I need a lightweight tripod than collapses small...

The Magic 2 comes with a ball and socket head which is quite decent. I don't think it has a spirit level, but that wouldn't be any use with a B&S head anyway. One that fits your flash shoe is better (ebay).

You will always benefit from a bigger tripod, but sadly the best tripod from a stability point of view would be too heavy to carry around, so you have to decide on a compromise.

shim

To summarize:

Velbon luxi L £85 with quick release
Culman Magic 2 £103
redsnapper £75
SLIK PRO 340DX £99 - (Slik)

----------------- £75(85)------ £103 ---------- £75----------£99
Maximum Height 161cm ---- - 144------------ 160---------147
Minimum Height 19cm -------33------------ 29 ---------- 46
Folded Height 39cm ------ 34.5 ------------ 62 -------- 49
Weight 1320g(+430)---- 1363g (with head)- 1970g (+660) -1580(+450)
Maximum Load 2.5kg ------2.5 ------------ 8kg --------5kg

the lightest and most expensive is the Cullmann Magic. Maybe 2.5kg load is enough, it is always nice to walk as lightest as possible in my opinion.

Which one would you choose?
Thanks

And how do you feel to carry a tripod that is 2 kg or more in a photographic day-trip when you probably walks quite a few km?

If I carry all my gear, with the camera in the Fastpack 200, it becames quite heavy after a while. I can imagine with a tripod on top of that.

Probably the redsnapper is the best for the stability and money (don't know the quality), but 2,650 kg are a lot, aren't they?

Cullmann 1363g (difference) £103
Velbon 1750g (+ 400g) £75/85
Slik 2030g (+ 280g) £99
Redsnapper 2630 (+600g) £75

The Cullmann does seem expensive for a small tripod. Maybe keep an eye on ebay for a mint one. Redsnapper are highly thought of on a lot of forums just Google for them. It would be better to actually look at some tripods in a shop, probably won't have the one's you've listed though.

A monopod would be lighter, but not very good for carefully composing of landscapes. The solution with tripods is always a compromise anyway, you just can't lug around a heavy studio job.

shim

I don't take tripods on long walks, they drag you down and make a pleasure a chore. There are ways to get around stabilising the camera without using a tripod.

Tripods I use for flower shots in gardens, architecture if it's a planned shoot, and all sorts of macro work.

[quote:3496ace15f="johnriley"]I don't take tripods on long walks, they drag you down and make a pleasure a chore. quote]
Is this a common opinion? when I start to feel the weight of the backpack the walk becomes a pain for me as well.
The only thing is that it should be useful to use filters

for example?

that could be an idea, but usually prices are higher, aren't they?

1) Bean bag with or without tripod screw, supported on wall, tree, etc.
2) Lying on floor, leaning on wall and using elbows as supports.
3) Placing camera directly on top of wall, on floor, against wall or tree, etc.
4) Using SR
5) Monopod
6) Photographic walking stick (has tripod bush in top)
7) Increase ISO as needed for hand holding
Using car as support

and probably many more ideas. Improvise!

Richard Day wrote;
I have this tripod (the Giotto that is) - and think its pretty good and tend to take it most places. It is very versatile, albeit not as quick to set into awkward positions as a uni-loc/ benbo. However one can still get to ground level with a centre column that is either replaceble with a short post, or can be set to 90deg and other angles.

I have managed to 'nip' my fingers occasionally with the leg-release catches. I had the cheapest Giotto ball-socket head but that broke quite easily. Jacobs let me trade it in and I replace it with the small Manfrotto head (as I have another Manfrotto pan-tilt head that uses the same QR plate)

Andy

I take my tripod (a Velbon CF630, plus Markins ballhead). It straps onto my backpack. Another 2 Kgs doesn't make much difference when you're lugging a Bigma around .
My backpack (a Tamron) is incredibly comfortable once it's on my back.

On ebay I would expect between £30 and £59. A Mk 1 the same as mine is OK. It's not got the quick release on the ball and socket head and I don't think it unscrews to use as a monopod, although you can use it as a monopd, just don't open the legs.

It's a brilliant little tripod for using on tables to hold a heavy flashgun etc.

Sorry I answered the above thinking you were referring to ebay, but you've actually deleted that bit...... I might as well leave what I put in, it might be of some use.

They might be dearer in some dealers, but there's no carriage to pay and if the dealer also sells on the web, just tell them that you want the web price.

shim

I have recently bought the Redsnapper and can recommend it as a very good solid tripod. It's an item that you know has been designed and produced with care and although I haven't had time to use it much, it is a delight to use.

Having said that, as you've noted, it is big and heavy! But the supplied carry-case is strong and well padded and the strap makes carrying it easy and comfortable. Would I take it on a long walk? NO! For that I have a monopod or use one of Mr Riley's many suggestions.

Tony

The MK1 looks good, weights only 750 grams, max load 3,011 kg, Maximum Operating Height: approx 135cm, Folded Length: 51.5cm (a little long, but is ok), but why costs only £25? which is the downside?

The list is usefu, I knew some, no others...unfortunately can't bring the carry with me wherever!

Chapter monopod: How many stops can I reduce with a monopod?