Tripod choices

[DH59]

I have a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod, but will soon be travelling abroad and wanted something lighter to take with me so I don't use all the weight allowance in the checked-in luggage.

I have more or less narrowed the choice down to two possibilities, cost being the major factor.

1) Hama Traveller Mini Pro Tripod
2) Vivitar 130cm Digital Camera Tripod

Both have a decent maximum load, both are under £20, the Vivitar extends higher but weighs slightly more, the Hama has a reversible centre column, the Vivitar has a quick-release plate as opposed to a ball head.

I will be taking a Canon 40D with 24-105 lens, and possibly my Sigma 105 macro, but I took that last time and never had the 24-105 off the camera, so not too sure about that.

Does anyone have any experience of either of these tripods?

 

[SJD2011]

I have the Hama Traveller Mini Pro - I got it as a free gift with a magazine subscription...

Pluses - Light in weight, but doesnt get blown around
- Compact in size when taken down
- Leg locks feel sturdy and hold the tripod well
- Takes my 600d & 70-300 lens & flash gun with no problem

Minus' - You have to screw the tripod into the camera - there is no quick release plate
- I find the camera can move around a little when it is screwed in
- Legs feel a little flimsy when fully extended

I did try to get the centre column to reverse, but I couldnt figure out how to do it? I suspect that is more to do with my buffoonery than the tripod itself! Its not a bad little tripod, but I am looking for something sturdier and the lack of quick release is very annoying!

Hope that helps!

 

[DH59]

Thank you Sam, that's helpful. I think I may be swaying towards the Vivitar. I think I would prefer to have a quick release plate.

 

[SJD2011]

I must admit, its a major flaw for me with that tripod....especially if you dont have a lot of room and are short on time!

 

[sconie]

http://www.cameraking.co.uk/Tripod+...pshot+Ultra-light+Compact+Tripod+-+Black.html

Cheapest around, I use it with my D5100 and various lenses with no problems, perfect for travelling.

 

[DH59]

I did see that one, sconie, but the maximum load is not enough for my camera/lens combo.

 

[Beagletorque]

Depends where you're going, but I'd buy one when you get there.

 

[DH59]

It's Cyprus, and I haven't seen many camera shops on previous visits. Not that I've been particularly looking for them, but I don't want to have to spend time looking for one to buy when there. We have other priorities.

Anyway, I went for the Vivitar in the end, which I bought from Argos. It's quite flimsy and plasticky, as you'd expect for £20, but it appears to hold the camera and lens OK, although I won't be leaving it unattended! I thought this one might be more sturdy than the Hama, as it has braces extending from the centre column to the legs. I'd have liked to compare them, but I suppose it's swings and roundabouts. At least it fits in the suitcase and won't take up half my baggage allowance.