Best budget (compact) travel tripod?
 

Hi all,

I plan on travelling to Asia this summer, so I thought it would be a great idea to pick up a travel tripod. I already own a 190xprob, but I think it'll be too heavy/large to fit in my check-in baggage. I checked out options from Benro, Fiesol, and Vanguard (thinking they were legitimate budget solutions to Gitzo/Manfrotto etc), and boy are they pricey for what I'm looking for.

What I'm looking for:

-Folds compact (I'm thinking less than 20in for sure, 15-17in would be ideal, smaller the better)
-Must be light (3-4lbs is ideal, less is better again)
-Doesn't need a head (I'll transfer my ballhead over from my Manfrotto), but if it came with out I won't complain
-Doesn't need to support much load (at most, 50D with kit/UWA)
-Doesn't need to get to eye-level (I'm 5'7, as long as legs extend to at least 50in is fine as I can bend/kneel down)
-Should be sturdy enough for long exposures at night.

Obviously I know that the majority of carbon fiber travel tripods from the big companies fit the bill, but I'm looking to spend no more than $100-$150 (to be honest, that's a bit high, but if it's a good deal then so be it).

Given this is most likely a one time use sort of purchase, the cheaper the better as I'll probably sell it after the trip. Thank in advance!

I just picked this up from Futureshop for $20. The legs are very light, just about 1 pound. The ball head is useless for a DSLR. Even more useless with a grip and a f2.8 lens. I swapped out the ball head for a Joby Gorillapod ball head.

Traxx Tripod (LP36268) - Black : Tripods - Future Shop

Out of stock online but says Bridgeport still has one.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6...34bae057_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6...5d389c0c_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6...b53c4ac4_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6...8e6d6231_b.jpg

Could you post how long it is folded? That looks perfect!

Edit: Found it was 16.5". Calling Bridgeport now :P

Edit#2: Sold out :(

Damn.. If I knew the head was swappable I woulda bought it last month.. grrrr

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Jo...Zoom_white.jpg

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Jo...podSLR-Z_1.jpg

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Jo...es/railing.jpg

yeah I was just about to suggest a gorillapod too

I've always been skeptical about using those types of tripods. Since they show they hold a 70-200 easily, I suppose I shouldn't be so worried :badpokerface:.

I think I'm more in the market for a traditional type of tripod- the gorillapods are reliant on me having a place to put the tripod on/around. It'd be much easier for me (perhaps not the people around me) to set up where I'm standing and compose from there.

I found this- http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-Professional-Carbon-Camera-Release/dp/tech-data/B004RCHX0W/ref=de_a_smtd
But since Volvo posted that Traxx tripod, I've been looking tireless for one online. Nobody seems to carry it :okay:

That thing aint no F4L too, it appears to be the 2.8 IS. Amazing it can hold that weight.

Gorillapod Zoom isn't gonna be enough. Since you're not leaving until few more months, keep a close eye on the Gorillapod Focus, very possible to get it under $70.

It's becuase its a discontinued tripod from a bundle. Futureshop exclusive lowepro bag and tripod bundle. It was also on redflagdeals which is why it sold out faster than normal.

If you follow your link in the reviews there's a non CF one for like 1/2 the price. $27. Still a bit more but at least its in stock.