tripods

[mcgovski]

Can anyone suggest a good tripod to hold a canon rebel xti body w/ various lenses? I would like the tripod to be light and stable. I would also like to be able to collapse it down to pack in or on a camelback mule or howg. I snap most of my pics from my mountain bike or skis...but dang, i cant hold that camera still enough!

thanks

Chris

 

[Seth Kendall]

You should look into GorillaPods. They are super handy, especially whenspace and weight are an issue.

 

[cnynrat]

I like my Velbon El Carmange 640. It's a relatively cost effective carbon fiber tripod. I hike with it, so light weight was important. On the other hand, I'm 6'4", so many of the really light tripods are too short. I didn't want to have to use it with the center section extended all the time - kind of defeats the purpose.

I have a Kirk ball head on it, which I also recommend highly.

 

[cruisertoy]

For a portabe, light weight tri-pod I love my Gorillapod. I actually use the SLR version on my point and shoot. I have the smaller one, but my Panasonic TZ3 is just a little too heavy for it. Plus it give you extra hieght and the ability to wrap around larger objects.

 

[mcgovski]

Thanks for the info guys...It looks like I have some research to do. I will let you know what i decide on for my tripod.

Chris

 

[soonenough]

This is largely a question of how much money you are willing to spend. I highly recommend reading this article before you spend any money on a tripod system. From what you're saying about size requirements, I'd check out the Gitzo Traveler series.

I went with a Gitzo 2540 tripod and a Really Right Stuff BH-40 ballhead. This was far from a cheap setup, but I don't plan on ever replacing it, and it is truly awesome piece of equipment. Sometimes I wish I would've gone with one of the Gitzo Traveler tripods since they pack down so small, but overall I'm very happy with the tripod. It's not until you've fooled around with a crappy tripod that you can truly appreciate one that just works.

Here's some links that are worth checking out while you're doing research:
Really Right Stuff Tripods 101
Really Right Stuff Ballheads
Gitzo's Website
B&H Photo Video

 

[mcgovski]

great article
thanks for passing it along

Chris