Backpacking Tripod

[coigach]

I'm looking for a lightweight full-height 4 section tripod solely for mountain trips. It's only going to be used with my Mamiya 7II with wide lens, and will be mounted on a Manfrotto 494RC2 Mini-ball.

(For comparison, I use a Manfrotto 055CXPro3 on a Manfrotto hydrostatic ball for my Pentax 67II + lenses up to 150mm (huge + heavy) + my Fotoman 617 panoramic. I use these cameras + this tripod/head combo for most of my landscape photos, but intend to use the Mamiya + 4 section tripod solely for long mountain trips where weight is critical).

Any suggestions? I have considered a Manfrotto 190CXPro4 but am open to ideas.

Cheers,
Gavin

 

[CGW]

The early Manfrotto Carbon One 440/441 might work. They show up occasionally on the big auction site. Have the 440 and use it whenever the size and extra weight of the 055 doesn't work. They're nicely made and feature the vertical/horizontal center post option. They're not cheap but might come in under the carbon 190.

 

[Klainmeister]

Ha! that's practically exactly my setup coigach! I got the Induro CT113 for $180 of ebay (total steal) and can say without a doubt it's just as good as my friends Gitzo mountaineer 6x. The one I got is three section and can support 17.6lbs. I think you could get away with a CT0114 and shave another .5lbs because this thing is rock solid. Highly recommended. And seriously, I don't know what Induro did, but this thing totally surpassed my expectations.

Cheers

 

[Jeff Bannow]

We use a Feisol and really like it. Great carbon fiber legs for the price.

 

[ArtTwisted]

I have nothing but positives to say about Induro Carbon Fiber. I have the CT213 model, but in your case the 214 would have 4 legs , but if your not quite as tall as me (im 6ft5) then the 1 series would also be great and it would hold the weight as well. I got the 213 specifically because once I graduate from college (commercial photography) I want to go backpacking, and wanted something that's actually tall enough for me but also light.

 

[edp]

I can say nice things about Feisol if you like.

 

[coigach]

Thanks for replies.

Plumped for the Manfrotto 190CXPro4 in the end - have been very pleased with my 055CXPro3 to date, and I like the leg locking system better than a screw-lock type system.

Interested to read of +ve experiences with the Induro, UK prices pretty steep though.

Will be using the tripod this weekend with a trip up Cul Mor, a mountain in the northwest highlands of Scotland if the weather is ok...(never something to be taken for granted in Scotland at any time of the year !)

 

[Mark Fisher]

If you can order from the US, Kerry Thalmann sells the Feisol tripods and I have the smallest 4 section and it is light and I use it for a Hasselblad. Great legs for the price.

 

[Hikari]

The early Manfrotto Carbon One 440/441 might work. They show up occasionally on the big auction site. Have the 440 and use it whenever the size and extra weight of the 055 doesn't work. They're nicely made and feature the vertical/horizontal center post option. They're not cheap but might come in under the carbon 190.

I use a 441 with a Mamiya 6 in the mountains. Perfect tripod. I updated mine with the short center column. I have an Arca Swiss P0 ball head on it which was recently upgraded from a Velbon magnesium ball head (also very good and light).