Heavy Duty Short Tripods? Yes, this is another tripod question, but maybe a little different. I tried tonight to photograph the moon using a Sirui tabletop tripod, and it was woefully...

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Yes, this is another tripod question, but maybe a little different. I tried tonight to photograph the moon using a Sirui tabletop tripod, and it was woefully inadequate to the task. My rig was a Nikon D500, the 300mm PF, and a 1.4TC. Not extreme, but the little tripod, built to hold compact cameras, could barely stay upright. It was so bad that I reverted to a monopod, which does not provide much stability at all.

Has anyone out there used a really solid short tripod that can hold heavier gear? It should be tall enough to allow the camera to tilt back if necessary (for the moon, for example), but to be used on a table, not standing up.

My regular tripods are Gitzo, to give you an idea of what I am used to using, but I am willing to consider any brand that will do the trick.

User ID

Leica folding tripod with tall version of ball head (buy used acoarst).

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

Why not use your regular tripod with the legs fully collapsed? Or with only one section extended?

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

fjdarling wrote:

Why not use your regular tripod with the legs fully collapsed? Or with only one section extended?

I’ll give that a try, but there is a travel component to this. We are at a vacation location and full tripods were not on the packing list. But, you’re right that my “travel” tripod collapsed might meet all the criteria. Thanks for the thought,

TerryVS

ClarkJohnson wrote:

I’ll give that a try, but there is a travel component to this. We are at a vacation location and full tripods were not on the packing list. But, you’re right that my “travel” tripod collapsed might meet all the criteria. Thanks for the thought,

A platypod might be a consideration as well. If you have a head your can swap off your tripod it won't break the bank.

Terry

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

I have generally used the following....Weight of camera body & camera lens. Then I look for a tripod that will support twice that weight...Feet, Rubber feet or metal pegs?? Ive seen too many tripods say they support up to X and as you approach that X the support lessons & problems increase..&/or pegs are separate price I use up to 3 remote Nikon D-500 bodys with various lenses up to a 18-300 weight...The standard tripod I found that I can use with out issue is a MeFoto,

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

User ID wrote:

Leica folding tripod with tall version of ball head (buy used acoarst).

The current model runs $408.00 for the legs and tall version of the ball head. I have an older one that I would let go for half that price $204.00.
Any one interested, private message me.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/30592-REG/Leica_14100_Table_Tripod.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

User ID

billnikon wrote:

The current model runs $408.00 for the legs and tall version of the ball head. I have an older one that I would let go for half that price $204.00.
Any one interested, private message me.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/30592-REG/Leica_14100_Table_Tripod.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Bill to the rescue. A decent deal on a semi-rare tool. Google the product if unfamiliar. It’s been the standard for many decades (generations?).

tcthome Loc: NJ

TerryVS wrote:

A platypod might be a consideration as well. If you have a head your can swap off your tripod it won't break the bank.

Terry

This with a great quality head would be my recomdation. RRS has a couple of the table type with 1 having extending legs but are pricey.

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

ClarkJohnson wrote:

Yes, this is another tripod question, but maybe a ... (show quote)

check out the Leophoto Ranger carbon fiber. 129 bucks with ball head. I use it with my D7500 and Sigma18-300mm Contemporary and 150-600mm Contemporary. It's a little tank.

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User ID

This has been around for over 40 years under many brand names incl Polaroid, Star-D, etc etc. Some users put a better ball head on it, but the supplied head is okay for many uses. About $20 on eBay.

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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

ClarkJohnson wrote:

Yes, this is another tripod question, but maybe a ... (show quote)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leofoto-LS-223C-Portable-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Support-negotiation/173283912775?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

billnikon wrote:

The current model runs $408.00 for the legs and tall version of the ball head. I have an older one that I would let go for half that price $204.00.
Any one interested, private message me.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/30592-REG/Leica_14100_Table_Tripod.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Is your link correct, it’s for a $180 tabletop tripod?

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

This sounds like a perfect use for Peak Design's new travel tripod. Have not used, but seem interesting. Best of luck.

Sensei

Here is a cheap and dirty. Try a bottle top camera mount. I have frequently been in rough terrain that limited my ability to carry a tripod, but I did need to carry water. You can fill the bottle with water, sand or gravel. The larger the bottle and heavier what you put in it, the more it will support. These mounts cost about $10, and easily fit into your pocket. I have also used it with a tripod head.