Best lightweight tripod for hiking?

Messiah Khan

Messiah Khan

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Alasdair Fowler
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Currently I have a Gitzo 3540XLS for when I need maximum support, and a Manfrotto 190XProB for my 'lightweight' needs. However I really could do with something lighter. The Manfrotto is still too heavy as I often decide not to bring it due to the weight and collapsed length.

In under 5 weeks I am flying out for a nice long holiday in British Columbia, Canada so I see that as a fine excuse for upgrading my lightweight tripod to something even lighter. At the moment my main contender is the Gitzo GT1541T. If I get one of these I would use it with the RRS BH-55 until I could afford a smaller, light weight head such as the RRS-BH40. Has anyone got a GT1541T? If so, is it as good as it looks and sounds? Any downsides? Also are there any decent contenders that are worth considering?

The heaviest setup that it will be used for is a Nikon D300+Grip+300mm f4, but most of the time the lens used will be a 10-20mm.

Any suggestions?
 
I've got a GT1541T and I love it. I don't consider it a true tripod as I'm 6'2" and I avoid using the last leg section and centre column, but that's fine by me. I'm using it with a Kirk BH-3 which is a little mismatched, but I just let it poke out of the top of the Gitzo traveller bag. 300mm (450mm effective) is probably pushing it though, I read reviews saying it's a-ok to 200mm, but not much further (though it seems more stable than my 190xprob).

There's a Benro knock-off that's meant to be basically as good.
 
I had a more limited budget than you and ended up with a GT1931.
It's 1.4 kilos and minimum packdown is 60 cm...which i didnt really think through (i was just looking at weights). It's very bulk with a head on it though and I can't remember the last time i took it out. I'm thinking seriously about getting it shortened by someone who can cut down all the legs and rebond the attachments to the end of the poles to make it only as long as the central extension pillar...then I think it will make an excellent hiking tripod and it will weigh 100-150 gr less. I don't know how often you use the FULL extension of your tripod, but i reckon i use mine very rarely.

Considering taking it cycle touring next week for a month in scotland and carrying it in my trailer. It's as heavy as my bloody tent though so i'm not too sure. Argh! ****ing tripods! I'd love a Gitzo traveller...they are just such a rip off.

I must say in my more impoverished days I used to carry about a Manfrotto 718 SHB digi...I think its from their fun/compact line. It packs down very small, is quite light and costs next to nothing. Used to provide enough support for most things as long as you didn't extend it to full height.
 
I don't have a Gitzo traveller but I do use a modified Manfrotto 190CX4 for travelling. It's not very tall but is great to use sitting down and is nice and light.
 
I've got the Fiesol CT 3441.

1.0Kg and 43 CM folded. I think the cost has increased somewhat since my purchase - due to the state of the pound I assume.

I ended up entering weights, dimensions and prices into Excel to compare them all !
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys, but I have now placed an order for a Gitzo GT1541T. :D Should be a bit lighter on my back. On a related note, does anyone know where you can buy a Markins Q3T ballhead from? Ideally in the UK. I can't seem to find it for sale anywhere.
 
Kudos on the 1541, I loathe carrying anything heavier.

If you find a UK Markins retailer please report back - I was lucky enough to get my Kirk secondhand, I was struggling to find a UK retailer for any of the decent Arca-compatible heads.
 
Messiah Khan said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys, but I have now placed an order for a Gitzo GT1541T. :D Should be a bit lighter on my back. On a related note, does anyone know where you can buy a Markins Q3T ballhead from? Ideally in the UK. I can't seem to find it for sale anywhere.
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I believe you can get these thru Nikonians/Photoproshop (Germany?)

Also, have you looked at the Benro equivalent - Travel Angel C-169 - get the whole kit for less than £300.
I'd be keen for feedback on Benro.
 
davek said:
I believe you can get these thru Nikonians/Photoproshop (Germany?)

Also, have you looked at the Benro equivalent - Travel Angel C-169 - get the whole kit for less than £300.
I'd be keen for feedback on Benro.
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Benro are excellent and fantastic value from DC's Store on Ebay. Lots of stuff about them if you search my user name. Some links re Travel Angel on this thread http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=225419
 
Just ordered a Markins Q3T from Photoproshop. This is going to get expensive. I also want to get a replacement lever clamp from RRS and a L-Bracket for the D300 without grip (So I can leave the grip at home and travel lighter.) but the RRS website seems to be refusing my payment at the moment.
 
Messiah Khan said:
Just ordered a Markins Q3T from Photoproshop. This is going to get expensive. I also want to get a replacement lever clamp from RRS and a L-Bracket for the D300 without grip (So I can leave the grip at home and travel lighter.) but the RRS website seems to be refusing my payment at the moment.
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Nice :) I'm about to to order a Markins L bracket, which looks like the nicest/lightest to me. Dunno if this helps but Benro make a QR lever clamp but I don't know who sells it. Would be a heck of a lot cheaper if it's what you're after http://www.benro.cn/EnSite/EnProduct.aspx?id=167&SerName=Camera Clamp
 
The tripod and head (Is the mk2) have arrived, and the L-Plate and RRS B2 LR II clamp are on their way. One problem I have though;

The Markins Q3T came with the clamp glued on. So I have used a Propane torch to heat the clamp and remove it, ready for the RRS B2 LR II to be fitted. but when I removed the clamp, the 3/8"-16 stud remained in the clamp, not in the ball as I had hoped. So now I need to source another 3/8"-16 stud (Can't get the leverage needed to remove the stud without shredding the threads.). Anyone know where I can get one? Are they fairly common (ie, can I get one from say Maplins or B&Q?)

The other alternative; Can I not fix the clamp using a 3/8" hex bolt fitted from the top of the new clamp? The RRS B2 LR II looks like it has a chamfered edge on the mounting hole which suggests it fits a hex bolt?
 
Messiah Khan said:
The tripod and head (Is the mk2) have arrived, and the L-Plate and RRS B2 LR II clamp are on their way. One problem I have though;

The Markins Q3T came with the clamp glued on. So I have used a Propane torch to heat the clamp and remove it, ready for the RRS B2 LR II to be fitted. but when I removed the clamp, the 3/8"-16 stud remained in the clamp, not in the ball as I had hoped. So now I need to source another 3/8"-16 stud (Can't get the leverage needed to remove the stud without shredding the threads.). Anyone know where I can get one? Are they fairly common (ie, can I get one from say Maplins or B&Q?)

The other alternative; Can I not fix the clamp using a 3/8" hex bolt fitted from the top of the new clamp? The RRS B2 LR II looks like it has a chamfered edge on the mounting hole which suggests it fits a hex bolt?
Click to expand...

You used a blow torch! :eek: They are notoriously hard to get off. Did the ball clamping mech survive the heat?

RRS supply a custom stud, and I would want to use that, to enure a perfect fit on the countersink. I would hope that the clamp will come with it. Is it too late to get them to drop one in the box? RRS customer service is very good.
 
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