Travel Tripod

[iCareMuch]

Hey TPF. To be secure, I like doing a lot of research before I invest in anything, and tripod shopping has definitely secured me a nice headache.

I'll be traveling to Asia in 2 weeks (Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia), and I would like to buy a good tripod before I go.

I want a tripod that I can take carry on by the straps under my Canon 200EG backpack, so preferably light weight. (maybe under 3.5 lbs?) I don't know if I'm being too picky.

Along with my 60D at 755g (1.6lbs), the heaviest lens I have now is my 70-300mm at 630g (1.4 lbs).

I would like a tripod that is relatively quick to setup, lightweight, and stable. I'm 6'0" but I don't think I would be annoyed by a tripod that's lower. I have a 51" height cheap $20 sunpak tripod that is 'okay' in height. I don't really mind it but I guess a little higher would be more comfortable.

Finally, I haven't been convinced to spend $700+ on a travel tripod. I understand how buying a good tripod to start off with can last a lifetime but photography is just a small hobby of mine and I'm not sure If I'd want to spend more than $350 on one (unless someone can really convince me otherwise). But don't get me wrong, I don't want a cheap piece of crap that would fall over with a small breeze or one that will have my telephoto creeping down (like the one I currently own).

I think $350 is enough to get what I'm looking for but I might be wrong.

Here's what I've looked at so far:

Cullmann Magnesit 525C Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - CU 55255 B&H

Giottos MT9251 with MH1000 Ball Head/MH652 MT9251+MH1000-652 B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/663224-REG/Manfrotto_732CY_732CY_M_Y_Carbon_Fiber.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...352150&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1156

Let me know if I'm on the right track or if you have any personal recommendations for a travel tripod.

Thanks :thumbup:

 

[subscuck]

If light weight is key, carbon fiber is the way to go, but they are pricey. I'm really only hands on familiar with Manfrotto (I own) and Gitzo (I've used). The important thing is the weight rating on whatever head you go with. I'd suggest going with one rated for at least 3x the total weight you'll be putting on it. Be sure to factor in future purchases like speedlites, other lenses you may purchase, etc. My personal preference is to have a head with quick release plates rather than screw type. Out of the ones you have linked, I would probably go with the Giottos. It comes with a ball head, and the head has a decent enough weight rating for your current gear. And you are correct in assuming you can do a decent tripod/head for $350. I think my Manfrotto and head + an extra plate ran me just under $300 about 5 years ago.

 

[The_Traveler]

I've been to SE Asia seven times (see my web site) and, imo, a tripod is rarely needed or useful.
It is cumbersome; the countries are damn hot, crowded and there is usually lots of light.

(Also, I would be surprised a tripod is allowed in carry on).

Take extra body, extra charger, extra battery, sufficient memory, lens brush (it's dusty there) and a reasonable lens assortment. (I take sensor cleaning kit for emergencies but have never used it)

Lew

 

[Stryker]

you might be interested on this one.

BENRO PRECISION MACHINERY(ZHONGSHAN) CO, .LTD--TRIPOD,BALLHEAD,CAMERA BAG,QUICK RELEASE PLATE,PROFESSIONAL VIDEO TRIPOD,PROFESSIONAL VIDEO HEAD,PROFEESSIONAL CAMERA BAG,TRIPOD KIT

 

[photocist]

Take a look at feisol tripods. They have some good stuff.

 

[Ginu]

I am contemplating bringing my tripod and/or monopod along for my upcoming trip and I'm fairly certain they cant be taken in the carry on so make sure to check with the airline company or stick it in the suitcase.

 

[iCareMuch]

If light weight is key, carbon fiber is the way to go, but they are pricey. I'm really only hands on familiar with Manfrotto (I own) and Gitzo (I've used). The important thing is the weight rating on whatever head you go with. I'd suggest going with one rated for at least 3x the total weight you'll be putting on it. Be sure to factor in future purchases like speedlites, other lenses you may purchase, etc. My personal preference is to have a head with quick release plates rather than screw type. Out of the ones you have linked, I would probably go with the Giottos. It comes with a ball head, and the head has a decent enough weight rating for your current gear. And you are correct in assuming you can do a decent tripod/head for $350. I think my Manfrotto and head + an extra plate ran me just under $300 about 5 years ago.

Thanks for the suggestion. I wasn't sure what to do with the weight rating information but now I have a good idea.

I've been to SE Asia seven times (see my web site) and, imo, a tripod is rarely needed or useful.
It is cumbersome; the countries are damn hot, crowded and there is usually lots of light.

(Also, I would be surprised a tripod is allowed in carry on).

Take extra body, extra charger, extra battery, sufficient memory, lens brush (it's dusty there) and a reasonable lens assortment. (I take sensor cleaning kit for emergencies but have never used it)

Lew

I never put enough thought to realize the tripod can't go carry-on. It'll have to go in the luggage. I think I'm going to need the tripod as my father lives there as a diplomat and goes to various events. Last year I went to a land reform event in a small town in Indonesia and the lighting was very poor. I had trouble getting good shots. I want a good tripod that I'm able to take around easily but reliable when I get back to use here.

you might be interested on this one.

BENRO PRECISION MACHINERY(ZHONGSHAN) CO, .LTD--TRIPOD,BALLHEAD,CAMERA BAG,QUICK RELEASE PLATE,PROFESSIONAL VIDEO TRIPOD,PROFESSIONAL VIDEO HEAD,PROFEESSIONAL CAMERA BAG,TRIPOD KIT

Now this looks like a very interesting choice. The flat factor is very novel to me, I like it. Thanks for the link.

Take a look at feisol tripods. They have some good stuff.

Wow! They have a traveling tripod that folds down to 17" and fully extends up to 70". Weight rating for 22 lbs. These stats look amazing to me. Does anyone have experience with this make? Thanks for the reference!

I am contemplating bringing my tripod and/or monopod along for my upcoming trip and I'm fairly certain they cant be taken in the carry on so make sure to check with the airline company or stick it in the suitcase.

I just realized this right now, thanks for the clarification.

 

[iCareMuch]

What do you guys think about this?

NEW FEISOL Traveler Tripod CT-3441SB Rapid with CB-30C Ball Head

I'm okay with putting down 500 if it's going to last forever

 

[photocist]

I own a ct-3301 rapid tripod with a photoclam ballhead. Does everything I need it to do, just a hair over 3 pounds! Try visiting reallybigcameras.com and email the owner (cant remember his name). He will give you some good advice and generally point you towards the right direction.

 

[Ginu]

What do you guys think about this?

NEW FEISOL Traveler Tripod CT-3441SB Rapid with CB-30C Ball Head

I'm okay with putting down 500 if it's going to last forever

That's a pricey tripod but as you said, if it lasts forever then its worth it. In my opinion 500$ is a little steep considering you can pickup some pro used glass for a little more than that I bet that tripod will retail over 500$ in Canada + 12 hst tax

Have you checked craigslist? sometimes you can get some pretty decent deals on used gear.

 

[iCareMuch]

That's a pricey tripod but as you said, if it lasts forever then its worth it. In my opinion 500$ is a little steep considering you can pickup some pro used glass for a little more than that I bet that tripod will retail over 500$ in Canada + 12 hst tax

Have you checked craigslist? sometimes you can get some pretty decent deals on used gear.

Great point, I'll check out cl now

EDIT:

I think I may have found a winner;

Giotto carbon-fiber tripod with manfrotto ballhead

Just what I was looking for, in the exact price range I was looking for.

Though I don't find many reviews about the MT8250, does any one know if it's reliable?

 

[Ginu]

Never used it but it sure looks nice and comes with a case and head... only point though, make sure its heavy enough as carbon tripods are sometimes too light so heavier could be better, but overall I would much rather go for the 350$ (not to mention you might be able to bargain down to 300 or even lower) over the other 500$ tripod and still have some cash left over for a new lens if you want haha

 

[Joshonator]

What do you guys think about this?

NEW FEISOL Traveler Tripod CT-3441SB Rapid with CB-30C Ball Head

I'm okay with putting down 500 if it's going to last forever

That's a pricey tripod but as you said, if it lasts forever then its worth it. In my opinion 500$ is a little steep considering you can pickup some pro used glass for a little more than that I bet that tripod will retail over 500$ in Canada + 12 hst tax

Have you checked craigslist? sometimes you can get some pretty decent deals on used gear.

It's 13% actually. If you really care about quality go with a Gitzo. It may cost a few hundred dollars more but it will last you for life.