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I seem to be traveling a lot lately and I'm looking for a good lightweight, small tripod that I can take with me. I use a Canon 1DmkIV, 16-35 lens, and a Nodal Ninja V head. I currently have a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod, but it's a little large to pack.
I'm looking at the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 ... which collapses to 19.5".
Is this a good option?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
JR
Hey JR,
Did you consider Benro basic Carbon or Alu tripods ? small models exist and they are pretty robust (no return since three years I sell them) and I use carbon one myself in mountains since 2 years without any issues :)
Vincèn
Vincèn,
Thanks for the recommendation. Do you think the CF0580 would be sturdy enough to support my NN5, 1DmkIV, and 16-35? How about with a 70-200f2.8? I like the short 17.6" collapsed length.
JR
Hum C-058 might be a little short as it's supposed to carry only 5kg max ! I would advise better C-157 or C-158 that supports up to 8kg which should be enough ! I use myself the C-258 that carries up to 12kg and 4 sections (a little more stable than 3 sections, just a little longer to extend ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by jrhowell
Vincèn
Hi JR,
Having used Manfrotto and gitzo tripods before, my last favorite is the Feisol branch, tripod and monopod. Rock solid, super quality, mid price range.
http://www.feisol.com/
Heinz
Hindenhaag, Are the light weight Feisols as sturdy as the heavier Manfrottos? Do you loose sturdiness for the lighter weight?
Yes they are.
Heinz
Which model feisol do you reccomend?
The ultimate in lightweight is a monopod. My current travel rig is a Nikon D300, Sigma 8mm, NN R1 @ 5 degrees, a monopod and a bubble level. I am playing around with an NEX-5 + Samyang 7.5mm. Both require only 4 shots around + a hand held Nadir patch.
Actually the lightest is no support at all. Totally hand held. Can be done, but you really need to practice.
Thanks Dennis. I plan on doing a bunch of interiors, so a tripod will be needed for the longer exposures. I might experiment with a monopod outside though, thanks for the idea
David,
I use Feisol CT- 3372 LV with the plate for panoramas. I can stand upright to look through the viewfinder, without using the center column. Center column is included in the pack. But there are traveller models as well.
Cheers,
Heinz
when you say "plate" you mean a flat plate and you use the legs to level? Have you tried: http://www.feisol.net/feisol-levelin...5100-p-35.html
David,
I always use the EZ-Leveller II to re level from NN3-NN5, M1. Because there is no bubble leveller on the Feisol tripod, I use the bubble leveller on the lower rail of the panohead to "Pre Set" the tripod with the legs. Then I fine tune with the EZ-Leveller II. There are different workflows to level depending on your own gear. I always use the Nadir Adapter to take my nadir shots, on NN3-NN5, or on M1-L. Once you switch the Nadir Adapter out for Nadir2 shot, there might be a lot of torque on the system specially using the big boys like Nikon D3 with 14-24/f2.8 lens. Then I do not like to re level with a ballhead or my tripod legs. It is not that easy to open up a big load on top, keep it safe, and re level. For me this is like I am dancing a ballet to control this moment without smashing the equipment. But this is me personally. I like it easy and safe. With the least effort that is possible. To be true: I can easy level with the legs of my Manfrotto 055bPro: the legs fall down easily. Carbon legs do not do this, specially Feisol legs, because they are "Air Cushioned". You have to touch the legs with two hands to adapt them. Like many carbon tripod legs. Seems to me it is time to take a video on different leveling systems.
A pic of my setup:
Attachment 446
Cheers,
Heinz
BTW: To use the Feisol leveller you mentioned is similar to use a ball head or the tripod legs to level. Plus, it does not fit to all models. No Need to use it.
Thanks for the pic, that helps. I think I am going to get one of the Feisols.
Is there a need to relevel after rotating the camera on the Nadir Adapter due to the extra sideways force?
I seem to be having a problem crossing tripod legs in the nadir shots and end up with blank areas where both of them are masked out in the same place. I visually centered the camera over the same nadir spot when I moved the tripod to get the DPD. It is possible that I shortchanged the move and was not actually moved DPD, or do I need to move the tripod further than the DPD? if so, how far?
We need pictures in order to help with your Nadir adapter.
This is what your pictures should look like before you start masking. Pay close attention to the tripod leg orientation.
http://www.dlsphoto.net/NadarBracket/M1_Nadir.jpg
I do not use a leveling head. I adjust the tripod legs. I also do not re level when shooting the Nadir patch shot.