Need a smal, light and compact tripod for NYC

Raymond Lin

Raymond Lin

I am Groot
Messages
10,564
Name
Raymond
Edit My Images
No
It will go inside my messenger bag, nothing big, it's only for 5Diii with 1 lens (35L or 45TS).

I am even contemplating a Joby Gorillapod Focus GP8. This is the kind of size I need/required. Carbon Fibre would be preferred for weight saving.

Anyone got any ideas?
 
When you hitting NYC? Heading there myself early Dec. Been pondering the same thing. I was looking at the SLR zoom version, and wondering if I could use the head from a tripod on it?
 
AH ok, won't see you there in that case :D But your experience there might excite me for my trip, look forward to your photos ;)

This looks the job for me: The Joby SLR zoom with ball head, nothing else needed. Though I just ordered a Giotto tripod, I won't be bringing it on the trip. Need something much lighter/smaller.

You know the score with youtube vids, but nothing beats visuals to help you decide:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9tGoJWe6ls

3kg max, so I'll keep it to my 24-70, shouldn't need more in NYC anyhow.
 
It can hold my D700 & MB-D10 and a Nikon 70-200 VRII quite well I did even do the bit when they hang it upside down (vid on their website) but I did mine over a selection of fluffy pillows :lol:...

Yes its a ball head, watch out for that magnet thou as that can stick an elephant to concord.... If you get my meaning...
 
Magnet?? Looks the job, but not as flexible as the joby slr pod?
 
Whats your budget? There was a review of compact tripods in AP mag a few weeks back i can dig it out for you if you like. The recommended one of the giottos models, wasn't cheap thought.
 
rjbell said:
Whats your budget? There was a review of compact tripods in AP mag a few weeks back i can dig it out for you if you like. The recommended one of the giottos models, wasn't cheap thought.
Click to expand...

£250?

Or £300 if it is justified.
 
If you're going to New York, could you pick one up in B&H? It's supposed to be an amazing photo store too :)
 
Cagey75 said:
When you hitting NYC? Heading there myself early Dec. Been pondering the same thing. I was looking at the SLR zoom version, and wondering if I could use the head from a tripod on it?
Click to expand...

Yes, you can screw on a Manfrotto (or other manufacturer's) head, Mine has a Manfrotto 484RC2 screwed to it, using the 3/8 to 1/4 whitworth thread reducer supplied with the head IIRC. The Gorillapod SLR zoom and the manfrotto head together weigh 610g but the Giottos MH5310 is even lighter. Not sure if they supply just heads though.

My Giottos CF Vitruvian tripod with head, in its case, weighs in at 1730gr.

All weights to the nearest 10g.

ETA, Both hold my D700 with sigma 24-70 just fine, although the Gorillapod needs careful adjustment of its legs wrapped aroung something sturdy.
 
Last edited:
rjbell said:
The giottos i mentioned folds down to 40cm.
Click to expand...

My question was for Raymond ;0) I just wanted an idea of how compact it needs to be really. It's a lot less money, and still very sturdy, but its worth looking at the Velbon Ultra Rexi L. It folds down to 36cm ( without a head), and is rated to hold 4kg. I've been using one as my 'carry around all day' tripod. And have been using it with a D700 and 24-70 f2.8 and a 70-200 f2.8. Very happy with it.
 
Well, if there is a ledge to rest the gorilla pod on then that would be best, for size and cost. If not then I have to have a carbon fibre as I want to get that night sky shot, may be in panoramic.

Anyone know if there is a ledge on Rocker fella centre and Empire State?
 
Raymond Lin said:
3 weeks for delivery.....:(

Back to square one!
Click to expand...

:eek:

Thats from Germany thou - if you google it there are some that have it cheaper than them (also on a 2-3 day delivery)
 
Raymond Lin said:
Well, if there is a ledge to rest the gorilla pod on then that would be best, for size and cost. If not then I have to have a carbon fibre as I want to get that night sky shot, may be in panoramic.

Anyone know if there is a ledge on Rocker fella centre and Empire State?
Click to expand...

There are plenty of flat stone plinths/ledges around the edge of the top deck on Top of the Rock, I got some great shots from there with no tripod, just resting the camera.

ESB has no ledges as far as I remember, but there is criss-crossed grillwork on the observation deck that you can rest the lens on for long-ish exposures. I tried to get some shots from the 102nd floor but the glass is a bit thick and not that clean, and you have motion issues as I think it moves around a little bit - I didn't get one sharp shot from up there.
 
Yep, you can rest your lens in the fencing up the Empire State, I spent hours up there waiting for the sunset. I got asked at the security check if I had a tripod in the backpack, I said no but did have an Optera 230 in there. There's not many places where tripods are allowed in NYC.
 
If it was me i would leave it till you get to NYC :) go to Adorama or B&H and purchase what you require at a lesser price...job done ...all you should be concerned about in NY is the combined sales tax roughly 8.875% :thumbs: on top of certain things you buy ( have a look at there sites before you arrive) but still cheaper than here :)...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top