Need sturdy, light,low cost, tripod

[images_in_light_north_west]

I have a 30D with a 300f4L, kirk BH-3 ball head and want a tripod for day

trips into the mountains price cap $330, have been looking at the G1097 Basalt

and the lighter G1027 carbon, the later being very short and unsure if it will

be strong enough to support my set up but very light. Any suggestions ?

 

Thanks Ross

[mark_sirota1]

Sturdy, light, low cost: Pick any two.

[Ed_Ingold]

You specify sturdy, light and low cost. Sorry, but you can only pick two out of three. That's life.

 

I wouldn't use a Gitzo tripod lighter than a G-12xx with a 300mm lens. Even then, only the 3-section model, not the 4-section, is stiff enough. I use a G-1227 for day trips, and a G-1340 or G-1504 for serious work.

 

The Kirk BH-3 is light-duty. The BH-1 would be better. Look at the Acratech Ultimate if you want something a little less expensive and light for its capacity.

[images_in_light_north_west]

The BH-3 is fine I use it with my Bogen heavy tripod and love it, tension is great I get no creep with it, it is perfect, small and light

[stephen hazelton]

I've got a fairly sturdy tripod (but not light), but find that with a 500mm, it becomes noticably unsturdy. Try to arrange to test one with the lens you're actually using before buying. A lot of tripods that might work great for general purpose use may work less well with your lens/body setup.

[images_in_light_north_west]

Probably would have helped if I said I was using it for hiking

 

Ross

[harryo]

Take a look at the Velbon 640A tripod. Folds nice and small for hiking ( 17.7" ), weighs 3.2 lbs and is capable of supporting upto 25 lbs. Cost is $299 at B&H. Best bang for the buck for a tripod that you can easily take hiking.

[drjedsmith]

Look at the Feisol CT-3301N carbon fiber tripod. (www.feisol.com) For $170 I'm impressed. The craftmenship is very good, and it's pretty sturdy for a tripod that weighs so little. Works great for this new Bronica I've got.

<BR>

Jed

[peter_n1664876959]

Consider buying used. You can get a second-hand Gitzo G1228 for $300-350 and then you will never have to buy another tripod. Ever.

[srileo]

Bogen 3021 Pro