Travel Tripod
Nov 25, 2018 14:04:00 #
Having a light weight "travel" tripod (under 3 pounds) and extending to 72 inches is an oxymoron. All of the travel tripods that I have checked out extend to less than 72 inches, over 5 feet but less than 6 feet. I would suggest that you look at Induro carbon fiber first and Benro second. Both of these tripods are very durable and well made. I have had my Induro for several years and it looks like new and is easy to clean.
Nov 25, 2018 14:04:32 #
Having a light weight "travel" tripod (under 3 pounds) and extending to 72 inches is an oxymoron. All of the travel tripods that I have checked out extend to less than 72 inches, over 5 feet but less than 6 feet. I would suggest that you look at Induro carbon fiber first and Benro second. Both of these tripods are very durable and well made. I have had my Induro for several years and it looks like new and is easy to clean.
Nov 25, 2018 14:39:27 #
SteveLew wrote:
Having a light weight "travel" tripod (under 3 pounds) and extending to 72 inches is an oxymoron. All of the travel tripods that I have checked out extend to less than 72 inches, over 5 feet but less than 6 feet. I would suggest that you look at Induro carbon fiber first and Benro second. Both of these tripods are very durable and well made. I have had my Induro for several years and it looks like new and is easy to clean.
If you want stability and height , you MUST have weight !
..
Nov 25, 2018 14:58:20 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
finalimage wrote:
Hi all, thinking I need a travel tripod that is smaller than my RRS big guy. Needs to extend to my 6 foot height and hold my Sony 7 R III with a long lens without vibrating like a tuning fork. Want to be able to put it in my carry on bag too. What is your favorite travel tripod? Thanks!
Do a search on Gene 51. He is correct in his facts.
Nov 25, 2018 16:53:54 #
Mefoto Global Traveler. I tested three and this one stood out. After THREE months in Australia and NZ, would buy it again in a heartbeat. Terrific BUT a bit on the heavy.
Nov 25, 2018 17:26:12 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
finalimage wrote:
Hi all, thinking I need a travel tripod that is smaller than my RRS big guy. Needs to extend to my 6 foot height and hold my Sony 7 R III with a long lens without vibrating like a tuning fork. Want to be able to put it in my carry on bag too. What is your favorite travel tripod? Thanks!
Same question was asked by someone else today:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-565491-1.html
And basically the same answer:
There's a good overview of travel tripods here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/travel-tripods
Personally I use Gitzo tripods, but of the less expensive ones on the above list, the Benro Travel Angel Series 2 and Series 1 tripods impress me the most. I've seen a lot of good feedback about those, which cost $400 and $350 respectively (ballhead included). The Series 2 is a little larger and heavier, but rated for heavier loads and probably the more stable of the two. Note: I have not been able to confirm if the Travel Angel Series 2 height specification includes the head or if it's the height of the leg set alone. It's stated to be 67" tall with center column extended and 56" without it. This would be a good question to ask B&H.
There's a more general discussion of tripods here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/the-tripod-explained
I also recommend you use the UHH forum search feature. Tripods have been discussed here a lot!
Carbon is better than aluminum in a number of ways (lighter, absorbs some vibrations, etc.)... But a decent quality carbon tripod is more expensive.
The fewer leg sections, the more stable a tripod will be... Also faster to set up. However, the fewer the leg sections, the less compact a standard height tripod will be.
I'd also recommend a tripod that uses twist type leg locks. Those don't protrude and are self adjusting. The twist type are a little slower than lever type to set up, but less likely to get accidentally released by snagging a cuff or a sleeve, etc. The twist type leg locks are also less likely to be damaged or to do damage while packed for travel.
Look carefully at the height of tripod. You want something tall enough to be comfortable to use, but if at all possible want to avoid having to raise a center column because that makes a tripod less stable. It can be tricky reading the specs because in some cases tripod dimensions are shown without the center column raised and/or without a head installed, while others appear to report the height both with a head installed and the column fully extended.
When calculating the height of a tripod, keep in mind that it doesn't need to be as tall as you... it typically just needs to bring the camera's viewfinder eyeport to your eye level or slightly above at most. Also keep in mind that the tripod head, any quick release system you use, and the camera body itself all add to the overall height where the eyeport will end up...
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