Lightweight Tripod?

[photophorous]

I'm looking for a really lightweight tripod. Does anyone have any recommendations? Most of the reviews I read don't mention weight, and everything I see in the store is either flimsy or built for SUV travel. I need something I can carry on extended backpacking trips, so I'm talking less than 3 lbs, if possible. It must be full size, or close to it...not one of those 2 footers.

Any advice on this subject is appreciated.

Thanks!

Paul

[SmartWombat]

I can just say I learned this lesson buying the Manfrotto 190 aluminium tripod.
Then carrying it around race circuits

I definitely want to get a lighter version now, possibly carbon fibre.
The 190 is only just stable enough for my 400mm, so I can't sacrifice rigidity for weight.

But the cost !
Enough rigidity to be actually worth using, yet lightweight to carry - comes at a high price.

[photophorous]

Just wanted to add a little clarification:

I won't be using it with any real long lenses. All I have is a 28-105 zoom. It's mostly for landscapes. I do however like to take some long exposures now and again.

[Light bulb over head] Have any of you ever tried to hang a heavy object under a tripod to stabalize it? Is that a bad idea? I'll have plenty of other heavy things with me.

[mjs1973]

I have hung some heavy objects from my tripod, and it really helps out. I enen put some clips on my 2 and 5 pound sand bags so I could clip them to my tripod very quickly. I don't know of any specific tripods, but for light weight, I would think you should be looking at carbon fiber. But what you get, should be based on your needs. I have a Bogen tripod and head combo that I love, but it's pretty heavy. It's very stable, but that stability comes with some extra weight. I have hiked with it for a few miles at a time and it's not bad, but if I were planning on going on an extended hike, I think I would take my Walmart cheapo. Not nearly as sturdy as the Bogen but sturdy enuf for limited use, and a lot less weight. But then again, it all depends on what camera and lens combo I was using. For what you mentioned, I think it would meet your needs. But if you plan on using it alot, don't waste your money. Get yourself a good sturdy tripod, and don't look back.

[another view]

Get yourself a good sturdy tripod, and don't look back.

Good advice. I've used wayyy too many, but pretty much only used one for the last two years. It's a Gitzo 1228 carbon fiber, and it's about as perfect as it gets. Small, lightweight and very sturdy. They seem stiffer than larger sized metal tripods, and also don't get cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The 1228 is pretty short, I'm 6'-1" and it's a little low for me but I needed that one to fit in my sea kayak. Really, they're worth every penny - and won't be obselete next year!

[Skyman]

depends what you are shooting etc, but i carried a velbon ultra maxi in my backpack whilst travelling around europe. they are a little flimsy (i have use far worse) but with a cable release they are very usable, having said that if you are into landscaped especially then there is no substitute for a heavy tripod.

[photophorous]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I found this SLIK tripod that looks like a pretty good compromise (~$80). I've never actually handled one though. Does anyone have experience with this one? It was not in the Reviews.

http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-ss2b.html

Paul

[mjs1973]

I have never used a Slik, but I have heard good things about them. My only concern about this one, is the max height. It says that is is 64" (5'4"). Is that with the center column extended? The more you extend the center column, the more unstable it will be. So if you're pretty tall, you may want to get something a little taller. The head you put on it will five you a couple more inches in height too. Just something else to consider.