Lightweight tripod recommendaions for DSLR

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I want to be able to take night photos, long exposures, etc., but don't want to have to lug around a 10 lb tripod/head in order to do it. Do you have any recommendations?
I normally use a monopod, but I don't think that will work for long exposures. I was looking at the Bogen Manfrotto 680 Monopod with universal detachable tripod legs (sold seperately) but wasn't sure if that would even be stable enough for night shots. It would work for me because it's light, the legs store inside the monopod and the monopod folds down really small so it's easy to carry around. But will it work for long exosure type pics? I want light weight, easy to carry around for 15 hours in the park and stable enough for long exposures. Does such a thing exist or am I being delusional?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Tripods need to be stiff. Stiffness and lightness don't often go together. The best material today for being stiff and light is carbon fiber. Gitzo has a great line of carbon fiber tripods. They come in a variety of sizes, weights, and capacities. I know that Manfrotto also has some good tripods, but I'm not as familiar with them.

Just be aware that you cannot get a cheap, stiff, and lightweight tripod. Pick the two attributes that matter most to you.

I also like the Acratech ball heads as lightweight tripod heads.

 

[Groucho]

I would really doubt that a monopod with a couple extra legs near the bottom will provide any kind of serious stability. I would probably feel pretty nervous leaving my camera sitting on one, either, without hanging onto the strap or something to catch it in case the wind blew it over!

I'm very happy with my Slik Pro carbon fiber tripod legs, which cost a little over $200 and weigh 3 lbs. However, they're not short (the 4-section ones are a little shorter but I stuck with the 3-section one - I think it was a touch lighter and/or stronger) and 3 lbs plus head is still a bit to carry around - but I don't think you'll find much that's lighter and as strong.

If you're not using a large and heavy lens, you could probably get away with one of the Velbon Maxi tripods with the trundle legs, they're light and fold away pretty small compared to others, and cost under $100. That was my top pick until I decided that I needed more strength (mostly for a big old 400mm lens that I since got rid of!)

 

[boBQuincy]

I have a Velbon Maxi and have to agree with Groucho, it is at it's limit with a good sized lens. I use it with my 200 and even though the tripod ring balances everything pretty well the tripod is still kinda' wobbly for that magnification.

I tried mirror lockup and hanging my camera bag on the tripod for extra weight, that helps some but a more stiff tripod is probably in my future. I just hate to pay $500 to get something as light as the Velbon!

 

[Master Mason]

I feel your pain bob, in the same boat, it holds my camera and even does ok with the 24-70, but it is maxed with the 70-200 on it, and I would be scared with a 30D in the mix.

good thing it is only money right?

 

[mabas9395]

I have the Manfrotto 3021bPro with 488RC2 ball head. I loved it until I took it on a short hike up Goose Peak to catch the sunset. I was cursing it all the way up that hill. But when I got to the top and put my camera on those rock solid legs, it was all worth it.

For the amount of money I wanted to spend, I knew I could either go light or go sturdy. I'm glad I chose sturdy. So my advice is get the sturdiest one in your price range and you'll benefit from the exercise of the extra weight.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thank you all for your responses. I guess I was being delusional about the whole weight vs strengh thing. WAAHH! Anyway, I looked up carbon fiber tripods. They are pricey, but light. I would appreciate your input regarding one particular brand. I've never heard of this brand, but it showed up on Amazon and the price is decent. There are no reviews for it, so I thought I'd toss it out there to see if any of you have ever heard of it. It's a Davis & Sanford 70" CarbonLite X10 Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod with FGX10 3-Way Head. On Amazon it's $186.50.
My other alternatives are the Slik 813 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs but I don't know what type of head to get for it. On Adorama, they recommend the sh705 or sh706, but I don't know anything about these heads. (They seem pretty cheap at $39 each. I don't want cheaply made junk, but I don't want to spend an arm and 2 legs! ) I am partial to the 3 way pan heads since I would probably switch out my DSLR w/ my camcorder for convenience.
For heads, I was also considering the Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head and the Bogen / Manfrotto 701RC2 Mini Fluid Video Head w/Sliding RC2 Rapid Connect Plate but I don't even know if they will work with the Slik and or if I want to spend that much. Since I'm spending so much on the legs I don't want a junk head, but I don't want to spend too much uneccesarily either. So if you all say you've heard good things about the Davis and Sanford I'll probably get that. But if you say bad things, I'll probably get the Slik, and one of these heads I mentioned above. Any thoughts on the Davis and Sanford tripod?
Thanks!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Anyone ever hear of the above?
Help?
Thanks!

 

[Groucho]

My tripod is the Slik Pro 713 CF 2 (I think the 714 is the 4-section version) and I like it a lot. I'm not sure how the 81x version compares.

I've never heard of the D&S one, I would guess it's a more generic one that's been rebadged but that's just a guess?

For heads, I have a Manfrotto 484RC2 head, it'll hold 8.8 lbs which is enough for me for now, and is a nice size. I wouldn't mind a level or other features, but I survive without them just fine.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks Groucho. It's looking like I may end up biting the bullet and getting the slik since no one else is responding... Hopefully, if any of you have ever head of the 2 brands I posted above I'd appreciate some input.
Thanks...

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

that even the CF tripod is too heavy for me to lug around the parks for 15 hours at a time. Soooo...I looked up some of your other recommendations and have a few more questions:
Are you all referring to the Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod with 4-Way Pan Head or the Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head? I want to condense as much as possible; so will I be able to use the ball head with my camcorder for videotaping if I getthe latter? It says on the Velbon w/ ball and socket head that it has 360* pan, but does that mean I would have to loosen it to achieve that 360* pan (thereby ruining the stability of the video shoot) or can it be panned while the camera is locked into postion? Also are these heads built in/integrated or are they removable?
I also found the Bogen-Manfrotto 728B Digi Compact Tripod with Integrated 3-Way Head. It weighs about 2lbs more than the other two above AND I also found the Bogen-Manfrotto 725B Digi Tripod with Integrated Ball Head. Someone on another board recommended the one with the ball head, but again I don't know if that'll work for videography.
Can any of you weigh in with ideas or opinions as to which of these you'd pick to lug around the park? I already bought the CF tripod and decided I will use it for local shooting around my home but even that is too heavy for me to lug around all day. (I have back problems.)
I really need to get this right and make a good decision I'll be happy with as Dh is not happy that I dropped $$$ on the CF tripod and head and still won't use it to lug through the parks. Unfortunately as I told him, this was a decision I could only make once I had it in hand and had a chance to use it. FYI, I don't normally get a locker as I find it more inconvenient to not have the tripod on me when I need it, and then to have to trek halfway across the park to get it is a waste of time. So I know I may not get the best night time shots, but I KNOW I don't want to lug around a 5 lb CF tripod + 2lb head all day. Every pound counts when your lugging it around for 15 hours.
I would really appreciate any input you all could give me.

Oh yeah, I have a Nikon d80 w/ 50mm 1.8, 18-135 and 70-300VR. I'll probably be using the 50mm for lowlight shots and such. I imagine since the 70-300 has VR I won't need to us it with the tripod...???
Thanks...

 

[Groucho]

Without looking at pics of the Velbon, I can't say for sure, but generally if a ball head allows panning without changing the angle of the head, it will have two tightening mechanisms (like thumbscrews), one of which adjusts the angle, the other adjusts the rotation.

5 lb is fairly heavy for CF. Mine's 3 lb on the nose w/o head, but I know others can be a bit heavier. I also put a strap on mine and sling it across my back (like a gunslinger carrying a rifle!) and that makes it pretty painless, though no matter what, a tripod is going to make it nearly impossible to go on any thrill rides and still be a pain with any ride.

Your VR lens would still need a tripod if you're trying to do a longish night exposure, the VR might get you 2-3 stops but that still is a long way from the 5+ seconds that you often need to get a really sharp lowlight photo at F8-F11. Still, it's better than not having it.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Without looking at pics of the Velbon, I can't say for sure, but generally if a ball head allows panning without changing the angle of the head, it will have two tightening mechanisms (like thumbscrews), one of which adjusts the angle, the other adjusts the rotation.

5 lb is fairly heavy for CF. Mine's 3 lb on the nose w/o head, but I know others can be a bit heavier. I also put a strap on mine and sling it across my back (like a gunslinger carrying a rifle!) and that makes it pretty painless, though no matter what, a tripod is going to make it nearly impossible to go on any thrill rides and still be a pain with any ride.

Your VR lens would still need a tripod if you're trying to do a longish night exposure, the VR might get you 2-3 stops but that still is a long way from the 5+ seconds that you often need to get a really sharp lowlight photo at F8-F11. Still, it's better than not having it.

Hi Groucho, Here are the amazon links with pictures of the tripods. I know you said in an earlier post that you had a Velbon before you got your 400mm lens, and I was wondering if it was the Ultra Maxi series or not? (Hopefully the other posters will weigh in on this one too.)
I can't tell if these heads are integrated or if they can be swapped out. I know the BM ones are integrated, and the only reason I was considering them was because they weigh a little more so I thought they might be more stable??? What do you think about that idea -- do you think the extra pound or so will help make it a little more stable?? All of these also fold down about as small as my Monopod lengthwise so I don't think it'll be as difficult to carry around.
Thanks so much for still hanging out here with me and offering your advice. I know you all must get sick of the same questions over and over.

http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Ultra-...7529456?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1189583820&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Ultra-...7529456?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1189583607&sr=1-1

Here's the Bogen Manfrotto: http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrot...WMKNRFKQS&s=electronics&qid=1189583763&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrot...WMKNRFKQS&s=electronics&qid=1189583719&sr=1-1

 

[Groucho]

Hi Groucho, Here are the amazon links with pictures of the tripods. I know you said in an earlier post that you had a Velbon before you got your 400mm lens, and I was wondering if it was the Ultra Maxi series or not? (Hopefully the other posters will weigh in on this one too.)

Actually, I was considering the Velbon - I never actually owned one. My previous tripod was a little Slik U5500, which is a pretty lightweight one with a non-removable 3-way pan head. Still, it could sort-of support the DSLR with a small lens, though not as securely (obviously) as my current setup.

I can't tell if these heads are integrated or if they can be swapped out. I know the BM ones are integrated, and the only reason I was considering them was because they weigh a little more so I thought they might be more stable??? What do you think about that idea -- do you think the extra pound or so will help make it a little more stable?? All of these also fold down about as small as my Monopod lengthwise so I don't think it'll be as difficult to carry around.

I think the Velbon heads can be removed but I'm not 100% sure... they do list the part number of the head in the description, which is a good sign.

The Bogen ones actually look like they have a removable head, too (though I'm not sure) - the ball head one looks just like the 484RC2 ball head that I use. That one doesn't have a separate panning control but works very well for still photography... though a minilevel might be nice.

 

[Master Mason]

My suggestion is to not carry any tripod for 15 hours. You can get almost all the shots you want during daylight hours without it, so take it to the park, stuff it in a locker and then go back and get it when you need it. To me it is well worth the couple of bucks to have it in the locker so that I don't have to carry it all the time.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks Goucho!

Actually, I was considering the Velbon - I never actually owned one. My previous tripod was a little Slik U5500, which is a pretty lightweight one with a non-removable 3-way pan head. Still, it could sort-of support the DSLR with a small lens, though not as securely (obviously) as my current setup.


I think the Velbon heads can be removed but I'm not 100% sure... they do list the part number of the head in the description, which is a good sign.

The Bogen ones actually look like they have a removable head, too (though I'm not sure) - the ball head one looks just like the 484RC2 ball head that I use. That one doesn't have a separate panning control but works very well for still photography... though a minilevel might be nice.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Master Mason,
Thanks for weighing in. I think I may be able to get decent pictures during the daytime, but what concerns me is that I have shaky hands. I take medication that causes my hands to shake. I noticed it a few years ago and that's why I stopped shooting slr in the first place and went to automatic digital p&s. (Lighter, so I thought it would be easier to handle. Duh!) I realized that changing formats didn't help and then started using a monopod. That helped a lot, but still not enough for lowlight/evening photos. I think you are right. I may just have to thow the tripod in a locker and bring it our for parades, F! and Fireworks.
I am so kicking myself right now that I didn't just buy the Nikon 18-200VR instead of the 18-135 & 70-300VR. That probably would have solved most of my problems. Oh well, we'll see what happens I guess... I've got some thinking to do before I invest any further into my beginning-to-get-very-expensive hobby.

My suggestion is to not carry any tripod for 15 hours. You can get almost all the shots you want during daylight hours without it, so take it to the park, stuff it in a locker and then go back and get it when you need it. To me it is well worth the couple of bucks to have it in the locker so that I don't have to carry it all the time.

 

[Groucho]

What ISO do you usually shoot at? If shaking hands are an issue, you may want to (if you're not already) shoot in shutter priority mode most of the time and keep it fast, and when you're running out of light, don't be afraid to bump the ISO. Even ISO 1600 generally looks very good when not viewed at 100% on your monitor.

I'm not sure that a tripod will really help with SpectoMagic... it moves quickly enough that if you're shooting at a slow enough speed to require a tripod, chances are that you'll get motion blur off the floats. Your monopod would probably suffice if that helps with the shaky hands.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

What ISO do you usually shoot at? If shaking hands are an issue, you may want to (if you're not already) shoot in shutter priority mode most of the time and keep it fast, and when you're running out of light, don't be afraid to bump the ISO. Even ISO 1600 generally looks very good when not viewed at 100% on your monitor.

I'm not sure that a tripod will really help with SpectoMagic... it moves quickly enough that if you're shooting at a slow enough speed to require a tripod, chances are that you'll get motion blur off the floats. Your monopod would probably suffice if that helps with the shaky hands.

Hi Groucho,
I just got the camera and I am still learning about all the features it offers. I normally shoot in aperture priority mode and don't touch the ISO. To be honest, I don't even know how to adjust the shutter speed, LOL! I need to read the manual!
In the past, when I used a Minolta SLR, my pictures started turning out consistently blurred towards the end of my use due to the shaking , and that's when I decided to quit slr and go to a digital P&S so I could at least see what they looked like before spending $ on developing.
So I haven't really had any problems with the shaking yet using this camera, but I am anticipating that for low light and or effect type shots, it will be an issue. (It would be an issue anyway for most people whether they shake or not, right?) I think I'm going to carry around my monopod and store the tripod in the locker for Fireworks and F!
Thanks for all your help!