Tripod Help

[zlwags85]

Hello -

Looking for some help/suggestions for a tripod.

Requirements:

1. Light weight
2. <300-350 for legs and head
3. Fairly compact
4. Great for hiking 8-15 mile roundtrips (reallyl points 1 and 3 combined)
5. Usefull for the tank.

I'm 5' 11" and would like to get a decent reach out of the legs. I don't care too much about even having a center column because I really won't/shouldn't use it on windy days.

I have a Nikon D60 and my primary lens is the 18-200 mm "convenience" lens.

I have been looging at some of the cheaper carbon fiber legs with a monfrotto ballhead w/ QR. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much.

 

[BlueCorn]

Did you read this yet?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1501841

 

[zlwags85]

Wow, I'm dense.

I will read that before I got out asking the world!

Thanks.

 

[BlueCorn]

No worries. We actually have an admin who we hide threads from by making them sticky.

Cheers

 

[PSam]

Re: Tripod Help

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15329318#post15329318 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zlwags85
Requirements:

1. Light weight
2. <300-350 for legs and head
3. Fairly compact
4. Great for hiking 8-15 mile roundtrips (reallyl points 1 and 3 combined)
5. Usefull for the tank.

I'm 5' 11" and would like to get a decent reach out of the legs.

Was in very similar boat, especially requirement #'s 1, 3 & 4.

Decided to spend the extra $ for a Gitzo Traveller (GT-1541T). Super light (~2lbs) and 16" when folded. It's ridiculous. The little twist lock on the legs are so quick and easy to use. I'm also 6' and it is indeed shorter than ideal for my height, but most important for me was compact for travel / hiking, so that was a small compromise.

If you'll use it frequently and it's in the cards to spend a bit more, then I'd definitely consider. I got the ball head + legs combo from BH and it (still) has a $100 mail in rebate (if you buy legs + ball head). I don't love the ball head, but it's fine and can always replace. The legs though, I'd be very surprised if I ever need another set.

 

[zlwags85]

I looked at the Gitzo and I just can't justify spending that much at this point.


I've been looking around a while and reading and came up with a few different options.

What do you think of these legs...
http://www.feisol.net/feisol-ct3441s-with-center-column-tripod-p-38.html

For 300 bucks, they are 2.2 pounds and are the only legs under 4 pounds that I can even find that reach 70+ inches. Without the extension they still have a decent reach for the weight when most tripods are right around 40" from what I've seen.



http://www.amazon.com/Slik-614-Carbon-Maximum-Supports/dp/tech-data/B0007A0DR8/ref=de_a_smtd

Weigh 1.9 lbs.



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._190XB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html#specifications

Complete system and significantly cheaper but it also weighs in a lot more.

For any of the legs above, I would probally go with the 486 ball head with a QR.

Thoughts?