Compact Tripod

[Bjorn]

Hi Lone Rider,

If you'd like to take "ultra everything" literal, do a google search on "jobi gorillapod".

I haven't tried it, but it looks ok. Maybe a bit gimmicky but it might work out alright for reasonably lighweight gear. They do an SLR version as well – though I doubt it'd take a pro tele-lens.

Cheers
Bjorn

[Bjorn]

Check this out:
http://monsterpod.us/



Bjorn

[quastdog]

Here's my submission for consideration - Cullmann Magic 2
http://www.cullmann-foto.de/en/produ...lpods/2722.htm

This one fits flat under the cover of my 35L Touratech case, between lid and the soft bag insert. Easy to get to, its protected same as your other gear.

[Global Rider]

Originally Posted by quastdog

Here's my submission for consideration - Cullmann Magic 2
http://www.cullmann-foto.de/en/produ...lpods/2722.htm

Certainly different and interesting.

I take it the two upper leg mounts rotate 120° to either side to form the "tripod"? Do they come to a "stop" or can the leg positions be located at any position in the 360° circle?

The telescoping leg sections seem to be locked by a threaded ring instead of a cam lock. Do I have that right?

For others in the "inch" world, the length equates to 16.2" collapsed and 56.7" extended.

[Global Rider]

Manfrotto seems to have added another compact tripod to its line.

Identical to the Manfrotto 714SHB Tripod, the new Manfrotto 715SHB Tripod has a Quick Release feature that adds a mere 1.5 cm (0.6") to the already short collapsed length. All other dimensions, fully extended, etc, are increased by the same amount.

Note that load capacity has decreased to 1 Kg from the 2.5 Kg of the 714SHB. This is due to the Quick Release feature.

[Global Rider]

I finally got around to snapping a pic of my Manfrotto 714SHB tripod with an Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom mounted.

This is how little room it takes up in my GiVi E52 Maxia top case....



I usually leave the two attached and just slip them into the supplied Manfrotto case and under the straps while underway.

[teflon]

Bought one of these for when I'm walking. It's small enough to go in a bag, but big enough to take a reasonably heavy set up if used with care. Probably ideal for those lightweight 'hybrid' cameras, and it also has a separate screw plate that can be left on the camera all day, so it's pretty quick to set up.

Hope this helps.

[Dummyist]

These Benro Mefoto tripods are very popular these days in Turkey,
I didn't bought one yet but I saw and studied one in shop,
very compact and high quality ones..

[jpyrek]

I've got a Vanguard Alta+ 225 CT which I LOVE. It is "compact" at about 13" I believe....but it is carbon fiber, so extremely light. I used it on my trans-africa trip last year and it held up quite well. I was able to mount a DSLR and 100-400mm L series lens (probably 5 lbs or so total weight) with no problems. It was easy to store and not bad to carry around. It costs around $250, so it isn't cheap, but it was much better than a lot of the similarly sized aluminum models. I think the height was around 42" or so. So, it wasn't ideal if you are trying to take a ton of portraits, but that was never my aim...also I have an articulated screen, so that made shooting a lot easier. Great tripod for a traveler though.

[Xander]

Hi Guys,
My 2 cents. But first a question to ask yourself is: What camera and lens combination am I using. (you dont really need brand/model but do need weight/length). Tripods and heads are weight rated, If you try and put a pro-DSLR with 600mm f4 lens on most pods it will collapse (or at least slip).

So what ever you do get the weight ratings correct.
I shoot a d300swith 70-200m f2,5 (eg HEAVY).
and have gotten away with

bogen manfrotto 190cxpro4 carbon fiber tripod
Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs 190CXPRO4

It is expensive but will handle a pro kit and is small.
I coupled it with a
Trek-Tech- MagMount PRO-
Must-have Tripod and Monopod Accessory | Trek-Tech | Magmount Ball Head

this kit gives me 7kh of stability for about a kg of weight

If you'd like to take "ultra everything" literal, do a google search on "jobi gorillapod".

I haven't tried it, but it looks ok. Maybe a bit gimmicky but it might work out alright for reasonably lighweight gear. They do an SLR version as well – though I doubt it'd take a pro tele-lens.

I love the gorillapods.. the are great if you think of them as a bean-bag alternative..
here is a review (note it is also couple with a ball-head they are horrible with out the head)

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...slr-zoom-33868

[Warin]

I've purchased this
Zipshot Compact Ultra Light 44" Traveller Tripod FOR DSLR DV DC Spring Open Legs | eBay

Basically 300grams weight, legs out of aluminum tent poles. Not suitable for heavy cameras as you would expect, but if you are using a small camera and after weight reductions , this is it. The ball head is a little rough. The legs should be spread out after assembly - the extra tension make the thing steadier. $50 with postage to OZ, so cheap enough.

[kitman]

hi, I know this is made out of west Germany and I have one ball head I am looking for the further information about manufacture as well. anyone ?

[trailguru]

I'm an ex-pro, now keen amateur and can recommend another Cullmann, the
Cullmann Concept One 622T.

It's small enough to pop into a top box or pannier at 36cm folded, really useful height range of 23-136cm, QR ball& socket head with panning base, it's reasonably beefy and well-engineered. Add a decent camera strap and it's easy to carry too. Cullman do a carbon version if you need to go lighter than 1.4Kg. For windy days there's a centre-column hook to hang weight from - I take a stuff sack to fill with rocks etc.

An excellent, ultra-light travel tripod I've used on motorbike tours (along with Olympus micro 4/3s cameras) for the past few years, is the Vanguard Nivelo 204BK. Its got a neat, 'one-twist' unlock/lock system for the legs and weighs just 0.6Kg! Folded, it's the same length as the Cullmann but has a slimmer silhouette. Max height is 125cm and it has an integral, non-pan head so it's not as versatile. I'm surprised to see it's still available from Amazon and other places for about £65.

[casperghst42]

Have anyone looked at the Sirui UltraLight T-025X + C10X, I like the idea about the 700g + ballhead, but I'm not 100% sure about the stability.

I's 2x the price of it's baby bother (T-005), but lighter...