backpacking tripod?

[pennylane]

I'm looking for a new tripod and I found this thread.

I think the 190XPROB and 486RC2 would be a solid combo for me, but I'm wondering if I should try to get something lighter/more portable. If anybody has any suggestions on something lighter/more portable, or if I should just not bother and go with the medium-heavy set-up, I'd appreciate the comments.

Thanks!

 

[soydios]

the 190XPRO+486RC2 is a great combo (I use it myself), but it is moderately heavy (I don't backpack with it).

paging fuzzybabybunny for backpacking tripod wisdom...

 

[OdiN]

The best thing for backpacking would be something like this:

3.5lb
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...iber_Carbon_Fiber.html

3.1lb
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...ssic_Carbon_Fiber.html

2.4lb
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...ssic_Carbon_Fiber.html

2.2lb
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...raveler_6X_Carbon.html

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Look to Gitzo for CF tripods of all weight ranges. The answer depends on the kind of lenses that you're going to be using, because lighter tripods can't carry as much weight as heavier tripods. Taking your SLR + lightweight 18-200mm, 10-20mm, 50mm, etc? Then something like a Gitzo Mountaineer G1027 or G1028 with a ballhead should get you in the sub-3lb range for the setup. But these tripods can only carry up to about 6.5lb, and can definitely shake in the wind. Taking something like a heavy telephoto? You're going to want a tripod that can take that weight without shaking. With these you'll be looking at 2.5lb+ tripods.

I personally use a 3lb carbon fiber tripod (Feisol 3301), but it lacks a lot of the features of the 190XPROB and it isn't as refined. Still, I've found that it does a very good job despite only being 3lb. It's stable enough for serious photography and is light enough for short backpacking trips over short distances. There are times when it will succumb to high winds though. Twice during winds of around 45mph has the tripod become a kite.

Gitzo CF tripods:

http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/sit...AT:BB59:3CAT:CC45:4CATD52&curMarketId=MARKET:MKT1&curBrandId=BGI&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productList&isCleanList=true

Feisol:

http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm

Overall this is a pretty complex question to answer. What kind of backpacking trips are you doing? What lenses will you carry? Are you doing serious photography while backpacking? What's your pack weight right now without camera stuff? How strong of a hiker are you? etc. Taking SLR stuff into the backcountry can be very heavy and can ruin your trip if you're always busting your ass being your own pack mule. On most of my backpacking trips I don't bother carrying a tripod or lots of lenses because I don't want to be weighed down and because I'm not even positive that there will be anything spectacular to take pictures of. Now if you KNOW that where you're backpacking to offers spectacular scenery, then you may want to take the extra weight of a good tripod, quality lenses, etc. I've done a couple of these, but you need to be certain that there will be something to take pictures of, otherwise you're going to just be doing a grueling hike lugging all your expensive stuff around and have no photos to show for it.

 

[pennylane]

Hmm. It doesn't seem quite worth it. I'm not much into backpacking. Maybe day hikes here and there. But I'm in need of a tripod so I thought I'd float the question and see what my options are/could be. I think having a medium-heavy tripod is probably best for me right now. Maybe I'll just get the 190XPROB and 486RC2 and call it a day.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: fanerman91
Hmm. It doesn't seem quite worth it. I'm not much into backpacking. Maybe day hikes here and there. But I'm in need of a tripod so I thought I'd float the question and see what my options are/could be. I think having a medium-heavy tripod is probably best for me right now. Maybe I'll just get the 190XPROB and 486RC2 and call it a day.

Good choice. If you plan to seriously backpack you're going to need at least two tripods, an ultralight one for backpacking and your "normal" one. For day hikes a 3-4lb tripod will be fine, like the 190XPROB. Although I wish they'd make a lighter version of it with CF instead of aluminum.

 

[DrPizza]

Just a thought, but maybe a monopod that could double as a walking stick while hiking? Of course, that eliminates setting the camera on timer mode and taking a picture of yourself standing at the edge of a cliff.

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Just a thought, but maybe a monopod that could double as a walking stick while hiking? Of course, that eliminates setting the camera on timer mode and taking a picture of yourself standing at the edge of a cliff.

Unless you're really good at balancing things.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: OdiN

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Just a thought, but maybe a monopod that could double as a walking stick while hiking? Of course, that eliminates setting the camera on timer mode and taking a picture of yourself standing at the edge of a cliff.

Unless you're really good at balancing things.

Several of my favorite family photos were taken during camping outings, using a timer and the camera balanced on top of a log or a pile of rocks or something. Hard to find someone to take a picture for you when you're 10 miles from the nearest road.

 

[GrJohnso]

Don't forget the empty canvas bag for an extra low level tripod. I've got an old lightweight stuff sack that I fill with gravel, sand, dirt, etc. when I need a solid place to put a camera for a timed or long exposure shot. You can buy these in camera shops, but just about any old bag will do. Keeps you from scratching up the camera, and makes for a slightly mold-able, dampened base.

The mono-pod options isn't bad if you already use hiking poles or have ever considered it. Not as helpful for self portraits, but definitely adds a few stops for longer exposure shots, landscapes, etc....

Oh, and if you ever do consider an ultra-lightweight tripod and find it too flimsy in the wind, etc... Make sure it either has a hook, or you rig a hook to it so you can hang your camera bag, or some other balast to help weight it down and keep it still. Amazing what a little extra weight will do for stability.. I got a lot more mileage out of my first plastic tripod I received as a gift many years back using this technique..

(edited since I can't type, spell, or communicate in general this morning)