Travel Tripod

I'd say the roadtrip would be a better bet, not much bigger / heavier than the backpack but likely to be more solid and it can hold more going by the load ratings of them.

There's a review of one here (different name but still A1350 model code), http://www.thephoblographer.com/201...nro-mefoto-transfunctional-travel-tripod-kit/

I came very close to getting one but didn't really need the travel option so went for something bigger (vanguard 284ct).
 
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I've done a stack of research on this over the last few months. I have a Manfrotto 055CXpro4 for normal duties but needed a compact tripod for travelling and also when using my motorbike.

I considered the 2 that you're looking at plus a few others including the "53" version of the Velbon you listed.

I ended up going for the Velbon Ultra Rexi L. It's a lovely compact design (36cm folded) but most importantly can comfortably hold up my gripped D800e plus 70-200. You can get it with or without a head. I went for one without and managed to pick it up for under £90 and at that price it's an utter bargain (Castle Cameras or Bristol Cameras seem to be cheapest).

The leg design is excellent. After you get over the initial factory stiffness the legs can be deployed in seconds and when fully extended to 150cm (plus head) are extremely rigid. It fits in either of my camera bags and weighs very little (depending on the head you've got of course).

You can set the legs to 3 different angles, the lowest of which gets you to within 10cm of the deck (after splitting the centre column).

Overall the build quality is exactly what you'd expect from a Japanese manufacturer and represents brilliant value for money particularly if like me you'll only used it occasionally.
 
Think it is either the Mefoto Roadtrip or the Velbon Ultra Rexi. The Roadtrip does add the monopod option but not sure I will use this. Think a visit to Bristol Cameras will be necessary to look at the Ultra Rexi.

Thanks for the views, very appreciated.
 
Another vote here for the Velbon ultra rexi L. Had mine for about 7 months now, and very pleased with my choice.
 
If budget was no option I would suggest the Gitzo GT1542T but I am going to presume that is out of budget.
Manfrotto have just released a travel tripod that looks really nice, the Manfrotto BeFree, similar specs to the Gitzo but a lot less money.
I've tried a couple of 3LT tripods which were pretty nice but again they could be out of your price bracket.
Finally the only tripod I have ever hated was a Giottos travel tripod, it was an aluminium tripod very similar in design to the Gitzo I have now and it was absolutely rubbish.
 
I have the MeFoto A0350Q0, wanted something that was small and was willing to sacrifice sturdiness (within reason). Not had any issues with it at all although I don't use it in tough conditions.
 
Think about the Benro Travel Angel 2 series 2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Benro-Travel-Section-Carbon-Tripod/dp/B006FEG6LM

I have this CF model but bought it direct from China via Ebay for a smidge over £200, great tripod


Having said that I recently went to Iceland sightseeing and didn't take the larger tripod as photography time was very limited, I did take a Hama Star one instead though to use with my Sony RX100,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Star-T...&qid=1368525479&sr=1-15&keywords=small+tripod

not a great tripod by any means but in the end it actually held my Pentax K5 quite securely and got me some nice shots of the Northern lights, wouldn't have stood up to much in windy conditions though

Simon




Simon
 
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I use an older Gitzo G1158, they made a traveler version too

Forerunner of the 1540/1/2 models and you might be able to pick one up s/hand at a decent price

It has the ALR locks, so no messing about having to to tighten or loosen one at a time

Before that had a Velbon Ultra Luxi F, decent enough, but a bit lightweight at times.
 
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