What travel tripod?

chris321

chris321

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Chris
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I've already got a cheap full-size tripod (it'll get replaced with something a bit sturdier at some point, but it's not at the top of my list of things to get), but I'm looking for a small (and preferably cheap!) tripod I can easily just throw into my bag, instead of having it in it's own case strapped to the outside! I'm going up to the Scottish highlands next week, and want to do some landscapes, but don't want to lug a full-size tripod on the train!

I was looking at the gorillapod (the SLR zoom one), but £40 for something whose maiin gimmick is being able to wrap around something (which I'd never do with it anyway) just seems a bit excessive! Obviously I don't want to put my pride and joy on some £5 piece of tat that's going to fall over and smash it to bits, but somewhere in the middle would be nice!

It doesn't have to be very high, just for using on ledges, on the ground, that kind of thing. Any advice would be more than welcome! Thanks guys!

Chris
 
Manfrotto 785B...........:thumbs:

Before everyone knocks it to hell,it will not hold a 600 F4, but sounds ideal for your use,which is exactly what I use mine for.
 
Personally I use a Velbon Mini, it's pretty old but small enough to carry and heavy enough to put an SLR on it.An older version of this

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I recently bought the gorillapod zoom SLR as a lightweight and yet sturdy small tripod for hillwalking.
I can thoroughly recommend it and it cost me £29.99 from Amazon.
I've tried it with a 1D MKII and a 100-400 and it's fine (not that I'd take that combo on a hillwalk).:D
 
Hmm, I've been reading around, and I've heard a fair few less-than-amazing reviews of it. My kit isn't particularly heavy (only a 450D and kit lens for landscape stuff, but i've also got a 70-300 IS USM), but I might be doing some long night exposures, and I'm worried it won't be stable enough....

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll keep looking around at real tripods, hopefully go to the shops tomorrow and have a play with them and see how they feel. Any more suggestions?

Chris
 
Another vote for the Manfrotto 785B.

I use one for travel - fits in carry-on luggage (insert Sid James laugh) light and fairly stable with all but the beefiest cameras. Holds a D200 well - but struggles with D3 plus 28-70mm F2.8
 
chris321 said:
Hmm, I've been reading around, and I've heard a fair few less-than-amazing reviews of it.

Chris
Click to expand...

The SLR Zoom model is sturdy enough.
I looked at the smaller models and they are not up to DSLR ability.
For what it is and at £30 it's perfect for sticking in your bag on a hill walk.
Here's a review .......... you may have read.
http://cameralabs.com/reviews/Joby_Gorillapod_SLR_Zoom/

EDIT :
It doesn't have to be very high, just for using on ledges, on the ground, that kind of thing.
Click to expand...
Fits the bill ......... really.:thumbs:
 
I've got the Velbon MAXi 347GB. It's decent for lightweight travel. It folds up to easily fit in a normal rucksack and extends high enough to near eye-level. Though it isn't that stable when that high. But I just hang the ruck sack from it to give added stability.

HERE is good review of the Velbon.
 
I am off travelling in February so will be watching this thread closely as I am looking for this exact info. Chivers67, or anyone else, do you know what the maximum load of the Velbon CX Mini is? It is currently £15 at Jessops and I am wondering if it will hold a 30D with Sigma 10-20 attached?
 
Thanks guys, I had a play with both of them today, and while I did quite like the gorilla pod (the SLR zoom one), jessops was the only place that had one in stock, and wanted £50 for it, which I just don't think it's worth.

Again, I could only find one shop with the manfrotto in stock, and it felt surprisingly sturdy actually (well the legs did, I'm not too sure about the head). But it did say it was unsuitable for DSLRs on the little tag....

I'm going in favour of the gorillapod, but I can't find anywhere that has them in stock at a reasonable price. Foolishly I've left it to the last minute, so I can't really order online as it won't get here before I leave on Tuesday morning....grrrrrr!

Chris
 
Probably after the sales it will go back to normal price. That way they can say 50% OFF!!!!!!!
 
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