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09/07/2006 06:20:16 PM · #1 |
| Can anyone recommend a tripod suitable for lugging on hikes, etc. (durable, sturdy, and lightweight)? I presently have a Manfrotto monster that I picked up several years ago, but its not hiking-friendly. Looking for something reasonable yet functional. Thanks in advance for any replies. |
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09/07/2006 07:03:33 PM · #2 |
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09/07/2006 10:30:46 PM · #3 |
| I guess that would help...I'm looking in the neighborhood of $200 to $250. Not knowing what's out there and available, I figured this would be a decent starting point. |
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09/08/2006 11:02:12 AM · #4 |
A photojournalist friend once told me to get a tripod that has four leg sections instead of the normal three. This makes it much more compact for hiking.
I currently have an "outdoor" tripod that I use by FOCAL and it's very lightweight but only has three leg sections. (Garage sale find.) Hope this helps. At least it's something to think about.
*This great little cheapy has what looks like something about Kmart on it...never mind.
Message edited by author 2006-09-08 11:04:22. |
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09/08/2006 11:44:19 AM · #5 |
For tripods, choose two of the following: stable, lightweight, tall.
stable & lightweight: a very short tripod
stable & tall: a big heavy tripod
lightweight & tall: a flimsy but tall and light tripod
I have a big Manfrotto too, and I love it, but I can't fit it in my backpack or camera bag. So I have a smaller 4-section telescoping unit that I take travelling sometimes. It works OK for my SLR cameras, but it is sort of in the "lightweight, but only half tall and half stable" category. It's not fast to use either, because it has no support to tilt the head, only pan and elevation, so I have to loosen the camera mount and twist it 90 degrees so I can switch to portait orientation.
You can probably do better, though, since I only spent about $50-60 on it. If you can get a small head that can tilt, like a little ball-head, go for it. |
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09/08/2006 11:49:38 AM · #6 |
Carbon fiber would be the way to go, but they get expensive for the popular brands like Manfrotto. These sell pretty cheap on Ebay, although I've never used one so can't give you an opinion. I have a Manfrotto 3021 with a grip action ballhead and it's heavier than the carbon fiber tripods, but my Tamrac Expedition 7 backpack supports it nicely. Having a good camera backpack helps a lot while hiking.
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09/08/2006 01:15:08 PM · #7 |
I also recently purchased the "Tamrac Expedition 7" backpack and the Manfrotto carbon-fibre tripod with a ballhead. I put the tripod in my old black nylon bag which has a shoulder strap.
Sometimes I find it easier to carry it on the shoulder strap.
I can easily attach it to the bag. If I put it into the bottom outer pocket, it sticks out about 8 inches above it. It can easily be attached to the side of the back pack, too.
It's lightweight, but sturdy enough for my Nikon D200.
When using longer zoom lenses you can use the backpack as a counterweight. The Mag Fiber tripod comes in a 3 or 4 section models.
There isn't a vertical or any crank, but the center pipe can be unscrewed and put back in horizontally like a boom mike stand. |
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09/08/2006 02:34:58 PM · #8 |
| Just get a compact lightweight model that has a hook to weight it down and carry a plastic bag you can put rocks in to weight it down with. |
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09/08/2006 02:41:12 PM · #9 |
I've bought one of these and actually kinda like it.. If you are on a budget and don't want a filmsy one, get this!
ebay link
edit: comes with a bag
Message edited by author 2006-09-08 14:41:49. |
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09/08/2006 03:00:24 PM · #10 |
I have a manfrotto 3221wn. It's not too bad as far as weight. It's a very sturdy tripod. I also have a manfrotto 3011. It's not as heavy but doesn't do as well as the 3221 on a windy day.
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09/23/2006 08:46:17 AM · #11 |
Thanks for the replies, everyone. I would have thanked everyone sooner, but I was away on vacation rafting through the Grand Canyon. I picked up a carbon fiber tripod (new) off eBay for a really good price. The price was good enough where it was worth taking the chance. It should be arriving early next week.
If anyone's interested, I also picked up a set of new Kenko extension tubes for my Canon 30D for approximately $80 USD, also off eBay. |
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09/23/2006 08:46:59 AM · #12 |
| Make sure its straight when you take the pic! |
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09/23/2006 12:41:18 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by argyle:
If anyone's interested, I also picked up a set of new Kenko extension tubes for my Canon 30D for approximately $80 USD, also off eBay. |
Cool, a lot of fun to be had with extension tubes - and a good reason to use your new tripod. :)
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