Tiltall tripod but lighter?

Elmarc · Aug 29, 2023

Hello all,
I have been very happy with my original Tiltall tripod/Hasselblad/Rolleiflex combination for many years. However, I'm now looking for something similar but lighter. Is there anything that resembles the practicability of the Tiltall but less heavy to carry for long periods?
Any recommendations much appreciated.

Helge · Aug 29, 2023

Elmarc said:
Hello all,
I have been very happy with my original Tiltall tripod/Hasselblad/Rolleiflex combination for many years. However, I'm now looking for something similar but lighter. Is there anything that resembles the practicability of the Tiltall but less heavy to carry for long periods?
Any recommendations much appreciated.

Tiltall is pretty damn light. that's what sold it. I'm not a particular big fan of carbon fibre, but there are many Tiltall clones made in that material.

Nicholas Lindan · Aug 29, 2023

Carbon fiber tripods are lighter. Pay your money, take your pick.

Elmarc · Aug 29, 2023

Helge said:
Tiltall is pretty damn light. that's what sold it. I'm not a particular big fan of carbon fibre, but there are many Tiltall clones made in that material.

Yes, I used to consider it light but unfortunately no longer..
I searched before posting but could not find any actual clones.

Helge · Aug 29, 2023

Elmarc said:
Yes, I used to consider it light but unfortunately no longer..
I searched before posting but could not find any actual clones.

Have lugged around a carbon pod? Anything gets heavy and cumbersome after a while.

Rolleiflexible · Aug 29, 2023

One idea: I have a Feisol carbon fiber monopod with folding feet. With a small Leofoto ball head on top, the whole thing weighs under two pounds. With the feet folded up, it makes a good walking stick for hikes.

It is far from perfect. It moves in a breeze. But it's stable enough for a Rolleiflex. If you're looking for something that will help steady your camera and won't weigh you down, it's hard to beat.

Nokton48 · Aug 29, 2023

I have a couple of the Star D's, they are similar to my Tiltalls, and they are lighter in weight.

_T_ · Aug 29, 2023

It's difficult to help you with so little information about what you're looking for. I'm assuming for starters that you're talking about the old aluminum tiltall tripods with the built in 3 way head. Those weigh in at about 2.8kg and have a nominal load capacity of 20kg.

There are quite a few options that would be significantly lighter and just as capable but one of the biggest factors in making a suggestion is going to be your budget.

Elmarc · Aug 29, 2023

_T_ said:
It's difficult to help you with so little information about what you're looking for. I'm assuming for starters that you're talking about the old aluminum tiltall tripods with the built in 3 way head. Those weigh in at about 2.8kg and have a nominal load capacity of 20kg.

There are quite a few options that would be significantly lighter and just as capable but one of the biggest factors in making a suggestion is going to be your budget.

Yes, I was referring to the original aluminium three way head model. The tripod will only be supporting a Hasselblad 500 or Rolleiflex.
I have no experience with carbon tripods but I see that the Gitzo mountaineer is almost the same weight as the Tiltall for example. So maybe I am looking for something that doesn't exist regarding significant reduction in weight and being equally as capable?
I haven't looked at the tripod world since I bought the Tiltall decades ago...

_T_ · Aug 29, 2023

It’s the opposite problem actually. There are so many tripods that fit the bill that you’re going to be inundated with options. But if we know the max you’re willing to spend it would really narrow down the field

Elmarc · Aug 29, 2023

Ideally the most affordable that would be as capable as what I have now. Does 500€ used sound realistic?

_T_ · Aug 29, 2023

That’s pretty tight for what you’re looking for but you could make it work. At that point your only option for legs is a feisol. There’s a couple options in that range that weigh just a little more than 1kg so they’re definitely going to be light enough. And they’re stable enough for your needs, but the cost is going to make the budget for a 3 way head very limited. You may have to look at used heads to make it work.

I’m seeing the feisol ct-3332 which has a two segment center column. I don’t know if that works for you. It’s also on the short side. Not the most capable one but it’s light and should be about as stable as what you’re used to. Included this in case budget is your primary concern.

Then there’s the feisol ct-3442 or ct-3342. No center column and much taller. Either one should be a better fit for a little bit more money. Just have to decide what features work better for you. They’re pretty similar but either should be able to outperform the tiltall in stability.

As far as the head goes you could save a bit by switching to a decent ball head. It wouldn’t be my personal preference but a 3 way tends to be one of the more costly options.

Rolleiflexible · Aug 30, 2023

Elmarc said:
Does 500€ used sound realistic?

_T_ said:
That’s pretty tight for what you’re looking for but you could make it work. At that point your only option for legs is a feisol. There’s a couple options in that range that weigh just a little more than 1kg so they’re definitely going to be light enough. And they’re stable enough for your needs, but the cost is going to make the budget for a 3 way head very limited. You may have to look at used heads to make it work.

I’m seeing the feisol ct-3332 which has a two segment center column. I don’t know if that works for you. It’s also on the short side. Not the most capable one but it’s light and should be about as stable as what you’re used to. Included this in case budget is your primary concern.

Then there’s the feisol ct-3442 or ct-3342. No center column and much taller. Either one should be a better fit for a little bit more money. Just have to decide what features work better for you. They’re pretty similar but either should be able to outperform the tiltall in stability.

As far as the head goes you could save a bit by switching to a decent ball head. It wouldn’t be my personal preference but a 3 way tends to be one of the more costly options.

The OP is asking for used options. I don't know the used market in the Eurozone but in the US there are plenty of used rigs available below €500. Here, for example: KEH is selling a Gitzo Traveler carbon fiber tripod for US$315:

Gitzo G1158T Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Legs, 4-Section, 16.1-58.7 in.

Gitzo Traveler G1158T Tripod - 16.1" to 58.7" Height - 9.9 lb Load Capacity

www.keh.com

Gitzo legs are among the best out there -- far better than my old Tiltall. The smaller Travelers should be a good fit for the OP. They are sturdy enough for his cameras, and unless he's a basketball player he won't be able to use any added height with a Rolleiflex or a Hasselblad.

removedacct3 · Aug 30, 2023

Elmarc said:
Any recommendations much appreciated.

Have you considered a wooden tripod? From my own experience ... sturdy (very sturdy), light and stylish. Have a look, you may be surprised.

www.berlebach.de

Elmarc · Aug 30, 2023

_T_ said:
That’s pretty tight for what you’re looking for but you could make it work. At that point your only option for legs is a feisol. There’s a couple options in that range that weigh just a little more than 1kg so they’re definitely going to be light enough. And they’re stable enough for your needs, but the cost is going to make the budget for a 3 way head very limited. You may have to look at used heads to make it work.

I’m seeing the feisol ct-3332 which has a two segment center column. I don’t know if that works for you. It’s also on the short side. Not the most capable one but it’s light and should be about as stable as what you’re used to. Included this in case budget is your primary concern.

Then there’s the feisol ct-3442 or ct-3342. No center column and much taller. Either one should be a better fit for a little bit more money. Just have to decide what features work better for you. They’re pretty similar but either should be able to outperform the tiltall in stability.

As far as the head goes you could save a bit by switching to a decent ball head. It wouldn’t be my personal preference but a 3 way tends to be one of the more costly options.

Thank you for the recommendations T.
I took a look at the Feisol site.
I was unaware of them until now.
I don't think they have distribution in the EU but I have sent them an email to confirm.

Elmarc · Aug 30, 2023

Rolleiflexible said:
The OP is asking for used options. I don't know the used market in the Eurozone but in the US there are plenty of used rigs available below €500. Here, for example: KEH is selling a Gitzo Traveler carbon fiber tripod for US$315:

Gitzo G1158T Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Legs, 4-Section, 16.1-58.7 in.

Gitzo Traveler G1158T Tripod - 16.1" to 58.7" Height - 9.9 lb Load Capacity

www.keh.com

Gitzo legs are among the best out there -- far better than my old Tiltall. The smaller Travelers should be a good fit for the OP. They are sturdy enough for his cameras, and unless he's a basketball player he won't be able to use any added height with a Rolleiflex or a Hasselblad.

No, I am not a basketball player
I generally use both cameras with prisms at eye level. Which is in the region of 60"/1.5m. I only use the Tiltals centre column for minor adjustments only. ie: never extended more than 1".

Elmarc · Aug 30, 2023

MrclSchprs said:
Have you considered a wooden tripod? From my own experience ... sturdy (very sturdy), light and stylish. Have a look, you may be surprised.

www.berlebach.de

Good call! I will investigate. Thank you for the link.

Tiltall tripod but lighter?

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