Good, Lightweight Tripod

[boBQuincy]

Notice I never mentioned price!

I have a Velbon 437 Maxi and it isn't bad but I would like something more stable. It should be no heavier than the Velbon (3 lb) and it should go as high, at least 60"

How much do I have to pay?

 

[Master Mason]

Bob,

I just ordered a Slik 714, that I think fits your requirements, I paid 244 for the legs at b&h

 

[Groucho]

Like MM said - IIRC, the Slik weighs 3.0 lbs w/o a head.

One of these days I'm going to post a proper review of it on my site. Some day.

 

[boBQuincy]

The Slik looks good, and I also looked at Velbon's El Carmagne line. Some reviewers liked both of them.
One review said don't bother with Slik or Velbon carbon models, go right for the Gitzo.

If I thought it was that much better I might, but for the $$$ it should carry itself!

 

[Master Mason]

Bob,

I just got mine, and it is like night and day from the maxi, I can't wait to take it with me on my next trip.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

The Gitzo Titanium Traveler would be perfect. It packs down small. It's very light. It's extremely rigid. It's a bit pricey, but it comes with a case, so that helps offset some of the cost.

 

[AndrewWG]

The Gitzo Titanium Traveler would be perfect. It packs down small. It's very light. It's extremely rigid. It's a bit pricey, but it comes with a case, so that helps offset some of the cost.

That thing looks like I could have one of two things, a car or that tripod. Do you know how much they go for? I couldn't find a price. That is usually a good sign that I won't ever own one. I'm guessing it is a LOT of money. Looks sweet though!

 

[AndrewWG]

I am also in the market for a new tripod. I can't be spending much though, and the one I have works ok overall so it is no hurry, but it is way too light for the 30D and 70-200 f2.8L IS. Way way too light for that. I can get it rather stable with the smaller lenses though, especially if it isn't extended as tall as it can go. My question is, does anyone know the weight of the Canon 30D body? I know my lens weights but not the body. This could help me decide what I REALLY need. I'm guessing it is between 2 and 3 lbs.

I have been told that you want a tripod that has a max weight limit of about 2 times your the weight of your gear. Is that about right? Therefore, if my camera and lens weighed 6lbs, I would want a tripod that was rated to a max of 12 lbs?

 

[Master Mason]

30D weighs in at 24.7 oz

 

[MarkBarbieri]

That thing looks like I could have one of two things, a car or that tripod. Do you know how much they go for? I couldn't find a price. That is usually a good sign that I won't ever own one. I'm guessing it is a LOT of money. Looks sweet though!

I think B&H is asking $2,500 for it. But remember, that includes a case.

 

[AndrewWG]

30D weighs in at 24.7 oz

Wow, thanks. That is less than I thought. That's good for me I guess with my lightweight tripod and 50mm 1.8 lens!

 

[AndrewWG]

I think B&H is asking $2,500 for it. But remember, that includes a case.

Oh, wow. I'll get two. One to collect and one to use. Seems like the right thing to do. The case is the major selling point. I could see that on the website. It is a fine looking case!

 

[boBQuincy]

The Gitzo Titanium Traveler would be perfect. It packs down small. It's very light. It's extremely rigid. It's a bit pricey, but it comes with a case, so that helps offset some of the cost.

So just when I was about to start bringing cost into the discussion, I saw that not only does the Gitzo come with a case, it's the 90th anniversary edition too! Who even thinks about $$$ when you can have that kind of exclusivity?

However, for that kind of $$$ I could hire someone to carry a heavy tripod for me!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

So just when I was about to start bringing cost into the discussion, I saw that not only does the Gitzo come with a case, it's the 90th anniversary edition too! Who even thinks about $$$ when you can have that kind of exclusivity?

However, for that kind of $$$ I could hire someone to carry a heavy tripod for me!

I was just about to order mine and then I noticed that it's a limited edition. I hate the thought that someone would have to do without because I ordered one. Because of that, I decided to pass.

 

[Clark-Kent]

I pickup a Bogen/Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod. It weights 4lbs. folds up at 22.5" and can hold 11lbs, and the center column goes horizontal. B&H has for $145. It is made very very well.

 

[boBQuincy]

I was just about to order mine and then I noticed that it's a limited edition. I hate the thought that someone would have to do without because I ordered one. Because of that, I decided to pass.

A true humanitarian, always thinking of others. That's what I love about this board! That, and helping each other spend $$$.

Here is an interesting review of some CF tripods. Unfortunately the Slik is missing, I would have liked to see it included in the comparison.
http://bayimages.net/tech/equipment/velbon-el-carmagne-640.html