Tripod and head setup

[Andrewbullie]

I currently have a mid range Manfrotto 3 section steel tripod with a Giottos ball head. Both units are very good quality, but they are heavy and quite chunky.

I am looking to take my camera gear out on my new bike and will have a need for a tripod, monopod is no good as I'll be doing some longish exposures. So, my question is, what is the most compact lightweight full size unit out there that would be well suited to taking on my bike?

 

[Hairyduck]

Problem is if you want rigid you get that by having a heavy tripod, are you thinking landscapes, macro, long lenses? All could potentially affect any suggestions

 

[jacob12_1993]

Check out 3LT, Giottos, Feisol, Gitzo, Velbon they all make highly regarded travel tripods

 

[dbr1066]

I've been extremely pleased with my lightweight Giotto MT 8246B

 

[Alastair]

Can I suggest this. I use an identical one myself and have no problems taking camera gear with me on the bike..

 

[alexnail]

Probably a Gitzo 2 series would be the ultimate for what you are asking. Perhaps a Manfrotto 055CX4? As for head, thats a can of worms. I have an RRS BH-40 which would be great, but they are astronomically expensive and you might not be able to get hold of one! The Kirk BH3 is very nice but heavier. Lower end you have the basic Manfrotto 486 ballhead which is a bit lighter but not comparable on quality. The best weight vs stability head might be an Acratech