The ultimate hiking tripod? - DPChallenge Forums

02/09/2006 01:31:07 AM · #1

Is this the ultimate hiking/trekking tripod?
here

Has anyone here got any experience with the Gitzo 1158T?

I want low weight, high stability, small folded and decent height. plannign on trekking in Nepal for two months. What are the best options out there? Is this the one?

02/09/2006 01:45:09 AM · #2

I have a gitzo carbon fiber without the column. Would not trade it for the world. Also get the magnesium ball head for add weight savings.

Message edited by author 2006-02-09 01:46:08.

02/09/2006 01:50:53 AM · #3

Hi Brent,

Which one do you have?

I'm struggling to find any decent reviews on Gitzo's light-weight tripods.

02/09/2006 02:17:16 AM · #4

Originally posted by PaulE:

Hi Brent,

Which one do you have?

I'm struggling to find any decent reviews on Gitzo's light-weight tripods.

I'll check, brb.

02/09/2006 02:19:49 AM · #5

1348 with a 1576M head. It's more than enough for me.

02/09/2006 02:20:38 AM · #6

Thanks - much appreciated.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

02/09/2006 02:21:53 AM · #7

I opted for the bigger head so it could handle more camera weight.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

02/09/2006 03:13:56 AM · #8

Originally posted by PaulE:

Is this the ultimate hiking/trekking tripod?
here

Has anyone here got any experience with the Gitzo 1158T?

It certainly may be light in the pack, but it weighs even heavier in the pocketbook.

I wonder how carbon fiber is for dampening vibration from sources such as the wind.

Rikki

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/09/2006 03:20:48 AM · #9

I have the Giottos MT8180 Carbon Fiber tripod with a center column. Even though it comes with a tripod head, I opted to get the Bogen ballhead with a quick release plate. It has a center column so I can get pretty low in those close up shots where I have to shoot down directly on the subject.

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

02/09/2006 06:20:45 AM · #10

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

02/09/2006 10:23:09 AM · #11

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

Originally posted by PaulE:
Is this the ultimate hiking/trekking tripod?
here

Has anyone here got any experience with the Gitzo 1158T?

It certainly may be light in the pack, but it weighs even heavier in the pocketbook.

I wonder how carbon fiber is for dampening vibration from sources such as the wind.

As good as any other.

Flash

Nikon D700

02/09/2006 11:58:35 AM · #12

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

It certainly may be light in the pack, but it weighs even heavier in the pocketbook.

Not sure Olyuzi how much backpacking you've done nor what gear you have. My experience is that lightweight = expensive. There are many styles of backpackers, minimalists, comfort kings/queens, and those in between. I know some minimalists who relish long distance hiking and even cut their toothbrush in half to save an ounce or 2. Photography and backpacking is truly an oxymoron as camera gear by the very nature of the weight of "glass" is prohibitive to many serious backpackers. Most photographers that carry gear "a-field" do it temporarily (like daily) rather than weeks at a time, burdened also with shelter, water purification, stove/fuel, plus food. 60 pound packs can be very common and in those cases a carbon fiber tripod is a godsend.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

02/09/2006 01:02:53 PM · #13

Originally posted by Flash:

Originally posted by Olyuzi:
It certainly may be light in the pack, but it weighs even heavier in the pocketbook.

Not sure Olyuzi how much backpacking you've done nor what gear you have. My experience is that lightweight = expensive. There are many styles of backpackers, minimalists, comfort kings/queens, and those in between. I know some minimalists who relish long distance hiking and even cut their toothbrush in half to save an ounce or 2. Photography and backpacking is truly an oxymoron as camera gear by the very nature of the weight of "glass" is prohibitive to many serious backpackers. Most photographers that carry gear "a-field" do it temporarily (like daily) rather than weeks at a time, burdened also with shelter, water purification, stove/fuel, plus food. 60 pound packs can be very common and in those cases a carbon fiber tripod is a godsend.

*****

I've done quite a bit of backpacking and bicycle touring to realize just how important light weight is in the field. I have a big problem carrying my current gear, even for local photo-ops as I don't own a car and commute everywhere by bicycle. Between a very heavy backpack (that holds my all metal camera and main lens, battery grip, extra batteries and filters), a fannie pack that holds two other lenses, and an extra lens pouch that holds a heavy 7" long telephoto lens, when I sling my 6 lbs. tripod over my shoulders in it's bag, I look and feel like a pack mule :). I would love nothing more than to carry a carbon fiber tripod to lessen the load, and realize how light and strong they are, but unfortunately it's beyone my means for now. Unfortunately, in the many years that carbon fiber has been around, it doesn't seem that those products have come down a lot in price. :(

Carbon fiber bicycle frames are also made and would love to have one of those as well, but they too are very expensive.

Thanks for responding :)

agenkin

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

Nikon MF Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 AIS

02/09/2006 01:05:18 PM · #14

I currently don't have a tripod, but am looking around for one. I do a lot of multi-day hiking, so weight is as important for me as sturdiness. I'm interested to know what you decide to get and to your impressions from the combo.

From what I read, many people recommend the Kirk BH-3 head, which is relatively light and very steady. For legs, I often read praises for Feisol 3301 and 3401 carbon tripods. Take this only as pointers: I have not tried any of these myself.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/09/2006 01:15:11 PM · #15

I use the UltrapodII and love it. It doesn't have the height, but it does have a lashing strap, so you can strap it to your treking pole, and whalla, it's a monopod. it can also be lashed to a tree branch, fence...

Works great for me because when I hike I'm a hiker first so I don't setup the tripod often. On the rare occasions I do use it this has always done the job one way or another.

edit to add, I know this looks like a walmart cheapy tripod (and is only $14), but it's not crap. I've used the $5-10 cheapy ones you see everywhere and this is worlds better then those.

Message edited by author 2006-02-09 13:19:12.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

02/09/2006 06:14:24 PM · #16

My backpacking tripod is the Gitzo 026 with Giottos MH-1001 ballhead. The tripod has outlived about six heads and has been a faithful companion for thousands of treking miles, from Mt. Katadin in Maine to the jungles of Honduras.

It's no longer being made, but the G-1001 looks like the same tripod. Ditch the center column and bolt the head platform with a 3/8" case hardened bolt. I've made 5 hour exposures with it (with a fairly heavy Nikon F3), and has even supported my Bronicas in a pinch. I'm sure it will still be providing faithful service when I'm worm food.

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

02/09/2006 06:22:20 PM · #17

I never buy a tripod with a center column. Waste of time and money. Much more stable mounted directly to the sticks.

nsbca7

02/09/2006 06:42:41 PM · #18

Originally posted by PaulE:

I would say for added stability and versatility (and 2 more pounds) this tripod might suit you better.

02/09/2006 07:03:57 PM · #19

Here's my tripod

...and the head.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

02/09/2006 07:41:10 PM · #20

my heads...

02/09/2006 08:03:20 PM · #21

Thanks for all the brilliant tips and advice.

I tend to prefer to buy the best first time round as it saves on replacing later. I am currently doing a lot of travel and hiking so I want as light and sturdy as possible. I've decided to delay getting a lens in order to make sure I get the right tripod. So, I'm willing to spend; but damn it better be for the right thing.

The Gitzo Explorer range sure is tempting. I looked at the G-2258 in a shop the other day (the only Gitzo dealer in Singapore). Clever things. I though the folded length of 55cm was too large, and it is more than double the weight of the 1158T. The 1155T folds smaller but just isn't sturdy enough for me.

No easy win on the tripod front.

02/09/2006 08:05:58 PM · #22

Originally posted by Brent_Ward:

I never buy a tripod with a center column. Waste of time and money. Much more stable mounted directly to the sticks.

Brent - could you elaborate please. I'd love to understand exactly why you feel this. To my mind the center column gives additonal height without too much additional weight or folded length.