Backpackable Tripods at US$200

[Nodda Duma]

So I have $200 budgeted for a tripod that I can throw in my rucksack when I go on day hikes with the kids, but I'm not up to speed on what tripods are available. I do understand the advice that "you get what you pay for", and if I was independently wealthy or my income depended on it I'd select something like a Gitzo GT1542T. Maybe in the future, but for now I need to stretch the dollars I do have. Problem is, most of the advice in internet searches settle down to stating the above, and I haven't had much luck finding good discussion on tripods at lower price points tailored for film cameras.

So that disclaimer aside, I'm looking for some opinions / feedback on tripods at that price point.


I will try to avoid going into full engineering requirements definition mode, but here is what I'm looking for:

- With legs extended, adequately support a camera and telephoto weighing about 3 lbs (ie something like a Nikon F3 with a 200mm lens).

- It would be desired (but not necessary) to adequately support a Pentax 67 with 75mm f/4.5 lens. This weighs in at just over 5lbs.

- Collapsible to a size small enough to store in a rucksack or carry on bag, but expands to 5 feet in height or better.

- Desire easy use with gloves (it gets cold in New England sometimes). But I don't want to sacrifice stability.

- Desirable additional features: bubble level and center hook / support for adding extra weight at the tripod's CG.



I have spotted a couple tripods that I'm hoping someone has had experience with or can suggest other similar tripods for me to take a look at. So what do you think of these?

MeFOTO GlobeTrotter - Aluminum Legs

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT with SBH100

SLIK Pro 700DX with 3-way pan/tilt head.

I have experience with SLIK Pros at work and really like them, but using it reminds me of work (boo) and I want to get some experience with non-SLIK tripods. My finger is hovering over the "GET IT" button on the MeFOTO, but I'd like some input from those who may have used these before or can suggest other tripods I haven't listed to take a look at.

Thanks!
Jason

 

[Alan9940]

Hello Jason,

I have a MeFOTO tripod--not the one you're referring to--and I really like it for small cameras. I have no experience with either of the other two. I will caution you, though, that no $200 tripod with the specs as outlined in your post will adequately support a Pentax 67 with any lens attached. You need a good, solid (read generally expensive) tripod for this camera.

Good luck!

Best regards,
AlanH

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I think what you're looking for can be done IF you don't want carbon-fiber as a requirement. I have an Induro in aluminum that will support my Rolleiflex adequately (not well, but adequately), gets up to about 5' with center column extended, weighs piffle (that's a technical term!) and folds up quite compactly. It cost $99. They have a beefier model for around $150. The Induros are twist-lock legs so they may not be the best for winter-time use when you're wearing gloves or mittens. Looking around on the B&H website, there is actually a Manfrotto carbon-fiber that prices in under $200 and has flip-lock legs.

 

[clar260]

I can't say enough good things about my Sirui (http://www.amazon.com/Sirui-T-025X-...&ie=UTF8&qid=1443199065&sr=1-2&keywords=sirui) which I use with my Hassy. With a 200mm telephoto it might be tippy though.

 

[Nodda Duma]

Thanks. I mentioned the Pentax in case there is a magical tripod out there for under $200. In engineering speak it's called an objective..i.e. "Wishful thinking"

Really I just want to mount my Nikons, and maybe 200mm is a stretch too. Ok, because I don't have anything longer than 85 at the moment. I'll just limit my focal lengths on this tripod to maybe what, 135?


I'll check out the Siriu, and I had been looking at Induro but couldn't figure out what head to satisfactorily pair it up with and stay under $200.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Please buy this and lemme know if it's junk. It appears to be a blatant copy of the Mefoto Globetrotter. The photos make it look like a quality item.

 

[bernard_L]

+1 on Sirui. I bought for ~200€ a carbon fiber tripod that weights 700g, including the head. You probably want something stronger, but it seems that the strength/weight/price compromise of Sirui is hard to beat.

 

[Nodda Duma]

Please buy this and lemme know if it's junk. It appears to be a blatant copy of the Mefoto Globetrotter. The photos make it look like a quality item.

At $70 I'd be tempted, but I just can't get past the Model #. Silly I know...just call me old-fashioned.

 

[Sirius Glass]

You can get a carbon fiber tripod with a ball head or other head for less than that from Induro. I did.

http://www.indurogear.com/

 

[coigach]

This old thread might be helpful...?
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Nodda Duma]

Has the build quality of Manfrottos gone down over the past decade or so?

 

[coigach]

Don't think so. I've an old alu one and 2 more recent carbon ones, both of which have been heavily used and are as good as the day I bought them. I've actually owned a Gitzo carbon before too, and reckon the Manfrotto's are better quality. (I think nowadays Manfrotto actually own Gitzo, maybe other posters can confirm this??)

 

[Nodda Duma]

After several beers I went with the MeFoto. I'll post how it works out. We have a trip to the Flume Gorge planned and I'm going to try and meet up with some fellow APUGers at some sand dunes down in MA. So I have some opportunities to test it when it arrives.

I want to try the others too. The Siriu and the blatant knockoff.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

I've seen a couple reviews of the Road Trip and they were good. basically said nice but not a professional level unit.

 

[ritternathan]

Last year I was in the same situation, looking for a tripod that I could put in/on my backpack without adding an extra 8 lbs. I ended up getting an Oben, a house brand of B&H.

Oben CT-2361
17.6 lb Load Capacity | 60" Maximum Height
Lightweight - Weighs Only 2.40 lb | 6x Carbon Fiber Legs & Center Column

I use it for my Nikon, my medium format, and my 4x5 camera that is 4lbs w/a lens. It works, it's light, and I can carry it everywhere. Last year around Nov. they gave a discount on most of the models.

 

[davedm]

Please buy this and lemme know if it's junk. It appears to be a blatant copy of the Mefoto Globetrotter. The photos make it look like a quality item.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r.../ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00L4RMRMM

It seems that it only looks like a MeFOTO.

 

[mesantacruz]

Please buy this and lemme know if it's junk. It appears to be a blatant copy of the Mefoto Globetrotter. The photos make it look like a quality item.

I actually did buy this tripod. I have a sturdy gitzo, which i can use with my mamiya b67 camera easily. This other tripod:

the one i bought, at 69.99,

i can place my mamiya rb67 camera on this cheap tripod, but it is not as stable. One of the legs does double up as a monopod, which is very ingenious. I think IF this tripod was a gitzo tripod, it would command a price at least 5x's as much. it's very lightweight, and on long-distance hiking would make a big difference. Can you feel a difference in quality? yes, and that is reflected in the price. Want a better tripod buy a gitzo. Not ready, buy this, either you'll be happy with it, or you'll move on quickly and keep this as a backup. Honestly, it's not much for a tripod with these specs.

If you need a backpacking tripod, buy this tripod, but find it on amazon (no questions asked return policy).
Aliexpress has my support as well, but i would look on amazon first.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r.../ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00L4RMRMM

It seems that it only looks like a MeFOTO.

You cherry picked a review to suit you post. The majority were positive reviews. Suprising but true.

 

[Mick Fagan]

I have this unit as my ultra light back packing tripod, bought it last year or at the start of this year.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RWYMHQW?psc=1

Mine came from mainland China, not sure where this comes from, but it is the same name and number as mine and looks the same.

It weighs 1.34kg ready to go (on my scales) and has a maximum height of 155cm or maybe a fraction more.

It can and does hold my F3 with anything up to my 135 2.8 very easily. The 180 2.8 is a bit front heavy, surprisingly the 300 4.5 with its tripod collar works well as long as I don't have the motor drive attached.

I can use the F3 with a drive attached, as long as I keep things no longer than the 105 2.5 at a pinch, the 85 1.4 works reasonably well. Both of these lenses work very well without a drive attached.

It really is a super light and super compact tripod being just 35cm in length when packed down. I don't think there is anything else available that is so compact when packed, that gives the height this one does.

Mick.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Thank you. That all started as a joke. But since it's a decent piece (of course no Manfrotto but.....) and I don't use one often I may pick one up.

 

[Mark Fisher]

If you can go $10 higher, I'd very highly recommend a 4 section Feisol from Kerry Thalmann at reallybigcameras.com. I have the smallest 4 section he carries and it is my regular tripod. If I unscrew the head, it fits in a carry on. I can carry it strapped onto a daypack too. I've used it successfully with a 4x5 and a Hasselblad with up to a 250mm lens. It is also easy to dissemble for cleaning when needed. If this is still too expensive (it doesn't include a head), I'd get a used, old Manfrotto/Bogen/Gitzo aluminum tripod and save your pennies for a new carbon tripod.

 

[davedm]

You cherry picked a review to suit you post. The majority were positive reviews. Suprising but true.

Martin,

I did cherry pick the review, but not to show that it is low quality but it was the only one comparing it to MeFoto which it is supposed to mimic. And since none of the members here had direct experience with both the tripods. Yes 73% reviews are 5 Star but none referred to MeFoto and that is the point I was looking for. Only reason I posted that here was that it might help someone and not to reduce value of your posting in any way.


As a matter of fact after you posted that link, I was tempted to buy the tripod so I checked aliexpress review and they were mostly positive. Then I checked out a youtube review of its carbon fiber sibling Q-666c. The guy reviewing said that he was comfortable using only for M4/3 system and for SLR he preferred his induro. Thereafter I went on to amazon and checked most popular/helpful reviews but since none mentioned MeFoto I checked other reviews. I was looking for reviews that said for 30% money this is 90% (or X%) the same tripod as MeFoto. In the end I stuck to buy more sturdy tripod as I already have an inexpensive Benro tripod.

Best,