ideal tripod for travel?

boccers_2000

boccers_2000

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Andrew
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Hi Guys,

I have a tripod (a Manfrotto, aluminium). It's rather heavy although very sturdy.

I'm heading to Japan on holiday in a couple of months and just wondered what tripod people would recommend for travel? I want something that is lightweight and relatively sturdy but can also handle a canon 500d plus 10-22mm lens on it etc as well as fold up quite small.

It's probably asking allot.

I have a Manfrotto head so just thinking about a new pair of legs but all recommendations welcomed.

Thanks
 
Andrew - strikes me that with a 10-22 lens you won't need to use a tripod except when it's dark.
Also - whatever you take has to fit in your suitcase and not take too much space.

Hence I'm suggesting you take a look at Gorillapod.
Has the advantage of being able to use almost anything for support - railing, chair, tree or any flat surface. It's also very compact and light.
Just make sure you get a model suitable for the weight of kit you want to put on top of it.
 
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My experience of travel tripods hasn't been good: had a few cheapos, a Hama, and finally a Manfrotto Modo Maxi, all of which I got rid of, as they're just not sturdy or robust enough for my liking.

+1 for the gorillapod TBH, even tho I hardly use mine. It weighs nothing so is probably the best bet for versatile support. Obviously it's not a traditional tripod, but if you're prepared to be creative with where you mount your camera, it could be the solution.
 
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You don't mention budget. You can pay a lot for a quality travel tripod!

I would get a carbon Benro Travel Angel. Excellent quality and the bigger ones are as good as a regular tripod, but fold much shorter. Very light. Lots of choice, something like this for £200 delivered http://cgi.ebay.com/BENRO-C-169-M8-...718?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b74fc4c6 Recommended ebay supplier :thumbs:

Or any of the other Chinese Gitzo traveller clones like Triopo, Feisol.
 
I'd recommend just getting a Gitzo. Expensive they may be but not if you take into account frequently buying 'cheaper' options.
They are also have a better finish than the copies (which aren't that cheap either).
 
Take a look at the Velbon Sherpa range, they are generally lighther and more compact
when closed.
I bought mine with the intention on taking it to Alaska last year but in the end I decided I didn't want to add the extra weight to an already heavy suitcase.
I also didn't want to run the risk of being told that I couldn't take in as hand luggage.
 
If your going to be looking at the likes of a gorilla-pod then why not have a look at this Trek-Tech-T-Pod I've one & it holds any of my set-up below...
 
I recently purchased the Velbon CX Mini and it's an amazingly small yet strong and sturdy tripod and I've been shooting long exposures of up to 30 seconds with clean and crisp results. You can get one for around £30 and I highly recommend it!
 
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A reasonable Monopod would be worth considering, particularly since some places do not allow tripods to be set up................... easier to pack and carry
 
On my last trip I took both my Manfrotto monopod and a beanbag which I used with my 7d and longer lenses. There was only one occasion I had to use the beanbag with Sigma 10-20 and that was for a night shot.
 
When I went to Australia last year I invested in a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod, and put in my suitcase between layers of clothing. There's no point in going on a fantastic holiday and not having a decent tripod with you, if you plan to take landscapes. You could wait until you get out there and bring one back, that may be an easier, if not lighter, option.

Steve

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums
 
I would also recommend a Benro Travel Angel. They are very well made, very light and pack up pretty small. My Alloy one is under 1.1 Kgs and 37 cms long folded. The maximum working height of mine is 1405mm. Personally I wouldn't want anything shorter.

Also, I don't know what prices are like in Japan, but I bought my Benro in Malaysia and paid £78 for it. The same thing on Ebay UK is around the £130 mark.
 
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mastertrinity said:
I recently purchased the Velbon CX Mini and it's an amazingly small yet strong and sturdy tripod and I've been shooting long exposures of up to 30 seconds with clean and crisp results. You can get one for around £30 and I highly recommend it!
Click to expand...

I agree, I use one of these when travelling and so far it has been faultless.
 
Another :thumbs: for Benro here. I own the largest of the Travel Angel series and it's fantasic. I haven't had the chance to use it a great deal outdoors yet but has been perfect for me so far.

Held my Canon 100-400 no problems!
 
+1 for gorillapod.

really useful if your (day) trip involves getting on and off boats
 
winkiwin said:
i find with my S5 that this cant handle much movement from horizontal
Click to expand...

There was 2 versions of it - the 00130 which had the "ari" head & was totally crap (which I sent back) & the 00131 has the "star mount" & has the better head...

Which one have you got then as mine holds a gripped D700 & 70-200mm VRII quite well.... Either that or I'm heavy handed and over tightened the screw :$
 
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