Hal Masover Loc: Iowa and Florida

I have a very good Vanguard TBH Tripod that weighs about 5.3 lbs including the ball head. I'm preparing for a photo tour that includes a couple of days of backpacking and am thinking of something lighter. At first what I saw from Peak Design and others was that for roughly $300 I could get the weight down to 3 pounds. That hardly seemed worth the money. But now I'm seeing that Ulanzi has some options for a lot less money and slightly less than 3 lbs. So now I'm interested. Here's my questions. Does anyone have experience with Ulanzi? And my second question is carbon fiber vs aluminum. Ulanzi Ombra weighs 1.1 Kg and supports 8 Kg of weight. It's aluminum. Their more expensive MT 60 weighs 1.25 Kg and supports 10 Kg. so pretty close to the same payload to weight ratio and the Ombra stands a little higher - meaning it will be more comfortable for me to use without having to extend the center column. So what am I missing? One thing is I would expect the carbon fiber to be more durable. What else?

Crutch Loc: Jonesborough, Tn

Depending how you plan on using a tripod, but this is an idea:
https://www.platypod.com/

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

While it may be a useful tool for some, I suspect that it doesn't fit the definition or meet the expectations of a camera tripod for most people,

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Travel tripod.... The best ever:

Your two legs, self adjust the height, your elbow, for stability.

Price? You cannot afford it with a visa.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

The unfortunate truth about tripods is that you get what you pay for. An old joke is that you can get a tripod that is lightweight, sturdy and inexpensive (pick any two).

The other truism is that stated weight ratings are absolutely meaningless.

To answer your question, CF is lighter than aluminum, and more expensive. But a CF tripod assembled to meet a low price point can still be junk (ask me how I know).

I am not sure if this site is still testing new products, but thecentercolumn site has tested numerous tripods and lists the specs and results. They have a separate listing for travel tripods. A surprisingly strong performer was the brand Leofoto, a relatively inexpensive copycat brand that seems to make good products.

Good luck with your search, and enjoy your trip!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

After using a most lightweight tripod loaned to me by a workshop leader, I started sleuthing one to purchase. The one he loaned isn't still available, and the next model up didn't fit the bill. And I wanted one I could feel, touch, and try, which meant available at the local brick and mortar store. I settled on the Benro MePhoto Backpacker. It weights about two pounds, supports my Canon 1Dx Mk II with a 28-300 attached and uses the Acratech attachments. It folds to 14", which means it fits in my little carry-on bag and comes with a neat carrying case. It was inexpensive (a little over $100), so I could even afford it. Some I looked at were thousands! There are two models, and I plan to also purchase the other model. The one I have has a minimum height that is a bit tall for doing "lie on the ground and shoot wildflowers in the face" work. They have another model that's only a bit more $$ that breaks down to being very close to the ground.

I know purists will pooh-pooh this tripod as not be sturdy enough for real work. But I've used this exclusively for over a year and find that it truly does the job.

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

The Ulanzi tripod is great I’ve used it as well as the Peak Design Carbon. I’m interested in the new Freewell Carbon Fiber tripod that just came out. Great price, easy to use, compact, and only 2 pounds.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I have a Peak Design aluminum tripod that I actually like… and I hate tripods!

Canisdirus

Aluminum will transfer more vibration than carbon will.

Weight of the tripod is a mixed bag. Travel implies being light...but a light tripod may not be rock steady either.
It depends on what you are shooting...with what equipment.
Using long lenses? You best get a full tripod...or a travel tripod you can attach a rock bag to.

I have found the difference of tripod weight is minimal compared to the other gear you will be taking.

I have multiple tripods (of course...who doesn't?)...and I have found my beast is still best...

Get a backpack that stores it in a balanced way...and carry the extra few pounds.

Unless you will be using light lenses in not too windy conditions.

jcboy3

I think you mean Arca-Swiss compatible plates. Acratech is a company that makes tripod heads, which can cost as much as the tripod you put them on.

M1911 Loc: DFW Metromess

I saw that Neewer has a new CF tripod that looks like it might work for you.

Burkley Loc: Park City

I travel with a small table top RRS tripod that is super stable. I may start bringing a monopod as well. I have an older Benro travel carbon tripod that works well, but rarely take it when flying. I would love to buy the Really Right Stuff travel tripod with the integrated head, but I can’t justify it because I travel with the larger travel tripod so rarely. Gitzo makes a great travel tripod too. I won’t buy them though because I wouldn’t use them often enough.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I use a regular tripod but when I’m hiking I usually just carry my Platypod Extreme. It’s pretty versatile. Besides just setting it on a solid surface it can also be strapped to a fence, signpost, tree, etc. Great bit of gear.

Settlit Loc: Baton Rouge LA

I second AzPicLady’s endorsement of the Benro MeFoto Backpacker. Lightweight, solid, and very packable. Comes with a durable nylon zippered case. One minor quibble: with the heavier duty rubber feet I added myself, now I can’t quite get the zipper closed on the case. MeFoto designed the case with no room to spare.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

While not for every situation it is very flexible and adaptable. And it’s especially useful where tripods are problematic.