Travel tripod Suggestions?

[nbaresejr]

Hi all,

I am getting ready for my trip from oct 12th to the 17th and will take a DSLR for the first time.

I have a canon t2i with 18-55 kit lens and the 55-250 lens. I also have various filters that i have been expermenting with.

I recently purchased a Lowepro Slingshot 202 aw as my carry bag and i am looking to add a travel tripod. When searching this subject there are so many to choose from in different price points. I have been looking at a few and i was wondering what peoples thoughts were and if you can post what tripod you bring with you to disney.

My requirements:

less then 17" folded and less then 3lbs. I would like to stay in the sub $200 range.

I have been considering the following:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743049-REG/Velbon_ULTRA_LUXI_L_11_Ultra_LUXi_L.html

and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738024-REG/Benro_A0690TBH00_A_0690_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html

 

[mom2rtk]

I have the Luxi-l and really do love it. I love that it folds so compactly and is light and easy to carry around. In a pinch, it could even fit in my backpack. The other feature I love is how tall it is for a travel tripod. That was a priority for me as I try to shoot over all the people who will walk up and stand right in front of your camera at Disney.

The down side is the twist lock legs. You do need to twist them firmly and test them out to be sure they are firmly locked into place. I have never had an issue with this, but another poster here did.

 

[nbaresejr]

I have the Luxi-l and really do love it. I love that it folds so compactly and is light and easy to carry around. In a pinch, it could even fit in my backpack. The other feature I love is how tall it is for a travel tripod. That was a priority for me as I try to shoot over all the people who will walk up and stand right in front of your camera at Disney.

The down side is the twist lock legs. You do need to twist them firmly and test them out to be sure they are firmly locked into place. I have never had an issue with this, but another poster here did.

Did you get the Ball type head or the pan head? I was wondering what the advantages and disadvantages of each are.

 

[mom2rtk]

Did you get the Ball type head or the pan head? I was wondering what the advantages and disadvantages of each are.

When I got it, there wasn't an option that I saw for a ball head. I have since then added a ballhead and really do prefer that. It's a lot easier to fine-tune the camera angle.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

I was torn just a few weeks ago about what to get. For me it boiled down to where was I going to use it the most, at home! Or locally. We are driving down so space isn't an issue. I only plan on bringing it on 2 park days, and I will just put it in a locker until I need it so that wasnt an issue for me either. But I was looking at the Travel Angel Tripods, but they don'e meet your weight requirements... good luck with your search! Under 3 lbs is going to be tricky for your budget!

 

[ssanders79]

Check out the Benro travel angels. I picked up a used one that folds down to around 13 inches. It includes a ballhead.

Ball vs pan head, I vote ball. It is much easier to compose the shot with a good ball head than a pan. pans are more suited for video.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Tonight I was more than please with the tripod I chose! We were all set up for fireworks at Canadas Wonderland and low and behold I am asked to step back a bit by security, no problem! I raised the middle thingy on my tripod and no more heads craossing my path! Of course I only carried the tripod for 3 hours, but that extra height paid off in my case. I am still worried about what it will be like at WDW, but thats only 2 weeks of my life, my next trip isn't for 6 months after that, and its a cruise where I can leave it in my room until needed.

This is just my experience, but remember if you plan on getting a locker at any park, you could always leave a larger unit in it until you are ready for it...

 

[nbaresejr]

Daisy14'sDH

So what model and brand tripod do you have?

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Rememer its not very travel friendly like the Travel Angels, and there may be better out there but this one fit my budget (nicely) and feels fantastic, very sturdy even extended, and plenty of cool features. I just widh it could disassmble to become a monopod!

Heres the link

http://www.henrys.com/ViewProduct.aspx?productId=64584

Its a Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT