Tripod

[edward_watts]

I am trying to assmeble an extrmemly lightweight tripod set for my

Nikon D1x, so I can bring it along with me on my business trips

abroad. In the same time, I don;t want to take up too much space

nor do I want to carry something heavy. (I have been thinking of

using a table top tripod.) Can somone give me suggestions for the

smallest, lightest tripod, ballhead, and quick release that would

suit my requirements?

 

Thanks,

Cal

[kevinteo]

You may want to try the Gitzo G1027 with a G1276M head. This

combination is light, has an off-set ballhead and a quick release

plate. This would support a camera and lens combination

weighing 5 lbs or less.

[edward_watts]

Don you think a table top tripod will work?

[berg_na]

A table top tripod probably won't be able to support the weight of a D1x plus a zoom lens, but if you still want to go that route I'd suggest the Manfrotto tabletop tripod (you can get it with a ball head), otherwise, the smallest Gitzo, the G0012 -- it's only 10" long when collapsed -- combined with a decent Giotto ball head would be preferable.<br><img src="http://www.bogenphoto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0000922.gif"> <img src="http://www.bogenphoto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0005059.gif">

[jimstrutz]

Velbon Maxi 343e - 2 pounds & collapses to 20 inches, full height when stretched out though. - Or - The UltraPod II, a small, but very versatile table top tripod that has a built in Velcro strap for attaching it to fence posts & other things.

 

Both of these come with small ball heads that will be put to the test with the D1x (especially the UltraPod II) but they should hold it unless you add a heavy lens.

[ellis_vener_photography]

The Leica Tabletop Tripod and large tripod head have no problem solidly and

securely supporting <I>my</I> Nikon F5 (or D1x) and 80-200mm f/2.8D AF

Nikkor combination..<P>

I also use a Arca-Swiss compatable quick release clamp from Really right

Stuff and I have the matching QR plates from Really right Stuff and Kirk

enterprises.

[jon_eaton]

Here are a few options that you might like to consider before making your purchase.

 

If a small, tabletop tripod is what you are looking for, then consider the products from Novoflex � www.novoflex.com . Both their Minipod and Basic Ball are part of modular systems. Another to consider is the Ergorest MultiTripod, which can attach to an open car window.

 

Also very small is the Manfrotto 035 Superclamp (Bogen 2900). Although not a tripod, this can be clamped to anything to give a stable platform. I use mine with the Manfrotto 208 Camera Mounting Adaptor (Bogen 2934) and 308RC Ball Head (Bogen 3413QR).

 

For something larger, both Uni-Loc - www.uniloc.fsnet.co.uk - and Benbo - www.patersonphotographic.com - produce smaller versions of their standard tripods. The Uni-Loc TT has a closed length of 38cm and a working height of 51cm. The Benbo is larger, having a closed length of 55cm and a working height of 71cm. Being cut-down versions of larger tripods, these are both very strong. Another option is the odd-looking Cullmann Magic range of tripods that fold flat (34.5cm long closed, 144cm full extension).

 

Larger, more expensive, but very light is the Manfrotto Carbon No One range of Tripods. The 440 (Bogen 3444) 4-section tripod has a closed length of 52cm and an extended height of 164cm but weights only 1.63kg. A shorter, 16.5cm, centre column (445CCS �Bogen No not known) is available which reduces the weight further at the expense of overall height.

 

The Manfrotto 460Mg (Bogen 3437) is a good lightweight 3-way head that goes well with the 440. Other heads worth considering include the Magic Ball heads from Novoflex and ball heads from Giottos - www.giottos.com . The latest Speed Graphic catalogue � www.speedgraphic.co.uk � includes a range of ball heads from the German company FLM GmbH. Their CB32F head with 32mm ball weighs in at just 295g but can support 7.5kg whilst the larger CB38FT at 460g can support 10kg. Both heads include friction control, whilst the larger also incorporates a unique tilt function. Another lightweight, but expensive, option would be the Ultimate Ball Head from the US company Acratech - www.acratech.net .