Lightweight Tripod

<p>I am looking for a lightweight tripod as I get older. I take my tripod considerable distances and up mountains (4000 feet of ascent and 15+Km is not unusual as I like in the Canadian Rockies). I currently use a Manfrotto GX055 XPROB with 488 head for this purpose. While the Manfrotto is a good tripod it is heavy to carry. I usually take a Canon DSLR / SLR or an M645 Mamiya. The Canon will be a 5DII or 7D with lenses like the24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 F4 LIS being the largest I carry (although I sometimes take a 300 F4 IS). The new Giottos Vitruvian looks like an interesting lightweight tripod but none of the local stores (Calgary) stock it so I have not seen one. Can anyone provide any information or alternative options.</p>

<p>What do you consider light? The Gitzo 1541T is 2lbs 3oz, the Benro C2680T is 2lbs 13oz, both are fold-back traveler tripods of quality. A very commonly used ballhead is the Markins Q3T which is designed to be used with these tripods, it weighs 0.83lbs. I think people in Canada have experienced problems buying Giottos, something to do with the distributor. Markins North America are based in Langley, BC however.</p>

<p>looking for about 2.5 to 3.5 lbs including ball head. The real issue is tripod stability and head performance - most of the lightweigh tripods I have seen are quite poor in these respects - hence I carry a much heavier Manfrotto</p>

<p>Philip, a colleague of mine who has more tripods than I have cameras, uses a "basalt" tripod. It is even lighter than his carbon fiber tripods, but I couldn't believe how light it was. I don't know who makes it, but he's a big fan of Gitzo tripods if that helps.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.siruiusa.com/">Sirui</a> CF tripod, <a href="http://acratech.net/home.php?cat=1">Acratech</a> head. Most Sirui legs fold like a Vitruvian, and I strongly suspect they manufacture it for Giottos. I'm currently using an N2204 and V2. Fairly easy to find or order the legsets in Canada. I heard about Sirui from a friend in Edmonton, and got mine here in the States via Lensca through amazon.com.</p>

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<p>Philip</p>

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I also have been addressing the consequences of advancing age. I do more or less the same activity (ascents in the same range, admittedly less so as time goes by), in the same area (Canadian Rockies), with the same sort of equipment (5D w/70-200 f4 IS, and other lenses).<br>

The best adjustment I made so far was the purchase of an Induro C014 tripod and equipped it with a Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro ball head. The tripod itself is now an older model, the current model is called a CT014. Virtually identical. You can look up the specs for these items on the corresponding websites for each. Indurogear.com & reallyrightstuff.com<br>

For you and anyone else that has doubts about the holding ability of the BH-25 head, I can say without any hesitation that it is a very capable little device. I had my doubts before the purchase, based on its size and weight. Also, there has been mention of the fact that it has only one lever which controls all movement. True. But, to my amazement, I find it really doesn't matter. It is a superbly well made head, albeit small, but with amazing holding ability. If you think about it, most early heads were made with only one control. It takes very little practice getting used to it. Weight is less than 7 oz with clamp!<br>

My main tripod and head is an Induro C213 with Markins M10 with lever clamp. <br>

It was a matter of taking a chance with the the C014 & BH-25, but I'm very glad I did. I find it a nifty setup for just this activity.<br>

So, you're dying to know: Is it stable? With the legs (4 section) fully extended, absolutely not! But then, I didn't expect it to be. I went into this fully understanding the limitations of these legs. For hiking and scrambling, I wanted a light weight tripod system and was willing to sacrifice height. I use only the first two leg extensions (3 SECTIONS), preferably less if I can manage it. The 3rd extension (4th section) is a ridiculously narrow leg, and although I have used it on occasion, generally I do not. If possible, I use only the first extension (2 sections). Of course, this is true of any tripod; the lower one is willing to use it, the more stability one can be expect. I also purchased the short center column. This does allow for getting much closer to the ground. Great for macro work. At the same time, the short center column ensures maximum stability. I am very used to kneeling on one knee while using a tripod. I used a manfrotto 190S for years, if anyone remembers that unit.<br>

I should mention that the 70-200 lens is used with a collar, which I find considerably improves the balance. Also, 90% of my work utilizes the 2 second mirror lock up delay. This is true for either of my tripods. To my mind, it is essential. Not always convenient however.<br>

It works for me.<br>

Derek.</p>

<p>thanks for all of your input. The really Right Stuff BH-25 head looks like the way to go if it is as stable as derek suggests. Derek I assume that with the LR clamp it still fits the tripod and allows the tripod to fold. As for legs I will look into Benro, Sirui and Induro. Thanks for the advice</p>

<p>If money is no object look at the Gitzo 2 or 3 series.<br>

I have a Gitzo 1541 with a Benro B-0 which I've commented on elsewhere (suppose I ought to do a review someday...) Love the tpod and head.<br>

I'll probably get an Acratech GP-S for the 1541 and relegate the B-0 to a less-used tpod once I save some more pennies and bottle caps...<br>

Based on the gear you describe I'd think that the 1541 or 1541T (or equivalent or same class, or smaller/lighter) is pushing the lower end of the envelope as to what would effectively support the weight you're looking to mount.<br>

It fits the carry weight you describe but I'd have to say that a [D]SLR with a modestly-large lens is about all I'd want to mount on the thing. It'd no doubt hold it, but vibration and etc become issues with too much weight versus the tpod weight/strength/stiffness.<br>

I rejected the 1541T because at 6'1" I am tired of stooping at "just a little too short" tripods. No more. I want to have everything right at eye level, and the 1541 (not the "T" variant) does so.<br>

There is a company called Alvin that makes a series of nice plastic document storage/transport tubes called 'Ice Tubes', and one of them is the perfect size etc to function as a *one* pound (lightweight) plastic carry/protection case. Awesome. The one I got is about 4" in diameter and roughly 25" long. And at ~$15 they're cheaper than even a cheezy stuff sack.<br>

I know 1 lbs sounds like a lot, but considering that's not much more than a padded soft case weighs...<br>

My 1541 with the Benro B-0 in the case with some extra internal padding it 4.25 lbs!</p>

 

<p>Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I was "on the road' coming home.<br>

The RRS & Induro combo is not the same arrangement as with the "Travel Angel" setup. Mine does not have the fully inverting legs. I've not found that to be a problem. The Induro comes with its own soft travel bag and with the RRS head attached, it slips inside quite easily.<br>

The lever clamp I referred to is on the Markins M10, not the RRS BH-25. The Markins is mounted on my main set of legs, the Induro C213.<br>

The BH-25 has the conventional screw tightening arrangement for the quick release plate, thus the BH-25 Pro designation.<br>

With the legs and head and carry strap attached, I just weighed the assembly and it came in at 2.75 lbs, looking at my trusty old spring guage.<br>

Standing without any extension, the quick release clamp was 20" high. With the first extension, 2 sections total, it is just under 29 ". With three sections total, 38.5". For me, this is the perfect "kneeling on one knee" working height. The remaining very narrow leg sections will provide 49.5" but not recommended. The short center column will give you an extra 2.25" approx.<br>

Of course, as Lance pointed out, there are are always heavier arrangements that are more stable. Naturally. But I thought the idea was to reduce weight.<br>

In my opinion, the whole success of this arrangement lies in the BH-25. It is so light, so well made. It just "does the job". Keeping in mind the reason for going this route . . . weight. There are probably many different legs that will suffice when used with the BH-25.<br>

Regards, Derek.</p>

<p>In my opinion, Gitzo 1541 (2.1 pounds)and RRS BH-30 (10 oz.) are as good as it gets in a sub 3 pound combination. This is a compact and very stable set up for the weight. Both are exceptionally well made and functional. I use it a lot with lenses up to 20-200 f/2.8 with a Canon 5DMKII body. Never used a 300 f/4 lens on it but I suspect that you would be pleased. I have carried them on similar hikes and like them a lot.</p>

<p>Thanks for all of your help - I finally cracked and went with the Benro (although is was very close with the Induro CT014). The folding action and smaller size finally swung it for the Benro. UNfortunately I had to buy the Benro head which I did not like so I also bought a head to replace it - I was able to get a good price on the Vangard ABH130L which was a very good performer and only 400g. Thus I have a Benro head to offload. I looked hard at the Induro legs and the Gitzo 1541 was but was put off by the Gitzo price ( as it did not seem much better made than the Benro or Induro legs).</p>

<p>I use a Gitzo 1551T and very recently bought a near equivalent Benro as a backup/replacement (the Benro takes spikes). I'm impressed with the Benro build quality, only time will tell as to durability as I use both. The Benro looks like an excellent product though. Good luck with yours!</p>

<p>I too was hoping to somehow take a look at a Sirui T1205X & and an N2205 due to their small pack size and weight. Price was an issue ( Gitzo although great product just slightly out of my budget range) and I couldn't get a local dealer to even transfer one in from their other shop, so I went with a Benro TRAB169. 3.5 pounds and fits my ski pack nicely for $250.<br>

Seems to be very stable with my Pentax Kx with a 200mm telephoto. Had an offer from Lensca Cda to ship a T1205X but was worried about the stabilty of a 5 section carbon fiber tripod and ruggedness with back packing.<br>

Hopefully, down the road Sirui will have dealers who are willing to take a chance and promote what looks like a very well built product and not just stick to the mainstream tried and true "me too" brands.</p>

<p>Would love to hear a dealers point of view on this.</p>