What tripod for a M11?

[pgk]

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Nothing beats Gitzo. I've used them since 1980 and still have the original Reporter I bought back then used. Currently this specific tripod is out on loan being used to support a powerful pair of binoculars for fisheries surveillance/enforcement. Other makes come and go .....

As I have stated many times before, supports come in two types - those which hold the camera steady and those which don't. In between systems are hit and miss. If you are going to use a support it should do its job. I currently use a Gitzo 1128 which is fine for the M Leicas in reasonable conditions, and a 1548 which supports everything else up to a 10" x 8" Gandolfi with heavy lenses. Both work although in inclement conditions the 1548 rules, even with an M Leica.

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[Anbaric]

On 4/13/2024 at 12:26 AM, michaelbrenner said:

Negative review of the less expensive Gitzo GT1545T, but despite the review being negative, he has quite a few positive things to say about this handy tripod, which are worth considering.

Odd review. He buys a tripod without a hook, then complains it doesn't have a hook, manages to unscrew and lose a foot and complains that the feet unscrew (how else can you fit spikes or service the legs?), misses gimmicks like the tripod-mounted bag for tools his cheaper tripod has (never heard of that), and is disappointed his third party head doesn't fit between the legs when they are folded back (the Gitzo one does). An additional locking screw to secure the head might be welcome, but as there's no standard for the position of this, it would be hard for Gitzo to provide one for any head except their own.

[algrove]

5 hours ago, Smudgerer said:

A good carbon-fibre mono-pod is I find the best fit for M work........

Interesting idea and I have a sturdy monopod, but for me I'd rather bump up my ISO a bit and also keep a higher SS so that I can handhold.

[algrove]

4 hours ago, Anbaric said:

Odd review. He buys a tripod without a hook, then complains it doesn't have a hook, manages to unscrew and lose a foot and complains that the feet unscrew (how else can you fit spikes or service the legs?), misses gimmicks like the tripod-mounted bag for tools his cheaper tripod has (never heard of that), and is disappointed his third party head doesn't fit between the legs when they are folded back (the Gitzo one does). An additional locking screw to secure the head might be welcome, but as there's no standard for the position of this, it would be hard for Gitzo to provide one for any head except their own.

Glad we are seeing through these stupid influencers who contradict them selves at nearly every turn. Wonder if he is a Siuri (sp?) influencer in fact.

[michaelbrenner]

9 hours ago, pgk said:

Nothing beats Gitzo. I've used them since 1980 and still have the original Reporter I bought back then used. Currently this specific tripod is out on loan being used to support a powerful pair of binoculars for fisheries surveillance/enforcement. Other makes come and go .....

As I have stated many times before, supports come in two types - those which hold the camera steady and those which don't. In between systems are hit and miss. If you are going to use a support it should do its job. I currently use a Gitzo 1128 which is fine for the M Leicas in reasonable conditions, and a 1548 which supports everything else up to a 10" x 8" Gandolfi with heavy lenses. Both work although in inclement conditions the 1548 rules, even with an M Leica.

I like the monopod idea for running and gunning at events where getting close is not feasible, but also need a tripod for landscapes, night work, moon work and for close-up work, like flowers and such.

I'm using an M11 and do 99% handheld in fast-moving situations using 50/2APO, 28/2.8 and 90/4Macro.  However, I'm looking for a compact, lightweight tripod (and maybe a monopod) that I can use for close-up work with the 90/4Macro the R60/2.8Macro, and for landscapes and/or night and/or long-distance (moon, public events, surfing) shots with 21/1.4, 50/0.95, R500/8 or R280/4APO.  The R280/4APO weighs 4.1 lbs and is 8.2in long, and handheld is not really an option with this beast unless I start hitting the gym and bulk up (I used to shoot a Nikon F5 with 80-200/2.8 but that was when I was younger and stronger...).

Lastly, with the tripod (or monopod), it would be convenient not to have to dismount the camera to change battery or memory card, but not a deal-breaker.  Compactness and being lightweight are critical as I'll have to carry it along with me, as I do quite a bit of walking and moving around while shooting, with most shots being handheld and only occasionally using the monopod or tripod.  The R280/4APO beast is different:  With that one, the monopod/tripod would be on full-time for a particular event or purpose, but even then I would almost certainly be moving about and not just shooting from a single point of vantage.  For example, walking along a beach and getting shots of surfers, or working an event where getting close may not be desirable, such as a rodeo or off road event.

Ideas, suggestions?

[ianforber]

20 hours ago, michaelbrenner said:

I like the monopod idea for running and gunning at events where getting close is not feasible, but also need a tripod for landscapes, night work, moon work and for close-up work, like flowers and such.

I'm using an M11 and do 99% handheld in fast-moving situations using 50/2APO, 28/2.8 and 90/4Macro.  However, I'm looking for a compact, lightweight tripod (and maybe a monopod) that I can use for close-up work with the 90/4Macro the R60/2.8Macro, and for landscapes and/or night and/or long-distance (moon, public events, surfing) shots with 21/1.4, 50/0.95, R500/8 or R280/4APO.  The R280/4APO weighs 4.1 lbs and is 8.2in long, and handheld is not really an option with this beast unless I start hitting the gym and bulk up (I used to shoot a Nikon F5 with 80-200/2.8 but that was when I was younger and stronger...).

Lastly, with the tripod (or monopod), it would be convenient not to have to dismount the camera to change battery or memory card, but not a deal-breaker.  Compactness and being lightweight are critical as I'll have to carry it along with me, as I do quite a bit of walking and moving around while shooting, with most shots being handheld and only occasionally using the monopod or tripod.  The R280/4APO beast is different:  With that one, the monopod/tripod would be on full-time for a particular event or purpose, but even then I would almost certainly be moving about and not just shooting from a single point of vantage.  For example, walking along a beach and getting shots of surfers, or working an event where getting close may not be desirable, such as a rodeo or off road event.

Ideas, suggestions?

I’ve recently switched to using the Heipi tripod https://heipivision.com

it’s a copy of the PD but with most of the niggles ironed out and, in addition, has a built in tripod. I use a sirui arca plate the wrong way around, which allows me access to the battery and SD card, although I’ve never needed to do that with the plate on. As you can see from the pics below, you couldn’t use your finger to press the lever but could probably do it with a twig or similar if you really really didn’t want to dismount the camera. 
 

 

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[LocalHero1953]

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I've never got on with monopods. They keep falling over.

[kiwidad]

‘On a leica tripod? ‘
 

apart from the table top one has leica ever made a tripod?

In the US leica was in bed with different tripod maker such as tiltal for instance but they themselves never made a full size one.

Personally I like the Gitzo stuff. Serviceable if you manage to break it and very well made and functional. I wish I could afford one of their lightweight carbon fiber ones!

[fsprow]

Gitzo carbon fiber. Mine looks like it’s been in a war zone like Afghanistan. Which indeed it has.

[Chun Chang]

On 3/16/2022 at 12:16 PM, Jon Warwick said:

If I lived in the US, I’d likely also consider one on the RRS tripods, which seem to have a very strong reputation.

I have ordered two RRS tripods to Hong Kong.  Exceptional form and function.

[raizans]

I’m enjoying my current tripod, but this Falcam TreeRoot looks pretty good for a travel tripod. https://youtu.be/KtEY5RyT81w?si=sEJzVUQr7ogmcN4s

Edited June 13, 2024 by raizans