Suggestions for a mini/tabletop tripod?

The good folks of APUG have never steered me wrong before, so thought I would check here for everyone's opinions on this... I'm in search of a mini tripod for pinhole work to take with me on my trail runs/fastpacking adventures with my Zero 2000. I've been using a Gorillapod, which works OKAY in sheltered weather or in places where I can anchor it. However, I've been shooting more on windy ridge lines or river banks lately and need a bit more stability. Any recommendations for a tripod or tripod legs (I have a compact 3LT ballhead I really like) with a maximum height of about 12"? Weight and compact size are huge factors but want something that is strong enough so that I can put some weight on it for stability. A couple possibilities I have come across are the RRF Ultra Pocket Pod, Feisol TT-15, Fotopro M4/M5 mini, or Varavon T3. Any thoughts on these or other suggestions? Thanks in advance

I have the Fotopro [mini] and I'm very happy with it, not a problem. It's great when collapse, however is a little bit heavyweight (IMHO). You should take a look at the different specifications to see which fits your needs better anyway

Best regards!

I've been using a tiny little folding Fujica, but found my camera was often really down in the grass. A quick check of Amazon showed a real range of options. I bought this little thing for $7 and it's just right (I wanted something for a small daypack). This one looked appealing as well, but I wanted to be lower. I used terms like "backpack tripod" and "hiking tripod" - "mini tripod" returns a lot of really tiny stuff as well. My camera is a converted Isolette, so weight is really no issue.

LAG said:

I have the Fotopro [mini] and I'm very happy with it, not a problem. It's great when collapse, however is a little bit heavyweight (IMHO). You should take a look at the different specifications to see which fits your needs better anyway

Best regards!

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Hi Lag,

Which Fotopro did you end up getting, the M4 or M5? I think this would be about as big as I could comfortably go with my pacs, but I can should be able to position this to be stable while running. Looks like there are plenty of generic versions of the M5 for about half the price.

M Carter said:

I've been using a tiny little folding Fujica, but found my camera was often really down in the grass. A quick check of Amazon showed a real range of options. I bought this little thing for $7 and it's just right (I wanted something for a small daypack). This one looked appealing as well, but I wanted to be lower. I used terms like "backpack tripod" and "hiking tripod" - "mini tripod" returns a lot of really tiny stuff as well. My camera is a converted Isolette, so weight is really no issue.

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M Carter,

Thank you for the suggestions. I had tried the backpack or hiking tripod search but that turned up thousands of options including many that were far too big. I've mostly been searching for mini or tabletop tripod.

Another option I've come across that looks pretty promising is the Marsace MT-01.

Xia_Ke said:

Hi Lag,

Which Fotopro did you end up getting, the M4 or M5? I think this would be about as big as I could comfortably go with my pacs, but I can should be able to position this to be stable while running. Looks like there are plenty of generic versions of the M5 for about half the price.

Click to expand...

M5

Those versions are not the same, although with very similar aspect.

Leica made a tabletop tripod, with their large ballhead it may have been a bit over 8" tall
but was very solid.
There should be a few on the bay for a looksee.

Novoflex makes a small ball type tripod that is machined with removable legs for adjustability. Holds a lot of weight too IIRC. On my list of things to buy one of these days.

I use a Ultrapod II for my pinhole. It isn't really adjustable, but it works fine for what I am using it for. Cheap and light too.

I don't know if this is what you need, but I have taken the Benro PP1 PocketPod Tabletop Tripod, which I got from B and H for $19, on trips to Ireland and Newfoundland to use with my Reality So Subtle 6x6 and it's done a very nice job. I think I had only one case of it being blown over in the wind, it's not big, but it holds the camera steady, packs up really small, and I personally much prefer a ball head to those removable heads. I haven't tried it on anything heavier, though I would like to see how it does on my Zero Image 6x12. I did also use it as a holder for my Widelux to keep my fingers out of the photo.

John Koehrer said:

Leica made a tabletop tripod, with their large ballhead it may have been a bit over 8" tall
but was very solid.
There should be a few on the bay for a looksee.

Click to expand...

The small Leica ballhead with striped grooves on the ball... is the best. I don't care what tripod you mount it on, get that ballhead.

This is what I use for my Zero Image 2000 (though the ones mentioned earlier seem nicer)

Thanks again everyone for the input. Sadly, I haven't pulled the trigger on anything else yet despite starting this thread over 3 months ago. Still using the Gorillapod for now. For some reason, the last couple of times I sat down to order a tripod, I somehow wound up with another Nikon lens...lol

I have a Manfrotto Pixi. Small, lightweight, has a ball head and is extremely durable. It even holds my Pentax 6x7 with 105mm lens!
It cost me roughly 20€. I really like it although I sometimes would like to have a Gorillapod which I can attach to railings etc.

A good thread! I like to take close shots of little critters or flowers or such, many of which are virtually at ground level. I use either my Pentax LX or - gasp! - Pentax K 5 digital, with the RF converter so I don't lie on my belly. I've been tempted to mount a ball head on a square of plywood, but ignoring the damage to the homes of these little things the weight and bulk of this kludge would be a drawback.