Best, Sturdy, lightweight, 4 Section Tripod? I know this subject has probably been debated ad nauseam before my time here, but here goes. I leave for a vacation in France and England...

MikeBl Loc: USA

I know this subject has probably been debated ad nauseam before my time here, but here goes.

I leave for a vacation in France and England in June, with expectations to have an opportunity for both night photos in Paris and London, as well as bird
photography. Like most people, I already have two tripods that simply don't do the job, both in stability and overall weight.

Looking for suggestions for the best tripod that fits the bill listed?

Thanks!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

The best is Gitzo. I think the Series 3 Systematic, carbon fiber, 4 section is the best.

MikeBl wrote:

I know this subject has probably been debated ad nauseam before my time here, but here goes.

I leave for a vacation in France and England in June, with expectations to have an opportunity for both night photos in Paris and London, as well as bird
photography. Like most people, I already have two tripods that simply don't do the job, both in stability and overall weight.

Looking for suggestions for the best tripod that fits the bill listed?

Thanks!

MikeBl Loc: USA

jeep_daddy wrote:

The best is Gitzo. I think the Series 3 Systematic, carbon fiber, 4 section is the best.

Thanks jeep-daddy.

Gitzo is without a doubt the high-end. I am hopeful for a bit less pricey, without sacrificing too much quality.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You might want to take a look at the Feisol CT-3442. It's only 2.3 lbs, has a top tube diameter of 28 mm and a load capacity of 55 lbs, not that the load capacity really means anything. It costs $420. I have used it successfully with a 300mm lens and for macro work. It's like a Gitzo series 2 in weight, but it's top tube is thicker making it more stable.

MikeBl Loc: USA

Gene51 wrote:

You might want to take a look at the Feisol CT-3442. It's only 2.3 lbs, has a top tube diameter of 28 mm and a load capacity of 55 lbs, not that the load capacity really means anything. It costs $420. I have used it successfully with a 300mm lens and for macro work. It's like a Gitzo series 2 in weight, but it's top tube is thicker making it more stable.

Thanks Gene, *definitely* on my short list and more in my price range!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

MikeBl wrote:

I know this subject has probably been debated ad nauseam before my time here, but here goes.

I leave for a vacation in France and England in June, with expectations to have an opportunity for both night photos in Paris and London, as well as bird
photography. Like most people, I already have two tripods that simply don't do the job, both in stability and overall weight.

Looking for suggestions for the best tripod that fits the bill listed?

Thanks!

I do not normally recommend 4 section tripods - but I do understand the attraction/compromise for traveling and height.

I rather like the price and what I see in this Oben - if you can live with 23.3 inches collapsed. You can quickly pay a LOT more.....for others.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Oben-CT-2491-4-Section-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Legs-OPEN-BOX-Free-Shipping-/292519823934?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10

..

MikeBl Loc: USA

imagemeister wrote:

I do not normally recommend 4 section tripods - but I do understand the attraction/compromise for traveling and height.

I rather like the price and what I see in this Oben - if you can live with 23.3 inches collapsed. You can quickly pay a LOT more.....for others.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Oben-CT-2491-4-Section-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Legs-OPEN-BOX-Free-Shipping-/292519823934?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10

..

Thanks imagemeister.

Lots to like about this tripod, including increased height, and lower price. Lower max load is not a concern. The drawback is the overall length, which won't fit in my carry on.

I'm not familiar with this brand. More research is in order.

jcboy3

MikeBl wrote:

I know this subject has probably been debated ad nauseam before my time here, but here goes.

I leave for a vacation in France and England in June, with expectations to have an opportunity for both night photos in Paris and London, as well as bird
photography. Like most people, I already have two tripods that simply don't do the job, both in stability and overall weight.

Looking for suggestions for the best tripod that fits the bill listed?

Thanks!

That's a pretty broad bill. You are going to get recommendations for very large, very expensive tripods.

It would help if you specified what camera/lens combination you want to use. And identify the previous 2 tripods.

My criteria for a travel tripod includes the need to fit it inside my backpack (14.5" folded length). I've got two; one with ball head and one without. But then, I'm not putting the big wildlife lenses on them.

whwiden

Take a look at the Sirui brand for a lower cost option. I have a tripod and a monopod from them. I am happy with the quality.

MikeBl Loc: USA

jcboy3 wrote:

That's a pretty broad bill. You are going to get recommendations for very large, very expensive tripods.

It would help if you specified what camera/lens combination you want to use. And identify the previous 2 tripods.

My criteria for a travel tripod includes the need to fit it inside my backpack (14.5" folded length). I've got two; one with ball head and one without. But then, I'm not putting the big wildlife lenses on them.

Thanks jcboy,

Well the Camera is a 7d MK ll and the heaviest lens will be a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens with a 1.4 Extender. It will also be used with a 16-35 L wide angle lens. The two previous tripod models are both aluminum and, in my view, irrelevant due to weight concerns.

The max carry on luggage size now is 21 inches, and although I could strap it on, I would prefer it fit inside.

MikeBl Loc: USA

whwiden wrote:

Take a look at the Sirui brand for a lower cost option. I have a tripod and a monopod from them. I am happy with the quality.

Thanks whwiden. I'll do just that!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

MikeBl wrote:

I know this subject has probably been debated ad nauseam before my time here, but here goes.

I leave for a vacation in France and England in June, with expectations to have an opportunity for both night photos in Paris and London, as well as bird
photography. Like most people, I already have two tripods that simply don't do the job, both in stability and overall weight.

Looking for suggestions for the best tripod that fits the bill listed?

Thanks!

Mike, Consider a Carbon Fiber that will not kill the budget and fit in a roller carry on. $200 from B&H. Will support 13lbs The brand is Sirui from B&H

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images2000x2000/sirui_sut025x_t_025x_carbon_fiber_tripod_1244072.jpg

MikeBl Loc: USA

PixelStan77 wrote:

Mike, Consider a Carbon Fiber that will not kill the budget and fit in a roller carry on. $200 from B&H. Will support 13lbs The brand is Sirui from B&H

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images2000x2000/sirui_sut025x_t_025x_carbon_fiber_tripod_1244072.jpg

Thanks Stan, I'll give it a good look!

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I picked up a Sirui aluminum tri for $160 at camera store. Probably get for less on line. Love it. Sturdy and very nice head. The Zomie 666 for $40 is great for lights or emergency tri but not very stable. I also picked up a couple used that are only good for mounting lights.
Just depends on your budget

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Oh yeah. The other thing is I much prefer the clamps to the screw or turn adjusters for the legs. Decide which you prefer.