deltoid1 Posted February 19, 2007 Share #1 Â Posted February 19, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) In the gitzo carbon line, which tripod do you think would be the lightest I could get away with, using an M8, a 90 f2 would be the longest lens. I currently have a 1325, and I think it would be overkill for the M8. Would like something lighter for traveling. Now, I do know that a high res sensor like the one in the M8 likes to be on a very stable platform, but how light, (which carbon gitzo) could I use? Â Also, I never use a center column. But I might need to use it in the 1 or 2 series Gitzo's, as I need at least a height of 58 inches. Is it advisable to use the center column with the M8 and no lenses longer than 90mm? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigrmurray Posted February 19, 2007 Share #2 Â Posted February 19, 2007 Carmen: Â I think any of the 1100 series Gitzos are quite adequate with the M8. I use the 1158 Traveler, but you'll need to extend the center column (it extends to 58.7"). The 90mm is the longest lens you can use on the M8 anyway (unless, of course, you're using a Visoflex), and the 10lb rating of this tripod far exceeds the M8's weight with the heaviest M lens (which is 50mm Nocitlux at 630 grams, the 90 Sumicron is 500 grams). All the Gitzos have a hook on the bottom of the center column -- just hang your camera bag on it for extra stability. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tashley Posted February 19, 2007 Share #3  Posted February 19, 2007 In the gitzo carbon line, which tripod do you think would be the lightest I could get away with, using an M8, a 90 f2 would be the longest lens. I currently have a 1325, and I think it would be overkill for the M8. Would like something lighter for traveling. Now, I do know that a high res sensor like the one in the M8 likes to be on a very stable platform, but how light, (which carbon gitzo) could I use? Also, I never use a center column. But I might need to use it in the 1 or 2 series Gitzo's, as I need at least a height of 58 inches. Is it advisable to use the center column with the M8 and no lenses longer than 90mm?  I have a big manfrotto and I just couldn't face traveling with it on a recent trip to Venice so I bought the tiny and incredibly light manfrotto 785b. It looks and feels cheap and flimsy but it has a really useful head and I used it for Lord knows how many shots, exposures up to 30 seconds, with lenses up to 90mm, and not a single one was blurry - though I have to say that it was never windy.  It extends to almost eye level (if you stoop a bit) without using the centre column.  It's now my tripod of choice for all travel. And I never thought I'd hear myself saying that when I fingered it doubtfully in the shop!  Tim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Sprow Posted February 19, 2007 Share #4 Â Posted February 19, 2007 I use an 1100 - series Gitzo Traveller and it is extremely light, short and very easy to travel with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitchell Posted February 19, 2007 Share #5 Â Posted February 19, 2007 I have a Gitzo 1227 which is probably more than enough. I have the RRS 25 Ball Head which is well made and simple. Just one knob to tighten. Works well with the M's. Â Best, Â MItchell Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Olof Posted February 19, 2007 Share #6 Â Posted February 19, 2007 I use the small Leica Tripod. Its light, stable and you always find a wall to press it on, or an other possibility to place it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody Campbell Posted February 19, 2007 Share #7 Â Posted February 19, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I use a Gitzo 2228. More than enough for the M8. It is a very flexible tripod and is easy to level. The RRS 25 is said to be great but is often out of stock. I'm currently using a Gitzo 1177M ballhead which smooth and compact. Â Don't overlook the Leica table top tripod. It looks like a toy - I actually bought mine by mistake - but it is rock solid alloy. I've got a manfredo 482 mini ballhead on mine - I like the Leica ballhead less well because it makes the whole thing top-heavy. The Leica tripod gives great support if you have a wall, table, chairback, bench, column, table, pew back . . . whatever . . . to brace it against. You can take it places that don't normally permit tripods. It's compact enought to slip into my small Artisans & Artists carry around bag. The tripod that is with you is better than the one that you left home. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltoid1 Posted February 27, 2007 Author Share #8  Posted February 27, 2007 In the gitzo carbon line, which tripod do you think would be the lightest I could get away with, using an M8, a 90 f2 would be the longest lens. I currently have a 1325, and I think it would be overkill for the M8. Would like something lighter for traveling. Now, I do know that a high res sensor like the one in the M8 likes to be on a very stable platform, but how light, (which carbon gitzo) could I use? Also, I never use a center column. But I might need to use it in the 1 or 2 series Gitzo's, as I need at least a height of 58 inches. Is it advisable to use the center column with the M8 and no lenses longer than 90mm?  I ordered a G1530 from RRS today. Also got the small BH25 head, along with their M8 plate.  Really Right Stuff...for photography afield  You think this tripod is steady enough? I know that the M8 is quite light, and I won't be using long lenses, but I did read somewhere that high res sensors can really show up an unsteady tripod. I want something light for hiking and such, and I feel that my 1325 with Markins M20 is overkill. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted February 27, 2007 Share #9 Â Posted February 27, 2007 The problem with typical travel tripods is all those clamps - 3 or even 4 per leg. I use a Manfrotto NeoTec tripod where you just pull out the leg as far as you want and it locks in any position, then press a button and slide it all the way back. Makes setup and knock-down very quick and simple. A quick release plate is a must. Â Sadly, the NeoTec is a full size tripod, perfect for my D2x so overkill for an M8 but it would be good to see the same scheme applied to a travel tripod. Â The M8 is an improvement from the film camera with that centred tripod socket. Â Incidentally, to fire the camera on a tripod, do you use the 2 second self timer and hope the camera has stopped shaking or a cable release? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugby Posted February 27, 2007 Share #10 Â Posted February 27, 2007 I bought a Carbon Gitzo 1027 three section with the Gitzo Medium BallHead for my D2. As it was the right combination of smallness and sturdiness. I did not want to consider 4 sections. Â With my D3/L1 I feel it is a little risky whilst standing in windy conditions....an M8 with 90mm lens would be similar in weight/overhang to a D3....so I would use a heavy weight under the center hook. I always make sure one leg lines up with the same direction as the lens. Â When shooting from a sitting position this tripod is excellent. Also whilst standing in non-windy conditions this combo is still superb, but not tall....and does sometimes require the use of the center column. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted February 27, 2007 Share #11 Â Posted February 27, 2007 I have the Gitzo Basalt 1098 which is only very slightly heavier than a carbon, a bit lighter on the wallet and I think it is a bit better damped. But what I am looking for is a really light ballhead, yet stable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hankg Posted February 27, 2007 Share #12 Â Posted February 27, 2007 One alternative for a travel tripod: Joby Gorillapod SLR ZOOM, mount the little RRS B25 head on it and you can toss it in a bag and take it anywhere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyspedden Posted February 27, 2007 Share #13 Â Posted February 27, 2007 I bought a Carbon Gitzo 1027 three section with the Gitzo Medium BallHead for my D2.As it was the right combination of smallness and sturdiness. I did not want to consider 4 sections. Â With my D3/L1 I feel it is a little risky whilst standing in windy conditions....an M8 with 90mm lens would be similar in weight/overhang to a D3....so I would use a heavy weight under the center hook. I always make sure one leg lines up with the same direction as the lens. Â When shooting from a sitting position this tripod is excellent. Also whilst standing in non-windy conditions this combo is still superb, but not tall....and does sometimes require the use of the center column. Â The Gitzo 1027 tripod is no longer available. It was of the older generation 12 layer carbon fiber technology and has been replaced by the 1057 which uses the newest 6 layer carbon wrap technology. Gitzo claims the rigidity is equivalent but the weight of the newer tripod is much less. The 1057 weighs but 1.5# without head. I use it with the RRS BH25 which is their lightest weight head and perfect for the M8. All in all a very satisfying combination. Â Woody Spedden Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iomatic Posted February 27, 2007 Share #14 Â Posted February 27, 2007 Hank: Why the zoom? why not the other two models? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwalker649 Posted February 27, 2007 Share #15  Posted February 27, 2007 The Gitzo 1027 tripod is no longer available. It was of the older generation 12 layer carbon fiber technology and has been replaced by the 1057 which uses the newest 6 layer carbon wrap technology. Gitzo claims the rigidity is equivalent but the weight of the newer tripod is much less. The 1057 weighs but 1.5# without head. I use it with the RRS BH25 which is their lightest weight head and perfect for the M8. All in all a very satisfying combination. Woody Spedden  Woody, That head, is it stable enough? Its really small. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitchell Posted February 28, 2007 Share #16 Â Posted February 28, 2007 My experience with the B 25 head is that it's plenty stable enough for the M8. Â Best, Â Mitchell Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jank Posted February 28, 2007 Share #17  Posted February 28, 2007 I use the small Leica Tripod. Its light, stable and you always find a wall to press it on, or an other possibility to place it  I use thie same one, sometimes together with monopod modified to be screwed in. You can then stand with your feet stabilizing it in place, and in theater, you can sneak this contraption in and use it when sitting in the chair. The tripod is amazingly strong it could handle this abuse. the other Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted February 28, 2007 Share #18  Posted February 28, 2007 But what I am looking for is a really light ballhead, yet stable. Jaap,  Are you familiar with the Novoflex Mini Magic Ball? It has a superb design, has no problem with my M8 and 90/f2.8 and is a joy to use. I used to swear by my Manfrotto 141RC pan and tilt head but the Mini Magic Ball has made it redundant. Details here:  Novoflex Mini MagicBall Speed Graphic online sales  Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyspedden Posted February 28, 2007 Share #19  Posted February 28, 2007 Woody, That head, is it stable enough? Its really small.   Given the size and weight of the M8 and associated lenses I think it is no problem. However if I am wrong, I will try the BH 55 which I already own for the DMR and lenses e.g. 180 2.0 and the 280 4.0 to see if there are differences which I can actually see. I think the legs are perhaps more important in this case than the head but the only way to tell, as always, is to shoot and compare. my results so far says the 1057 and the BH25 gets the job done for the M8 and I would assume for the RD1 and others like it in terms of weight etc.  Love to hear your personal experiences  Woody Spedden Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugby Posted February 28, 2007 Share #20  Posted February 28, 2007 Woody I would suggest that a BH55+M8+90mm on a Gitzo 1057 may be an accident waiting to happen, as it would be too top heavy.  The Gitzo G1057 legs are 0.7Kg and the camera/lens/BH55 is almost 1.7Kg   I've found that my D3 which is 1.1 Kg plus 0.1Kg G1077M Gitzo Head on my G1027 legs which are 0.8Kg is already a bit questionable in windy conditions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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