bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

The OP's 5300 body with the big lens weighs about 2 pounds. (Reference: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1349921-REG/nikon_1579b_d_5300_dslr_camera_w_af_p.html)

The Manfrotto PIXI EVO Mini is rated at 5.5 pounds. The "3K" Gorillapods are rated at 6.6 pounds and the "5K" Gorillapods are rated at 11 pounds.

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

None of these will be steady enough to quiet down a 300mm lens on a D5300. It's not about load capacity - it's about stability, and load capacity does not predict stability. A stable tripod will far exceed the load capacity of just about anything you want to put on it. But top tube thickness, a criterion used by Gitzo, RRS, Induro, Feisol, Sirui, etc - and any other company that makes that data readily available - is a far better indicator of stability.

This is why I would never suggest the ultralightweight cheap stuff. You are usually better off hand holding and relying on VR.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Gene51,

When it comes to ultimate stability, you win.

What do you recommend for a traveler that want to improve stability where tripods are awkward, inappropriate to travel and maybe not allowed at all?

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Make sure the tripod and head will handle well above the weight of your camera and heaviest lens, perhaps a 100%. Might be best to look for 2nd hand quality than splash out for lesser specced new. Or see if you can rent one out there - save a lot of hassle travelling. I use a GIOTTO CF model and ball head (MTL8361B & MH1311). Don't think they're manufactured anymore, but a knowledgable sage at a show thought you got a lot of bang for your buck. Something similar would meet your needs admirably, I think.

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

I'd love to have a Gitzo Series 2 Carbon. But on fixed income, it would be too costly at $900 plus the cost of a head.

So I use a Feisol CT-3442, which is $420 plus a head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8jp7h36kSY

http://www.feisol.com/0823tripodsdetails-5.html

Having rented Gitzo tripods in the past, I found the CT-3442 lighter, just as stable, and a very good value, without needing to make a compromise in stabililty.

I first became acquainted with Feisol when you could only order directly from China in 2006. I had purchased a Gitzo Systematic Series 3, and though it was a great tripod it was not stable with a long lens (500mm at the time). So I sent it back and pre-ordered the Feisol CT-3472. When I received it I used it with my 500mm lens and D200 DX camera, and I continue to use it whenever I do macro and closeup, and with my 600mm F4 which I use when the light is challenging or I need to use a 1.4TC.

The CT-3442 is about the lightest, most stable tripod that will fit in carry on luggage that fits in an overhead compartment. It folds down to a little under 20" yet when fully extended I don't have to stoop to look through the viewfinder. I am 5'11".

And though for some reason people still believe that load capacity has anything to do with stability, they may want to read something that dispels that myth.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tripod-guide

A tripod that is stable enough to use with a long lens or for macro (high magnification work in either case), will most certainly far exceed the load capacity, usually by a fact of 3 or more. Load capacity is not a good criterion for tripod selection at all. My CT-3442 has a load capacity of 55 lbs, but I will need to be very careful using it with anything longer than 300mm on a full frame camera, even though the load may only be about 7 lbs.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Exactly, look at the 4 section 190 series. Very sturdy, light and easily fit in a small suitcase but extends easily for a 6' person to use.

wildweasel

I spent the last several weeks researching carbon fiber tripods and finally settled on this one and this ball head. I have tried it with my D750 with a battery grip and Tamron 150-600 G2 lens and it handles it fine. The rest of my photog friends have been equally impressed and are considering the same tripod.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z17U5ZW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QC3COO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

NO TRIPODS ON TRIPS. You are much better off setting your camera speed to 1/1000 sec.(use shutter priority at 1/1000 sec. and use auto ISO )to take care of your unsteady hands. A tripod will just get in the way, you will not enjoy yourself and you will get better shots without a tripod or monopod. Travel lite, travel right.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

johnst1001a Loc: West Chester, Ohio

I tried a monopod and found it to be very difficult to hold in position while trying to shoot. I am far better off increasing the shutter speed to reduce camera shake then go with a monopod. If I can't get a good picture due to low light, I either get one of my f1.4 primes or simply find something else to shoot, use a flash, or reframe the shot in better light.

Nikonman44

Mono pod might be your answer. Plan B go to the foto shop and try a few models. What is perfect for others might not get to first base with you.

Have a lot of fun "Down Under"

sergio

take a monopod! it will help you waking too.

tcthome Loc: NJ

[quote=Gene51]I'd love to have a Gitzo Series 2 Carbon. But on fixed income, it would be too costly at $900 plus the cost of a head.

So I use a Feisol CT-3442, which is $420 plus a head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8jp7h36kSY

http://www.feisol.com/0823tripodsdetails-5.html

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tripod-guide

Thanks for the links.

LCD

Whatever you get, buy it well in advance of your trip. Then practice, practice, practice. Connecting, setting up, using and breaking down aren't nearly as as the pros demonstrate when you are new to it. You don't want to waste any of your overseas time learning stuff you could have learned beforehand.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I use a MeFoto monopod / walking stick to stabilize my birding kit {4.65-crop Pentax Q-7 + 70-300 Sigma lens}. I find that I need nothing else.