tavel tripod

[cammie]

Hi there,

I'm off travelling at the end of the year and am looking for a lightweight but sturdy tripod. I know this thread existed by in 2011 but wondered if anyone had any more recent advice. I have just bought a black rapid strap, so a manfrotto would be great as I could easily take the strap off and immediately fix it to a tripod, but I wouldn't limit myself to manfrotto only, if there was a more suitable and perhaps cheaper option.

Any advice really appreciated.

Cammie

 

[Lyonspride]

Well, sturdy and lightweight aren't really bed buddies...... I recently bought a 4 section RedSnapper RSF-284, it's fairly compact/light and fairly sturdy, i'll do a lot of walking with it, but I wouldn't want to travel with it. For any real travelling i'd be more likely to take a Gorillapod or a small beanbag.

I took my old D40x to Kos on holiday, it was hassle enough just carrying that around, trying to keep it safe etc. If i'd taken a tripod im sure it would have spent all week at the hotel.

If your travelling is more photography specific, then that's different.

 

[Foxbat Flyer]

My 3 Legged Thing Brian (yes, it's a daft name!) seems to offer a reasonable balance of lightweight (carbon fibre) and sturdiness.

The 3LT plate allows you to use the Black Rapid TR1 fastener, meaning that you can leave the plate permanently fixed to your camera and swap between the BR strap and tripod by use of the carabiner, in the same way you can with Manfrotto - I've found it works very well.

I’m not sure how well 3LT and Manfrotto CF travel tripods compare.

Chris

 

[wyx087]

My 3 Legged Thing Brian (yes, it's a daft name!) seems to offer a reasonable balance of lightweight (carbon fibre) and sturdiness.

The 3LT plate allows you to use the Black Rapid TR1 fastener, meaning that you can leave the plate permanently fixed to your camera and swap between the BR strap and tripod by use of the carabiner, in the same way you can with Manfrotto - I've found it works very well.

I’m not sure how well 3LT and Manfrotto CF travel tripods compare.

Chris

If Brian is too expensive for you, a slightly shorter magnesium alloy 3leggedthing Adrian might be your thing. I've had a play with both in their shed near Bedford, both weighs similar, Brian has a more complex central column and can be taller.

As said, their plate allows the same Black rapid screw to be used.

I use 3LT Adrian, it's reasonable weighted, and very compact. Unlike other manufacturers, they give you a very nice the tripod bag for free .

 

[BIGEYE]

Have a look at the Giottos VGRN 8255-5400-652. I took this tripod to Las Vegas last year and was very happy with it. Although not as sturdy as my Velbon Sherpa Pro 645, it is very compact and fairly lightweight. It is pricey, and gets really good reviews, and I think it is woth it.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Something like a Manfrotto 190CF in the 4 section size might also fit the bill, folded length is 50cm and lightweight too

Otherwise push the boat out and get a series 1 Gitzo