Ultimate backpacker tripod reccomendations?
Posted 25/02/2011 - 11:50
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Slik make some very nice lightweight tripods. Probably too lightweight for other brands but given how compact Pentax DSLRs are they're perfect. I found an old 500G on ebay for £8 which was superb until someone managed to crack part of the head, I'm vaguely keeping my eyes open for a replacement although with a Red Snapper and one of the Slik Mini Pro 'pods I don't really need another. They're light, compact, easy to handle, and fairly robust providing they aren't abused.
I would say to look for something with a ballhead for stills as it makes life much easier when trekking. You don't have to spend ages adjusting the tripod legs, just plonk it down and use the ballhead to get the camera level.
I would say to look for something with a ballhead for stills as it makes life much easier when trekking. You don't have to spend ages adjusting the tripod legs, just plonk it down and use the ballhead to get the camera level.
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Posted 25/02/2011 - 13:45
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Backpacking with a tripod can be a bit tricky as I'm sure you know - even the CF full spec tripods can be a bit on the weighty side and together with the rest of your camera and personal gear you can really end up carrying some substantial weight - ok for the younger guys but for us in middle age it gets more problematic
If I'm hiking in good light I don't use a tripod most of the time, I use a Slik Pro Pod 381CF (superceeded now I think) and it works great as it just gives that bit more support for critical sharpness.
Back to tripods though for normal use I use one of the Redsnapper ones and its excellent - every bit as good as the Manfrotto I used to have and a lot cheaper , I have the Aly version but the CF is apparently just as good.
For hiking though I have a Velbon Ultra Luxi F which unfortunately they don't make anymore but it's an excellent compromise when it comes to stability vs weight, its very compact too - well worth looking at the Velbon range, not a top name but some models (not all) are pretty good
Like Matt I also carry around a Slik Mini Pro V, together with a beanbag - you can normally find somewhere to put them
Simon
If I'm hiking in good light I don't use a tripod most of the time, I use a Slik Pro Pod 381CF (superceeded now I think) and it works great as it just gives that bit more support for critical sharpness.
Back to tripods though for normal use I use one of the Redsnapper ones and its excellent - every bit as good as the Manfrotto I used to have and a lot cheaper , I have the Aly version but the CF is apparently just as good.
For hiking though I have a Velbon Ultra Luxi F which unfortunately they don't make anymore but it's an excellent compromise when it comes to stability vs weight, its very compact too - well worth looking at the Velbon range, not a top name but some models (not all) are pretty good
Like Matt I also carry around a Slik Mini Pro V, together with a beanbag - you can normally find somewhere to put them
Simon
My website http://www.landscapephotographyuk.com
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Find me on Google+ link
Posted 25/02/2011 - 19:09
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I have the Velbon CF-630 and it's a really nice tripod. I've put a manfrotto 48RC2 head and they weigh a touch over 2Kg. With another video head you are looking at no insignificant weight to lug about for a few shots.
There are some nice CF tripods in the Velbon range. GEO E430 and GEO E440. Both are not full height but they are in the 1Kg weight range. Get a suitable light weight pan and tilt head which you can do both vid and photog it might work. They both take 2.5 Kg
4 section will be more packable than 3 section.
There are some nice CF tripods in the Velbon range. GEO E430 and GEO E440. Both are not full height but they are in the 1Kg weight range. Get a suitable light weight pan and tilt head which you can do both vid and photog it might work. They both take 2.5 Kg
4 section will be more packable than 3 section.
Lurking is shirking.!
Posted 25/02/2011 - 19:22
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link
buy metal, not carbon fiber if possible..... then add three simple accessories
1: make a triangular webstrap and netting "Hammock" that you can velcro, tie or clip between the legs (I don't know if you can buy this), so you can use it to keep gear off the ground by setting it in the net beyween the tripod legs...
2: get a water proof nylon tarp so you can wrap your tripod and gear (as above) to keep your stuff dry.
3: large metal water bottle and hook so you can use your tripod over a small fire to boil water.
this tripod and tart will also set up quick to use as a makeshift survival shelter.
wrap the legs with plumbing insulation foam and layer up lots of gaffer or duct tape which you can later peel off if you need tape... also tape any screwdriver/allen keys you may need for feild repair to the legs.
I never carry ANYTHING that does not have more than one function when hiking or camping.
buy metal, not carbon fiber if possible..... then add three simple accessories
1: make a triangular webstrap and netting "Hammock" that you can velcro, tie or clip between the legs (I don't know if you can buy this), so you can use it to keep gear off the ground by setting it in the net beyween the tripod legs...
2: get a water proof nylon tarp so you can wrap your tripod and gear (as above) to keep your stuff dry.
3: large metal water bottle and hook so you can use your tripod over a small fire to boil water.
this tripod and tart will also set up quick to use as a makeshift survival shelter.
wrap the legs with plumbing insulation foam and layer up lots of gaffer or duct tape which you can later peel off if you need tape... also tape any screwdriver/allen keys you may need for feild repair to the legs.
I never carry ANYTHING that does not have more than one function when hiking or camping.
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 25/02/2011 - 19:25
Link
Don wrote:
link
buy metal, not carbon fiber if possible..... then add three simple accessories
1: make a triangular webstrap and netting "Hammock" that you can velcro, tie or clip between the legs (I don't if you can buy this), so you can use it to keep gear off the ground by setting it in the net beyween the tripod legs...
2: get a water proof nylon tarp so you can wrap your tripod and gear (as above) to keep your stuff dry.
3: large metal water bottle and hook so you can use your tripod over a small fire to boil water.
this tripod and tart will also set up quick to use as a makeshift survival shelter.
I never carry ANYTHING that does not have more than one function when hiking or camping.
or Just take a big knife and whittle a tripod when you need one
link
buy metal, not carbon fiber if possible..... then add three simple accessories
1: make a triangular webstrap and netting "Hammock" that you can velcro, tie or clip between the legs (I don't if you can buy this), so you can use it to keep gear off the ground by setting it in the net beyween the tripod legs...
2: get a water proof nylon tarp so you can wrap your tripod and gear (as above) to keep your stuff dry.
3: large metal water bottle and hook so you can use your tripod over a small fire to boil water.
this tripod and tart will also set up quick to use as a makeshift survival shelter.
I never carry ANYTHING that does not have more than one function when hiking or camping.
Lurking is shirking.!
Posted 25/02/2011 - 19:26
Link
dougf8 wrote:
that is fine if you got time to whittle!Don wrote:
link
buy metal, not carbon fiber if possible..... then add three simple accessories
1: make a triangular webstrap and netting "Hammock" that you can velcro, tie or clip between the legs (I don't if you can buy this), so you can use it to keep gear off the ground by setting it in the net beyween the tripod legs...
2: get a water proof nylon tarp so you can wrap your tripod and gear (as above) to keep your stuff dry.
3: large metal water bottle and hook so you can use your tripod over a small fire to boil water.
this tripod and tart will also set up quick to use as a makeshift survival shelter.
I never carry ANYTHING that does not have more than one function when hiking or camping.
or Just take a big knife and whittle a tripod when you need one link
buy metal, not carbon fiber if possible..... then add three simple accessories
1: make a triangular webstrap and netting "Hammock" that you can velcro, tie or clip between the legs (I don't if you can buy this), so you can use it to keep gear off the ground by setting it in the net beyween the tripod legs...
2: get a water proof nylon tarp so you can wrap your tripod and gear (as above) to keep your stuff dry.
3: large metal water bottle and hook so you can use your tripod over a small fire to boil water.
this tripod and tart will also set up quick to use as a makeshift survival shelter.
I never carry ANYTHING that does not have more than one function when hiking or camping.
trust me... being able to set your tripod up like a little wind/rain blocking tee-pee will save your but if you need to make an emergency fire, and boil some water and dry your cloths... been there done that, in the arctic.
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 25/02/2011 - 19:35
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I too have the Velbon CF-630. I have taken out the centre column, and use it with a Markins ball head. It is a great tripod, but probably too long when folded for backpacking.
You could consider the Benro Travel Angel.
Gitzo have some great tripods which fold up quite small but they cost a packet.
3leggedthing got some attention on the forum recently too - you could consider them too.
You could consider the Benro Travel Angel.
Gitzo have some great tripods which fold up quite small but they cost a packet.
3leggedthing got some attention on the forum recently too - you could consider them too.
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63 posts
15 years
Yorkshire
Can you guys recommend me some great tripod legs/setups?
Also looking to get two heads, one for stills and one for shooting video from the DSLR unless anybody knows of a head that might be able to serve double duty. Was looking to get a joystick head for the stills (love the ease of use) but might consider a regular ball head for weight/size savings. Also need suggestions on the smallest/lightest video head that will get the job done.
thanks so much for any thoughts/comments/suggestions!