Looking for a lightweight tripod for 35mm

[bmac]

I'm looking for suggestions for a lightweight tripod for 35mm. It would need to be strong enough for a pro sized 35mm body and a 70-200 lens. I am leaning towards Carbon Fiber. Any suggestions?

 

[Jeremy]

The bogen 3032 is really light and will work for a pro body with 70-200 f/2.8. I have used it with a Nikon D2H and 80-200 f/2.8 AF-S on a bogen ball head.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The relatively recently introduced Giottos tripods look very attractive. My old Tiltall is developing some alignment problems, and I'm thinking about this one to replace it--

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=296580&is=REG

 

[Jim Moore]

Bogen/Manfrotto Carbon One 3444/440

Brian,

I have this one and love it. Although not made for it I have used it with my 8x10 with good results.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30095&item=3861946465&rd=1

Jim

 

[Bob F.]

The relatively recently introduced Giottos tripods look very attractive. My old Tiltall is developing some alignment problems, and I'm thinking about this one to replace it--

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=296580&is=REG

I was looking at that one too, but then I saw the weight: 2.6kg/5.7lb - nearly a kilo/2lb heavier than a similar Manfrotto/Bogen or Gitzo. The ability to mount the centre column at an angle is interesting though.

Another tripod that allows very versatile positioning of the camera is the Benbo (Dead Link Removed) - does not fold down very small though. Seems to be quite popular with 35mm & MF nature shooters in the UK - have not used one myself though (for some reason the cost in the UK is nearly twice the US price...).

 

[bmac]

I'm actually looking for something that I can strap to the back of my Nature Trekker AW II, and an extra 2lbs would make a big difference after a day out at the coast.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Yes, I've always been attracted to the Benbo, but it seems a little unwieldy. The Giottos seems to function more like a normal tripod, plus you get the adjustable lateral arm. I believe you can also remove the center column and mount the camera on the top plate, and use it without a head (I think you can tilt and pan, but not level left to right this way), which suits my two Gowland cameras fairly well.

I handled the Carbon One at B&H and it seemed too light to me.

 

[Wally H]

I have one of the Carbon One tripods... while I do like it for it's light weight, it is so light that sometimes the camera weight itself can cause some unstable moments... in particular, in the wind... I've lost it once to wind that I don't think would have upset other 'normally' weighted tripods...

 

[Nick Zentena]

Yes, I've always been attracted to the Benbo, but it seems a little unwieldy. The Giottos seems to function more like a normal tripod, plus you get the adjustable lateral arm. I believe you can also remove the center column and mount the camera on the top plate, and use it without a head (I think you can tilt and pan, but not level left to right this way), which suits my two Gowland cameras fairly well.

I handled the Carbon One at B&H and it seemed too light to me.

I have the 9180. The metal version of the 8180. It's only 1lb heavier then the 8180 but about 1/2 the price.
The column can be removed and the built in head used. It's great with a waist level finder. I'm not a big fan of the leg locks.

 

[Les McLean]

Brian, The Gitzo G1349 with G1276 head is the one that I had when we were together on Big Sur last year, it's not too heavy, very stable and will take a medium format too.

 

[ann]

i have a Gitzo, i will have to check which version as i just don't remember off the top of my head. It's weight is 2lbs. expensive but well worth it at the end of the day my body is very thankful.

well get back to you with the model number.

 

[jim kirk jr.]

I have a Bogen Tracker tripod with a 3030 pan/tilt head.I think it's about 5lbs. in weight.Not a lightweight but it can handle anything 35mm with just about any lens I've
ever had(largest: Sigma 170-500mm)even in rough winds and freezing temps.

 

[bmac]

I went with the Carbon On 3444. The second one arrived today (first one was broken in transit). Now I am on the hunt for a light weight low profile ball head for it. Can't wait to try it out in the field.

 

[Helen B]

I have the 440 / 3444 as my lightweight tripod as well. It must be about five years old now and so far there is no sign of slipping locks - something to watch out for on carbon fibre tripods etc. I hang my bag from it to give it a bit of weight. After using it with the 3473 magnesium 3-D head I swapped to the 322RC2 grip action ball head which is heavier but very convenient. I'm happy to use the outfit for 35 mm and MF, but prefer not to extend the lowest leg sections or the centre column.

Best,
Helen

 

[Claire Senft]

Marching to the tune of a different drummer

I believe that weight is an asset in a tripod as is extreme strength...particularly for the best quality 35mm work. If i had the money and I would get either an A or J series Reis tripod or even a C series with an appropriate head. Not having that amount of money I got a Majestic tripod designed for 8x10 usage and have been absolutely satisfied with it. To get the best use out of it I have an eye attached to the bottom of the center post. I use a very strong bungee cord with it attached to the foot pad. I lock my mirror up and apply the full force of all my lard downward on the foot pad when taking a photo. I will not reveal my weight but it is well in excess of what any camera bag is likely to carry and would quickly kill a lesser tripod.. To do something like this will startle you with the resolving power of what fine grained 35mm can accomplish with a quality lens that is in proper focus. I know you wanted something light. Well I want to turn you into a bodybuilding champion who takes extremely sharp photos.

If you go to the Carl Zeiss website(www.carlzeiss.de) and go thru the older issues of camera lens news you will see their opinion on a tripod for high resolution photography. They recommend a set of Sachtler carbon fiber legs that weigh 7.5 pounds with a carrying capacity of 202 pounds with a Sachtler video head that weighs 18 pounds. I can contemplate carrying 25 pounds. My problem is that in looking this equipment up at B&H is that it cost approximately $6500.00 I came to the conclusion that if I ever had an extra $6500 I would use it as a down payment on a 300mm 2.8 Apo-Tessar in Contax mount.

 

[bmac]

the majestic doesn't really fit the topic of this post "Looking for a lightweight tripod for 35mm" I've already got a heavy tripod for studio use, this one is for hiking.