Tripods: Compact vs Stability

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simonB_2010

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I know, an age old question, but each thread seems to have a slightly different angle or unique requirement ... so here's mine !

I also know this is likley to be an impossible wish list for a budet of £100-£200. Hence I'll list requirements in order of priority ....

[1] Rock stable enough to hold my 400D + 70-300mm lens. But lets think future and up the rating to 2kg.
[1a] ... for looooong exposures.
[1b] ... even on its side in portrait orientation.
[1c] ... even in 'reasonable' wind.

[2] Compact (ideally around 40cm)

[3] Quick to settup and easy to handle.

Once those are covered, I'd take the shortlist and prioritise by 'bonus' features:
> Max/Min height
> Able to mount camera on 'wrong' end of column.
> Swivel column.

So far I've come up with 'possibles' which meet the dimensions and functionality, but I am unsure mainly as to 'stability' in the real world (as opposed to claims)

> Benro Travel Angel
> Giottos Vitruvian
> Velbon Maxi-L / Luxi-L


Well, that's as far as I've got before my head fizzled and smoked.
Any hands-on experienced advice (tripods and heads), absolutely welcome !

Many Tanks
Simon
 
How important is the 'compact' option?

I ask as this will limit what you get in stability and in max height. Is there a specific reason why you have limited yourself to that size? When you take into account the size of a good ball head you are down to not much more than 35cm for the tripod which is tiny.
 
'Compact' firslty because I trek and cycle. Ultimately, yes I could get away with a little more, but let's say an outside limit of 55cm (legs & ballhead) ... if i had no other choice
i.e. I'd rather take a solid tripod out sometimes and get top images, than take a flimsy out all of the time and get naff pics.
BUT..
The bigger the pod, the less places I can take it.

190XPROB - WHE are listing this as 57cm folded. But the bag is 70cm, I assume to alow for the head ?
70cm is a LOT more than 40, even than 55,
 
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I want a vitruvian for cycling because of how amazingly compact they are, I have a manfotto 055 and grip head which is big and heavy and strong, a bit too heavy for long distance but it does go on the panier rack ok (though I kicked the head when I get on/off :S)
 
simonB_2010 said:
'Compact' firslty because I trek and cycle. Ultimately, yes I could get away with a little more, but let's say an outside limit of 55cm (legs & ballhead) ... if i had no other choice
i.e. I'd rather take a solid tripod out sometimes and get top images, than take a flimsy out all of the time and get naff pics.
BUT..
The bigger the pod, the less places I can take it.

190XPROB - WHE are listing this as 57cm folded. But the bag is 70cm, I assume to alow for the head ?
70cm is a LOT more than 40, even than 55,
Click to expand...

I have cycled with 190 and loads of other junk for about a year. No issues to report regarding the tripod.
 
Thanks for replies so far, good to see a rec for the Vitruvian.

Compact
Oooh, yes could go on for ages all the reasons why i want it compact, but let's just simplify things, I DO !

re: vitruvian
Read a review somewhere that said there was lens slip in some positions (portrait) which concerned me.
Admitteldy I think his kit was bigger than mine.
If I was to do a long exposure (e.g 5-10 minutes +), any slip at all would ruin the shot.

Also wondering how the V compared to say the Giottos or Velbon ?
Any one used any of these for Long exposures ?

Shame no camera shops near me stock all of these, might have to take a journey to one of those 'City' things.
 
Have a look at this thread; you may find new suggestions in there.

I've still yet to buy an ultra light, compact and small tripod; but it seems that my money would be on the RRS kit :thinking:
 
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