Help Please with Tripod Recommendations

[StephenPatterson]

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I've been researching for a new travel tripod, and WOW, I had no idea there were so many options!!! There have been a couple of threads recently about what's the best, but I didn't come away with much consensus or clarity.

 

My search keeps coming back to the Gitzo Traveler and Benro Travel Angel, although there are many variations and models.

 

Here's my wish list.

 

1. Able to support the M9 with a 90 Elmarit-M. That's as heavy as I get.

2. Carbon fiber sounds nice. I would like to keep the weight under 4 pounds.

3. As small and light as possible, but not a mini, or table top. Something full height.

4. Rugged. I'll be all over China next year, and don't want to have to send for a replacement.

5. I don't mind spending for quality, but don't mind saying money with a lesser known brand if the quality is there.

6. A ball head that, well I don't really know as my old tripod is a P.O.S. and I wouldn't know what the advantages of a good ball head are.

 

Thanks for your help!!!

 

Stephen

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[jaapv]

Look at the specification. They will tell you the weight the tripod will take and the weight of the tripod itself. Then you will see the dimensions. Just choose the one that will fit the proposed use and will fit your budget. I chose one from the Vitzo basalt series. As for balkheads you cannot go wrong with RRS ones.

[hoppyman]

For when I am unwilling to carry a full size tripod, I use and recommend the Gitzo Traveller with Really Right Stuff BH30 LR compact ballhead (LR is the lever release clamp). Remember that you need a matching camera quick release plate. The RRS one is superb. You can optionally add the L bracket to that if wanted.

 

I have used this combination for multiple 2 second exposures on a high windy balcony to stitch into a panorama and got excellent results. If there is any significant wind I hang my camera bag from the hook on the bottom of the centre column.

Surfers night Pano photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com

[250swb]

I use the Feisol 3441SB

 

FeisolUK - CT-3441SB-Rapid - Traveller Carbon Fibre Tripod

 

very small packed up, but tall enough to stop back ache.

 

You can get it without the ball head and QR, but I like the one supplied especially as it contributes to the small folded size by allowing the legs to fold up around the centre column and head.

 

It is four section, which can be a pain if you are in a hurry, but once opened up I tend to carry it extended or partially extended until its time to stop photographing stuff.

 

Steve

[MEB]

I have the exact same set up that Geoff has described and I believe that it is perfect for the uses you want. The Gitzo traveler is small enough that you can pack it inside standard luggage but it unfolds to a standard height (I am 5' 10") that an average man can easily use. This combo is strong enough to easily handle a M9 with any lens. I also agree with Geoff that the RRS replacement base is great for attaching to the lever locking ball head. I only use that base when I go to a tripod but it creates a very stable attachment.

 

Mark Blumer

[cbretteville]

For when I am unwilling to carry a full size tripod, I use and recommend the Gitzo Traveller with Really Right Stuff BH30 LR compact ballhead (LR is the lever release clamp). Remember that you need a matching camera quick release plate. The RRS one is superb.

 

I use the same setup as Geoff, Gitzo 1541 + RRS BH30. Very happy with it.

Carl

[billib]

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The "Gitzo Mountaineer 0" weighs something like 1.5 pounds

with out a head. It should be under $500 (USA). Yes its Carbon.

I used a Gitzo Safari with upside down legs for many years and

it performed very well and I still have a Bogen (now Manfrotto).

 

Really Right Stuff makes amazing tripods but super expensive.

RRS also sells Gitzo and Manfrotto. I'd call them on the phone.

I did when ordering an RRS tripod and they proved very helpful.

 

I suspect they could find the right tripod/head pkg for your trip.

At least call for a catalog (888-777-5557 California time) so you

can consider them or rule them out.

[Jeff S]

Besides RRS, past threads typically mention the Markins Q3T ball head as another good option.

 

BTW, I believe Gitzo has replaced (supplemented?) the 1541t with the 1542t; you might want to research...I believe the latter is a bit taller and more rugged.

 

Jeff

[tobey bilek]

Gitzo Reporter 1227. Best money I ever spent. CF, goes to my 6 foot height without center column, goes to ground level, does not shake or vibrate like all aluminum ones do.

 

Cost me $700 and worth every penny.

 

Topped with one of my leica ball heads. Normally the medium size I bought new in 1966 for $25. Still works as new.

 

Good from bad, the Leica one locks down and loosens with a very soft touch and the camera does not move as you tighten down. when locked, it is secure. That is the difference between cheap and good. It has no annoying traits.

[alainD]

I have the gitzo traveler + arca-swiss P0 ballhead.

Very light, very easy to use, and no problem taking my M9 + Noctilux.

The P0 is a very interesting ball head, I find it much, much easier to use than

a classic ball head such as the RRS BH-30 that I initially bought for it.

 

Alain.

[honcho]

I use a Gitzo GT1550T Traveller for backpacking and travel.

 

Review here: Hard Light: Steve Walton's Outdoor Blog: Gitzo GT1550T Traveller tripod

[Fotofanatiker]

Stephen,

 

did you ever consider a monopod? I have a Monostat with Linhof ball head, it might not be as versatile as a tripod, but it's easy to carry and works perfectly fine in most situations...

 

Best regards

Michael

[stevelap]

Monopod here too, Gitzo GM2561T Carbon Fibre with a compact Gitzo ball head + QR plate. Very compact and lightweight, can hang off your belt when not in use. Easily takes an M, even a large DSLR.

[darylgo]

Carbon fiber will decrease vibration and weigh less, Gitzo is superb, but you might want to check out Really Right Stuff. They brought out a very fine tripod line that has several features to address short comings of other tripods. Several quality control issues have been mentioned on the internet but for the cost of a call they will spend a great deal of time and effort helping you. And now a 180 degree departure, I would stay away from their ballheads. Here is why: I find the stem from the ball to the plate/clamp holder is very short and it becomes frustrating to deal with, especially when using in a vertical position. I am currently using a Foba and find it extremely easy to use, especially the lock for the ball. Good luck!!

[hoppyman]

.............. And now a 180 degree departure, I would stay away from their ballheads. Here is why: I find the stem from the ball to the plate/clamp holder is very short and it becomes frustrating to deal with, especially when using in a vertical position. I am currently using a Foba and find it extremely easy to use, especially the lock for the ball. Good luck!!

 

I do not know how the length of the stem compares with other brands. I like that the RRS heads (I have 3) are very compact for their features. Personally I only use the drop notches when collapsing the unit for carriage. There it is nice to have the clamp tucked in close. See the photos on the RRS site of this combination (look at the BH30 page)

If you get the dedicated RRS baseplate and the L attachment the camera remains centred (not laterally displaced and lowered) when you flip the camera to portrait and clamp onto the L bracket instead. Perfect for panoramas where you will ideally use a nodal slide as well..

Panorama Photography - LUG Pearls

[jaapv]

If you want to save half your money and get a tripod that is virtually indistiguishable from Gitzo in quality (read the test in the latest NaturFoto) get the Feisol CT3441SB Rapid.

 

FEISOL Traveler Tripod CT-3441SB Rapid inclusief CB-30C balhoofd

[Rick]

Hi Steve, I have the Gitzo Traveler and it has been a great lightweight tripod. Sturdy. Well made. Very small. Fits in a pack well and I've even slipped it into cargo paints and walked around at night that way. I think you could even attach it to a belt easily if you wanted. In other words, it is a great travel tripod. I've taken ti to Europe twice and everywhere else and it has worked fine.

 

The Gitzo Traveler comes with a very nice ball head so, I'm not sure you need to get a second one unless, you are just into the whole gear thing. Then, for sure the RRS catalog is full of junk you can fondle. But, for actual light weight travel with a sort of zen simplicity; the tripod (and the nice ball head it comes with) resonates well for this type of travel.

[bpalme]

I have the gitzo traveler + arca-swiss P0 ballhead.

Very light, very easy to use, and no problem taking my M9 + Noctilux.

The P0 is a very interesting ball head, I find it much, much easier to use than

a classic ball head such as the RRS BH-30 that I initially bought for it.

 

Alain.

I recently narrowed it down to the Benro and Gitzo also.

I went with the Gitzo. The 1542 replaces the 1541. It has a slightly less max weight in trade for a little taller tripod. One reason I chose the Gitzo was raving reviews and weight. I can do curls with it using only my pinky even with the Arca swiss P0 that alain mentions above. I think the 1541 with Markins folds up more compact. With the 1542 and P0 the ballhead sticks out the end when folded. I'll try to get some pics when I get home next week.

The P0 only weighs 280 grams. I bought it without the panning plate and put a standard arca swiss clamp on top for panning(ebay). Much better than the non standard slidefix they make. So now my RRS bottom plate slides in perfectly. If you think you may do panoramas consider that the design of the P0 ballhead with panning on top means you don't have to level the tripod legs. You only level the ballhead..then the panning clamp on top moves perfectly level.

I'm still blown away at how solid this setup feels considering it is so light weight.

The clamp I got from this guy on ebay:

sunwayfoto | eBay

I also bought a couple of plates from him and can't imagine others being any better. The quality seems just as high as my RRS bottom plate... it's not cheap stuff though even for ebay.

 

Gitzo 1542T

Gitzo GT1542T Series 1 Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber GT1542T B&H

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[algrove]

I've been researching for a new travel tripod, and WOW, I had no idea there were so many options!!! There have been a couple of threads recently about what's the best, but I didn't come away with much consensus or clarity.

 

My search keeps coming back to the Gitzo Traveler and Benro Travel Angel, although there are many variations and models.

 

Here's my wish list.

 

1. Able to support the M9 with a 90 Elmarit-M. That's as heavy as I get.

2. Carbon fiber sounds nice. I would like to keep the weight under 4 pounds.

3. As small and light as possible, but not a mini, or table top. Something full height.

4. Rugged. I'll be all over China next year, and don't want to have to send for a replacement.

5. I don't mind spending for quality, but don't mind saying money with a lesser known brand if the quality is there.

6. A ball head that, well I don't really know as my old tripod is a P.O.S. and I wouldn't know what the advantages of a good ball head are.

 

Thanks for your help!!!

 

Stephen

 

Stephen-

 

All good suggestions. One fact you did not tell us is how tall you are and what is "full height" to you?

 

I simply make this point because while using my travel Gitzo (I believe the # is 1541) my back kills me, from having to bend over so much and so long after using my tripod all day and I am not that tall-5 feet 10 inches. It just be that I have a back that doesn't like bending over so much. See more on this a couple of paragraphs below also.

 

I now use a 2541 in the US, Yes, it;s taller and heavier, but no back pain. This longer one still fits in my tripod shoulder carrying case with RSS ballhead attached.

 

So I now have spent a lot of money on 2 Gitzo tripods after experiencing the above with my 1541.

 

Myself, I never extend the center part of the tripod, especially in any wind, since it's like putting a pumpkin on a stick and trying to hold it steady. Conversely, the lower I go, the better (sharper) my long exposures become (and some short exposures too-not to mention tele shots), but then I'm shooting while on my knees, even while using a cable release. When I shorten the tripod I shorten the smallest (bottom) sections which to my way of thinking are probably the least stable.

 

So there you have it, my 2 cents.

[StephenPatterson]

Stephen-

 

All good suggestions. One fact you did not tell us is how tall you are and what is "full height" to you?

 

I simply make this point because while using my travel Gitzo (I believe the # is 1541) my back kills me, from having to bend over so much and so long after using my tripod all day and I am not that tall-5 feet 10 inches. It just be that I have a back that doesn't like bending over so much. See more on this a couple of paragraphs below also.

 

Well, I'm tall in China!!!

 

Actually I'm 5'8, so I imagine that I don't need the world's tallest tripod. I do agree that "stooping" (is that a real word?) isn't much fun.

 

At this point I'm really leaning toward the Gitzo traveler 1542, but I have no idea which ball head to get. The arca-swiss P0 has been mentioned several times, but seems like overkill for the M9 (and also seems on the large size). Rick has suggested the "standard" Gitzo head, and I'm thinking this might be the best way to go.

 

Honestly, I'm really confused by all the different models of ball heads. It seems the major differentiator is weight capacity, but as the M9 doesn't weigh much I'm concerned my choice is going to be "overkill". I see now why people buy the Benro. It's carbon, comes with a reasonable ball head, and at a good price. It's the easy choice, but my gut feeling is that it's not the best choice in the long run. I just need to figure out what to put on top of the Gitzo...

 

I really appreciate all the comments so far. I'm close to a decision, just trying not to make the wrong one. I don't think I will go wrong with Gitzo 1542 and...what ball head???

 

Stephen