Just looking for some opinions - I am wanting a smallish, lightish tripod for the aforementioned... those times when taking a proper tripod out is just not an option! I was wondering what anyone here uses?
The two springing to mind at the moment are the Manfrotto 714SHB and Velbon Ultra Maxi SF... any views on these, and anything else worth considering? I am going to be using it with a 5D and mainly wide angle to normal lenses so nothing too heavy, if I get lucky I may invest in a 100-400L at some stage, but that is unlikely to make it out under these circumstances anyway (though not impossible!)
Thanks for any advice!
Rob
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 10, 2006 at 7:45 AM
I'm not familiar with the Velbon, but the Manfrotto weighs in at 2.2 lbs with a max height of only 38 inches (column not extended). For 2.3 pounds the Gitzo G1157 offers a much more comfortable viewing height of 49+ inches. I'm sure it's probably a lot more $$ as well.
After studying tripods recently I came to the conclusion that I would just rebuild my old Bogen 3021 legs because I couldn't find a suitable replacement. The Gitzos seem to be very sturdy and light, but had some issues. They seem to require higher maintenance, and while reading in other forums and googling I found several instances where the newer Gitzo 6X CF legs just snapped suddenly and without any warning. Perhaps they made them a little too light?
Much as one of those would be stunning, they are a wee bit on the expensive side!!!! I would love something like that to replace my main tripod one of these days though! What I am looking for is something that will take up negligable room and be sturdy enough low down to get some long exposures whilst out and about. Hight isn't too important - so long as I don't have to lie down everytime I want to use it! Crouching I can cope with
I see that getting one of these ultra compact tripods is a massive compromise over the full size ones, but then I also see them as being a better compromise than not haveing a tripod at all!
I've been using Velbon's Carmagne line of CF tripods for about 7 years now. I'm on my second one now. The first one broke after about ~5 years of ruthless exposure to sand, water, mud, snow etc. with little to no preventive maintenance.
On average this means that it cost me about $50-60/year to have a lightweight CF tripod and not have to worry about beating the daylights out of it, as opposed to "investing" in an expensive model and constantly worry about care and maintenance to protect my investment.
The Carmagne tripods are very light and easily hold my LF setup as well as my Canon setup. I don't own any huge lenses so it's sturdy enough for what I need.
Guy
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 10, 2006 at 9:08 AM
Guy,
Do you remember which model of the Carmagne you use? Also, what's the approx. weight?
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 10, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Thanks Guy. I haven't looked at Velbon before. After glancing at them, I think the 630 might be more fitting for my use as it's several inches taller (approx. 56" vs. 49" - w/o column extended). The additional folded length of the 630 isn't a huge issue for me, and the weight is pretty similar. Have you had any issues with the flip style leg locks not holding or breaking easily? It's still kinda borderline for me as far as switching from my old 3021. The only reason I'm looking to switch is weight. 3021 is approx. 5 lbs. vs 3.4 lbs. for the 630. That's a pretty substantial difference, but I can't decide if 2 lbs. is worth nearly $300! Any thoughts on that aspect?
Oh yeah, one more issue - does the Velbon have internal leg bushings like the Gitzo that might prove vunerable to salt water, sand, maintenance issues?
Sorry Rob, I didn't mean to steal your thread. Have you looked at Promaster? I was in a camera store a while back and glanced at them. I didn't study them hard, but from a light onceover they looked pretty good. The one I looked at was VERY light and small. They were also very reasonably priced - I think the one I was looking at was only $75 or so. Sorry I don't recall any model number but you might try to see if they have a website. There's also some Chinese made Gitzo Knock-offs available on eBay. Surprisingly, some of these have gotten pretty good reviews if you google them. I've never actually seen one or touched one though - I remain naturally skeptical.
The flip locks work well enough. They need to be adjusted with a supplied Allen wrench to make sure they grip properly (out of the box they were a bit loose). The previous model had screw locks, similar to Gitzo but I find the flip locks easier and quicker to work with.
I have found it to be fairly resilient to sand and salt water (although it did start grinding and squeaking after a while ). As I mentioned - if I can get 5 years out of it without fussing and cleaning, then I don't want to bother with it too much. So far so good.
I think the weight difference compared to the 3021 will be noticeable and if you plan any long hiking or backpacking trips you won't regret it.
what is the difference between carmagne and sherpa models?
Posted by Richard Wong on March 10, 2006 at 12:12 PM
I use the Gitzo 1001 with a Manfrotto 3D head. It weighs about 2 lbs. It only extends around 42 inches though I think, so sometimes I'll raise the center column if necessary if I'm using the timer or remote. If it's not windy or if i'm not using the 70-300 zoom in the shade then it works fine. I'd like to get the 1127 but I'm frugal when it comes to non-essential stuff.
by the way, it fits even in most generic school backpacks or in carryon bags at the airport.
Cheers Richard - I had been looking at that one as well - infact I think I have a 3D head kicking about somewhere as well (I replaced it with a QR ball head from Manfrotto since I didn't want to be dealing with thumb screws in northern Sweden in the winter!). Sounds like you are using it in much the same way I am thinking of working with whatever I get - keeping it low enough to remain stable. The Manfrotto is my cheapest option - seen em for about £50, the Velbon is about £70 and the Gitzo about £100 or there abouts. The price of the wee Manfrotto is what is making it so very, very tempting
Need to save some cash for a set of ND grads and a holder
Posted by Mel Ladewig on March 10, 2006 at 1:11 PM
My only advice is to avoid the small Giottos tripod. I picked one up a couple months ago. Fully extended it was about a foot too short for me (I'm 6'2"). And the lowest leg segment was so unstable that it just sat there shaking with 3lbs of camera on top. The only way I found I could use it was to only extend 3 of the 4 segments.
I bought this tripod specifically because it would fit inside my 22" suitcase when I travel. I've now given up on it and am back to just my monopod. Which, by the way, travels very nicely and is much lighter than a tripod.
I also have the 3021 and that thing feels like a beast when you are carrying it around. But it is certainly sturdy.
Posted by Richard Wong on March 10, 2006 at 1:16 PM
I think I paid around $150 for the legs, and $100 for the head. I looked at your website and you have some awesome photos of the Amazon. i've always fantasized about going there. I'll need to look at the rest later. You have unique photos, you can live without the GND's apaprently if you didn't already use them before. I've been trying to get away from that postcard rack look gradually because I'm bored of it.
The Amazon was a fantastic place, I would love to get back there some time if I can raise the funds and have a disposable 4 months again! That's the trouble with working for a living!!!
I can get away without the GND's - but I think that using them would be a better solution than messing with Photoshop to try and recreate the same look (combining exposures and the like). I will probably get along with out them for a wee bit longer yet though!
Just been looking at your pics of California - not too postcardy at all I would say! Some inspiring stuff in there, and my eldest brother is emmigrating out that way later this year so I am now looking forward to going to visit him even more!
I'm using Gitzo 1101 (which was chosen as best travel tripod at members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2gkrc/Tripod-Test.doc) and it is light. It is supposed to go low to the ground. I have always used it at waist level with all my medium format equipement (even Pentax 67). If you can get this one it is the cheapest option. I think they stopped the production. Once I get my new Sherpa PRO CF-541EL I will put it on Ebay though.
Posted by Richard Wong on March 10, 2006 at 2:56 PM
Thanks for the compliment. I'd trade all those images for a chance to go the Amazon. Any idea of where to find a reputable agent to arrange such a trip?
Your brother would love it here probably if he's into outdoors.
Yes, And I also did bicycle with this tripod, FLM 32ball head, P67 and a lense. Umm, It was Ok.
Posted by Klaus Bombach on March 10, 2006 at 3:32 PM
I am also vote for Velbon Carmagne 640. I use it for moutaineering (most in sandstone - lot of sand-, but also in snow and ice) and with my bike since 1 year. Low price (200 Euro last year in Dresden, Germany), light, very study and it works very well. Prashan I think the Sherpa is the new model, but I dont know the difference.
Sorry - we travelled independant, I was out there helping to establish a National Park/Nature Reserve. In the UK Trailfinders are pretty good, there are a few other European companies that I have had brochures from as well, but I can't for the life of me remember which ones! From the States I really wouldn't know where to start.
Been looking at the Sherpa 640 which looks to be the European version, bit expensive for me at the moment, so it may be a case of picking up a cheaper 'pod at the moment, then selling it on eBay in a year or so to upgrade to something like one of these - which looks like it may fulfil all my tripod needs
Discussion
18 repliesJust looking for some opinions - I am wanting a smallish, lightish tripod for the aforementioned... those times when taking a proper tripod out is just not an option! I was wondering what anyone here uses?
The two springing to mind at the moment are the Manfrotto 714SHB and Velbon Ultra Maxi SF... any views on these, and anything else worth considering? I am going to be using it with a 5D and mainly wide angle to normal lenses so nothing too heavy, if I get lucky I may invest in a 100-400L at some stage, but that is unlikely to make it out under these circumstances anyway (though not impossible!)
Thanks for any advice!
Rob
After studying tripods recently I came to the conclusion that I would just rebuild my old Bogen 3021 legs because I couldn't find a suitable replacement. The Gitzos seem to be very sturdy and light, but had some issues. They seem to require higher maintenance, and while reading in other forums and googling I found several instances where the newer Gitzo 6X CF legs just snapped suddenly and without any warning. Perhaps they made them a little too light?
Good luck.
I see that getting one of these ultra compact tripods is a massive compromise over the full size ones, but then I also see them as being a better compromise than not haveing a tripod at all!
On average this means that it cost me about $50-60/year to have a lightweight CF tripod and not have to worry about beating the daylights out of it, as opposed to "investing" in an expensive model and constantly worry about care and maintenance to protect my investment.
The Carmagne tripods are very light and easily hold my LF setup as well as my Canon setup. I don't own any huge lenses so it's sturdy enough for what I need.
Guy
Do you remember which model of the Carmagne you use? Also, what's the approx. weight?
I'm pretty sure this is the one I'm using now:
Carmagne 640
Guy
Oh yeah, one more issue - does the Velbon have internal leg bushings like the Gitzo that might prove vunerable to salt water, sand, maintenance issues?
Sorry Rob, I didn't mean to steal your thread. Have you looked at Promaster? I was in a camera store a while back and glanced at them. I didn't study them hard, but from a light onceover they looked pretty good. The one I looked at was VERY light and small. They were also very reasonably priced - I think the one I was looking at was only $75 or so. Sorry I don't recall any model number but you might try to see if they have a website. There's also some Chinese made Gitzo Knock-offs available on eBay. Surprisingly, some of these have gotten pretty good reviews if you google them. I've never actually seen one or touched one though - I remain naturally skeptical.
The flip locks work well enough. They need to be adjusted with a supplied Allen wrench to make sure they grip properly (out of the box they were a bit loose). The previous model had screw locks, similar to Gitzo but I find the flip locks easier and quicker to work with.
I have found it to be fairly resilient to sand and salt water (although it did start grinding and squeaking after a while
I think the weight difference compared to the 3021 will be noticeable and if you plan any long hiking or backpacking trips you won't regret it.
Guy
by the way, it fits even in most generic school backpacks or in carryon bags at the airport.
Need to save some cash for a set of ND grads and a holder
I bought this tripod specifically because it would fit inside my 22" suitcase when I travel. I've now given up on it and am back to just my monopod. Which, by the way, travels very nicely and is much lighter than a tripod.
I also have the 3021 and that thing feels like a beast when you are carrying it around. But it is certainly sturdy.
The Amazon was a fantastic place, I would love to get back there some time if I can raise the funds and have a disposable 4 months again! That's the trouble with working for a living!!!
I can get away without the GND's - but I think that using them would be a better solution than messing with Photoshop to try and recreate the same look (combining exposures and the like). I will probably get along with out them for a wee bit longer yet though!
Just been looking at your pics of California - not too postcardy at all I would say! Some inspiring stuff in there, and my eldest brother is emmigrating out that way later this year so I am now looking forward to going to visit him even more!
Your brother would love it here probably if he's into outdoors.
Been looking at the Sherpa 640 which looks to be the European version, bit expensive for me at the moment, so it may be a case of picking up a cheaper 'pod at the moment, then selling it on eBay in a year or so to upgrade to something like one of these - which looks like it may fulfil all my tripod needs