Compact, compact, compact tripod

[silverJON]

Says it all, really. I'd like a tripod that'll reach my eye level, or not too far off, and that folds into basically nothing. I'm 5'7".

Stability would be a luxury, but isn't essential by any means. It'll have to hold a K100D with light-ish lenses (manual metal-bodied standard zooms, cheap plastic telephotos), but I have mirror lock-up, remote release and sensor SR at my disposal, as well as a little patience :)

Budget? I'll see what I can get, and then decide whether I can afford to pay for it or not. If it's expensive, I'll buy it anyway, just not yet. My student loan comes through in January, you see :p

When I say nothing, I mean something I can fit unobtrusively in a backpack, or something... ideally, max 12" long and no more than about 3" wide when folded. Weight is less important.

Am I dreaming?

Thanks lots
Jonathan

[StewartR]

TrekPod (http://www.trek-tech.com/content/pdfs/TrekPod_Go!_Spec.pdf) ?

[dizzledazzle]

Manfrotto modo 785b?

http://www.devoncamera.co.uk/index.cfm/photographic/Products.Details/product_id/1057/subject/manfrotto_785b_modo_maxi_digi_tripod_black

this is currently my only tripod its very compact when folded up and very light, yet unfolds to quite a height. the pics show it with a mini compact but both me and Theory use ours with our D80's..

Its an amazing little thing.

[silverJON]

Thanks both - TrekPod looks perhaps *too* unstable but the Manfrotto is tempting. Will investigate the 785b, and watch my bank account intently... :)

[silverJON]

I've just popped into Jessops in Putney (shame on me) and they have a 785B - £60. Overpriced, of course, but it feels really good and I'll go in there with my camera and a heavy lens at some point to get a real idea. I like!

The D80+kit lens is comparable in weight to the K100D+kit lens, from what I remember of the feel.

[andrewc]

velbon ultra luxi - f

[minimeeze]

Another vote here for the Velbon. I have one and it's lightweight and folds really small.

[DinoS]

another vote for the LUXI, very stable in my opinion. espically when you kit is on it.

[silverJON]

Thanks for the Velbon suggestions everyone :) I've tried a couple of Velbons on Tottenham Court Road and wasn't impressed - I far prefer the feel of the Manfrotto - although I don't know if I tried the 'Luxi' or not. Is it likely it was in a shop, or are they somewhat reclusive?

[dizzledazzle]

One thing i have add regarding Manfrotto, you can get pretty much every single part for all of their tripods, the afterservice is excellent, although the part i ordered wasnt in stock, they said it would take about 3 weeks for it arrive.. 3 weeks later, part arrived!

[EdinburghGary]

Manfrotto modo 785b?

http://www.devoncamera.co.uk/index.cfm/photographic/Products.Details/product_id/1057/subject/manfrotto_785b_modo_maxi_digi_tripod_black

this is currently my only tripod its very compact when folded up and very light, yet unfolds to quite a height. the pics show it with a mini compact but both me and Theory use ours with our D80's..

Its an amazing little thing.


How would it cope with a D200 with Grip and a large heavy lens?

G.

[theory]

How would it cope with a D200 with Grip and a large heavy lens?

G.

Poorly...

It would work ok with wide angle/small lenses though and is very very portable so I won't be getting rid of mine despite having a heavy tripod.

[digitalfailure]

Get a decent tripod to start with, think about future upgrades to your kit...do you want to buy another tripod in a years time because the first one you bought couldn't handle a new new lens?

[EdinburghGary]

Get a decent tripod to start with, think about future upgrades to your kit...do you want to buy another tripod in a years time because the first one you bought couldn't handle a new new lens?

I have a tripod, but it's such a pain in the 4rse for when I want to go out and take a few snaps at night. Heavy as hell!!

A wee fold away would be ideal.

[theory]

Get a decent tripod to start with, think about future upgrades to your kit...do you want to buy another tripod in a years time because the first one you bought couldn't handle a new new lens?

I truly believe the 785b has a place in anyone's collection. It's main feature is how lightweight it is, yet it'll reach nice and high and is usable to get most shots.

Its great and I use it more often than my manfrotto 055CB just because its quick and convenient.

[john-oh]

I've recently bought a Feisol CT 3441, mainly because it is small and light and I'll be able to chuck in in a suitcase. I'm very pleased.

Its only available (as far as I know) direct from Taiwan - mine came in three days. The web site is not very inspiring, but the tripods are cool.

http://www.feisol.com (http://www.feisol.com/)

If you order the (B) model it comes with the (small) CB-30 ball head, and a carry bag. Options include ground spikes and a short centre column.

I have an old (heavy) tripod but as EdinburghGary pointed out, it rarely get used because I can't be bothered to lug it about.

[fracster]

Manfrotto modo 785b?

http://www.devoncamera.co.uk/index.cfm/photographic/Products.Details/product_id/1057/subject/manfrotto_785b_modo_maxi_digi_tripod_black

this is currently my only tripod its very compact when folded up and very light, yet unfolds to quite a height. the pics show it with a mini compact but both me and Theory use ours with our D80's..

Its an amazing little thing.

I use this model as a "holiday" tripod, great little thing and is small when collapsed.

[EdinburghGary]

Re: 785b. Just picked one up and it's very light :)
will be used for walks etc, the heavy weight for longer car journeys.

[blinkerz]

i use the velbon ultra luxi - f, with 30D and 70- 200 2.8 its fine..

[theory]

Re: 785b. Just picked one up and it's very light :)
will be used for walks etc, the heavy weight for longer car journeys.

glad you like it. I just love how easy and quick it is to use :)

[Ross]

Another Velbon Ultra Luxi F user signing in. Works fine with my D200 and 70-200 2.8

[dizzledazzle]

glad you like it. I just love how easy and quick it is to use :)

I love mine! Although its starting to strain a bit now with some of my lenses! It fits perfectly through the belt loops on my Lowepro bag and weighs nothing so its perfect for walks etc..

:thumbs:

[silverJON]

EdinburghGary, theory, dizzledazzle, good news: I now own a 785b :D

£50 including a free bag (they happened to have a spare, not a bundle deal) from London Camera Exchange on the Strand.

Very pleased, though I haven't shot with it properly yet :)

[dizzledazzle]

Good choice!

:thumbs: