Tripod Recommendation

Vonder · Dec 4, 2009

As a programmer, I continually tell my boss he can have any software he wants. He can have it fast, cheap, and reliable. Pick any TWO. So, when I pose this question, I'm looking for:

Small size & weight
Sturdy
Cheap

I assume I'll only be able to pick two fo those... or is there a cheap, tiny hiking tripod I can put a 35mm camera on - anything from a Nikon EM to a Canon 1V - and NOT have the thing collapse? Doesn't need to be too tall, I can live with one that goes 36 inches or so.

cmo · Dec 4, 2009

What about this one?

http://www.berlebach.de/?bereich=details&id=271

You might get carbon tripods that are lighter or even cheaper but they are either not that stable or horribly expensive, or both, or they are chinese rip-offs and fall to pieces after your first hiking trip.

Colin Corneau · Dec 4, 2009

A tripod supporting a small 35 won't need to be as heavy or expensive as one that supports MF or a 4x5.

Look for a small to midsize Manfrotto...like an old 095 (iirc) or similar.

Rol_Lei Nut · Dec 4, 2009

An old Gitzo Reporter isn't that much heavier than new carbon legs, is affordable used and very sturdy and durable.
I have two (in two different places) which I couple to some modern Manfrotto heads.
I've been looking for years, but haven't found a carbon set that seemed worth its price compared to that setup.

BTW: With a Manfrotto 460MG head, the Gitzo Reporter weighs 1.7 Kg.

Another option is a monopod: Decent and long enough ones can weigh as little as 0.3 Kg.

There are also some good "tabletop" tripods: I recently got a Manfrotto one which I even used with my Pentax 6x7 (yes, a bit absurd, not rock steady, but did work) and is very stable with more reasonably sized cameras. The Leica one is also supposed to be very good.

jphendren · Dec 4, 2009

I use a Gitzo GT0530; this tripod weighs 1.6 pounds without a head, but can support up to 11 pounds. I have had a Canon 1Ds Mark II with a 24-70mm f/2.8L USM attached, this is a fairly heavy combo, but the little GT0530 handles it with ease. I however would recommend that you use an L-Plate with any lightweight tripod, as flopping a camera into the vertical will throw the tripod off balance. The GT0530 has been replaced by the GT0531, I'm not sure what the difference is as they look identical to me.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569082-REG/Gitzo_GT0531_GT0531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html#specifications

Jared

Ken Nadvornick · Dec 4, 2009

How about this guy?

One of the best small tripods ever made, I think. And very affordable. Comes with a very nice bag, too.

Ken

jmcd · Dec 4, 2009

Some weight in a tripod is a good thing if you want sharp photos, I am sure. "Small camera, big tripod."

Larry.Manuel · Dec 4, 2009

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

see my contribution, post #8. Further: One might assume that this Manfrotto 7322YSHB isn't suitable for 30+ second exposures. I have proof that it is. I made a night Rolleicord exposure of a rural mailbox festooned with solar-powered powered Christmas lights. There's a spider at work in the photo, that I never saw in the middle of the night. The web is razor-sharp.

Mark Fisher · Dec 5, 2009

I always answer these tripod questions because my tripod is my favorite piece of equipment. Of the requirements you show, definitely eliminate cheap. A cheap tripod is usually light and not particularly sturdy (one out of three). I'm a huge fan of the Feisol carbon tripods. Yes, they are Chinese made, but very well made and very reasonably priced for the quality. I'd also recommend a nice ball head. I am fond of my Kirk ball head (made in Indiana) because it is reasonably priced, well made and light (three out of three!). If this is out of your range, wait or sell some equipment. A good tripod and head is at least as important as good glass.

Denis R · Dec 5, 2009

cheap is a relative term

induro tripods

a monopod will not hold itself up

Chaplain Jeff · Dec 5, 2009

Hello,

Gitzo's ain't cheap! Consider a Monfrotto. If you go to their website - or even something like BH Photo - the descriptions will tell you how much weight each set of legs / head is designed to handle.

Get the cheapest Monfrotto / Bogen setup that'll hold you biggest lens.

Laurent · Dec 5, 2009

Larry.Manuel said:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

see my contribution, post #8. Further: One might assume that this Manfrotto 7322YSHB isn't suitable for 30+ second exposures. I have proof that it is. I made a night Rolleicord exposure of a rural mailbox festooned with solar-powered powered Christmas lights. There's a spider at work in the photo, that I never saw in the middle of the night. The web is razor-sharp.

I looked at these for my Rolleiflex... I may do more than looking then ! I'd love a carbn gitzo but would rather spend on film (I already have 2 serious tripods (got rid of 3 in the last year)) than one more tripod.

At the moment I'm very happy with a Manfrotto #709B "Digi" (I know... ! It's one more proof that d******l transforms everything : I used the earlier model, which had a separate all head and was not "digi". That one has a crude ball head that's a part of the tripod, I'll try to hack the broken one with this one's legs, simply because the previous head was WAY better). Anyway, after this digression, I can confirm that this table top tripod has one great advantage, which is that I can carry it everywhere, including my daily commute by train. It still can handle the 'Flex for several seconds exposures, and would be as efficient for a 35mm (Not sure for a huge SLR, particularly in Portrait orientation).

matt miller · Dec 5, 2009

Mark Fisher said:
I'm a huge fan of the Feisol carbon tripods....A good tripod and head is at least as important as good glass.

ditto. Feisols are excellent.

A good tripod, especially one you like and will actually carry, will make all the difference.

Peter Schrager · Dec 5, 2009

heck- the slik 500DX(less than $120) kicks butt and is made of 3 different metals
why would you pay more for a piece of equipment than you need to??
it works just fine up to my 5x7 Deardorff!!
Best, Peter

Monophoto · Dec 5, 2009

I use a Sllik U212 with 35mm gear. For LF, I normally use a Tiltall, but the Slik is a bit more convenient when traveling.

jgjbowen · Dec 5, 2009

Have you considered a monopod?

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