cruizer Loc: Bucks Co., Pa. (USA)

I'm looking for suggestions on tripods that are lightweight, can handle a 4 pound camera/lens kit, and extend to at least 72inches. Any thoughts?

slivnat Loc: Silver Spring, MD

Try the Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - (supports 33 lbs). Just got mine from B&H - i'll be using it "seriously" for the first time during a trip next month.

More info at http://www.giottosusa.com/monopods.shtml

They are represented in the US by HP Marketing Corp. in NJ
800-735-4373. Their main guy (sorry, forgot his name) is VERY helpful.

Good luck

Sandy

slivnat Loc: Silver Spring, MD

Sorry - I just realized I misread the O.P. that was looking for a tripod, not a monopod. Look through the Giottos collection - they have taller ones as well


Sandy

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

"Lightweight" at 72 inches is hard to do unless you use the extendable center column, which I never recommend as it causes instability when used. The Manfrotto 190PRO "L" model (L meaning LONG) would fill your need in this way. If you want one that goes to 72 inches WITHOUT the center column, then 6 pounds and $600 is going to be about the best you will do. TALL tripods are not cheap, and seldom "lightweight".

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Please better define light weight and your budget. Truly light weight tripods are not very rigid and won't go anywhere near 72". My Benro A100EXU Compact Digital Tripod With Ballhead weighs 1.9 lbs, is only $66 and holds 4.4 lbs but the maximum height, fully extended, is only 41" and at that height is not rigid. Taller more rigid tripods that are still relatively light weight tend to be expensive. My Vanguard 254ct carbon fiber tripod for instance weighs in at 3.5 pounds and costs around $275 without a pan head or ball head which would set you back another $75 or more and increase the overall weight to around 4.5 pounds depending on the ball head. Even that tripod is only 65" tall to the top of the ball head with the center column fully extended. MTShooter's suggestion may be the best choice but it is very expensive and while it may be light for it size, at 6 lbs its still fairly hefty to tote around. Given the 4 lbs of support you want, I'm guessing you are using relatively modest gear and $600 is well above your budget. A tall monopod may be a better choice depending on what you plan to use it for.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

You can cheat a bit in on the overall height if you get a taller than average ball head. My acratech fits that bill as to mt's comment on the manfrotto, I own the older 190procx3 and think its great.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

This one fills your height requirement but not your weight limitation. But that height is with the centre column extended. I think you will have difficulty finding what you are looking for in a quality tripod.
http://www.gitzo.ca/product/71837.1078805.0.0.0/GT3541L/_/Series_3_Carbon_6X_Long_Tripod_-_4_Section

Hfuhruhurr Loc: Arizona

Check out the 'Brian' from Three Legged Thing at Adorama or B&H. It is small, stable, but will meet your height requirements. I have traveled with it quite a bit and it is very versatile.

Hfuhruhurr Loc: Arizona

Oh, here's a link at Adorama:
http://www.adorama.com/3LTBRNE2BK.html

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Lightweight + Tall = Unstable.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

This is true, but try a tripod "rock bag" to stabilize. http://www.amazon.com/Guerrilla-Painter-Tripod-Stone-Bag/dp/B00504WBXA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1403201303&sr=8-2&keywords=tripod+ballast

I would check with the tripod manufacturer how this might affect their stated weight capacity for the tripod. I don't think the manufacturers' posted weights have to do with how much weight a tripod can withstand before collapsing, just how much weight it can handle on top and remain stable.

Hfuhruhurr Loc: Arizona

I agree, it is not comparable to my Manfrotto, but it also weighs half as much, and is much more versatile. With a reasonable weight hanging from the integral center post hook, it is acceptably stable up to my eye level. I'm 6'5".

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

I agree with you and Lowkick. I tried a 6 pack of Warsteiner hung from the center post once, did the job for a while but evaporated too fast to maintain the weight. Since then I carry an old gunnysack to hold whatever's at hand for weight. :)

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Yeah, right! It evaporated too fast! :mrgreen: :lol:

bjprovo Loc: Northeast CT

I'm 6'2" and this one works quite well with no center column, a ball head and a battery pack. No bending necessary. Feisol Classic CT-3471 Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod, Large http://www.adorama.com/FECT3471.html
[ quote=cruizer]I'm looking for suggestions on tripods that are lightweight, can handle a 4 pound camera/lens kit, and extend to at least 72inches. Any thoughts?[/quote]