MJPerini

Would a monopod interest you? Buy using a monopod with your two legs or bbraced against a tree, rock or railing, you can get considerable stability, a fairly heavy duty Mono is lighter than most travel tripods, and sturdy enough to be a hiking stick. In addition you can use it to shoot over things.
But it is a personal choice.
PS the reason so many of us have lots of tripods, is that we rationalized ourselves, into a bargain price or light weight........

OldCADuser Loc: Irvine, CA

That's where monopods are helpful. In addition to my two (currently) tripods, I have a carbonfiber monopod, which is always part of my travel kit.

huyenguyen408

If you buy a light version, make sure it has a hook to hang your bag to hold it down, other things to consider: how quick it expands, can you find extra quick change plate and does the plate have clip to tighten to your camera without a coin or tool, does it fit to the harness of your back pack or bag, how easy/simple to adjust the head (tilt, turn), can you shoot vertical with it, so I think you should buy or rent one, use it for 1 or 2 weeks, so if you don't like it, you still can return.

OldCADuser Loc: Irvine, CA

Yes, the Zomei tripod I described in my post, which I've used for over five years, does indeed have a hook on the bottom end of the center column from which you can hang your camera bag to provide more stability.

As for the camera mount, the Zomei ball head is designed to accept the Arca-Swiss Standard mounting system brackets. Note that all of my current cameras (4), as well as my 400mm long telephoto lens, has a Arca-Swiss mounting bracket so they can be quickly attached/removed from the tripod. In fact, I've added a Arca-Swiss receptor on my older, and larger, traditional pan & tilt head tripod so that it's compatible with all of my gear, including BTW, that Busnell Spacemaster spotting scope, as I've added a mounting bracket to it as well. Even the focusing-rail, that's part of my macro kit, is designed to not only mount on a Arca-Swiss compatible/equipped tripod, but it also accepts a camera with a Arca-Swiss mounting bracket. As I've mentioned, I've supplied all of my mountable items, cameras, lens, etc with a single standard quick-release system. It makes life very simple when having to work quickly in the field.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

I agree with the Leofoto suggestion. Mine is sturdy, light and tall enough without a center column and it only costs me $289 several years ago. The whole kit weighs about four pounds including ball head and Acratech leveling bowl. I also have a new Heipi travel tripod, haven’t used it but seems well made and fairly sturdy.

Hal Masover Loc: Iowa and Florida

Thanks for the suggestion but since my current tripod is quite satisfactory and weighs 5.3 lbs I'd be spending $289 to only save 1.3 lbs of weight. Definitely looking to save more weight than that.

Hal Masover Loc: Iowa and Florida

With your suggestion I revisited Zomei. After the discussions here I'm very clear that carbon fiber is the way to go. Looking at the Zomei carbon fiber version of their Z669C, it comes in at a hefty 4.4 lbs. Quite heavy for a travel tripod and would save me less than 1 lb over my current Vanguard tripod so not enough of an advantage to make it worthwhile. I'm a little disappointed no one on this thread has commented on Ulanzi. Their MT-60 model would save me around 2.6 lbs, almost half of the weight of my current tripod, and it's carbon fiber. The few reviews I could find were enthusiastic but with so few reviews it's hard to know if those are ones promoted by the manufacturer or not. But as of now it's the one on the top of my list. All of that said, my doubts now are whether a tripod that's so lightweight be stable with a heavy DSLR and lens on top of it. Maybe with my pack hanging from a hook under it? Not sure.

neillaubenthal

A better question maybe…how many 30 second exposures do I shoot anyway, either on travel or otherwise? I’m with the reply that says have 2 tripods…the beast and a smaller one that’s just steadier than me. I’ve also used a table top tripod on a rock or a fallen tree…as well as my wife’s shoulder. Seems to me that for most travel good enough is…well…good enough. That’s not to say never carry the beast on travel, if where you are going and planning to shoot then take it…it’s just another checked bag or fit into your not an extra bag checked bag…and it depends on subject, importance of the shot, and if you’re hiking with it.

neillaubenthal

That works…up to a point…but as noted not for 30 second exposures and really probably not very well for anything less than 1/8 or so unless it’s a pretty wide lens. What to bring is…like everything else in the photo biz…a series of tradeoffs. I am amazed that the combo of slowish shutter, bursts, IBIS, and noise software enabling high ISO how well modern bodies do.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

A little off topic but this may interest you for off road/trail adventures. Velcro strap secures ballhead to hiking stick, cane etc... The 3 collapsible legs on the bottom expand to form a small tripod also... VERY useful to carry in your pack when out trekking around. I think it is a Manfrotto, but I will pull it out and check. QR feature is nice also. This thing is great to attach to tree branches, poles, fence posts etc... Carry extra velcro straps and expand the capabilities.

(Download)

dsnoke Loc: North Georgia, USA

I have a really big, really heavy tripod from Really Right Stuff (TVC-34L w BH-55 head) that I use when I don't have to lug it too far. But for hiking and travel I use a MeFoto Roadtrip tripod. Really small and lightweight. I do hang my bag on the hook at the bottom of the center column for added stability. That works well as long as the wind is about 15 mph or less. The key is the added weight of my backpack. Without that, the tripod isn't much good in any sort of breeze.

Hal Masover Loc: Iowa and Florida

I've decided to order the Smallrig carbon fiber. It's only 2.8 lbs and has the kind of latches on the legs, rather than the twisty locks, and I prefer the latches. I really appreciate all the input. It's been fantastic. I'll let you all know how it works out!

lightyear

I have several tripods, aluminum & carbon fiber, all well researched prior to purchase> For travel: make sure the tripod you get can fit into your luggage. On one tripod, I remove the ball head to make the pod fit. Also, flip locks are more reliable than the twist locks, because if the plastic internal rings inside the twist locks have problems, the tripod becomes useless until you get home; the flip locks can be tightened(or loosened) with the allen or twist wrench supplied wtih the pod. Aluminum weighs about 25-30% more than CF, but only dents if impacted, but CF can fracture if impacted heavily .CF vibrates less, is slightly stiffer but not a big thing with lenses for travel (important with big, heavy 400mm+ lenses. Zipper carry case for tripod w/ball head mounted is very useful. I have a Mefoto CF globe trotter, very good. No Ulanzi experience. I also take a monopod w/quick Arca Swiss quick release, very useful and fast when on tour with non-photograpy group. Good luck!

tkphelps

This is my excuse for a travel tripod. Weighs 1.25 oz, fits in any pocket and it has given me some good 1/4 sec exposures. It's just 6 feet of 1/8" nylon cord tied to a thumbscrew. Put figure 8 knots every few inches in the cord. Now you just twist the thumbscrew into the threaded socket, stand on the other end of the cord and pull the camera up tight and you have great two axis stabilization. No one has ever asked me not to use it even where tripods and monopods were prohibited.