LIGHTWEIGHT tripod including head - advice?

02/18/2006 01:02:46 PM · #1

Hi Folks

I am looking for a tripod that fulfills the following criteria:

LIGHT - Mobility issues mean I really need to keep weight down - 2.5 lb/ 1kg would be OK - I wouldn't want to carry much more than this. I know this impacts sturdiness but I have to be realistic about what I can carry.

PRICE - My budget is Â£100 total for tripod and head together. Don't forget that UK prices are higher than US ones so that Â£100 won't go as far as $170 would in the USA.

HEAD - In an ideal world I'd like a head that features a quick release pad that I can leave attached to my camera body most of the time. I like the ease of use of the 3 way pan/ tilt heads but this is going to make it harder to transport since the tripod is just going to be attached to the outside of my Lowepro backpack. The ballheads arenâ��t as easy to use but are easier to transport/ less likely to get damaged slung on the outside of the backpack.

HEIGHT - although I'm fairly short it would be good to get as much height as possible since hub is 6 foot 6 inches tall and will be using this too.

A search on B&H and Warehouse Express (not intending to buy from B&H but their site is good to narrow down models) suggests the following models â�� would appreciate any input.

Bogen / Manfrotto 714B Digi Tripod with Ball Head and Case
//tinyurl.com/9ln9y
Weight: 2.5 lb
Supports: 5.5 lb
Leg Lock Type: Flip levers
Maximum Height: 162.8 cm
Head: Permanent ball head, fairly basic
Fold size: 44 cm
UK Price: Â£ Â£55 (Warehouse Express sale down from Â£70)

Velbon Ultra MaxiF 3-Way Pan/ Tilt
//tinyurl.com/9qcgx
Weight: 2.1 lb
Supports: 5 lb
Leg Lock Type: Leg twist-lock
Maximum Height: 152.5 cm
Head: 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release)
Fold size: 36cm
UK Price: Â£94 Warehouse Express

Velbon Ultra LUXiF 5-Section Trunnion 3-Way Pan/ Tilt
//tinyurl.com/cyqj5
Weight: 2.9 lb
Supports: 6 lb
Leg Lock Type: Leg twist-lock
Maximum Height: 161 cm
Head: PH-145Q 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release)
Fold size: 39cm
UK Price: Â£103 Warehouse Express/ Â£100 Jacobs

Velbon Ultra LUXiSF 5-Section Trunnion Ballhead
//tinyurl.com/bx55a
Weight: 2.1 lb
Supports: 6 lb
Leg Lock Type: Leg twist-lock
Maximum Height: 123 cm
Head: PH-353 Large Ballhead
Fold size: 34.2 cm
UK Price: Â£94 Warehouse Express

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

02/18/2006 04:10:32 PM · #2

Anyone?
:o)

hdogg4u

Canon EOS-20D

02/18/2006 04:19:57 PM · #3

I would suggest the Bogen model over other ones just because of the quality your going to get. Also ball heads are way better than 3 way pan tilt. Pan tilt can get cumbersome with adjustments where as the ball head is so fast in movement 360 degrees.

I bought the Bogen legs and then I bought the Ball head seperate from Amvona.com they make heads and legs that are like bogen but china made. Works for me pretty good.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

02/18/2006 05:15:09 PM · #4

Thanks Hiral!

Do you really find the ballheads easier to use? I liked the mobility of the Velbon heads but... I am worried that these would be more likely to get damaged slung externally onto my backpack so a ballhead may well make a lot of sense...

Any one else have any comments about their experiences?

faidoi

Pentax K10D

02/18/2006 07:43:37 PM · #5

I bought a Velbon Ultra Max iF 2 weeks ago to take with me to Las Vegas. It is one small and lightweight tripod. Works well with lightweight compacts. Great with the *ist DS (lightweight dSLR :)). Had in in a sweatshirt pocket (pull-over type with single pocket from left to right- head sticking out slightly)

The locking method for legs is different so it takes a couple minutes to figure out. Once you figure it out is seems pretty ingenius. The scary part about the lock method is that you can't just look at it and see that it is locked. You have to test it by pushing down on it to make sure the legs don't collapse in. I didn't encounter this problem once I noticed this. Once locked it seems to stay locked.

Also releasing legs takes more time then other clip and lock models because it doesn't use gravity (take camera off tripod, unlock clips and flip the tripod over method)

The tripod release plate is quite small (smaller then 2 AA batteries side to side) compared to my other tripod. Not sure how well it would work with a larger/weighted camera like the 20D. It's small enough to not even notice it on your camera if you leave it there all the time. The pin to secure it to your camera has a little slot in which you can use a coin to lock it to the camera.

Head works well and swivels smoothly. Never worked with a ball head, so it doesn't matter to me if it has one or not. I have small hands so it works well for me. Those with large hands might feel the handle is too small.

Easily fits in a school backpack or messenger bag. It comes with a shoulder bag with one strap, unfortuantely strap is big enough for across the shoulder. I might just sew a loop onto it so it can be attached to a belt if I feel the need.

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/18/2006 10:05:27 PM · #6

including head ... awesome option. Gotta get me some.

deapee

Kodak V803

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

02/18/2006 11:12:01 PM · #7

Manfrotto 3001BD and 488rc2 -- it's really light, lighter than my old cheaper tripod I had, and very very sturdy and functional.

When I say light, I mean it's not that heavy to me -- My bag probably weighs near 25 pounds fully loaded though, so I dunno.

Anyway, it's worth a look.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

02/19/2006 06:37:18 AM · #8

Thanks folks...
Faidoi, is yours the model with the 3 way pan tilt head with the easy-move levers?

p3wiz

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

02/19/2006 06:39:09 AM · #9

I have the Manfrotto 724B and I'm very happy with it. Also when other photogs see they also comment that they like it also.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

02/19/2006 05:44:44 PM · #10

Originally posted by Kavey:

Thanks folks...
Faidoi, is yours the model with the 3 way pan tilt head with the easy-move levers?

Velbon Ultra MaxiF 3-Way Pan/ Tilt.