Which is your favorite backpack tripod? I plan to sell my Gitzo 1101 which is the lightest alu tripod from gitzo and need a new one for upcoming mountain trips. I'm planning to purchase Velbon 641 or 541, actually there is not much difference between the two. I prefer 541 as it is lighter and shorter and fits in the pack well. There is not much of difference between the max-height of the both and I save 300gm. Any other suggestion? My camera system will not weigh more than 1.3KG.
I have an older model Bogen carbon fiber and especially like the flip lock legs over the twist lock to secure. Looks like the current model that is very similar is the 055 and is 4.4 pounds. I've put mine through a lot of use and abuse and no problems.
I'm not acquainted with the Velbon or Bogen models being discussed, but I might be able to help on specs for comparison. My wife and I have the Gitzo 2227 and 2228, which are fine for 35mm, MF and LF cameras (at least our Wista Fields). If those under consideration meet the same specs, you'll be happy. I should point out that both models are a little short for my 6'4" frame, but it's a fair tradeoff for weight in backpacking. I should also point out that the AS B-1 ballheads we are using seem to weigh as much or more than the legs themselves. For serious backpacking, I'd look at one of the newer, lighter heads that was still rated for the load you anticipate.
Prashan, es gibt ein älteres Modell Velbon 640 Carmagne (wurde in Deutschland bis 2004 verkauft), jetzt vermutlich nur gebraucht (ebay?) zu bekommen. Ich bin damit sehr zufrieden! Leicht und stabil und Du kannst die Mittelsäule asymetrisch (kurzes und langes Stück) teilen dadurch kannst Du sehr bodennah arbeiten. Das Nachfolgemodell ist das 640 Sherpa und kostet etwa 200 Euro bei Technikdirekt.de. Dieses neue Modell kenne ich nur aus den Katalogen.
Those are very good points Klaus, as our two Gitzo's are seriously hampered for low level shooting. You also can't touch the Gitzo's for the price of the Velbons, new or used.
Based on reports I've seen, Gitzos also have issues when used in water and require servicing to keep the bushings clean and dry. To me the price premium doesn't justify any marginal benefits compared to other models, especially with issues like this which may complicate things for those who like to work outdoors.
We use Gitzo's all the time in and out of water, whether rain, beaches or rivers. The "problem" with water is greatly overstated in our experience until you mix in sand or grit. The tradeoffs between price and features, on the other hand, are a very big deal. While we are perfectly happy with the performance of Gitzo's, we bought them years ago when they were the only CF game in town. They are so bombproof that we may never replace them, so we're unlikely to try other brands. By the same token, if we were buying today I don't think they would even be on our list of possibilities, simply because others have more features at lower prices- while potentially proving just as bombproof. I cited them as examples simply so Prashant would have some real world numbers and experience as background for picking size and features in another brand line.
I am 6' 3" tall and I didn't want a center post (most unstable part of a support system IMO), so I bought the Gitzo 1348. It's tall enough to bring the viewfinder to my eye level with a Kirk BH1 or Wimberley WM200 head, and the legs can be shortened and rotated out so that the heads are almost on the ground. I've set it up in waste deep water in a lake on several occasions, and other than some funny noises when you collapse the legs, water hasn't been an issue (getting it to stop sinking in the sand has been though). At 4 pounds I find it reasonable to carry on a backpack that is already laden with large heavy glass and pro body.
Discussion
10 repliesGuy
Guy
We use Gitzo's all the time in and out of water, whether rain, beaches or rivers. The "problem" with water is greatly overstated in our experience until you mix in sand or grit. The tradeoffs between price and features, on the other hand, are a very big deal. While we are perfectly happy with the performance of Gitzo's, we bought them years ago when they were the only CF game in town. They are so bombproof that we may never replace them, so we're unlikely to try other brands. By the same token, if we were buying today I don't think they would even be on our list of possibilities, simply because others have more features at lower prices- while potentially proving just as bombproof. I cited them as examples simply so Prashant would have some real world numbers and experience as background for picking size and features in another brand line.