Need good travel tripod rev. - have fractured hip.

OK, will start with I fractured my hip in Pennsylvania two months ago trying to get waterfall covered with snow images - black ice got me. I’m back in South Texas now, recovering, but had to leave my heavy Manfrotto behind - gave it to a photographer friend in PA.

 

Now I need a replacement and I can no longer lug a heavy tripod on the trail. I’m bewildered at the array of “travel tripods” - meFoto, Siriu, Benro, etc. and I don’t know where to start. My cameras - Nikon D60/D80/D700 - the latter two have Kirk L-plates. Don’t think I’ll be hiking the rocky hollows in PA anytime soon, but plan to do a lot of shots in the South Texas wetlands. Will be using wide angles and short tele lenses. I’m open to tripod suggestions. FWIW I am 72 yrs. old.

Your lenses are not big. You should be able to get away with a Gitzo series 2 carbon fiber tripod or equivalent. A 300mm/f2.8 or 500mm/f4 is stable on a Series 3, which seems to be overkill for you.

 

I use Gitzo and have friends use Really Right Stuff tripods. Those are not exactly inexpensive. I am not familiar with other brands.

I can identify - I've been leaning on a cane for 20 years after an auto accident wrecked my left leg and hip. I used an old (1990s vintage) Manfrotto aluminum tripod that could support the weight of three cameras if I had a way to mount them - strong as a tank and only a little heavier.

 

Then, on a trip in Yosemite, my wife offered to move my tripod and camera while went to our car to get something, and was horrified at how heavy it was. A month later I received a Manfrotto beFree carbon fiber tripod for my birthday. I haven't used that old aluminum tripod since. Plenty strong enough and amazingly light.

 

However - there's always a catch, isn't there - the new tripod isn't a tall as the old one. With all legs fully extended but with the crank-out neck not extended, the camera body isn't up to my eye level, and I'm pretty average at 5 ft 9. I can extend the neck, but I don't like to - never have (never seemed steady enough). I have the Manfrotto gimbal head that I use for wildlife and auto racing - it's uncommonly heavy for a head, but I really like it and I like its price even more. With that head mounted, the camera just about gets up to eye level.

 

The weight of the head isn't a bother. It's easy to carry, and I can't hike much distance any more so its weight isn't an issue - in addition to a bum left leg I no longer have feeling in my feet - it makes walking on uneven surfaces a real chore. (BTW I'm 71)

I fractured my hip in Pennsylvania two months ago trying to get waterfall covered with snow images -

Oh I am so very sorry to hear this (and about Bob's accident, too). I do remember the treacherous conditions that one can run into. I hope you will recover real soon.

 

Currently I am using either of these two tripods for my lighter setup (for the Olympus M43 system and Nikon without the long lenses). Both rated at 22lb load tolerance: Gitzo GT1542T (looks like it's discontinued with an equivalent replacement) and the Sirui A-1205 that I recently bought while visiting Hong Kong. Both weigh less than 2.5 lbs. The Gitzo height is up to 60.2" and the Sirui is only up to 55". They are easy to carry around.

Edited May 5, 2018 by Mary Doo

I've owned a first-generation Feisol 3402 for travel and while it's a steady and lightweight little tripod, the legs do sometimes spin when tightening/loosening the twist locks. The latest generation of the same tripod incorporates anti-twist technology.

 

About a month ago, I bought a Sirui EN-2204 to replace the Feisol. I opted to go with a flip lock this time although I'm pretty sure that twist lock version works just as well. It was $280 at B&H (specs below). I use an Acratech Ultimate ballhead with this tripod, and usually mount a D800e/D500 with WA or mid-tele lenses, as well as lighter loads, such as mirrorless bodies.

 

 

Sirui EN-2204 Carbon Fiber Tripod

B&H # SISUEN2204 MFR # SUEN2204

• Load Capacity: 31 lb
  
• Max Height: 65"
  
• Min Height: 6"
  
• Folded Length: 19"
  
• Leg Sections: 4
  
• Weight: 3.3 lb
  
• One Leg Converts to Monopod
  
• Split Center Column
  
• Retractable Spiked Feet
  
• Includes Case, Shoulder & Wrist Straps
  

Edited May 5, 2018 by photo_galleries

What about a monopod instead of a tripod...the camera/lens weight isn't that great that a monopod couldn't easily handle it. Although I have a heavy duty Gitzo, I also have an inexpensive (I think it is an old Manfroto, but all markings have come off) charity shop aluminum lightweight tripod which I bought for $8, but the key for this discussion is that the center post comes out of it and has 3 twist extensions as a 18-60 inch .monopod weighing just under 1# without the ball head, which easily handles all but my medium format gear. So, before plunking down $$$, you might give local charity shops a quick walk thru....it seems they always have tripods they're trying to get rid of, many in good shape.

For landscape photography, I am afraid that a monopod won’t cut it. For example, sometimes you need time exposure such as a second or so for waterfalls, using a heavy neutral-density filter.

 

If you need a tripod that can reach your eye level, depending on your height, a Gitzo Series 2 may not be sufficient. My wife uses a Series 2, but I need a 3 to reach eye level without using the center column.

without using the center column.

I never used to use the center column in the old days with heavy Nikon gear, armed with heavier tripods. Now I am quite comfortable stretching out the center column with M43 and Nikon without-long-lenses. The tripod is much lighter and simpler to carry and to setup. If the OP is shooting landscape images only, IMO there is no need for a heavy tripod. But then OP may need a bigger tripod anyway due to his height requirement. :)

I am 75 (5 ft 10 in tall) and know about needing to keep the weight down when carrying camera, lenses and tripods.

Monopod--I do not recommend it for landscapes. Tripod--I use an Induro series two carbon fiber tripod for most of my landscape work.It has four section legs so I can add it to my suitcase when traveling. It comes with a center column. See link below for more info.

 

I have an older three section Gitzo CF tripod that I have used for about 15 years. IMO a new Gitzo or RRS tripod are way over priced and other alternatives will get the job done just as well.

 

Induro > Products > Browse by Categories > Classic Tripods > Traditional > CLT204 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod - 4 Sections

 

If you need a longer one, check out this model, which is a three series and will be heavier:

 

Induro > Products > Browse by Categories > Classic Tripods > Traditional > CLT304L Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod - 4 Sections

Sirui and Benro both make good travel tripods, but just recently I came across a brand called Velbon, and I think they're worth checking out (I may be ignorant and it may be a well-known brand, I don't know). I bought one myself for my travel needs. They have travel tripods that are very light, fold very small, yet can easily be extended to eye level. Check out especially their UT and UTC series to find what you need specifically, there are too many choices to recommend one specific model.

If we're bringing up Velbon... My "small" travel tripod is a Velbon REXi L - the current equivalent is an Ultra 655. Other than a problem with one leg rotating in the apex, which isn't critical, it's done me fairly proud - it's almost stable as my 055CXPro and much shorter.

 

It's not carbon, although it's only 1.5kg (lighter than my RRS TVC-34L). I got it partly for size, partly for the fast leg lock mechanism, which the OP may find useful. I've no experience with Sirui, but others seem happy.

Manfrotto Befree Carbon is near as light as tripod is going to get, IIRC Sirui has even lighter models.

 

Good sides of befree are lightweight of 1150 grams and compact size that fits in 30 liter backpack.

Not so good is low viewpoint if one is not going to extend center column and stability that almost require cable release.

Befree is not meant to take anykind abuse, so if one trips on it, it will likely break.

I had a Velbon for about 15 years and was very happy, but not so much any longer, as I lost it 6 months ago – probably during packing the car after a visit to an island by boat!

Only problem I had was the rubber on the handles got sticky in the heat in Vietnam. I wrote to their office in Japan, that they ought to make some product development to solve the problem, and 2 weeks later I received a full set of handles free of charge with a note that, they had solved the issue.

I'll just add (now I've had enough sleep to be a bit more coherent than my last post) that my brief experiments with the "reversible" Velbons (the ones whose legs fold up over the centre column) indicate that they're much less stable - unless the design has changed, the centre post is always effectively raised, so the camera is always on a short pole. The bigger models don't have this.

 

On the basis that I already have four full height tripods, I've not been tracking the market, but I know the budget models are popular. If you go high end, unless things have improved, the Gitzos seemed to need to be bigger for the same level of stability as the RRS legs. I've been a little disappointed with Three Legged Thing (whom I wanted to like, because they're British).

 

Having said all that, even my RRS legs feel much lighter when the head isn't on them - I have several heavier lenses, and these are big tripod legs, but then I've never really traveled light. Your kit isn't too demanding, so I doubt you'll be unhappy with any leg set from a brand you've heard of. There's a stability argument for not having legs lighter than what's on them, although a hook for weight helps. Good luck, and speedy recovery!

FWIW, I just had a play in a camera store. The Manfrotto 190 series is heavier than I remember, possibly because the BeFree range got added below. A Velbon UT-53D (one of the lighter Velbons I dismissed about when talking about the REXi and 655) felt substantially more solid, whereas I wouldn't trust the BeFree not to vibrate in wind. A Gitzo 1-series is way more solid than both, and not much heavier - although it didn't have a head on. They didn't have the other cheaper brands for me to compare, though.

 

I think I've also cured myself of Manfrotto geared head envy - the unlock mechanism requires way too much force, so I'll stick to my d4 even though the vertical axes aren't geared.

 

YMMV - I consider tripods to be personal, and worth trying in a store. I wouldn't have known about gitzos biting me and Arca QR clamps shredding my nails otherwise.

lahuasteca, I hope your hip continues to recover and am sorry for your misfortune. Lots of options. I use a carbon fiber tripod if I'm walking any distance. I love my ancient carbon fiber Gitzo collection but I know that there are many new companies that make more affordable choices that are very good. Manfrotto makes a less expensive carbon fiber line with flip locks if that's your pleasure and is a reliable brand that actually owns Gitzo. I would also suggest if you travel regularly on well beaten paths to consider a 2 or 4 wheeled cart or hand truck to lighten your load. I use a smaller two wheeled "Fish-N-Mate" cart when I am doing beach photography as a work station and to keep my gear elevated and away from the sand. If you get one consider the balloon tires for sand and wet lands. Last week I was impressed with the number of photographers with Sam's Club style two wheeled hand trucks on the board walk at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. As well I have an Audubon friend who carries his telephoto spotting scope, metal tripod and supplies to the beach and into the snag in a homemade bicycle wheel contraption that is very light. Stay frosty Texas.

Tripods are personal ... how true. I was shopping for a lightweight set of legs and fooling around with Gitzos and Manfrottos in a store. One of the other customers opined that he would never use a tripod without lever locks. After considering the issues I had with twist locks (TiltAll, various aluminum tripods), I decided to try a Velbon Carmag. set of legs with lever locks and have been very pleased with the light weight and compact size. Some one this forum opined that they would never use levers. I also acquired three used Gitzos with Arca and RRS ball heads a year ago. I kept the BH55 with G3530 legs, but the other models had quirks with ease of locking (in my hands) and were sold off. Bottom line, the tripod that works well in your hands in the field is a pleasure to use. The Velbon sets up in half the time as the twist-lock tripod, so I'm a convert to lever locks. YMMV.

I am sorry to hear about your hip and hope you will get better!

 

If you do not have heavier camera gear, you cannot go wrong with Sirui’s carbon fibre tripods for the money. They are both light, sturdy and competitively priced. I have two friends that have different Sirui 2-series carbon fibre tripods and swear by them. One is using a D500 and a Tamron 150-600 G2, the other bought it for his D810 with MB-D12 and 70-200/2.8E and teleconverter.

 

I only use a heavier tripod myself because I needed a more stable platform for my long lens and spotting scope. I had decided to spring for a Gitzo systematic carbon from the 4 or 5 series. I tested them and compared them to Sirui and others and decided that for me, it would be worth the money. Then I happened to stumble upon a used Induro 3-series with a gimbal head for next to nothing. I gave it a go since it could be fun to try a gimbal head (not that I was not happy with the Manfrotto camera head I bought decades ago for my Pentax 67, but the legs were the reason I needed something better). I have not considered a new tripod since

 

In conclusion, if you need something small, sturdy and cheap - get a Sirui. If you are a supertele user - get a Gitzo systematic. That is unless you stuble upon a deal too good to pass on.

I hope your healing is fast and recovery easy! What a terrible thing to have to deal with on a photo trip!

 

I just went through a similar tripod shopping dilemma. I have a bummer of a neck and even carrying a camera on a strap around my neck for 5 minutes gives me a headache, let alone hauling a tripod around. I thought I'd bought something lighter last spring that would work, but it turned out to be quite heavy and bulky for hiking, it didn't fit well in my pack, and I didn't want to carry it over my shoulder because of my aforementioned sensitive neck.

 

Anyway, I went to a local store and picked up a Gitzo Series 1 Traveler and haven't looked back.

 

I thought I wouldn't like it because I've always had a tripod with lever locks, and the tripods I've owned with the twist locks have driven me crazy, but the Gitzo twist locks work so well. I also thought the price was ridiculous, but turns out it's kinda worth it. The tripod feels really solid, far more solid than it should for how light it is. The shop owner seemed to feel I could put any of my lenses on it comfortably. (The only one I wouldn't is my Sigma 150-600, because I won't likely be hiking with that lens anyway, so I'll bring the other tripod.) The Series 2 Traveler was a tad bigger, wider, slightly heavier, and you probably could put anything on it and be fine. I didn't get that one because my main goal is to put a tripod in a day pack and not whine. Every time I took it out of my pack I said, "I love this tripod." I'm pretty sure I've never uttered those words, ever.

 

That being said, these are traveling tripods and are designed to fit in packs and luggage, and may not be tall enough. I decided I could bend down a bit, if it meant that I'd actually carry the damn thing on hikes, and the trade off was worth it. You just have to decide what the trade offs are and which ones you're willing to make.

 

So if you can swing it, take a look at the Gitzo. I never thought I would because of the price, but I decided it was worth something to stop buying tripods I didn't like.

Just to clarify, the two Velbons I mentioned have oddly-shaped leg sections that look like a comma in cross section (slightly spiralled with a step). That means you can grab the end of the compacted leg, twist it to unlock all the leg segments simultaneously, pull it out, then twist back and the whole thing locks solid. The larger one has a separate top section that helps with leveling. The stability is "good enough", but the leg set-up time is one of the best I've found.

 

My RRS is twist lock - it's been fine, and the slightly bulbous grips don't pinch my fingers like the Gitzo. You can lock or unlock at the compacted end all in one go - you just need to turn them separately at the extended end. I have a Manfrotto 055CXPro3 (old version) and the levers need quite a bit of force - and I instantly lost the spanner for tightening them. That said, it still locks and they HAVE redesigned the levers on the new ones. I did have a lever break on an old small travel Manfrotto (Modo) though. It's possible levers might be a bit more sand proof (after my Antelope Canyon incident with twist locks and cleaning) too.

 

YMMV, as always.

Back in the mid 1990's, Gitzo introduced the first commercial carbon-fiber tripod the 1228. I bought one back then and it is still in use in our family today. Now over 2 decades later, Gitzo is certainly not the only carbon-fiber supplier any more, but it is important to get a good tripod.

 

I am not in my 70's yet, but it isn't like I am that much younger. For those of us who are older, a good tripod could last for as long as you would like to photograph. A few years ago I talked to wildlife photographer Tui De Roy. She said she once bought a cheaper carbon-fiber tripod for her 600mm/f4 AF-S VR, and she set that up outside. Somehow the heat of the sun melted the glue in one of the joints, and her 600mm lens fell onto the ground. She ended up with an expensive repair bill far more than what a good tripod would cost.

 

Again, Gitzo is no longer the only game in town, but I would still do some research and buy a reliable tripod.

 

One trap in Gitzo tripods is that little gap between the tripod base and the legs. Once I jammed my hand there (the area between my thumb and index finger) and boy it hurt.

 

Good luck lahuasteca. I too wish you a speedy recovery.

 

Edited September 14, 2018 by ShunCheung

Back in the mid 1990's, Gitzo introduced the first commercial carbon-fiber tripod the 1228.

That was my first tripod too and it was more than adequate for landscape photography. Now one can buy a used one in excellent condition easily. Hwvr, it has a rather long center column. I remember buying a shorter replacement column for it; then later evolved to G1325 (no center column) when I got interested in wildlife and low ground-level macro photography; and moved from there.

 

The OP needs a lighter tripod; hence the various suggestions offered.

The current Gitzo traveller series are excellent but pricey. For specs, see:

 

Gitzo Traveller Carbon Fibre Tripods

 

I have the 1545T 4-section Series 1, which is taller than previous versions and is recommended for 135mm lenses (200mm max) by Gitzo. I bought it as the kit with the GH1382TQD, a nice compact centre ball head that fits between the legs when folded back on themselves, with a solid Arca-style clamp, but no independent friction control. The corresponding 2545T Series 2 is suggested for 200mm lenses (max 300mm) and is of course somehwat heavier and bulkier, but only a couple of cm longer (folded or extended). If you buy the kit, you get the bigger GH1382QDhead, which adds friction control. I think you also need a Series 2 for compatibility with Gitzo's optional spikes.

 

The Series 1 kit is impressively light and very rigid. An additional short centre column is included, as well as a strap (but no bag). The twist locks work very well, and need only a slight rotation (keep twisting and you'll take the thing apart, as I found the first time I tried it). If I wanted to find fault, the rubber O-ring at the bottom of the centre column looks like something that might pop off and get lost, and the panning action on the head is stiffer than I'd like.

Regarding lever locks, I prefer them on metal tripods where the levers are made of a very durable substance and they do not break. On carbon fiber tripods, I have seen over five levers break in normal use. Once that happens the tripod is unusable unless you have a spare lever lock with you. Most of my pro photographers who use Gitzo CF tripods with twist locks on legs. carry spare sets of those pieces of plastic that are inside the twist locks so they can replace them in the field if the twist locks get too dirty to function properly. They tell me they buy the parts from B & H Photo Video. I do not know any part numbers for these. I wish I did as I need to replace them on my old Gitzo.

Most of my pro photographers who use Gitzo CF tripods with twist locks on legs. carry spare sets of those pieces of plastic that are inside the twist locks so they can replace them in the field if the twist locks get too dirty to function properly. They tell me they buy the parts from B & H Photo Video. I do not know any part numbers for these. I wish I did as I need to replace them on my old Gitzo.

I just went to B&H's web site and searched for Gitzo parts. There are various items, but I need to figure out what fits my tripods.