Lightweight tripod

[tenohfive]

Sorry to do another 'what xxxx' thread but when it comes to tripods I really don't know where to start. I've got a Manfrotto 190D with Manfrotto 390RC2 head which does the job nicely - it's stable, well built and whilst basic I've got no real issue with it on use. But it weighs a tonne. That's fine 90% of the time but I'm doing more and more stuff up big hills in the Lake District including some wild camping. I've managed to shave a good few kilos off my camping kit and the tripod is probably the heaviest thing in my bag now. I think I'm down to around 14kg now, but if I can trim some weight I know my legs will appreciate it.

How much would I need to spend for something lightweight but still stable? And any recommendations as to what? The heaviest thing it's likely to have to support is my 400D with Tokina 11-16mm, so nothing drastic.

[Simpo Two]

Why not trade it in for the carbon fibre version? A quick google finds: http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-manfrotto-190cx...

[RobDickinson]

Have a look at feisol, I just bought a ct-3345 it's a decent beast light and not too spendy

[Breadknife]

I recently bought myself a 190CX3 as per the link above and am pairing it with a 054 ball head as my lightweight kit - it comes in at around 2kg, which is about 1.2kg lighter than my other set-up.

Edited to add that I think your kit is around 2.5kg... I think you'll be making a large sacrifice in stability/quality to get anything that's significantly lighter?

Edited by Breadknife on Tuesday 21st January 13:41

[Shaoxter]

I'd recommend Feisol too, I have the CT 3441S which weighs only 1.4kg with the 30C ball head. The folded length is also tiny.

[markmullen]

I use a carbon Gitzo mountaineer for travelling, hiking etc. It takes my medium and large format gear so should be fine with your kit.

[tenohfive]

Feisol and Gitzo seem to be the ones I've spent most of my time looking at - the Feisol CT 3441S seems to be the most commonly available. I presume that the hook system for extra weight does work stability wise? I'll have no shortage of weight to hang beneath.

Both seem to be coming in at the £280 mark which on the one hand isn't obscene, but on the other does mean I won't have it for an upcoming trip and pushes them into the realm of Christmas presents. Is there anything maybe a touch heavier or with less features but the same stability for a bit less money? I don't want to end up buying twice so if not I'll just start saving. But if there is then I'd give it some consideration as it's nice to know the options, even if the obvious answer with photography is usually the more expensive one.

[paul911]

I've got a CF giottos that I use when walking. That's another one to confuse you with

[RobDickinson]

I have a carabina on my bag I use to hang it off the hook works really well keeps the bag of the floor Ann makes it easy to get filters out too.

Check eBay for generic cf tripods bound to be tons.

[Shaoxter]

tenohfive said:

Feisol and Gitzo seem to be the ones I've spent most of my time looking at - the Feisol CT 3441S seems to be the most commonly available. I presume that the hook system for extra weight does work stability wise? I'll have no shortage of weight to hang beneath.

Yep, I hang my camera bag on the hook. It works fine without a weight though as long as it's not too windy, that's with a D800 and 24-70 2.8.

You can look on ebay for a cheap used one, then save up for a nice CF one which you really want.

[Simpo Two]

RobDickinson said:

Ann makes it easy to get filters out too.

Everybody should have an Ann

[RobDickinson]

Simpo Two said:

RobDickinson said:

Ann makes it easy to get filters out too.

Everybody should have an Ann

autocorected!

[itsnotarace]

I use a Velbon Ultra Luxi, which packs up small and weighs little. Cost about £80. Great bit of kit. The Ultra Rexi supports a bit more weight if you need it

http://www.velbon.co.uk/ultra.html