Have TRIPOD will TRAVEL - Recommendations needed

[PrincessInOz]

Have TRIPOD will TRAVEL (Nothing is more certain than the need to spend more money on photography equipment when planning a vacay!)



I’m planning another vacay to the US and find myself wondering what to get for a travel tripod!


For this trip, I am planning on taking the left turn at Albuquerque and expect to be spending time chasing red rock through Sedona, Grand Canyon, Page; as well as following the leaf colors through Durango.
As I expect to be spending a bit of time 'bushwalking', I think that I may need a decent lightweight travel tripod for this trip.


My existing tripod is a Cullman; and whilst I love it, it really is too big to pack in a suitcase.


Yes, I know….Carbon Fibre. Gitzo.
But I’d really like to have a little loose change left in my hip pocket to contribute towards that Sigma 17 – 35 mm f/1.8 lens! (And to be able to feed myself on this trip.)



Anyone want to recommend something? I expect that sand and grit and hard knocks will figure highly on this trip.



Thanks in advance.














(And yes, I will be bookending the roadtrip with a different castle at either end of the trip.)

 

[WDWFigment]

I just did an extensive blog post on this yesterday (read the comments for additional recommendations).

 

[mom2rtk]

YEAH for stopping in the southwest. And double YEAH for stopping in Page! We have been all over the southwest, and Horseshoe Bend is my absolute favorite location. You'll definitely want an UWA for that one.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

My existing tripod is a Cullman; and whilst I love it, it really is too big to pack n a suitcase.

This statement surprises me, which Cullman are you using? I use the Magic 2 (I think the new iteration is the 4). The Magic is 13 1/2" long and folds flat which, for me, makes it perfect for packing in a suitcase. It weighs less than three lbs. and fits into the water bottle netting on the side of my Lowepro Fastpack 200. When wearing the bag, I don't even know its there. I'm just curious!

 

[PrincessInOz]

This statement surprises me, which Cullman are you using? I use the Magic 2 (I think the new iteration is the 4). The Magic is 13 1/2" long and folds flat which, for me, makes it perfect for packing in a suitcase. It weighs less than three lbs. and fits into the water bottle netting on the side of my Lowepro Fastpack 200. When wearing the bag, I don't even know its there. I'm just curious!

I bought one of the Magnesits. Sadly, not the Magic. I did do a search on the photosubforum and checked out some of the older threads. Love your pictures of your tripod. I'm just not sure it's the right one for me.

YEAH for stopping in the southwest. And double YEAH for stopping in Page! We have been all over the southwest, and Horseshoe Bend is my absolute favorite location. You'll definitely want an UWA for that one.

Yes! The last time I was in Page was 13 years ago. Definitely time to head back, with UWA in hand. I'm hoping to do one of the photography tours for 3 slot canyons; instead of just Antelope Canyon.

I just did an extensive blog post on this yesterday (read the comments for additional recommendations).

Coincidentally, I was checking it out last night. Thanks for another great blog.

I was thinking of the Benro Travel Angel; but I think you've convinced me to go with the MeFoto instead. Problem is.....which COLOUR???

(I'm leaning towards the purple. I like the Titanium; but it just seems so bland when there are so many more exciting colours there.)

I also checked out the Manfrotto tripod heads. I'm leaning towards the quick release one; but Amazon don't ship that to Australia!!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Hi PiO,

I've been researching tripods lately also, so was happy when I stumbled upon your thread.
I've always been relatively happy with the outdoor day photos I take, but I've decided that I'm up for the challenge of taking better low-light and night time pics.

Did you decide what you're getting yet? I'm leaning towards the Velbon Luxi L.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I just did an extensive blog post on this yesterday (read the comments for additional recommendations).

Not sure if you'll see this, but I wanted to thank you for your blog also. I found the tripod article quite informative and think the Velbon tripods will suit my amateur needs quite nicely.
I also enjoyed your camera post with mention of the Sony RX100. Have you had much luck with fireworks pics with this camera?

 

[PrincessInOz]

I went with the MeFoto. It's being shipped as I type. Should arrive in about a week or so.

 

[mikegood2]

I went with the MeFoto. It's being shipped as I type. Should arrive in about a week or so.

Which one and what color did you end up with?

I just looked at them at my local camera store and were very impressed! I ended up deciding on the RoadTrip, of course the color I wanted (orange) wasn't in stock so I don't have it yet. They have them on backorder and expect them in this week or next. I know I could order it on Amazon get it Tuesday and save on taxes, but I'd rather support my local camera store. I've looked at too many items their and ordered online for considerably cheaper that I would feel guilty doing that on an item that costs the same.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Which one and what color did you end up with?

I just looked at them at my local camera store and were very impressed! I ended up deciding on the RoadTrip, of course the color I wanted (orange) wasn't in stock so I don't have it yet. They have them on backorder and expect them in this week or next. I know I could order it on Amazon get it Tuesday and save on taxes, but I'd rather support my local camera store. I've looked at too many items their and ordered online for considerably cheaper that I would feel guilty doing that on an item that costs the same.

Congrats on your decision and coming purchase!


In the end, I decided on the purple.



I looked in the local camera stores here; but none of the ones that I frequent has the MeFoto. And the 'Aussie' ones on-line had the RoadTrip for $50 more than what it would cost me to ship from Amazon!

I'm holding off on the Manfrotto tripod head. Amazon didn't ship that one to Oz.

 

[mikegood2]

My local camera store just got them in, along with some displays, a few weeks ago. I was surprised that they were priced the same as I've seen them online. I was also very impressed with the head that came with them. Probably not as nice as the Manfrotto, but very usable.

The purple ones are nice and would be my nieces choice, but for some reason orange has kinda become my color for WDW. When I went in 2011, first time in over 20 years, I bought new luggage that was orange. Also got some bright orange, extremely light shoes yesterday, so the decision to chose orange was made for me!

I liked the size, weight and price of the Backpacker, but ultimately decided that I would be happier with the RoadTrip. I really like the idea of being able to use it as a monopod and I know I used my monopod more than my tripod on my last trip. I'm also 6'3" and the extra height just felt more comfortable to me.

My local store also carries a ProMaster branded knock-off of the MeFoto that were smaller when folded than the Backpacker with the monopod option. They obviously weren't as nice, but appeared to be nicely constructed.

Well, I think I've wasted enough time and better get out to pick up after my dog.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Congrats on your decision and coming purchase!


In the end, I decided on the purple.



I looked in the local camera stores here; but none of the ones that I frequent has the MeFoto. And the 'Aussie' ones on-line had the RoadTrip for $50 more than what it would cost me to ship from Amazon!

I'm holding off on the Manfrotto tripod head. Amazon didn't ship that one to Oz.

Thanks to you I now know that Amazon ships the Mefoto Roadtrip and I just went ahead and bought one also.
Most of the other tripods I was looking at don't ship internationally, so until this morning I had given up looking on Amazon.
I could only find one NZ stockist of the Roadtrip and they want NZ$80 more than what I paid Amazon inc. shipping. Us Australians and kiwis certainly get ripped off down this end of the world.

So thanks for this thread. I'm another ANZAC Dis member looking forward to her Amazon purchase arriving

By the way, I got the orange one. My first choice was green (the only colour they didn't stock), and then I couldn't decide between the blue, purple or orange. I ended up going for the orange in the hope that it'll stand out enough that people will see it and won't bump into it.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks to you I now know that Amazon ships the Mefoto Roadtrip and I just went ahead and bought one also.
Most of the other tripods I was looking at don't ship internationally, so until this morning I had given up looking on Amazon.
I could only find one NZ stockist of the Roadtrip and they want NZ$80 more than what I paid Amazon inc. shipping. Us Australians and kiwis certainly get ripped off down this end of the world.

So thanks for this thread. I'm another ANZAC Dis member looking forward to her Amazon purchase arriving

By the way, I got the orange one. My first choice was green (the only colour they didn't stock), and then I couldn't decide between the blue, purple or orange. I ended up going for the orange in the hope that it'll stand out enough that people will see it and won't bump into it.

Congrats Wanderlust!

Hmm....between you and MikeGood2, you've got me wondering if I should have also opted for the orange! LOL.



BTW - When/if you next wander up into my blog....er.....PTR, we need to sort out a time for a DisMeet. I think Jade+3 and I are potentially looking at a time in DHS or enjoying some blissful bites at F&W.

 

[mikegood2]

By the way, I got the orange one. My first choice was green (the only colour they didn't stock), and then I couldn't decide between the blue, purple or orange. I ended up going for the orange in the hope that it'll stand out enough that people will see it and won't bump into it.

I think you will be happy with the choice, it's more of a burnt orange and does stand out but isn't overpowering. The green was probably my least favorite. While the color was fine, it lacked the pop of most of the others.

Hmm....between you and MikeGood2, you've got me wondering if I should have also opted for the orange! LOL.

Come on you know you want to do it! Seriously though, I think you will be happy with the purple. I liked it but it was just a little to "girly" for me.

BTW Please let us know how you like it when it arrives.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Congrats Wanderlust!

Hmm....between you and MikeGood2, you've got me wondering if I should have also opted for the orange! LOL.

BTW - When/if you next wander up into my blog....er.....PTR, we need to sort out a time for a DisMeet. I think Jade+3 and I are potentially looking at a time in DHS or enjoying some blissful bites at F&W.

Thanks.

Will head over to your blog - a F&W DisMeet sounds great. Will pull out my rough Epcot schedule and put it on your blog to see if we can find a time that works.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks.

Will head over to your blog - a F&W DisMeet sounds great. Will pull out my rough Epcot schedule and put it on your blog to see if we can find a time that works.

We need a "Like" button on the Dis! Catch you there.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I think you will be happy with the choice, it's more of a burnt orange and does stand out but isn't overpowering. The green was probably my least favorite. While the color was fine, it lacked the pop of most of the others.
.

The funny thing is that when I first saw the MeFotos I couldn't have cared less that they were coloured. But then when I went to pick a colour, it suddenly became this big, exciting, decision.

I liked the green because it was subdued and tasteful, yet different to all the black tripods out there . A bit like the gold one which I also liked. But at the same time I think that the orange is quirky and eye-catching, and I'm sure I'll be happy with it. Just like PIO will love her purple one.

 

[PrincessInOz]

My tripod arrived on Friday.







I've only just had time to unpack it, play with it a bit and do some comparisons. And as I know how much you all appreciate comparisons....











Okay. Let's try that again.....this time with the tripod out of the box.







It's about 1/2 the size of the Cullman Magnesit!



The purple is a nice 'girly' colour; but I think I made the right choice for me. It has that right 'pop colour' without standing out too much.






At a height of up to 1.6 meters, it is a little shorter than the Cullman.







Okay....a lot shorter than the Cullman. But I would never extend the Cullman out to this height!!







I've been playing with the MeFoto tripod head. It's not bad but the controls aren't intuitive to me. I haven't yet checked to see if the Cullman head is interchangeable with the MeFoto. If not, I think I can see a Manfrotto purchase between now and September.



Otherwise, I'm a lot happier with the size of the MeFoto. I think it will nicely fit into my suitcase.

 

[mikegood2]

Congrats, glad you are happy with the color (or colour choice. When you have more time to play with it please gave another update. From the little bit I played with the tripod head it seemed very nicer that i expected, but also looks like it would take a little while to get use to it.

Just called my local camera store today and they got part of the order, but sadly no orange yet they are hopping to get another order in this week. Part of me wants to just order one this week, but I think I'll give them another week or two. My nieces do have a dance recital on the 19th, so I think I've made that my cut off date.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Congrats, glad you are happy with the color (or colour choice. When you have more time to play with it please gave another update. From the little bit I played with the tripod head it seemed very nicer that i expected, but also looks like it would take a little while to get use to it.

Just called my local camera store today and they got part of the order, but sadly no orange yet they are hopping to get another order in this week. Part of me wants to just order one this week, but I think I'll give them another week or two. My nieces do have a dance recital on the 19th, so I think I've made that my cut off date.

It's really overcast and cold today; otherwise I'd be tempted to take a drive to the beach and try it out for sunset shots.

We're over the major event season and the next opportunity for fireworks will be in July. I'll definitely be heading down for fireworks shooting but will keep an eye on the weather just in case the weather lines up with some free time for me to go shoot sunset. I'm going to have to get used to have the twist legs and the 5 sections; instead of the clamp/3 sections on the magnesit.


Hope your local store gets the orange in shortly.