BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Best Camera Tripods

Photography Question 

Lorena Simon
 

Need Lightweight Yet Sturdy Tripod


Hi, I have a really good tripod but it is very heavy to carry for hiking with camera, and all the equipment. Can you suggest to me a light but steady tripod for this kind of situations? I have a Nikon D80 camera, and the heaviest lens I have is a 70-210 zoom.
Thanks


To love this question, log in above
November 04, 2009

 
wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Donald R. Curry
Donald R. Curry's Gallery
  Take a look at a Monfrotto. I have neen using the the model 3001n for years. I do a lot of hiking.


To love this comment, log in above
November 07, 2009

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  Hello Lorena,
I have a heavier Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 tripod that I mainly use at home and a very light Bogen/Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod w/Manfrotto 468MGRC2 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead. The 190CXPRO4 has 4 sectioned legs and collapses down nicely for carrying on one of my camera backpacks. It runs about $324 at Amazon. It is easy to position, sturdy & very light.
I wanted the Gitzo 1541 (also a carbon fiber tripod) but this one runs about $600. The Gitzo with a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ballhead would be my preference but they are not cheap.
I am happy with the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 w/468MGRC and this combo is cheaper than the Gitzo tripod alone.
If you have the $$ - I would go with the Gitzo/Really Right Stuff combo but otherwise my Manfrotto is a great alternative.
I hike a lot as well and it makes a huge difference when carrying a lightweight tripod and is well worth the investment. I also use a 100-400mm f/4.5L lens I carry on my hikes and it is plenty sturdy on this tripod.
Cheers!


To love this comment, log in above
November 07, 2009

 

Kerry Drager
  Hi Everyone,
Great question, and great tips! Also check out Rob Sheppard's Camera Tripods: An Essential Photo Accessory BetterPhoto Instructor Insights blog.

Thanks,

Kerry


To love this comment, log in above
November 12, 2009

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  Thanks for the link Kerry.
I lugged my heavy tripod with me everywhere and it is so nice to have the lighter Carbon Fiber tripod now. I love landscapes, waterfalls, slow shutter speeds, more DOF & HDR imaging so my tripod gets a lot of use and I really enjoy getting everything set up and dialed in and the hitting the remote shutter release just knowing my captures will be good :)
I cringe when I hear a photographer say a tripod is too much hassle. I would feel lost without mine.
Have a great day everyone and Lorena, let us know what you get.
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
November 12, 2009

 

Bob Cammarata
  Try this one


To love this comment, log in above
November 13, 2009

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread