Can anyone suggest a decent, lightweight tripod for backpacking? Thanks.
Posted by Richard Wong on February 21, 2007 at 1:59 AM
I have a Gitzo 1001 weekender tripod. weighs 2 lbs w/ the head. It works fine for most nature stuff with wide angles. Leaves a lot to be desired with a telephoto lens, windy conditions and when there are fences. Even more so now that my legs are damaged by salt water and sand. I want to get the 1126 or 1228 CF legs.
Posted by Matt Thomas on February 21, 2007 at 10:20 AM
What is your budget? This is key, a recommendation is based on several things, cost, weight of your planned camera/lens combo, max weight you want to carry, do you plan on doing macro work? All these things need to be taken into account. I literally spent the last 3 weeks looking at dozens of tripods for backpacking. Give me more info and I will give you a recommendation. Cost is a huge factor.
Posted by Guy Tal on February 21, 2007 at 10:38 AM
I use the Velbon Carmagne 640. It's not as well built as the Gitzos but is light, rigid, and stable, at a much more reasonable price.
Guy
Posted by Steve Foss on February 21, 2007 at 5:40 PM
For backpacking I use an aluminum Manfrotto 724B. It's fairly light, very strong and has an integral ballhead so you don't need to buy a separate head. It's not a supertelephoto tripod. I think it's rated to about eight pounds, but it's excellent and sturdy for landscape work, and it'll easily handle any of the telephoto zooms. I use the Canon 100-400L IS on it all the time. It only costs $100.
Posted by Stacy Egan on February 24, 2007 at 8:08 PM
One option is the Velbon 343E, an extremely lightweight tripod that extends to standard height. This was the first tripod I purchased. It is better than hand-held for sure and enabled me to get longer exposure shots of lightning and flora. I replaced the native ballhead with a more secure one, the Velbon PH-253 which helped, especially for swinging the camera to portrait orientation.
I will second Guy's recommendation of the Velbon Carmagne, I love mine which I now use as my "everyday" tripod. However, I purchased the 3-section leg version (the 630) which is really too long when collapsed for backpacking. For the backpacking trips I have planned for this May and June, I plan to take the Velbon 343E as it is more lightweight, more compact in diameter, and collapses to a shorter length. The trade-off is less stability, less leg position flexibility, and I'm back to screwing the ballhead into the camera instead of the lovely Kirk BH-3 quick-release ballhead I put on my Carmagne.
Posted by Scott Fricke on February 26, 2007 at 10:03 PM
I do quite a bit of backpacking and use the Gitzo G1127MK2 (carbon fiber), which weighs about 2.4 pounds, with a Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead (I think it is just over 1 lb). It can hold about 11.5 pounds. My maximum weight is my Canon 1Ds Mark II, 70-200 2.8L IS, with a 2x converter and I have never had a problem with it.
If an expensive tripod is going to have to do double duty and serve for everday as well as backpacking, keep the height in mind. As already noted, max load is also a factor.
My wife uses her 1227 for both backpacking and everyday, and it's a fine compromise because she's only 5'7". She's not a lover of gitzo leglocks, so she settles for a little longer collapsed length in the 3-section model. I prefer the 1228 because it's roughly the same weight, but has 4 leg sections. I'm 6'4" and neither is tall enough for me as my all around tripod.
I don't recall the load specs, but I regularly use mine with my D2X and a 300 f/4 or a 80-200 f/2.8. Either is a beefy load, but the legs are rock solid nonetheless. My wife uses hers with her 4x5 outfit, bu I've never tried it.
I also have the 1127. I use it with either a Toho 4x5 or a Canon 5D with up to a 70-200 2.8. I have also used it with an Arca Swiss 4x5 and it worked pretty well. The Arca is a big camera. The tripod is much shorter than I like (I am 6'1"), but it is the price for light weight.
I suggest getting a hooked bungee cord from a home improvement store. Hook the bungee to the tripod hook on the center column. Step on the bungee with a boot and the tripod becomes rock solid even in a wind.
I have a Velbon 530 with a Manfrotto 488 head that I'm basically satisfied with its ability to handle my Nikon D200 and 70-200 lens. This arrangement is not as steady as the (pre-Leitz) Tiltall Professional that I've been using for the last 37 years, but it is a lot easier to pack.
The Velbon 530 came with an interesting accessory...a triangular piece of fabric with a strap on each corner that hooks onto the bottom of the tripod's center column. Although I've never used it, I believe its purpose is to hold rocks or other weights to increase the mass and stability of the tripod.
I have a Velbon 530 with a Manfrotto 488 head that I'm basically satisfied with its ability to handle my Nikon D200 and 70-200 lens. This arrangement is not as steady as the (pre-Leitz) Tiltall Professional that I've been using for the last 37 years, but it is a lot easier to pack.
The Velbon 530 came with an interesting accessory...a triangular piece of fabric with a strap on each corner that hooks onto the bottom of the tripod's center column. Although I've never used it, I believe its purpose is to hold rocks or other weights to increase the mass and stability of the tripod.
I have also been looking for a backpacking tripod so i'll restrain cluttering up the forum and post here. I only have a 350d at the moment, with little in the way of lenses, but plan on supporting a D30 (or D5) w/ a 24-70/2.8L or 70-200/2.8L (not that I have any of that yet...)
I was thinking a something that rises to 46" or so without the column (probably will remove the column entirely), weighs less than 2lb, folds less than 20" and would be low for macro
Cost is a factor and pushes most Gitzo's out of range but I'd be willing to pay for something decent under $300.
I found that the Silk 614 meets (beats!) those requirements (holds 6.6lb, 49.4" tall, 4.3"short, Folds to 17.9" and weighs 1.9lbs, all for $230)
Thinking of combining that with a Markins Ballhead. The Markins Q3 Emille retails for $269. It weighs .84 lbs. and is rated for a maximum load of 65 lbs. It is 3.58 inches tall, making the whole system less than 3 lbs and 22" long. Perfect!
Cost $500. Ouch
Thoughts on this setup?
Other under 3lb, less than 24" total gear combinations out there?
Thanks!
Posted by Matt Thomas on March 28, 2007 at 1:17 PM
My only question is why would you spend $269 for a ball head that can support 65lbs when your tripod will only be rated to 6.6lbs? I love that Emile head and would love to have one, but why wouldn't a Bogen / Manfrotto 486RC2 for $65 that holds 13.5lbs do the trick? It weighs only a few grams more and will more than hold a DSLR and a decent sized zoom. At least as much camera as the tripod will support.
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on March 28, 2007 at 2:55 PM
I think the Gitzo G1058 with a Really Right Stuff BH-25 is a killer combo. Total weight, maybe 2 pounds, and yet is will support over 6. Here is a little more detail on the Gitzo G1058 BH-25 combo.
I realized that matt was exactly right and that the ballhead I listed above was way more than i needed for this application.
Instead, I ended up purchasing a Slik 614 (1.9lb - $230), and a Giottos MH-1002 (8oz - $60) Ballhead with independent pan and head controls and a Giottos 621 quick release (? - $29) which will come in handy with the macro shots.
It's not the lightest combination that is possible, but once I discard much of the center column (if not all of it), i should be well under 2.5 lbs for ($320).
If I didn't want that stinking independent pan control, things would have been much easier, but i do like to to panorama. I had terrible results when i was on a 14k (4000m) mountain without a ball head with a pan. The QR has levels in the plate so at least won't need to carry a hot shoe level.
I just hope that QR isn't too heavy. I couldn't get the one I actually wanted from the giottos website.
With all the saved money from avoiding the high priced head, I bought an off camera lighting kit (Vivitar 285hv, Bogen 3373 Lightstand, Umbrella, and adapter)
I just got my things in the mail, and while the tripod itself seems like it will do very well, the giottos things are going straight back to B&H.
The ball head felt like it had sand in it and worst of all, the pan lock tilts and rotates the ball head above it every time you tighten it down. No go there.
And the QR plate was heavier than the ballhead itself! Absolutely too huge for this setup.
So don't listen to much of what i said up there!
For the moment i slapped my bogen 482 on it. I may upgrade in the future. I'm not worried about the pan lock now, because the tripod center tube pans quite nicely if the column lock is tight end, but the screw is loosened. i cant explain it well, but it works. I'll get another ball head when i get a lens that needs it.
Discussion
17 repliesGuy
I will second Guy's recommendation of the Velbon Carmagne, I love mine which I now use as my "everyday" tripod. However, I purchased the 3-section leg version (the 630) which is really too long when collapsed for backpacking. For the backpacking trips I have planned for this May and June, I plan to take the Velbon 343E as it is more lightweight, more compact in diameter, and collapses to a shorter length. The trade-off is less stability, less leg position flexibility, and I'm back to screwing the ballhead into the camera instead of the lovely Kirk BH-3 quick-release ballhead I put on my Carmagne.
My wife uses her 1227 for both backpacking and everyday, and it's a fine compromise because she's only 5'7". She's not a lover of gitzo leglocks, so she settles for a little longer collapsed length in the 3-section model. I prefer the 1228 because it's roughly the same weight, but has 4 leg sections. I'm 6'4" and neither is tall enough for me as my all around tripod.
I don't recall the load specs, but I regularly use mine with my D2X and a 300 f/4 or a 80-200 f/2.8. Either is a beefy load, but the legs are rock solid nonetheless. My wife uses hers with her 4x5 outfit, bu I've never tried it.
I suggest getting a hooked bungee cord from a home improvement store. Hook the bungee to the tripod hook on the center column. Step on the bungee with a boot and the tripod becomes rock solid even in a wind.
The Velbon 530 came with an interesting accessory...a triangular piece of fabric with a strap on each corner that hooks onto the bottom of the tripod's center column. Although I've never used it, I believe its purpose is to hold rocks or other weights to increase the mass and stability of the tripod.
The Velbon 530 came with an interesting accessory...a triangular piece of fabric with a strap on each corner that hooks onto the bottom of the tripod's center column. Although I've never used it, I believe its purpose is to hold rocks or other weights to increase the mass and stability of the tripod.
I was thinking a something that rises to 46" or so without the column (probably will remove the column entirely), weighs less than 2lb, folds less than 20" and would be low for macro
Cost is a factor and pushes most Gitzo's out of range but I'd be willing to pay for something decent under $300.
I found that the Silk 614 meets (beats!) those requirements (holds 6.6lb, 49.4" tall, 4.3"short, Folds to 17.9" and weighs 1.9lbs, all for $230)
Thinking of combining that with a Markins Ballhead. The Markins Q3 Emille retails for $269. It weighs .84 lbs. and is rated for a maximum load of 65 lbs. It is 3.58 inches tall, making the whole system less than 3 lbs and 22" long. Perfect!
Cost $500. Ouch
Thoughts on this setup?
Other under 3lb, less than 24" total gear combinations out there?
Thanks!
Instead, I ended up purchasing a Slik 614 (1.9lb - $230), and a Giottos MH-1002 (8oz - $60) Ballhead with independent pan and head controls and a Giottos 621 quick release (? - $29) which will come in handy with the macro shots.
It's not the lightest combination that is possible, but once I discard much of the center column (if not all of it), i should be well under 2.5 lbs for ($320).
View all items at B&H
If I didn't want that stinking independent pan control, things would have been much easier, but i do like to to panorama. I had terrible results when i was on a 14k (4000m) mountain without a ball head with a pan. The QR has levels in the plate so at least won't need to carry a hot shoe level.
I just hope that QR isn't too heavy. I couldn't get the one I actually wanted from the giottos website.
With all the saved money from avoiding the high priced head, I bought an off camera lighting kit (Vivitar 285hv, Bogen 3373 Lightstand, Umbrella, and adapter)
I'll have fun playing with all this next week.
Ben
The ball head felt like it had sand in it and worst of all, the pan lock tilts and rotates the ball head above it every time you tighten it down. No go there.
And the QR plate was heavier than the ballhead itself! Absolutely too huge for this setup.
So don't listen to much of what i said up there!
For the moment i slapped my bogen 482 on it. I may upgrade in the future. I'm not worried about the pan lock now, because the tripod center tube pans quite nicely if the column lock is tight end, but the screw is loosened. i cant explain it well, but it works. I'll get another ball head when i get a lens that needs it.
Ben
Not including an extra battery, memory cards and filters.