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06/14/2007 02:50:06 PM · #1 |
I am looking for a tripod in the $300-$500 range that I can use while I'm backpacking. My current camera is a Canon Digital Rebel XT but I am getting ready to upgrade to the Canon EOS 30D and the L series lenses. I like to shoot wildlife so I will have a good size zoom lens that the tripod would have to support. I'm looking for something that is light enough that it is not a major burden to carry, but sturdy enough to support the Canon equipment. It would be a major bonus if it could fold down to a compact size too. I like to take wildlife photos so the faster it can be positioned the better as well.
Currently I'm using an aluminum model from the 1960s which weighs over 6 pounds that I have to carry by hand. It is a burden and it takes a long time to adjust it to get it ready for a shot.
Does anyone have any suggestions or can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thank you.
Joe |
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06/14/2007 02:56:30 PM · #2 |
Your requirements of compact, strong and light, along with your budget, make it difficult.
The smaller tripods will not support big L lenses, and the bigger tripods that will, are not light. Putting the two together means that you're likely looking at a Carbon Fiber tripod, which, when you add a head to it, will probably push (or break) the upper end of your budget. |
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06/14/2007 03:05:35 PM · #3 |
| Well I guess I should clarify. Weight is a lower priority than stability, ability to compact, and positioning speed. It can weigh a fair amount as long as I can compact it enough to stick on my pack rather than having to carry it. |
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06/14/2007 03:09:24 PM · #4 |
I've backpacked with my 3021pro. It's not light (7 pound range), but it is sturdy. When you say compact, do you mean you don't necessarily need a fully extending tripod or you are hoping for a fully extending one that telescopes to smaller than usual?
The 3021 will not likely fit IN your backpack, but I just strap it to the side or even horizontally on the back.
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06/14/2007 03:17:54 PM · #5 |
What size zoom do you plan on buying?
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06/14/2007 03:18:30 PM · #6 |
| Might want to check out some of the new Dynatran carbon fiber models, which you can get a good deal on on ebay. Here's a prior thread with pics of one I picked up for under $100 including a head, lightweight, sturdy, and knocks down to about 22" or so and could be lashed to the side of your pack. I think they have some 4-section models that get even smaller, but then those take slightly more time to set up. |
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06/14/2007 03:25:05 PM · #7 |
| What about this one. You would have to get a head. |
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06/14/2007 03:35:35 PM · #8 |
Your budget will be a constraint for what I'm going to recommend, but I love my Gitzo 6x carbon fiber and Gitzo head.
//photo.net/learn/nature/g1325
It goes everywhere in the back country with me. I consider it essential equipment. Mostly I like the infinite number of leg angles, the extendable and tiltable center column and the carbon fiber material is so much 'warmer" and lighter than aluminum. There is a center hook for attaching my camera bag to stabilize the tripod in wind conditions. It holds camera and long lens with ease.
I happen to have the 3 section tripod. The 4 section collapses down to a shorter overall storage length for airport or backpack purposes. The 3 section is a bit taller, matching my height better.
I have the G2257 tripod and the G1278M head.
Message edited by author 2007-06-14 15:50:13. |
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06/14/2007 03:48:11 PM · #9 |
If you have a good backpack stlye gear bag the added minimal weight of the tripod doesn't matter that much. I've walked around all day with my 3021 strapped to my pack and it wasn't that big of a deal. A few months ago I climbed an almost vertical cliff face for about 200ft and down the other side with it strapped to my pack. I have alot of stuff shoved in my pack. Plus I used to smoke 2 packs of cigs a day.
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06/14/2007 03:56:21 PM · #10 |
I use the Gitzo 1540 (6x carbon fiber for under $500 in my local shop). It's a little over 2 lbs after taking out the center column and can hold up to 17 lbs. I use it with the Manfrotto grip action ballhead listed in the accessories below.
Gitzo 1540 on B&H
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06/14/2007 03:56:25 PM · #11 |
Not sure if this will hold the weight you want, but it holds my Canon xti and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS. It is very compact, very easy to setup, is rather cheap, doesn't need a separate head. Can hold 4.4lbs. (I think it can really support more if it's reasonably balanced) I think there is a carbon fiber version also.
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/333974-REG/Slik_611862_Sprint_Pro_Tripod_with.html
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06/14/2007 04:01:47 PM · #12 |
Responding to several questions:
I'm looking for a fully extending tripod that collapses to a small enough size to put on the outside of my pack (not the case now).
For a zoom lens, I'm still researching, but I'm looking at either a 300mm L series lens that I can buy the 2x extender for, or maybe a 100-400mm one.
I'm not too concerned about the weight issue if it is compact or if I can attach it to my pack. The problem with my current tripod is that it does not collapse to a small enough size to fit on my pack so the weight is awkward to carry. A few extra pounds that are awkward to hold become a burden over the course of a long day in the backcountry when you already have 40-50 pounds on your back.
From what I'm reading, it sounds like I should be willing to spend a bit more on the tripod. I guess it makes sense because a good tripod can enable you to get better photos from a given lens. Money is not the main issue, I just figured that I should invest most heavily in lens quality. It sounds like I should look for a tripod in the $500-$800 range. |
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06/14/2007 04:13:10 PM · #13 |
I have this manfrotto model and I love it. It goes hiking everywhere with me and has gone traveling around the world.
With this manfrotto head, its compact size is a little under 24 inches. It extends high enough for me (6'2") to usually not need to stick up the neck, and it also has a removable center column so you can get it about 3 or 4" off of the ground. Very stable with every camera I've used it with, currently I have a 5D with 24-105 f/4L and a 100-400 4.5-5.6L. For a long zoom you'll likely have a tripod ring anyways, which won't be a problem.
ETA: It also comes with a little hand-carrying handle which can come in handy for moving it around shorter distances if you don't want to strap it back in.
Message edited by author 2007-06-14 16:14:04. |
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06/14/2007 04:27:01 PM · #14 |
| I have one from the Amvona (Model number is AT-663S) cost me $1.75 (no one bid on that) + shipping handling, so about $18 but it is very study...I have 70-200L lens and last weekend I used it and it was very stable. Tripod hold it off and did not move during the time. Also this has three rotary nobs, one for left to right, one for up and down and last it has ring for 360' rotation. |
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