Looking for recommendations on a quality small tripod
Jun 4, 2021 22:19:57 #
Greetings all, I'm in need of a small tripod that will fit in the saddlebags of a bike I use frequently. Have been using an el-cheapo from WallyWorld for a couple of years but would rally like to upgrade to a better unit that can withstand constant vibration in the saddlbag. When on the bike I shoot mostly with a Canon Elf 360, but do occasionally carry one or both DSLRs. With the elf the tripod would be mostly used for selfies with the Elf, but with the DSLRs it would need to be substantially better than what I now have. I want to avoid buying another for a good while as the cheap ones prove, you get what you pay for as they fall apart in the very unfriendly environment of a saddlebag. All that said, what would be a good unit to look at with a folded size limit of 18"? Need to keep cost below $150. TIA
Jun 5, 2021 04:06:49 #
K.Cole wrote:
Greetings all, I'm in need of a small tripod that ... (show quote)
Good luck with this one. I am not aware of a product that will support a DSLR that fits your criteria of stability, size and price.
Jun 5, 2021 04:09:51 #
Gene51 wrote:
Good luck with this one. I am not aware of a product that will support a DSLR that fits your criteria of stability, size and price.
Agreed. Maybe get a bike that doesn’t vibrate so badly ?
Jun 5, 2021 05:18:23 #
Jun 5, 2021 07:07:08 #
Jun 5, 2021 07:20:33 #
DavidSells
Loc: Ferndale, MD
I went through two other small tripods before finding the best one for me. Purchased from Amazon, the tripod is called Gizomos, I've been extremely happy with it. I believe the cost is under $100.
Jun 5, 2021 07:23:57 #
The saddlebags vibrate on all bikes. It's not really the engine of the bike causing the vibration but location of the bags being right over the rear axle. The same conditions would still exist on an electric bike. So, no, I'm not gonna get a different bike.
As for a small tripod not being well suited to hold a DSLR, that is such a small amount of the usage, I'm not terribly concerned about it so long as it could do it with limited use and not for very long periods of time. Even the $17 Walmart pod could do it for the times I needed, but those are the ones that fall apart after a year or two. I'm just tired of constantly having to replace them.
I guess I'll just have to pop in camera shop next chance I get so I can lay hands on a couple that size and decide if they will suit my needs. Problem with that is the nearest big shop to us is 160 miles away in a town I only pass through about once or twice a year.
As for a small tripod not being well suited to hold a DSLR, that is such a small amount of the usage, I'm not terribly concerned about it so long as it could do it with limited use and not for very long periods of time. Even the $17 Walmart pod could do it for the times I needed, but those are the ones that fall apart after a year or two. I'm just tired of constantly having to replace them.
I guess I'll just have to pop in camera shop next chance I get so I can lay hands on a couple that size and decide if they will suit my needs. Problem with that is the nearest big shop to us is 160 miles away in a town I only pass through about once or twice a year.
Jun 5, 2021 07:26:23 #
Jun 5, 2021 07:35:46 #
A small tripod and a small camera are a perfect combination. I seldom put a DSLR on a small tripod. Links to small tripods below.
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-mini-tripods-tabletop-camera-supports-thatll-fit-in-any-size-kit-bag
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-tabletop-tripods/
https://lumoid.com/buying-guides/tabletop-tripods
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0715999303/beyond-the-table-top-5-mini-tripods-reviewed
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-mini-tripods-tabletop-camera-supports-thatll-fit-in-any-size-kit-bag
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-tabletop-tripods/
https://lumoid.com/buying-guides/tabletop-tripods
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0715999303/beyond-the-table-top-5-mini-tripods-reviewed
Jun 5, 2021 07:43:03 #
Appreciate the links, Jerry, but I'm not really looking for a table-top. Most of the usage has been and will be on the ground with a need to extend to 48 to 60 inches.
Jun 5, 2021 07:47:13 #
BurghByrd
Loc: Pittsburgh
I've been using a ProMaster XC525 for years and I also sometimes carry it along in my Harley. It's Aluminum construction (they now also offer carbon fiber), good quality, about 15 1/2 long and extends to just over 61" at the camera mount. https://promaster.com/Product/3447
Jun 5, 2021 08:06:24 #
BurghByrd wrote:
I've been using a ProMaster XC525 for years and I also sometimes carry it along in my Harley. It's Aluminum construction (they now also offer carbon fiber), good quality, about 15 1/2 long and extends to just over 61" at the camera mount. https://promaster.com/Product/3447
The specs say nearly 6ft which would be closer to 72 inches.
That's the way I read this. "nearly 6'! ". Of course if I'm wrong it wouldn't be the first time.
---
Jun 5, 2021 08:11:51 #
Jun 5, 2021 08:15:08 #
BurghByrd
Loc: Pittsburgh
What I provided was a measurement of mine and the web site for the current product. I'm not in a position to explain differences. I'm 6' tall. It extends long enough for me, folds compact enough to carry in my bike and has served me well for over 10 years.
Jun 5, 2021 08:15:09 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.