Camera Gear: Tripods

[rocketman]

Ok I noticed there has been some discussion of tripods in the camera thread so I thought I would start a fresh thread on the subject of tripods, since, as has been pointed out, there is a huge range of features, prices, weight, etc., both full size and mini, such as the Gorillapod.

I think in might be useful to start threads on different types of gear, and if we start with the key Camera_Gear: followed by the subject it might be easier to locate different topic areas on this general topic rather mixing everything up in one long thread.

Note: that I changed the title to include an underline character between the words "Camera" and "Gear". I did this because of the way the search engines work, by making it all one "word" searching on Camera_Gear: will filter out anything with just "Camera" or "Gear". So lets see if that will help in searches.

So to start here's what I just purchased and more importantly, why, lets here from others on what and Why they use/purchased the ones they did. Note the emphasis on WHY.

The tripod I finally settled on was a Promaster, I believe it was one of the 6100 series, but I’d have check when I get home. Regardless of the actual model number, following is a quick rundown on the features I liked.

They were (though not necessarily in this order) the quick-release base, having two handles on the pan head, one for up and down (I guess that would be vertical ?) tilt and one for horizontal tilt, a bubble level and spirit level on the tilt for horizontal alignment, locking center leg support, tensioner on the center column rise, overall smoothness of operation, overall size, and all metal head. Other things I considered were number of leg segments, the more segments the less sturdy they tend to be, but two few and they get awkward to carry on a motorcycle, so three seems to be a good compromise. I think that a level on the front/back tilt would have been more useful than the bubble level, but other than that, I’ve found it to be a good compromise of price, features, sturdiness and weight.

Price was less than $100, around $65-$75 if I remember right.
RM

[KBasa]

I bought one for $29 at Best Buy that packs on the bike pretty well. I'm pretty happy with it, though it's a far cry from a Bogen or something nice.

[SNC1923]

It might also be helpful to mention price? Tripods run the gamut from $19.95 to $1,000 and beyond.

In the other thread, I failed to mention the key feature in deciding to purchase my Bogen 055XPROB. Especially since I was addressing someone who had just purchased a macro lens. On this tripod, the center column can be realigned to be horizontal rather than vertical. This is accomplished with a flip of the wrist, no tools or disassembly involved.

http://www.photoscala.de/grafik/2007/055XPROB_Mittelsle.jpg http://www.canogacamera.com/images/bogen/77764_5.jpg

Nearly all tripods will allow you to get an orientation helpful for macro/close-up/copy work, but I thought this feature was especially nice.

Other features:


heavy, sturdy
built-in tool for tightening leg locks
2 foam padded legs for cold mornings
head has built-in spirit level
legs spread nearly flat for close-to-the-ground shooting
head had quick release plate for easy on and off
max height column extended: 70.28”
max height column down: 55.91”
min height low position: 3.94”
closed length: 25.79”
weight: 5.28 lbs.
max load: 15.4 lbs.


Available for less than $250. As I mentioned, I own another Bogen/Manfrotto tripod (which I still use for a video camera) purchased in 1980. They make really good stuff.

[Mongo]

http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/prod_lrg_images/656/90126656.jpg (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00353917000P)

41" extended and very compact at 9.5" collapsed, it packs easily on the bike. Inexpensive if something was to happen to it on the road.

[MCohen]

My main tripod is a three section Bogen 055 -- sturdy and quick to set up. As SNC1923 said, the ability to move the column horizontally is nice. I added an Acratech Ultimate Ballhead whose "open" ball design doesn't require grease so it doesn't pick up dirt. It's packed on the bike with a Helen 2 Wheels tent pole bag which is the perfect size for the tripod and doesn't scream "camera equipment."

Since I don't always feel like strapping on a full-size tripod for a quick trip, and a tripod is only useful if you bring in along, I also have a Cullman Magic 2 tripod. I wouldn't consider it well-made, sturdy or cheap but the legs fold down in a way to make it totally flat. It's a full-size tripod that will fit in a BMW saddlebag (or carry-on luggage) so it's easy to carry. I did junk the included ballhead/quick release for a mini-ball and standard "Arca-Swiss" type quick release.

Michael

[PAULBACH]

When traveling I used to prefer a good monopod. Lighter to carry and it could double as a dandy Shalaylee. But whether a tripod or a monopod the issue is how to secure it to the bike. It has to be easy, not transverse, yet quick to grab.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/ClipArt/scabbard.jpg
Maybe something like a scabbard for rifles but for a monopod instead.

Any suggestions? :scratch

[SNC1923]

When traveling I used to prefer a good monopod. Lighter to carry and it could double as a dandy Shalaylee.

Recently, my mother-in-law called over here at about 10:00 p.m. She had arrived home from work to find her door ajar. She asked if I would come over a do a sweep of the house.

What did I bring?

My monopod. :laugh

[rocketman]

When traveling I used to prefer a good monopod. Lighter to carry and it could double as a dandy Shalaylee. But whether a tripod or a monopod the issue is how to secure it to the bike. It has to be easy, not transverse, yet quick to grab.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/ClipArt/scabbard.jpg
Maybe something like a scabbard for rifles but for a monopod instead.

Any suggestions? :scratch


Interesting suggestion, I too have been trying to find an easy, quick access arrangement for mine as it won't quite fit in the side bags on either of my bikes. This I think is where something like the Gorillapod would come in handy. While I do have a mini-pod, with the longer lens on the DSLR it isn't very steady.

I wonder how you could secure that to the bike?

RM

[rocketman]

Recently, my mother-in-law called over here at about 10:00 p.m. She had arrived home from work to find her door ajar. She asked if I would come over a do a sweep of the house.

What did I bring?

My monopod. :laugh

Oh brother! Six posts into the thread and its already been hijacked! (and by a mod, no less!:stick )

I can see already this place is gonna be a hoot!:laugh

RM

[PAULBACH]

A monopod is a tri-pod except it only has a leg to stand on.

I mention the mono pod since it is so easy to carry! One legged tripod of choice is the Manfrotto 3229!

[rinty]

Mongo, what's the make and model of your unit? I'm happy with my Slik Compact, but it's 5" longer folded than the one you have.

Rinty

[Mongo]

Mongo, what's the make and model of your unit? I'm happy with my Slik Compact, but it's 5" longer folded than the one you have.

Rinty

Click on the pic ;)

[KBasa]

My tripod fits in a bag about the same size as a Kermit Chair. I hang it on the top of my gear bag and it rides along just fine.

[Newstar]

We have lots of pictures of each other on riding adventures but very few pictures of us together. That will change this year since we are now the owners of a Gorilla Pod.

http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/product_display/product_information.jsp?nc=64664&refPg=endeca_srch&N=0&Nr=searchable%3A0&Ntk=search&Ntt=tripod&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&initSrch=search&oid=23892500&nc2=1

(I hope this link works!)

The flexible little legs wrap around handlebars, luggage racks, tree limbs, fence posts, etc. You can also use it as a regular tripod on uneven terrain. This is one of those things that left us smacking our heads saying "why didn't we think of this??"

[bmdubyou]

I "need" a carbon fiber tripod! A member of my camera club had one...OMG it was soo light! THe crazy thing is...he had a humongous arca swiss ball head that weighed almost as much as the legs!
Currently I have a set of aluminum bogen legs and a nice medium ball head with a quick release plate that also fits on the tilt head of my monopod. I dont like the 3-way heads with the arms sticking out...ball heads are the only way to go!

[torags]

I have two sets of gear.

I have a 200/400 f4 about 10lbs + cam 1.5? Most of the bike friendly tripods (4section poles) are under capacity and are worthless with that weight in a breeze.

For this I got a Slik 7000 Pro, 30" folded and a few pounds. Besides the head, level, etc I liked the leg cam locks. I originally got a more expensive screw lock and it took forever to set up. I'll post the farkle tube I made for the bike & planes when I take a shot.

My travel Hiking/biking kit has a Sima SMP-1C Monopod, an Ultrapod (can attach to pole or tree) and a Cullman 52013. Small units good for traveling & daylight photography. BTW here's a farkle some might be interested in:

My monopod quiver

http://torags.smugmug.com/photos/102722987-M.jpg

[SNC1923]

My monopod quiver

http://torags.smugmug.com/photos/102722987-M.jpg

Now that's cool.

[rocketman]

I have two sets of gear.

I have a 200/400 f4 about 10lbs + cam 1.5? Most of the bike friendly tripods (4section poles) are under capacity and are worthless with that weight in a breeze.

For this I got a Slik 7000 Pro, 30" folded and a few pounds. Besides the head, level, etc I liked the leg cam locks. I originally got a more expensive screw lock and it took forever to set up. I'll post the farkle tube I made for the bike & planes when I take a shot.

My travel Hiking/biking kit has a Sima SMP-1C Monopod, an Ultrapod (can attach to pole or tree) and a Cullman 52013. Small units good for traveling & daylight photography. BTW here's a farkle some might be interested in:

My monopod quiver

http://torags.smugmug.com/photos/102722987-M.jpg

Hmmmm.... I see a moble potato cannon as an optional use here! all you need is swivel for aiming it......:laugh

RM

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Make one for a Dollar

I like that option as a backup.:D
Although I have a monopod and a Bogen I think that the Gorillapod is neat way to handle a camera on a bike for those ADV pics....:buds

[PAULBACH]

I have two sets of gear.

...

For this I got a Slik 7000 Pro, 30" folded and a few pounds. Besides the head, level, etc I liked the leg cam locks. I originally got a more expensive screw lock and it took forever to set up. I'll post the farkle tube I made for the bike & planes when I take a shot.

My travel Hiking/biking kit has a Sima SMP-1C Monopod, an Ultrapod (can attach to pole or tree) and a Cullman 52013. Small units good for traveling & daylight photography. BTW here's a farkle some might be interested in:

My monopod quiver

http://torags.smugmug.com/photos/102722987-M.jpg

I am working on just such a project. Have all the parts although I went with 4" PVC pipe since that is all that seem available. It will certaily be robust when finished - maybe do double duty as a crash guard.

But the problem is how to secure it to the bike. What kind of fasteners did you use?

Thanks,

Paul

[torags]

I am working on just such a project. Have all the parts although I went with 4" PVC pipe since that is all that seem available. It will certaily be robust when finished - maybe do double duty as a crash guard.

But the problem is how to secure it to the bike. What kind of fasteners did you use?

Thanks,

Paul

I bent some 1" flat stock to fashion two hooks. 1/4" 1/2" +/- bolts w round locking nuts inside saddlebag. Bonded (with rubber) washers in and out against saddle bag material. Get end cap, drill a couple of 1/4" holes and glue to one end of ABS.

Home Depot for 2" ABS and a sewer joint, composed of black rubber hose and two ss clamps. Slip the hose onto ABS, clamps over flat stock and tighten.

No leaks in the pannier and its a tough rigid hold that doesn't pool up in the rain.

Tom I think its better suited as a mobile potato mortar. I need a good charge ;-).

BTW Paul, I didn't go with PVC because it was white and would attract too much attention. I have left my black tripod in the quiver in cities. It seems to blend in and kids don't notice it.

[PAULBACH]

I bent some 1" flat stock to fashion two hooks. 1/4" 1/2" +/- bolts w round locking nuts inside saddlebag. Bonded (with rubber) washers in and out against saddle bag material. Get end cap, drill a couple of 1/4" holes and glue to one end of ABS.

Home Depot for 2" ABS and a sewer joint, composed of black rubber hose and two ss clamps. Slip the hose onto ABS, clamps over flat stock and tighten.

No leaks in the pannier and its a tough rigid hold that doesn't pool up in the rain.

Tom I think its better suited as a mobile potato mortar. I need a good charge ;-).

BTW Paul, I didn't go with PVC because it was white and would attract too much attention. I have left my black tripod in the quiver in cities. It seems to blend in and kids don't notice it.

It looks like you used a smaller diameter pipe. Does the head of the monopod go inside or do you have to remove the head to make it fit inside the pipe?

Yeah the white PVC sticks out like a sore thumb. But it the Mark I design I will spray paint the whole assembly either black or gray to blend in.

One big advantage of the 4" PVC pipe is more firepower for potato launching.

Thanks for the assembly hints. :thumb

[torags]

It looks like you used a smaller diameter pipe. Does the head of the monopod go inside or do you have to remove the head to make it fit inside the pipe?

. :thumb

The monopod sticks out for fast access. If I leave bike for a long period I put it in the saddlebag. I can stay on the bike, pull my cam out of tank bag attach monopod in the saddle and clik in low light situations (longer exposures), then take off for a different angle. Works for me.

[dlowry]

I bought one of these for our Alaska Cruise this summer.

http://www.joby.com/images/gorillapodslr_camera.png

It's the Gorillapod from Joby. I forget what I paid for it. I used it to hold both SLR, and DV cameras to the ships railings to try and get good-steady shots in lower light levels. I will also carry this on the bike from now on since it is compact, and can be set on or wrapped around just about any surface / post / handlebar - you get the idea. It's also like bubble wrap in a way, you want to bend and twist and play with it simply because it exists.

[bmdubyou]

I have two sets of gear.

I have a 200/400 f4 about 10lbs + cam 1.5? Most of the bike friendly tripods (4section poles) are under capacity and are worthless with that weight in a breeze.

For this I got a Slik 7000 Pro, 30" folded and a few pounds. Besides the head, level, etc I liked the leg cam locks. I originally got a more expensive screw lock and it took forever to set up. I'll post the farkle tube I made for the bike & planes when I take a shot.

My travel Hiking/biking kit has a Sima SMP-1C Monopod, an Ultrapod (can attach to pole or tree) and a Cullman 52013. Small units good for traveling & daylight photography. BTW here's a farkle some might be interested in:

My monopod quiver

http://torags.smugmug.com/photos/102722987-M.jpg



could one assume you dont ride two-up with that setup?

[OfficerImpersonator]

I bought one of these for our Alaska Cruise this summer.

http://www.joby.com/images/gorillapodslr_camera.png

It's the Gorillapod from Joby. I forget what I paid for it. I used it to hold both SLR, and DV cameras to the ships railings to try and get good-steady shots in lower light levels. I will also carry this on the bike from now on since it is compact, and can be set on or wrapped around just about any surface / post / handlebar - you get the idea. It's also like bubble wrap in a way, you want to bend and twist and play with it simply because it exists.

Ships shudder and shake and vibrate - I'd be surprised if a ship's railing provided a steady shot - especially with long exposures/low light settings.

But the GorillaPod is a great product. The legs wrap around my crash bars and mirror stalks, so I'm looking forward to taking some cool photos with my remote shutter release zip tied to my handlebars and the camera mounted to the bike in an infinite number of possible ways.

[OfficerImpersonator]

I "need" a carbon fiber tripod! A member of my camera club had one...OMG it was soo light! THe crazy thing is...he had a humongous arca swiss ball head that weighed almost as much as the legs!
Currently I have a set of aluminum bogen legs and a nice medium ball head with a quick release plate that also fits on the tilt head of my monopod. I dont like the 3-way heads with the arms sticking out...ball heads are the only way to go!

I have a Hakuba carbon fiber tripod, and it's pretty light - and was certainly reasonably priced, as carbon fiber tripods go, at $300. Of course I've spent that much again on the Really Right Stuff ball head and quick release system...
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/quick_start/index.html

[SNC1923]

Of course I've spent that much again on the Really Right Stuff ball head and quick release system...
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/quick_start/index.html

I'm starting to lust after one of these (http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html), one of these (http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/04.html), and--of course--one of these (http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/02.html).

When I first encountered RRS, I dismissed them entirely with a "that's just stupidly expensive." But the more I analyze their product, the more I realize how worthwhile it is, particularly the L-plate system.

Looks like I'll be puttin' in some more overtime. . . .

[OfficerImpersonator]

I'm starting to lust after one of these (http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html), one of these (http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/04.html), and--of course--one of these (http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/02.html).

When I first encountered RRS, I dismissed them entirely with a "that's just stupidly expensive." But the more I analyze their product, the more I realize how worthwhile it is, particularly the L-plate system.

Looks like I'll be puttin' in some more overtime. . . .

I need a cocaine habit. It would be far more affordable than an addiction to RRS products.

[dlowry]

Ships shudder and shake and vibrate - I'd be surprised if a ship's railing provided a steady shot - especially with long exposures/low light settings.



Actually, had pretty good luck with it, although I did use it on the ship primarily for holding the DV cam. It was my first time using it so I was a bit nervous - $150 DV cam or $2000 DSLR at the edge of a ship. Also, since we had near perfect weather the was little movement. Nevertheless, it's a great tool...

[BradfordBenn]

I have a gorillapod and just ordered my second one. As a smugmug user one can get a discount (go to club smugmug on your control panel). I got the size bigger then I needed for my second camera and also for my first as I wanted a little more "strength" and hopefully stability as a result.

[rocketman]

Ships shudder and shake and vibrate - I'd be surprised if a ship's railing provided a steady shot - especially with long exposures/low light settings.

But the GorillaPod is a great product. The legs wrap around my crash bars and mirror stalks, so I'm looking forward to taking some cool photos with my remote shutter release zip tied to my handlebars and the camera mounted to the bike in an infinite number of possible ways.

True and I'll be curious what sort of results I'll have on my upcoming cruise as I just got a gorillaPod, when docked or moored it shouldn't be a problem and I did take this shot on one voyage using a standard tripod. Came out pretty good.

Sailing to Venus (its the tiny dot just to the right of the radar pod)

http://roadrunes.com/images2/c-24/ship-scape.jpg

RM

[SNC1923]

That's a cool picture, dude.

[rocketman]

Actually, had pretty good luck with it, although I did use it on the ship primarily for holding the DV cam. It was my first time using it so I was a bit nervous - $150 DV cam or $2000 DSLR at the edge of a ship. Also, since we had near perfect weather the was little movement. Nevertheless, it's a great tool...

whenever I'm in that sort of situation, i.e. hanging over a edge, balcony, etc the camera strap is ALWAYS around my neck! or if I'm shooting and want to be in the shot I loop the strap around and thru itself so just in case....:D

RM

[rocketman]

That's a cool picture, dude.

Tanks, I'm kinda partial to it myself!:D
Sailing on the big ships is tons of fun and at 4 AM its dead quite topside, great for star-gazing and just chillin' :D

here's the whole thing, as you see it shot above really forshortens it as I took it from just in front of the stack,

theses things are frickin HUGE!

http://roadrunes.com/images2/c-24/ship.jpg

RM

[darcym]

For most of my casual shots, I don't need a tripod. While the gorilla pod is cool if you want to take pictures of yourself and bike, it doesn't appear to be robust enough to handle a metal body SLR and any of the larger lenses. With Image Stabilization and lots of flexibility in terms of ISO, and good technique, there are a lot of shots that you can get away with no support.

One of the advantages of a sturdy tripod is to hold the camera so you don't have to. Unsurpassed if you've got a long lens and are standing in the same spot for a long time -- i.e., nature photography around a pond, or for long exposure times. A monopod can often work in a pinch. Need more stability? A small roll of duct tape to secure the pod to a nearby pole or fence rail.

Really Right Stuff makes awesome gear. Yes, as expensive as a drug or golf habit. I have a QR plate on my monopod, and lens or camera plates all around. The stuff is super high quality. It also has fantastic resale value.

I've tried some smaller or compact tripods for motorcycling, but find they're not robust enough, too hard to deploy, or awkward for the times when I need just a little support. So I travel with a Bogen monopod that has a tripod like support that screws out of the bottom. The monopod alone is good enough most of the time when hand held won't do. I would love to get one in carbon fiber for the weight saving, though.

[rocketman]

For most of my casual shots, I don't need a tripod. While the gorilla pod is cool if you want to take pictures of yourself and bike, it doesn't appear to be robust enough to handle a metal body SLR and any of the larger lenses. With Image Stabilization and lots of flexibility in terms of ISO, and good technique, there are a lot of shots that you can get away with no support.

One of the advantages of a sturdy tripod is to hold the camera so you don't have to. Unsurpassed if you've got a long lens and are standing in the same spot for a long time -- i.e., nature photography around a pond, or for long exposure times. A monopod can often work in a pinch. Need more stability? A small roll of duct tape to secure the pod to a nearby pole or fence rail.

Really Right Stuff makes awesome gear. Yes, as expensive as a drug or golf habit. I have a QR plate on my monopod, and lens or camera plates all around. The stuff is super high quality. It also has fantastic resale value.

I've tried some smaller or compact tripods for motorcycling, but find they're not robust enough, too hard to deploy, or awkward for the times when I need just a little support. So I travel with a Bogen monopod that has a tripod like support that screws out of the bottom. The monopod alone is good enough most of the time when hand held won't do. I would love to get one in carbon fiber for the weight saving, though.


I've seen those monopods with the little legs that deploy out the bottom but wondered if you could get any stability with that without still holding it. Doesn't seem like they deploy out far enough to do any good. What kind of luck have you had with that? And what sort of situation have you used that setup in? Full extension of the pole, or with the pole colapsed and the legs deployed to from a sort of mini-pod?

RM

[dancogan]

After years of carting around a 6 pound tripod, I decided to lighten up before our trip to Washington State last year. So I took the plunge and bought a Gitzo carbon fiber with the new G-lock legs, wondering whether a 3 pound drop in weight would make any difference. It made a huge difference on our hikes, and was far more comfortable to carry. In addition, the new G-lock system, which keeps the outer legs from spinning when you tighten up the inner leg lock, makes set up and take down really, really quick! An additional advantage of the carbon fiber is that it doesn't suck the heat out of your hands in the cold - much more comfortable to carry. In addition to the lighter weight of the tripod I went with a much smaller backpack. While I left my beloved 70-200/2.8 lens at home, I really enjoyed the hiking experience, without feeling like a pack mule.

[GlobalRider]

What? Manfrotto 714SHB Digi Micro Tripod (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/1969)

Why? Look at the specs on the link above. Its compact, is solid and has a ball head.

The exact same tripod with a quick release is the 715SHB (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/3935)

Works for me!

[darcym]

I've seen those monopods with the little legs that deploy out the bottom but wondered if you could get any stability with that without still holding it. Doesn't seem like they deploy out far enough to do any good. What kind of luck have you had with that? And what sort of situation have you used that setup in? Full extension of the pole, or with the pole colapsed and the legs deployed to from a sort of mini-pod?

RM


RocketMan -

I used the deployable legs once for some night shots, witht the monopod nearly fully extended. They're good in a pinch for really low shutter speed, but I did not trust it to fully support the camera -- I would let go but not have my hands far away. Ok for a small lens, not so good with bigger lenses. Did not try it as a mini-pod but that's probably a good idea, it's probably nearly as stable as a typical table top tripod.

[tommcgee]

I've got a 7 foot monopod, probably by Bogen/Manfrotto. It's less cumbersome than a tripod for my purposes, easily bungied to the bike when those other two legs are needed.

[bensonga]

One thing I don't skimp on is a tripod.....I use it for 80-90% of the type of photography I do. Always figured it was better to have a bigger tripod than I needed, than one that was borderline or too small for the job. So here's my arsenal and comments on why I selected them. Not much here which is suitable for smaller digital cameras however.

Berlebach 3032 ash wood tripod (made in Germany!) with leveling ball and Bogen 3039 Pro head for the big guns (Pentax 67 and view cameras). Why? I love wood, it absorbs vibrations better than almost any other material (right up there with carbon fiber), it's a two section tripod (more rigid), has a built in leveling ball to which the tripod head attaches and is very reasonably priced (~$250). Besides which....it's beautifully made and finished.

Gitzo GT3530S carbon fiber with RRS BH55 ball head for the medium sized cameras (Hasselblad 501CM/553ELX and Canon 40D with longer telephoto lenses). Why? Carbon fiber can't be beat for lightness and absorbing vibrations. The GT3530S is part of their "Systematic" line. It's very rigid by not having an extensible center column, so the head fits directly on top of the legs (on a fixed plate). The Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head is amazing, if you haven't seen one, check out their website. A great combination....and both the Gitzo and RRS head are finely made pieces of equipment.

A Gitzo Basalt GT-2931 with RRS BH40 ball head for the Canon 40D with other lenses. Why? Lighter, smaller and with a center column for when I don't really need the carrying capacity of the GT3530S.

I also have an older and smaller Gitzo Reporter aluminum tripod that I use when travelling with the Canon DSLR. This little Gitzo Reporter is the closest thing I have to a tripod I would carry on the motorcycle. It's got a Bogen pan tilt head on it now....I would like to replace that with the smallest RRS ball head. It's too bad that Gitzo doesn't make these smaller Reporter series tripods in aluminum anymore.....they were exceptionally well made, compared to carbon fiber a good value and not very heavy in the smaller sizes.

This Linhof head is on my wish list......to supplement or replace the Bogen 3039 Pro head. By all accounts, it's the best pan tilt head ever made.

Gary Benson
Eagle River, Alaska

[adsinger]

I found one of these used on ebay a few years ago. The tripod is very light composite and packs small. Obviously not the most stable, but it does pretty well. The other accesories get very occasional use, but are nice to have.

alan.

http://www.amazon.com/Cullman-Touring-including-Mini-Tripod-Woodscrew/dp/B0000BZLFV

[GlobalRider]

I found one of these....Cullman Touring Set.
alan.

http://www.amazon.com/Cullman-Touring-including-Mini-Tripod-Woodscrew/dp/B0000BZLFV

What are the tripod's dimensions fully collapsed and extended. Not a single site I've gone to, listed those.

[adsinger]

See the B&H link below. It's fairly short, but also functions as a table top and weighs just one pound or so.

Alan..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/113834-REG/Cullmann_CU_1001_Touring_Set.html

[nytrashman]

my take on tripods is this: I'll be damned if i am going to put my $1000 + camera along with a $1500 + lens on cheap tripod. i have been using a Gitzo 2220 with a Markins ball head and and RRS plate for several years now. this setup isn't cheap but it is extremely solid and had never failed me. if you feel comfortable putting your expensive DSLR & lens on a cheap tripod by all means go ahead, but for me i'll stay with a rock solid platform that i know won't fall over when the wind blows.