Tripod for hiking with Hasselblad 500c

John Galt · Apr 30, 2017

Looking for a reasonable quality tripod for hiking with my Hasselblad. Can't afford the carbon fiber ones . . trying to keep it to less than $200, hoping to find something used. Will be used mostly for landscape work. So, weight is important, don't want to be humping a 7lb+ tripod strapped to my backpack. Educate me, Thanks!

chassis · Apr 30, 2017

I use an aluminum Bogen, cost less than $150 on craiglist, included a 3047 head. This works for a Mamiya RB67 and I wouldn't hesitate to hike with it for any length of time.

This is the tripod leg set I have. The featured ball head is rated for 17 pounds, should do nicely for your Hassy rig. Priced right at $45. The whole setup is over 7 lbs.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/pho/6111526404.html

Look around for a Velbon tripod. Some are very light, very inexpensive, however I'm not sure how stable they would be with a medium format camera and a heavy Zeiss.

bdial · Apr 30, 2017

My favorite is a Thalhammer which is a wooden tripod designed like the tripods used by cinematographers. A bit obscure, but available on ebay inexpensively. Holds a Hasselblad easily, and not especially heavy.
For compact sizing, a Gitzo Reporter or similar works well.

Vaughn · Apr 30, 2017

I think you just missed out:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I just bought one of the smaller ones (024) for my Rolleiflex -- goes up to 4' w/o using the center column...which is perfect for a waist-level finder on the Rollei.

Richard Man · Apr 30, 2017

Hasselblad is relatively light weight, comparing to the dSLR with long lens so most "travel" tripod would work, and $200 is pretty good budget for that. I just picked up a FLM CP-26-Travel but it's twice your budget and probably overkill (I will be using it mainly with the 4x5 and the Hasselblad). I highly recommend Benro for reasonable price and quality, but there are other good brands as well... Get a good head, that makes a big difference too. I like the Arca Swiss system. All my cameras are equipped with it. Rock solid.

permnation · Apr 30, 2017

Desmond DCF-432 Traveller Tripod Legs 4 Section 69" I have one of these. After seeing the the Photo Clam thread, I wonder if Desmond is a knock-off. I hope not, but either way it works great.

Sirius Glass · Apr 30, 2017

The carbon fiber Induro tripods and heads may just squeeze into your budget. Almost the same as the top bands and a lower price. http://www.indurogear.com/

Vaughn · Apr 30, 2017

bdial said:
My favorite is a Thalhammer ...
For compact sizing, a Gitzo Reporter or similar works well.

Thalhammers -- from the photos, they look quite elegant and beautifully made!

I am using a Gitzo Reporter for my little 4x5...which is probably lighter (with lens) than a Hazzy and lens. It is a nice-size tripod. It has 3 leg sections, so is 25" long -- add two inches for the head. For traveling, 4-leg sections would be nice, but I am tall and I can work with it.

ac12 · May 1, 2017

Craig's List is your friend.

If you have more time than money, estate sales are a potential source.
But estate sales are a roll of the dice. 99+% of the time, they do not anything that you are looking for. However, once in a while you get lucky.
I got a Bogen 3001 and head for $40 at an estate sale. I don't have a scale so can't weight the 3001.
I was at another one that had a Tiltal.

BrianShaw · May 1, 2017

I used a 3001 with a ball head for my Hassy too. Works fine for up to 250mm lens, although that might be pushing it a bit. I think it's 5 lb. but check the specs because that's from recall not a scale.

ctrout · May 1, 2017

I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB that I love and they make a carbon fiber version. The one I have is about 4.5 pounds, while the MT190CXPRO3 (CF version) is about 3.5 pounds. Either one will support up to 15 pounds of gear. The aluminum version is about $170. The CF version is about $350.

I use mine with a Vanguard SBH100 ball head that will support up to 22 pounds. This head has been replaced by another model but can still be found new for around $75.

Sirius Glass · May 1, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
The carbon fiber Induro tripods and heads may just squeeze into your budget. Almost the same as the top bands and a lower price. http://www.indurogear.com/

View attachment 178168

I use the Induro PHQ1tripod head and the Induro CT214 carbon fiber tripod. The prices have gone up and the model tripod that I have is not sold now.

John Galt · May 1, 2017

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful and well informed replies. I will digest all this great feedback and let you know what I do. I really like the idea of a vintage Thalhammer . . . BTW, my Hasselblad has a threaded 1/4" hole on the bottom . . do I use this to mount it to a tripod or t=do I need yo purchase a base plate?

BrianShaw · May 1, 2017

You can mount directly to a tripod head - either a ball head or a 3-way head - but it's a lot easier to buy a quick release and mount that to your tripod head. If you shop eBay carefully you can get one at a good price. If in a rush there are plenty for $$$

BrianShaw · May 1, 2017

BTW, that Thalhammer probably weighs a lot more than you really want to be carrying!

John Galt · May 3, 2017

I love serendipity . . . .

I think I am going with the Benro FTA18CC Travel Angel Series 1, a CF travel tripod. B&H is blowing them out for $179.99 . . .

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157843-REG/benro_fta18cc_travel_angel_9x_carbon.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157843-REG/benro_fta18cc_travel_angel_9x_carbon.html
Thoughts?

Sirius Glass · May 3, 2017

Enjoy

Tripod for hiking with Hasselblad 500c

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