I recently posted regarding my desire to improve my landscape photography, and several responses suggested a more sturdy tripod. I'm currently using a fairly lightweight manfrotto tripod, and I'm wondering if anyone can suggest some thing a bit more rugged that's still a practical weight for short hikes. Thanks.
No idea what you are using for gear but after years of using Gitzo tripods I bought a W2004 Sirui and it's not only less expensive by far, much better functioning tripod as well. The legs work flawlessly even after numerous trips including 4 river trips in the Grand Canyon! Gitzos would jam up and was frustrating to be in the Canyon and not use a tripod. I also have another much larger Sirui but for get the model.
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
Pat F 4119 wrote:
I recently posted regarding my desire to improve my landscape photography, and several responses suggested a more sturdy tripod. I'm currently using a fairly lightweight manfrotto tripod, and I'm wondering if anyone can suggest some thing a bit more rugged that's still a practical weight for short hikes. Thanks.
What tripod are you using now?
Landscape photography is less demanding of tripod stability than other types of photography. You might want to post an image or two that illustrates your concern and why you think (or have been told) that a better tripod might help.
The lightest, sturdiest packable tripod is the RRS TFC-14 @ $835 with an axial stiffness of 1071nm. For a fraction of the price - The LeoFoto LS-284C costs $200 and has an axial stiffness of 794nm. Both are very light - 2.33 lb and 2.47 lb respectively.
I use a Feisol CT3442 which has an axial stiffness of 611, Costs $430 and weighs 2.53 lbs. It delivers reasonable performance with closeup images as well as up to a 300mm lens. The LeoFoto is better and costs half as much.
https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/
Take along a bag and fill it with 10# of rocks and tie it to your tripod.
I like Vantage tripods, but sturdier often means heavier, unless it's carbon fiber $$.
gvarner wrote:
Take along a bag and fill it with 10# of rocks and tie it to your tripod.
Hard pressed to find rocks in some locations, like Florida.
I guess one could use sand.
Longshadow wrote:
Hard pressed to find rocks in some locations, like Florida.
I guess one could use sand.
Stabilize your tripod by hanging your camera bag or backpack from the centerpost hook, like this:
NickGee wrote:
Stabilize your tripod by hanging your camera bag or backpack from the centerpost hook, like this:
That will work also, provided one is also carrying a camera bag.
Longshadow wrote:
Hard pressed to find rocks in some locations, like Florida.
I guess one could use sand.
Sand, dirt, a paver, a dead dog. Well, maybe not a dead dog but you get the idea. 😏😏
You can also hook a rope or strap loop the right length and press it against the ground. Not perfect, but far, far better than a 'string pod" alone. With enough wind, you want something to secure any tripod.
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