Tripod for backpacking

[sambisu]

I am looking for recommendations on a tripod to take backpacking. What would be the ultimate in lightweight w/ acceptable stability? This will not be for large or heavy equipment. Every ounce counts for backpacking, so I am willing to pay a premium for weight savings. Have looked at Gorillapods, but I would prefer something closer to a full-size tripod.

[HDNitehawk]

I think I would stick with Gitzo traveler or moutaineer series;

http://www.gitzo.us/photo-tripods

[Raid]

If weight is the main concern, you must go Carbon Fiber, but which one. Well that depends on the weight of the camera?

http://www.slik.co.jp/slik_com/carbon_series.html

[Ehcalum]

Do you use trekking poles? I once made a diy tripod out of two poles, my body and an old 1/2 moon adapter that allowed the tips to be threaded into the end and had a mount for a head atop. Some people have modified their tripod to have only one leg and replacing the other two with their poles: http://dondo1.wordpress.com/2011/06/...rekking-poles/

[sambisu]

Any thoughts on the Gitzo GT0531?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...6X_Carbon.html

It looks like this is the lightest they make at 1.6 lb for just the legs.

[HDNitehawk]

I have two Gitzo tripods. They are both quality. From my experience I would believe that at 1.6 lbs you would have a hard time finding one built better.
But anything that light I would believe is going to be a bit shaky no matter who makes it.


Here is what Gitzo says about that model;
Recommended for compact cameras, lightweight camcorders and DSLRs with 75mm lens or 135mm maximum. Given its small size and extreme light weight, this tripod offers a interesting compact solution for the latest generation of small scale digital equipment. The G-Lock system and improved tube structure give good performance in terms of torsional rigidity.

[andnowimbroke]

If you do get that model of Gitzo, I'd recommend drilling and tapping a hole from the under side (but not through the suregrip plate) for an allen head screw to lock things down. It's the only model that didn't have one already. You'll never be able to lock the ballhead down tight enough to use your pan knob. It is a bit short fully extended (column and all), but that is the price you pay for portability. It also has a smaller footprint when set up which is usually a good thing where I use it. It is light as you mentioned and can handle substantially more weight than listed.

[sambisu]

Any experience with Promaster tripods? This one seemed like it could be a good deal, and it is at the local camera store so I could actually go put my hands on it before buying it.
http://thecameracorner.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[product_guids][0]=110ad4d1-6954-42e3-8ef6-d1598fc7202e
It is a little heavier than what I was hoping for at about 2.5 lbs w/o a ballhead.

Also looking at these from Slik:
http://www.slik.co.jp/slik_com/DS-SPRINT_PRO_II.html
That one is just over 2lbs w/ a ballhead

http://www.slik.co.jp/slik_com/CS-PRO634CF.html
Also just over 2 lbs, but with no ballhead

The two from Slik have very similar dimensions and weight, except one is $90 (w/ head) and the other is $250 (no head). I have to assume the more expensive one is more stable...but worth the extra $160 (+ buying a head)?

[HDNitehawk]

sambisu

My first tripod was a slik (not the two you mention). It lasted two years before it had a failure where the leg attaches to the plate. It still works well now as a light stand but not a tripod. The lock down mechanisms on the legs are not as positive and easy to use as the Gitzo. Otherwise the tripod worked fine, my overall opinion of the Slik as a brand is you pay less for it and it will do the job but the service life will be shorter. I would buy the brand if my funds were limited.

[ddt0725]

Of course Gitzo is the best to go with but to save a few $, I went with the Induro CT213 a few years ago and it still works out very well for me while hiking. I am very happy with the weight and it attaches nicely to the outside of my bag.