Best compact travel tripod for M9?

[d2mini]

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I'm looking for something uber compact, but something that will expand to near normal tripod height. I don't mind bending over a little, but something between 4-5' tall would be ok.

I've seen the Velbon Ultra and Maxi series but can't make heads or tails of the differences between them and I'd like something that was legs only so I can fit a nice mini ball head with rrs quick release plate.

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[k-hawinkler]

I'm looking for something uber compact, but something that will expand to near normal tripod height. I don't mind bending over a little, but something between 4-5' tall would be ok.

I've seen the Velbon Ultra and Maxi series but can't make heads or tails of the differences between them and I'd like something that was legs only so I can fit a nice mini ball head with rrs quick release plate.

 

d2mini,

 

I use a Gitzo GT-1541T Traveler Gitzo | GT-1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs | GT1541T with RRS BH-30-Pro Really Right Stuff - BH-30 Pro Compact ballhead with B2-mAS - Kit Configuration Page. Fairly close match in Load Capacity as well, BH-30-Pro Load Capacity: 15 pounds (6.8kg), GT-1541T Load Capacity: 17.6 lbs (8kg).

 

This is a very light and extremely compact system that can even support my Nikon D3 and f/2.8 70-200 VR lens without any problem.

 

K-H.

[Arif]

d2mini,

 

I use a Gitzo GT-1541T Traveler Gitzo | GT-1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs | GT1541T with RRS BH-30-Pro Really Right Stuff - BH-30 Pro Compact ballhead with B2-mAS - Kit Configuration Page. Fairly close match in Load Capacity as well, BH-30-Pro Load Capacity: 15 pounds (6.8kg), GT-1541T Load Capacity: 17.6 lbs (8kg).

 

This is a very light and extremely compact system that can even support my Nikon D3 and f/2.8 70-200 VR lens without any problem.

 

K-H.

 

I use the same tripod but with the Markins Q3T ballhead and like the combination for travel. Her e is a link to someone else's pictures which I found on flickr for your use

Markins Q3T + Gitzo GT1541T on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[MacSpikes]

+1 for the Gitzo Traveller carbon with the compact Markins head. Great combo!

[ianspector]

I use the very wonderful and insanely light Gitzo GT0541 with the Gitzo G1077M head. The little head fits so snugly straight to the bottom of the M9. Pretty sure together the rig weighs less than my Noct.

 

Ian

[Fotomiguel]

Leica Camera AG - Photography - Tabletop Tripod & Ball Head

[scc]

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Leica Camera AG - Photography - Tabletop Tripod & Ball Head

 

Hardly big enough for the OPs needs, but a lovely device.

[vanhulsenbeek]

+1 for the Gitzo Traveller carbon with the compact Markins head. Great combo!

 

+1 more! IMHO, an elaborate ball head is a waist of weight and money.

Edited April 3, 2010 by vanhulsenbeek

[d2mini]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Is there anything out there that's a bit less "intense"?

I already have a really nice carbon fiber Gitzo that I use for professional use.

But for this purpose I'm looking for something lighter, smaller and cheaper. That GT-1441T is getting there, but priced too high. It has a closed up length of around 15" and that would be the max I want to go, smaller if possible.

[sanyasi]

I asked this question about two months ago. I bought the Benro Travel Angel C-169 M8. It came in at somewhere around $350 or $400. It is compact--fits into a standard overhead suitcase, is light, and relatively sturdy. I am sure there are ones that are more solid, but this is good enough for my purposes. I see all these gimmicks on tripods, but at the end of the day, I was just looking for something that permits me to leave the shutter open beyond hand holding capabilities.

 

The plate is attached to the camera with an Allen wrench. In some reviews, that receives a lot of criticism because people lose the wrench. Actually, I like it. It means that you can put the plate on your camera without turning the plate (and maybe scratching the camera). I also find it is easier to line the plate up properly. The bag that comes with the tripod has a zippered compartment where you store the wrench and the plate. Just get in the routine of always putting the wrench back in the compartment (rather than your pocket) and you shouldn't have a problem--(I also kept the plastic bag that came in the compartment and store both in there).

 

I also like the mechanism for mounting the camera (with plate) to the tripod. I find myself fumbling around with other plates, but this one slides in easily. I also like the locking mechanism. On one of the more expensive tripods I have, I am always afraid I am going to hit the latch and the camera is going to fall off. The system on this tripod strikes me as more secure.

 

Whatever you do, take size into account. As has been said before, a tripod does no good if it is left home. If it doesn't fit into a suitcase, it will be left at home.

[Guest WPalank]

One of the products from the gorillapod line:

Gorillapod SLR-Zoom - Joby

[250swb]

The Feisol CT-3441 is a great travel tripod, particularly if you get it with the dedicated ball head.

 

Its a carbon four section tripod that has top quality engineering to make it small and very light, similar to the Gitzo already mentioned. It is ideal for using with a Leica.

 

FEISOL Traveler Tripods

 

 

Steve

[Bill W]

I do not think it is available anymore but I have the Gitzo 1028 mk2. It is very light and at the time was not that expensive. It will certainly fit in any overhead bag. I have the small RRS ball head on it. It will not support a Nikon D3.

[Jager]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Is there anything out there that's a bit less "intense"?

I already have a really nice carbon fiber Gitzo that I use for professional use.

But for this purpose I'm looking for something lighter, smaller and cheaper. That GT-1441T is getting there, but priced too high. It has a closed up length of around 15" and that would be the max I want to go, smaller if possible.

 

Ah, there's the rub. I spent way too much time and, ultimately, way too much money trying to find a cheap "small" tripod. After spending more than a grand on a full size carbon fiber Gitzo, an Arca-Swiss B1 ballhead, and assorted plates, who wants to spend serious money on that little, occasionally-used, travel tripod?

 

Alas.

 

What I discovered was that small-but-decent has little association with inexpensive. Quite the contrary, actually.

 

After fooling around with several middling-cost solutions - of which the Velbon Maxi was probably the best of the bunch, but still had issues - I finally bit the bullet and bought the basic kit that has already been mentioned several times above... the Gitzo Traveler 1540T, a Markins Q3 ballhead, and Kirk Arca-Swiss plate.

 

It works... perfectly. I'd have saved myself a lot of aggravation if I'd just done that back in the beginning.

Edited April 3, 2010 by Jager

[rsh]

I have the Gitzo Traveller with the Leica Ball Head.

[Dave Robertson]

I will leave the tripod choices to others but wish to bring to your attention the Novoflex Magic Ball. It is quite small and light, yet a full ball head. I have found it works marvelously and is very painless to carry in the mountains.

 

BTW, my long awaited M9 will be arriving Wednesday.

[k-hawinkler]

I will leave the tripod choices to others but wish to bring to your attention the Novoflex Magic Ball. It is quite small and light, yet a full ball head. I have found it works marvelously and is very painless to carry in the mountains.

 

BTW, my long awaited M9 will be arriving Wednesday.

 

Congratulations.

 

K-H.

[d2mini]

Ah, there's the rub. I spent way too much time and, ultimately, way too much money trying to find a cheap "small" tripod. After spending more than a grand on a full size carbon fiber Gitzo, an Arca-Swiss B1 ballhead, and assorted plates, who wants to spend serious money on that little, occasionally-used, travel tripod?

 

Alas.

 

What I discovered was that small-but-decent has little association with inexpensive. Quite the contrary, actually.

 

After fooling around with several middling-cost solutions - of which the Velbon Maxi was probably the best of the bunch, but still had issues - I finally bit the bullet and bought the basic kit that has already been mentioned several times above... the Gitzo Traveler 1540T, a Markins Q3 ballhead, and Kirk Arca-Swiss plate.

 

It works... perfectly. I'd have saved myself a lot of aggravation if I'd just done that back in the beginning.

I appreciate this advice, but like I said, i have this kind of setup already. Gitzo G1227, RRS BH-55 ballhead and RRS plate. I use this for professional use with my DSLRs. But in this case I'm looking for an uber light and small setup to take with my traveling, on my motorcycle, etc. I'm willing to give up some stability to gain the above. Especially with the lightweight M9.

 

I asked this question about two months ago. I bought the Benro Travel Angel C-169 M8. It came in at somewhere around $350 or $400. It is compact--fits into a standard overhead suitcase, is light, and relatively sturdy. I am sure there are ones that are more solid, but this is good enough for my purposes. I see all these gimmicks on tripods, but at the end of the day, I was just looking for something that permits me to leave the shutter open beyond hand holding capabilities.

 

That Benro is more along the lines of what I'm looking for.

I'll investigate that one further. Thanks!

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[mrphotog]

+1 for the earlier posting of the Gitzo 1541t and the RRS BH30. This is a great combination. You might also get the dedicated carrying case for the 1541t. It is well made and makes hauling the tripod easier. You can hang it from your shoulder, clip it to your belt, or hold it easily by the strap.

[Jeff Day]

I've had good results with the Slik Sprint Mini GM with my M9, and on the plus side it's relatively inexpensive at less than a $100 USD.

 

Best,

 

Jeff