Lightweight Heavy Duty Tripod

[JesseJamesJim]

I’m looking for a tripod that can support 12lbs, but with the pan head included only weighs 3lbs or less. Do they make such a beast? I’ve searched and searched, but came up empty. Any help would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[tirediron]

Not that I'm aware of; it also depends on what you mean by "Heavy duty". The lightest qood-quality tripod I'm aware of is the three-section version of the Manfrotto 055 carbon-fibre, which weighs in at just over 3.5lbs for legs only. Is there a reason that you have such an extreme weight limit?

 

[JesseJamesJim]

I'm inventing something for patent. After weighing it last night, it looks like I'll only need to support 8 lbs. However, the tripod can't weigh anymore than 4 lbs. Think that's do-able? Know of any around like that? Thanks for all your help thus far!

 

[TheOtherBob]

Hakuba USA Products : Hakuba Carbon Fiber

Hakuba claims to make a tripod that's under 4lbs and can hold 25lbs (though that seems a remarkable claim -- and I have no way to verify it). I've never used one, couldn't tell you if they're any good, etc. -- that's just what comes up in my search.

 

[Big Mike]

I don't own one, but I was mightly impressed with Gitzo's magnesium ball heads. THIS ONE is rated at 22 lbs and weighs less than 10 oz.
Their series 2 and 3 are rated for more weight if you need.