GH1780QR cost over $700, weight less than 3lb. Will I get tired of carry 3.8lb extra weight and end up spending $700 on my third tripod if I go for the Manfrotto 055XPROB + Manfrotto 498RC4 this time? Possible.

KmH · Apr 23, 2012

Light weight = less stability, which is why I used a 145 lb - Manfrotto 809 Salon 230 Camera Stand with Counter-Balanced Cross Arm (Black) for studio work.

spacefuzz · Apr 23, 2012

lowrider, I use a gitzo ocean traveller for my hiking and general shooting. Its 3 lbs with the ball head, no quick release plate.

Its worked well and great for the kind of nasty tripod destroying locations I bring my gear to. I like being able to strip it down and clean out the dirt easilly.

sovietdoc · Apr 23, 2012

I recently got Manfrotto Tripod and a head and I love them. When I was searching my 1st priority was weight and second that it needed to hold my camera and lens in portrait view wiout too much vibration and without tipping over. So far I've been shooting in various extreme conditions and the setup has never given me any trouble.

Oh and my 190CXPRO3 only weights 2.84 lbs wihout head and doesn't cost anywhere near Gitzo's price.

analog.universe · Apr 23, 2012

Definitely Gitzo legs, I'm not sure between series 1 and series 2 though at 200mm, that would be a tough call.

I'd recommend looking into Markins heads however. They have the best strength to weight ratio in the business, and are spot on precise, no drift, no movement while you're locking down. I use a Q10. I bet you could get away with the Q3 though, it's impressively light.

DorkSterr · Apr 23, 2012

Vanguard Alta+ 255CT @ $289.99

[TABLE="class: specTable, width: 596"]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="class: specTopic, bgcolor: transparent"]Load Capacity[/TD]
[TD="class: specDetail, bgcolor: transparent"]8.8 lb (4 kg)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="class: specTopic, bgcolor: transparent"]Head Attachment Fitting[/TD]
[TD="class: specDetail, bgcolor: transparent"]Standard 1/4"-20 with a 3/8"-16 adapter that stores in the base plate[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="class: specTopic, bgcolor: transparent"]Maximum Height[/TD]
[TD="class: specDetail, bgcolor: transparent"]49.2" (129.0 cm)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="class: specTopic, bgcolor: transparent"]Maximum Height w/o Column Extended[/TD]
[TD="class: specDetail, bgcolor: transparent"]43.25" (109.9 cm)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="class: specTopic, bgcolor: transparent"]Minimum Height[/TD]
[TD="class: specDetail, bgcolor: transparent"]Not specified by manufacturer[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="class: specTopic, bgcolor: transparent"]Folded Length[/TD]
[TD="class: specDetail, bgcolor: transparent"]15.55" (39.5 cm)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="class: specTopic, bgcolor: transparent"]Weight[/TD]
[TD="class: specDetail, bgcolor: transparent"]2.56 lb (1.16 kg)[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...d_ALTA_255CT_Alta_255CT_5_Section_Tripod.html

Heres a Benro thats under $100.00

56.3" Maximum Height
Anti-Rotation Legs w/ Flip Locks
Only 17.7" Folded Length
Reversible Grooved Center Column
Weighs Only 2.6 lb
Supports Loads Up to 8.8 lb

Benro Classic A0580F 4-Section Aluminum Tripod A0580F B&H Photo

analog.universe · Apr 23, 2012

DorkSterr said:
Heres a Benro thats under $100.00

56.3" Maximum Height

Anti-Rotation Legs w/ Flip Locks

Only 17.7" Folded Length

Reversible Grooved Center Column

Weighs Only 2.6 lb

Supports Loads Up to 8.8 lb

Benro Classic A0580F 4-Section Aluminum Tripod A0580F B&H Photo

OP's body+lens are $3500. If it was me, I wouldn't be trusting $83 worth of aluminum to prevent that from crashing into the ground... ymmv.

Lowrider · Apr 23, 2012

Lots to research! Thanks to all that posted.
I like the 322 so far. It did just fine with the 60D and the 70-200. That is certainly under the rated weight limit.