Tripods

“Looking to get a tripod for my camera.

What is a good one to take backpacking. I realize a lightweight tripod is best but that cost big bucks.

Lots of camera buffs on here so speak up.”

“I got a $20 model form Wal-Mart. It has taken some pretty good abuse so far and if it breaks, so what. The only time I had a problem is when I had it setup in the middle of a stream in the Smokies and did a time exposure. It wasn't quite stable enough:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/170190343/170193868QHHxpN”

“Yo Eddy....here's 2 to consider...

http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/flypage&category_id=2f159aba87143947d5afa4e50c7864c8&product_id=1950

OR this one...it's a bit smaller and lighter....


http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/flypage&category_id=2f159aba87143947d5afa4e50c7864c8&product_id=1927”

“this was my nickname in college.

err



carry on”

“Also....i've bought stuff from J&R Music...

http://www.jr.com/JRSectionView.process?N=11649&Ne=10000



Personally....for hiking purposes....I like the Velbon stuff...but usually I hike with a "bobo" off brand in case it gits whacked with a gnarly rock....or sumtin'




Speaking of nicknames....way back when....school being college....my nickname was Rod....for Rod Stewart......yep I had the bleached hairdoo and all....chicks really dug it but I was a shy dude....
last edited: 3/29/05 10:27:39 AM”

“Dayhiker, the movement was probably because the tripod was too light.

I have a cheapie aluminum that is light


To keep it steady just put some rocks in a small stuff sack and tie to the bottom of the central shaft.”

“Yep, that's it. It didn't have enough weight to damp the vibration. Putting a sack of rocks is a great idea. If you don't think to put a bag of rocks on your tripod does that make you as dumb as a bag of rocks?”

“Nah, but eventually we learn.

The stuff sack for rock is also the weight to throw the bear bag line over a branch.
Got so tired of tying the rope to the rock, to have the rock sail over the branch without the rope, so much easier with a mini stuff sack.”

“Ewker,
I've been looking for one as well, and finally got one last month. I got a Slik tripod, which weighs about 1.9 lbs and holds about 5.5 lbs of equipment. I haven't tested it yet with my big lens on it, so I can't comment on the stability with all 5.5 lbs of capacity in use. But the weight, height, and price were right at $100, so I figured I'd give it a go.

It's got some nice features such as a ball head, legs that come all the way out to 90 degrees for uneven terrain, and a center post that unscrews so you can set it really low to the ground. It goes to about 50+ inches high and carries at around 20 inches high.

For about $150, Slik makes a similar model that will hold up to 8.5 lbs and weight just over 3 lbs.”

“I found some on ebay that I am looking at. I don't want to spend a fortune on one that may get beat to hell when bping

http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=1837

http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/flypage&category_id=bbd283eeefd00f7b546c3f7a40a3587f&product_id=1832

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=463&pq-locale=en_US&mainProductSelected=true”

“Hey Ewker, Dayhiker is right the small one they sell at Wal-Mart, is a great deal. They are light and take a good deal of abuse. I have gone through about 10 or 12. I've used all kinds from $18 to $400. All sink in water, and fall at the same rate from a rock face. The main thing, is it steady for the format that you are using.”

“One important question needs to be asked before a serious recommendation can be made: What camera are you going to attach it to? (weight being the primary consideration)”

“I currently carry a Manfrotto Carbon One 444D for my full-sized tripod. But anything light that can hold your camera still is fine. I've used everything from setting my camera on my backpack or a rock or a tree limb to cheap light aluminum tripods to a nice carbon fiber tripod. I once used my dog as a quad-pod. It's all good.”

“This works well for most outings unless you have a big camera.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=894&parent_category_rn=4760433&vcat=REI_SEARCH”

“I have one that is about the size of that REI one. On mine the legs are flexiable, from straight to an S curve. It cost $10.
Except for being short it's been great.

Or if you have the right treking pole you can use it as a mono-pod.”

“hobbit is right... what camera will it be suporting. A light tripod is no good under a heavy camera, unless you suspend a bag of rocks under the tripod.

Also, get a tripod which has legs that are not connected to the center post. The best tripods for outdoor shooting have legs that can swing freely. None of the links you posted are that type of tripod. Look for Manfrotto/Bogen.”

“Hey Ewker...got your e-mail but I'll go ahead and reply here....I'm in the same boat I already have two tripods but both are pretty heavy....There is an article in the current issue of Outdoor Photographer titled "Tripod Roundup, the light brigade"
but the cheapest one on their list is $149 the most expensive one is $659 Ouch!
They also consider a 2 LB tripod "Light"

I would check out the el-cheapo at Wallyworld...if you're using a compact digital...it should be more than enough.”

“this is my backpack 'pod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=224890&is=REG”

“The Gitzo G-0027 Compact Carbon Fiber Tripod weighs in under a pound, and is a rock solid set of legs. I personally don't use one, but I would love one for backpacking. As for a head, select an affordable compact ball head, spending your dollars on the lightweight STURDY set of legs. This one fits the bill nicely.
last edited: 3/29/05 7:36:20 PM”

“The Gitzo G-2220 Explorer Aluminum Tripod is the one I own, and I love it. But I don't often take it on the trail due to it's weight. (Just under 5 lbs. just for the legs)”

“I carry a Gitzo G1126 MkII with a #2 Gitzo Ballhead when I'm day hiking....or just out shooting....but it's not carbon fiber...and it's heavy :)
last edited: 3/29/05 7:46:06 PM”

“http://www.gogogear.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=1272

This is my choice. 4 Oz's and durable. Great for taking group shots when nobody else is around to take the picture.”

“thanks for all the input. I have the little tripod that REI sells. It is good but there are times you need a taller one.

I ended up buying one off ebay tonight by Kodak that works with my digital camera”

“anybody use a gorillapod?



http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48058343&parent_category_rn=4760433&vcat=REI_SEARCH”

“



”

“That seems so cool! I don't think it would hold my camera though..I have a Cannon Rebel XT.”

“oh this is hot. I have the rebel, and I am sure it won't hold but for those trips where I take my point/shoot, this would be great.”

“You could wrap that gizzmo around your neck and take POV video while on the trail.”

“nobody's used one before?”

“it looks kind a like a japanese sex toy.”

“I just bought one from REI (the tripod, not the japanese sex toy). I haven't used it on a hike, but I have used it for basic pictures. So far, so good.”

“it looks kind a like a japanese sex toy.”
Gem
6:26:52 PM
2/20/07

wondering how Gem knows that”

“LOL!”

“hahaha! I deserved that one!”

“i ordered one from REI.

thanks gem, now the first thing i'm gonna have to do when i get it is cautiously sniff the ends... just to be sure.”

“they make one for SLRs and bigger zoom cameras....http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=48150795&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&
last edited: 2/21/07 11:46:36 AM”

“looking for a decent tripod that will hold pretty large binoculars - doesn't have to be lightweight - preferably tall when fully extended

any suggestions?”

“Hot neighbor?”

“No but if you hum a few bars I'll fake it.

I've always been a bit of an astronomy liker a loter. Got a decent but inexpensive pair of binocs that should be capable of seeing moons on other planets, etc.. Also wanted to watch the perseids tonight but we've got cloudy skies and I don't have a hot air balloon.

Oh, and yeah I have a hot neighbor with an almost as hot sister. I'm talking smoking! Only problem is I don't have a good clear view of wherever she gets naked. On the other hand, they do swim in their pool in the backyard which I can plainly see, and occassionally bounce on their giant trampoline ... yes, that's for realsies. I can't wait for the next time they do that when it's real hot out and my wife is away. The tripod will come in real handy then for hands-free operation. haha, just kidding ... just kidding ...”

“Pics?


Anywho, unless you're taking photos I can't imagine you'd need anything real fancy. Obviously you'll need something that tilts (heh, heh---astronomy guy) back far enough to allow you to look up. If an economical one (like a Vanguard, available at most dept and big box stores) doesn't have the range of motion that you need then you might want to search B&H Photo for a photographers model.

Sorry, I know that's not real specific.”

“what about weight. I have a tripod i use for a digital camera for lightweight bp'ing, but it's not really good for the larger binocs”

“what about this?

http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-Alta-Alluminum-Tripod-SBH-50/dp/B001D81Z16/

Although it costs more than the binoculars and more than I want to spend.”

“That's one of the other reasons you might need the $$ photographers model. The inexpensive ones might not hold a heavy pair of binos steady when tilted way back---some of them have a tendency to slip because you just can't tighten them enough to offset the additional weight.

If you have a local Yahoo group (or something similar) for sale items you could try to find a tripod that was made for a telescope.

I assume your binos are threaded underneath?”

“yes, they're threaded underneath (with provided attachment)”

“is the one i linked to one of the $$ photographers models you spoke about, or is that a cheap model by comparison?”

“That one looks pretty decent. I especially like that the legs operate independently and you can mount your camera down below.

More than the binos? What kind of binos are they?”

“here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008Y0VN/”

“It's probably on the low end of the $ spectrum as far as photographer models but it should do the trick. The ball head gives you plenty of range which is really great for camera work but might be more than you need for basic stargazing.”

“thanks for the tips non!”

“No problemo. Name a star after me.”