m3thods
01-24-2012, 11:56 AM
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 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!