Compact and lightweight tripod for mirrorless?

EspressoJunkie

EspressoJunkie

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So originally I had intended to keep my Manfrotto tripod and head now that I've moved to mirrorless, but having felt just how light the camera is, I don't think I need such a hefty support. Also a lot of my photography involves clambering about old buildings, so it defeats the object of having a nice small camera, but to still have to lug a large tripod around!

So can anyone recommend a fairly compact and light tripod which will still be stable enough for long exposures etc? I know there are some nice carbon fibre ones, but I don't want to be spending silly money!

Id be hoping to spend no more than £150 for the legs and head.

Thanks!
 
I'd recommend a Velbon Ultra Rexi L. Sturdy, folds to about 30cm (minus head), pretty light and good value. More than stable enough for my E-M1 and I've used it with a gripped D800 + fat lens.
 
EspressoJunkie said:
That looks just the job! Any recommendations for a head?
Click to expand...

Like most things it's personal choice but, in keeping with the compact and lightweight theme, I've got a Manfrotto 498rc2 ball head. I've also got a 492rc2 which is the smallest ball head Manfrotto do I think. That one spends most of its time on large gorilla pod but I've found it more than useful with the Velbon when I'm in need of a really compact & lightweight combo.

I personally find ball heads a bit of a pain, mainly because I use a geared head most of the time. But they are pretty much the most compact type.
 
I have the old style one and its good, there not light or ultra light, well mine isn't :-(
I'd go arca swiss style, you can get short plates cheap off ebay, 20 or 25mm long, great for mirrorless
 
I have one of these I keep in my bag with my Nikon1 kit. It's a cheap/small combination tabletop tripod and clamp mount. It's mostly metal and pretty sturdy for what it is... it almost holds my D800 with a decent lens (it will hold it, but the head creeps if set much off center). I won't vouch for it's long term durability, but it's a nice item to always have along. I can almost always find something to set it on or clamp it to when I need. And it doesn't weigh much so it doesn't bother me to just leave it in the bag. And then I always have it when I need.

Edit: Just to be clear... it's not a replacement for "a real tripod." If you know you're going to need "a real tripod" then you might as well bring your manfrotto...
 
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