SMALL tripod needed that fully extends

[weston_harries]

Hello - I currently use what I believe to be a Vivitar model 12

tripod, which measures about 8 inches long when collapsed yet expands

to 44 inches when fully extended. I have used the tripod for about a

year before just now getting on ebay and finding out what kind it was

(the only marking on it is a "G")

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?

ViewItem&item=2958547436&category=30033

 

The fact that this tripod is so small is my major draw to it, but it

has major problems. The head slips a little when I do vertical shots,

requiring a readjustment of the head, which usually slips again, then

having to depress the leg oposite of the slip to compensate

sometimes. This obviously is not ideal and I want to find a tripod

that is just as easily trasportable but with a little more extension

and a more sturdy head. The compact tripods being made today that

I've seen do not extend anywhere near 44 inches, let alone taller. I

dont need anything super fancy because for horizontal shots this

tripod has been suitable in regard to its sturdiness (there usually

is no force besides possibly wind threatening the camera's position,

I always use a cable release and shoot almost exlusively landscapes),

with the main problem being that it cant extend to eye level causing

me to have to kneel or use a right angle finder attachment. Any

suggestions are greatly appreciated. If it's of any relevance, I use

the Olympus OM system, most often with short lenses. Thanks. - WH

[weston_harries]

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2958547436&category=30033">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2958547436&category=30033</a>

[klix]

You might want to take a look at the so-called "made for digital" tripods (yes, I realize it's a marketing thing) -- such as the Bogen 714 or 719 -- make sure you check the max. capable load of each. Also, there's the Cullman Magic (I/II).

 

They typically sacrifice stability for portability, so you might want to think of ways to keep them steady/weigh them down.

 

Good luck!!!

[todd peach seattle, washi]

That was my first tripod too, went with my Oly 35RC at the time. The thing has got something like 8 leg sections and each leg is about as sturdy as the telescoping radio antenna on my car.

 

I don't think you're going to find a replacement that fits your wishlist. You will find some $50 tripods that fold down to about 15" and get you up to 40-50". They typically have four leg sections. I don't have any experience with those, but that's probably your next move. Either that or a walking stick/monopod.

[awahlster]

Check out the Velbon 343E it is a very light (less then 2lbs) compact tripod that I have used with a Canon T90 and 200mm f2.8 with no problems.

[theorist]

I also have the Velbon 343E, and highly recommend it for your purposes. In fact, you should check out all the Velbon Maxi tripods:

http://www.velbon.com.au/photo_amateur.html

 

The 343E indeed weighs very little, is very small when folded, and fully extends to over sixty inches. And it's under $100.

[neil_parker]

A tripod that slips or wobbles is worse than no tripod. The ONLY small tripods I have ever seen that are truly sturdy are the smallest Gitzo. Years ago I bit the bullet and bought a gitzo totalux and small ball-head and never regretted the purchase -high quality gear that lasts a lifetime. The closest model to that now seems to be the Gitzo Weekend. It collapses to about 16" and extends to appx. 35-45" w/ column extension. There is also a 'performance' model with separately unlocking legs for low to the ground photography.

 

This would supply portable sturdy support for a small camera like an OM, but a big motorized body w/ a big lens demands a full size tripod. The Gitzos are pricy ($2-300 with a gitzo head, more for the carbon fiber models), but you only have to buy it once.

[tom_milton2]

i'm no expert, but i've come to believe that a light, handy tripod

that you have with you beats the pants off of a big sturdy one that

stays at home!

 

i'm very pleased with my velbon maxi 343E. there are some

reviews on it in popular photography you may want to look up.

my bogen 3021 that was my first foray into tripods has largely

become the "stay at home."

 

good luck!

[joe_butts1]

Neil has the right idea for you, Weston. The Gitzos are great tripods although a bit pricey. They're not expensive, they're pricey. You buy one and it will last you forever. If you have a problem with it, Gitzo will stand behind it. Sometimes there will be a small fee for parts but I've had them send me parts to replace at not charge for the parts nor the postage.

If you're interested, I have a Gitzo Totalux Performance that is compact but sturdy. I have the Gitzo pan head for it or I have a ball head with quick release plates for your cameras. If you're interested, email me at joe@joebutts.com and we'll see if we can come up with a price -- I'm guessing but I'd say about $150.

Joe