DSLR Travel Tripod

[matt]

Am off to NZ in a few weeks and think I'll take a lightweight and compact travel tripod with me for use with my 40D.

I think carbon fibre would be a good idea, but it's not essential.

As long as it packs away nice and easily.

Any suggestions? :)

[Dennis]

Hi Matt

I purchased a CF tripod as I had a couple of heavy weight photographic tripods that tended to get left behind, as they were too heavy or too long (folded) to carry for extended periods.

I purchased a Giottos MT 8250 (http://www.giottos.com/MT92-93-82-83.htm)which is CF and has 4 leg sections; I wanted 4 sections to make the tripod as compact as possible when folded, so it can dangle from a waist belt on a home made holster, leaving my hands free.

I tried carrying a tripod via a shoulder sling but found that with either a camera bag (shoulder strap) or rucksack and a camera strap around my neck, I just had too many straps draped over my torso.

The Giottos MT 8250 cost me $250 (no head) from Discount Digital Photographics (http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/tripods.htm)who have an outlet in Brisbane now. I note that they show the Giottos MT 8251 which has 3 section legs vs. the MT 8250 4 section legs. The main difference is the folded height. 3 legs are probably more stable than 4 legs – the 4th legs are quite spindly on my MT 8250.

The MT 8250 and 8251 allows you to remove the centre column which I have found very useful on occasions. I have been very pleased with the Giottos design and build quality – they included a nice carry bag, shoulder strap and a tool kit for tightening up fasteners that may work loose with usage and time.

You are more than welcome to drop in and have a look and see how the tripod handles.

Cheers

Dennis

[matt]

Thanks Dennis:thumbsup: I'll certainly check the Giottos range out.

I'm off to Photo Continental this morning to pick up some UV filters, CF cards etc

I'll see how price compares for tripods while I'm there.

Discount Digital are also very good. I bought my 40D there late last year.

Thanks, mate.

[Dennis]

Don’t forget to check out light weight tripod heads too – I purchased a Velbon magnesium alloy ball head for my CF tripod to keep the overall set up light weight, compact and portable.

Cheers

Dennis

[acropolite]

If weight is an issue you might want to also consider a monopod, I haven't used one, but anectdotal reports and the fact that you see sports photographers using them all the time is an indication that they work.

[matt]

Good suggestion, Phil...but not suitable for longer exposures which is what I'll hopefully be doing around waterfalls, coastal regions and night shots.

Cheers.

[acropolite]

Make sure you have some ND filters with you.

[matt]

Of course:)

[matt]

Well...I made a decision and went with a Velbon Sherpa 435 as my travel tripod.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2007/10/28/Tripod/p4

It's fairly lightweight...and well constructed. It offers a fairly handy fully extended height with three-section legs which are solid and very stable with the camera attached.

It's got triple bubble levels...

And I got it for a pretty good price.

It was much sturdier and more stable than the Manfrottos and Slik's I looked at in the similar weight-price-features range.

I think it will serve me well in New Zealand during my upcoming three-week self-drive holiday:)

[Dennis]

Hey Matt

Good choice – with a model name of “Sherpa” I suspect it should be a sturdy tripod!

Cheers

Dennis

PS – I followed the link to the review and as I scrolled to the bottom, some prices caught my peripheral vision and my jaw dropped until I realized these were for a Canon 50D!