Compact tripod

Dinesh · Jul 23, 2007

Can anybody suggest a compact but sturdy tripod for travelling?

It will need to be able to support a 35mm rangefinder with a 35mm lens. Ideally, I would prefer one that has a min./max of approx. 30 cm to 150 cm., folds up to about 30 cm. and is fairly light.

Basically, it needs to be small enough that it won't impair my ability to drink at a pub after an evening of long exposure shooting.

Many thanks in advance.

jd callow · Jul 23, 2007

I suspect that the max height of 150cm is going to be hard to find..

This looks nice but is abit short (33" < 150cm)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/113834-REG/Cullmann_CU_1001_Touring_Set.html

Another nice looking tripod but still short...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/337969-USA/Leupold_56446_Compact_Tripod.html

This would be good as well,
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428996-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_715SHB_715SHB_Short_Digi_Black.html

And another...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...frotto_718SHB_718SHB_Compact_Digi_Tripod.html

All these are kits w/ heads and heads are probably just ok as the kits cost about as much as a head.

Nick Zentena · Jul 23, 2007

Some of the people over the LF forum have been raving about some thing called a Feisol. But it doesn't seem much cheaper then what Harry's sells the Gitzo for when you include shipping from Taiwan.

http://www.feisol.com/english/purchasect.htm

3301 I think.

Roger Hicks · Jul 23, 2007

If you don't mind the price, Gitzo Traveller (which I've tried but can't afford).

Otherwise, Velbon Maxi 343 i or Slik Snapman (Frances and I have both, and have used them for years).

ooze · Jul 24, 2007

As Roger said, the Gitzo Traveller is great; easily fits into a small rucksack. It is pricey, but you pay for it once and use it for decades. I've been using one for a year now - with 35mm and medium format rangefinders and also a Rolleiflex from time to time - and couldn't be happier.

Cheers,
omar

Tom Hoskinson · Jul 24, 2007

Take a look at the Chinese BENRO C-128 n6 Carbon Fiber Tripod. I believe that it meets all of your stated specifications.

I have one and am pleased with it. I am using a small Markins Ball Head on it.

Dinesh · Jul 25, 2007

Thanks for all your replies.

Andy K · Jul 25, 2007

I recently bought a Dead Link Removed tripod. It was designed for lightweight digi cameras, but handles my Bessa kit and F80 no problem. Has a built in spirit level, built in quick release plate, the height requirements you want, is light and folds down quite small.

Ps, the legs open to three different angles and the centre column divides so you can get as low as 17cm from the ground.

polaski · Aug 30, 2007

Maybe go even smaller.

First, Roger, I looked up prices on the Gitzo Traveller. Yikes! If you weren't across the pond, I'd suggest going halves on it.

Dinesh, if you are using a 35mm rangefinder with a 35mm lens, you can go much. much smaller. There are some very decent pocketable tabletop tripods available (including the Manfrotto). These can be used on a tabletop (or top of a bar), against a wall, or as a chestpod.

http://www.panix.com/~rbean/tripod/

There are many varieties, including the Ultrapod, but my most used table top is a generic (now branded Kalt) that quickly deploys and is especislly useful as a chestpod. Check here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/135310-REG/Kalt_NP10120_Pocket_Tripod_with_Ballhead.html

Now, you can really relax at the pub.

Dinesh · Aug 30, 2007

I ended up going with a Manfrotto 725. It was about 100 bucks, compact, light and tall enough for my needs. It can even hold my Hassy in a pinch.

Thanks again to all who took the time to reply.

Cheers!

Compact tripod

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