new tripod ideas needed

[foghorn67]

Currently I have a Manfrotto 3021N and a 488RC2 ballhead. It's great for lenses with it's own mount plus a gripped 7D. I liked this setup for birding.

I'm looking for something lighter and able to go lower without taking it apart. (legs spreading apart so the camera is low to the ground).

Basically a light weight setup for cityscapes. During these outings, the grip is removed, and the lenses are lightweight. Or I'll carry the lighter 40D.
Also, I want a more conventional pan/tilt head, rather than the ballhead.
If I need more leg stability in a pinch, I'll get one of those waterbags.

Most of my bags have a tripod provision for carrying that, but it's not feasible with the 3021N legs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[corkyg]

I find that a gorillapod is a great little tool to have in the bag in addition to a standard 3-legger. And for work involving hiking, etc., a monopod can serve two putposes and not be a burden.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Hmmm. I have a 3021 and the legs open wider just by pushing the little lever thingy at the top of each leg. I can get it pretty low, and I can drop the column to point down instead of up if I really want the camera on the ground.

I used to have a 486RC2 but moved to a 322RC2 and find it a lot easier to use, as well as more stable. It is larger and heavier, but the clamping force is quite strong and I don't find myself having to make fine adjustments as often.

My travel tripod is a Slik Mini Pro II. It is quite small and features a small but sturdy 2-way pan head. It is super versatile and can hold a lot of weight. I wrote a review (with pics) here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=721288

 

[foghorn67]

I find that a gorillapod is a great little tool to have in the bag in addition to a standard 3-legger. And for work involving hiking, etc., a monopod can serve two putposes and not be a burden.

I do have a smaller Gorilla Pod for my iphone and Canon P&S, but I need something with normal legs that CAN ratchet down low as well.
My bad for not clarifying this.

 

[RobDickinson]

I've just looked at this and settled on a feisol ct-3441S (or 3441T if your tall).

http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tripods

Not cheap but 1kg and a good height and very well made.