Probably the 1000th time this question about tripods has been asked....

[Quicklabs]

I need a tripod that will
--hold my D80 with an 18-200 zoom lense
--be reasonably sturdy for trips to the see the Mouse
--be reasonaly light and compact so that I can also pack things to wear in my suitcase along with the tripod.
--also serve as a decent all around tripod

I know that there is a huge trade off between weight and stability, but I'm a middle of the road kind of gal! LOL

What would come closest to filling the bill?

Thanks, everyone.

 

[handicap18]

I went to Disney last year with 2 inexpensive tripods. 1 was a full size that is about $30 from Wally World or Target or a store like that. Their light and easy to take around and fit in suitcases.

I also took a smaller travel tripod that I got of amazon a few years back. It is small enough that when all folded up it is about 14" long and fits in my backpack. It held my Nikon D50 with 18-135mm lens, though I did have to monitor it carefully as it is very light and you have to make sure you put the legs in the right spot. By that I mean if I put the camera in the portrait position I make sure 1 of the legs is under that side of the camera. It worked nicely and was only $20. I used it best without the legs extended out, but set up on a trashcan. For me it was the best height and made the tripod more stable.

When ever out next trip comes (undetermined at this point) I will be bringing my Manfrotto tripod and ball head. Got this combo for $235 and also got a tripod carry bag (similar to the bags that hold those fold out camp chairs). It will fit in my bigger suitcase and it is so much more stable and secure than the cheepo tripods.

If you want something real light, you could get one of the gorillapods. They make a model for dSLR's. They are small and can be made to easily hold your camera. They can even fit in a carry on bag rather than a regular suitcase. They're great for Disney because Disney has trash cans EVERWHERE and they all have flat tops.

 

[oogieboogieman]

Does anyone know how big the lockers are at the parks? If I purchase a Gorillapod it will go in my camera bag a tripod will need to be able to fit in a locker.

 

[boBQuincy]

Does anyone know how big the lockers are at the parks? If I purchase a Gorillapod it will go in my camera bag a tripod will need to be able to fit in a locker.

Small - 11"h x 9"w x 16" deep
Large - 17"h x 9"w x 16" deep

There are some other sizes but these are the ones we are most likely to find. Velbon's 347 Maxi tripods will fit in the small lockers, as will many other 4 section tripods. Most 3 section tripods are not likely to fit in the small lockers.

 

[Quicklabs]

Handicap18 - What Bogen/Manfrotto combo did you end up getting? I think I might end up getting a Gorillapod AND a regular tripod. I can't imagine that I would have the nerve to wrap the Gorillapod around something (even with the no-fault insurance on my lense!), but it would be a good "trashcan tripod." Since I anticipate having the opportunity to do some real shooting while my DH is on the golf course, I will also have the luxury of being able to tote around a tripod for awhile, as long as it's not too heavy. Also, I hated not having a tripod for our fireworks last night....

 

[Master Mason]

I got a Slik 714 CFII tripod and a fairly inexpensive Monfrotto ball head the 488. I have been very happy with the set up and it was under $300

 

[Quicklabs]

Will have to check this out. Thanks. (BTW, the little chocolate drop in your avatar is just too cute!)

 

[Master Mason]

Will have to check this out. Thanks. (BTW, the little chocolate drop in your avatar is just too cute!)

Thanks, she isn't so little anymore though, she will be 1 year in 9 days.

 

[handicap18]

Handicap18 - What Bogen/Manfrotto combo did you end up getting? I think I might end up getting a Gorillapod AND a regular tripod. I can't imagine that I would have the nerve to wrap the Gorillapod around something (even with the no-fault insurance on my lense!), but it would be a good "trashcan tripod." Since I anticipate having the opportunity to do some real shooting while my DH is on the golf course, I will also have the luxury of being able to tote around a tripod for awhile, as long as it's not too heavy. Also, I hated not having a tripod for our fireworks last night....

I got the 055XB tripod and 484RC ball head. B&H Photo has them together for $215.90 + Shipping. Excellent combo, though if I had a bigger budget I would have gotten the 055XB Pro which extends a little higher.

 

[Groucho]

I've got the Slik 713 (see it in my "homemade tripod strap" thread), it's a really nice balance between weight and strength and cost. It's carbon fiber and virtually the same as the 714 that MM has, but with three leg sections instead of four. A little longer when collapsed but a little quicker to set up to max height.

 

[YesDear]

I think one of the best deals in tripods right now is the Chinese made Benro. Go to B&H. They carry a good variety. You can actually get a carbon fiber one for a great price.

They started by being an Asian site for a major mfg firm and then build their own plant down the street. I have had mine for about two years and am very happy.

Which head to use is your own choice. I do feel that a cheap head is just that. Nothing is scarier than that feeling when you see a head slipping! I do really like the really right stuff release clamps and plates. While pricey, they work and I am never afraid a camera will release before I want it to. I leave my plate on my camera all the time because it weighs nothing.