Travel Tripod Recomendations

captures.in.time

captures.in.time

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Hi all

For the past 4 years I've had a velbon Ultra Maxi L tripod for use on travel and times when I've wanted to keep the weight down...

However sadly a section in it has broken... a fairly vital section which holds together the leg sections and also is the holder for the centre column. It has cracked inside and now makes use of raising and lowering the centre column impossible. I emailed velbon asking if I could purchse a replacement part to which I got a snippy email back saying no they could not supply me with that part.

BTW if anyone has an old velbon ultra maxi tripod for sale id be interested for the spare part... however... in reality I will prob buy a new tripod.

I was a bit put out by the snippy email I recieved back from velbon... and i do question the build quality that such vital part is made in plastic that could easily break as it did. Id rather take my buisness elsewhere and I have a budget of about £125... but would stretch this if the product was right for me.

My problem is that i've looked around a bit and cant find anything that is as compact... with the extension this had and also the independant legs and the fact it could be used so low to the ground. I really dont want anything of a closed height of more that 0.45m max... but i'd prefer it to be round 0.35m... that said im prepaired to trade off a little size to stability... as it was def not the most stable tripod... but i think ok for its size. I would like an extended height of at least 1.65m.

Here are the specs of my old tripod...http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~man~Velbon~productID~7491~categoryid~178.html

Does any one have any suggestions?

Thanks
 
I use a modified SLIK Pro 330 DX as my travel tripod.

I replaced the center column with the optional shorter column.

I replaced the stock SLIK pan-tilt head with an Adorama Flashpoint F-1 Magnesium Arca Compatible Ball Head.

This modified tripod/head combination weighs .77 kg. and can easily handle my 40D with 70-200mm f/4L IS lens. I use a Really Right Stuff L Bracket for lenses without tripod rings.
 
I'll have a look at those two... anyone any other alternatives... I really would rather not give my money to velbon... but only one i've seen so far that suits my needs.

M
 
mastertrinity said:
i here great things about the manfrotto 785b tripod for £50
Click to expand...

It's not so good with an slr-size camera. At full leg extension it's ropey so best to leave the final extensions retracted. The head only just locks in place. It takes very little to move it when locked. A cable/timed exposure is highly recommended.

The quick release device does not secure the plate securely enough. It wobbles. And it's possible to pull/knock the camera off the tripod rearwards.

It is really made for compact cameras, or small bridge. However, it is very compact and light, and given the choice between taking no tripod and this, then it's better than nothing.
 
MisterE said:
It's not so good with an slr-size camera. At full leg extension it's ropey so best to leave the final extensions retracted. The head only just locks in place. It takes very little to move it when locked. A cable/timed exposure is highly recommended.

The quick release device does not secure the plate securely enough. It wobbles. And it's possible to pull/knock the camera off the tripod rearwards.

It is really made for compact cameras, or small bridge. However, it is very compact and light, and given the choice between taking no tripod and this, then it's better than nothing.
Click to expand...

It would be no good for me then... I have an eos5d and a 75-300mm lens requiring support.

Was looking at the manfro 190series... but all a little big... although I've decided I'd go alittle bigger than the velbon as stability is a real factor...

M
 
Guys... anyone who travels with a tripod.... what do you carry?

Please help... seriously still come up with very little!!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

M
 
was going to reply to this earlier - but the phone rang, sorry!

I have the 190xprob with 486rc2 ball head, it is my only tripod. I got it for the compromise of stability and size for travel. It fits in my suitcase perfectly (weeks holiday size / next size up from carry on), though with the head attached it goes in diagonally.

I have attached an old camera neck strap to it for carrying, and spent a day carrying it round venice in july without noticing it, even on the busy water buses, (though did pull the strap so the tripod was as close to my back as poss!) Have carried it on long but easy walks (decent paths, nothing scrambly), and have strapped it to my backpack for scrambly type walks where I don't want something loose on my shoulder.

Couldn't be happier with it - definately the right choice for me. I have never thought twice about taking it anywhere with me.

Hope that helps!
 
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