Recommendation for travel tripod

[flickman]

I am looking for a good tripod for travel. Usually I am in backcountry so size/weight is important. I have a full size tripod but it is large and bulky and I would like something a little more convenient that I can connect to my LowePro backpack.

Thanks in advance.

[kgosden]

For what camera(s)? Do you plan on actual backpacking/camping with it? Is it for low light or macro work? Is the issue with your current one folded size or weight? Do you have a maximum budget?

[JLV]

If you do not need the steadienest of a tripod, you might like to try the following:

For low budget and easy of carrying you may like to try what I call a tripod less tripod.

I use a 1/4 x 20 bolt inserted in the tripod socket on the camera. To that I have attached a one foot wire. (I am using fishing leader wire. I think twisted picture hanging wire would also work). To the loop I made at the outer end of the wire, I attach a shock cord. I step on the end of the cord and pull up. The pressure helps steady the hand.

This will give you much of the steadiness of a monopod. Yet it is easier to carry.


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[Esoterra]

If you do not need the steadienest of a tripod, you might like to try the following:

For low budget and easy of carrying you may like to try what I call a tripod less tripod.

I use a 1/4 x 20 bolt inserted in the tripod socket on the camera. To that I have attached a one foot wire. (I am using fishing leader wire. I think twisted picture hanging wire would also work). To the loop I made at the outer end of the wire, I attach a shock cord. I step on the end of the cord and pull up. The pressure helps steady the hand.

This will give you much of the steadiness of a monopod. Yet it is easier to carry.


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Very clever indeed!

[flickman]

Not too concerned about budget. My current tripod completely folded in its case is not something you could put on my pack, way too big. It has its own case with a shoulder strap and I typically use it to steady a chronograph as well as photography. I would prefer to use a small but steady tripos although your solution is neat. I knows it tough but I would like it for all purpose work. It will be used for a D80.

[kgosden]

Well, I am very happy with my Velbon CF640. It weighs about 4 lbs. Folds down to less than 22" with a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head. I have carried it on my Tamrac backpack for many 5-20 mile hikes. Of course this setup will run you $300-400. I bought the CF640 including the 3-way pan head which I wanted for the occasional auto race.