Travel Tripod Suggestions

Clandersphoto

Hi All,

I will be in Washington DC for 3 days this summer. It will be my first time there, and I want to make the most out of my time there.

I am looking for suggestions on a travel friendly tripod i can strap to my backpack that will support a Nikon D7100 with Sigma 70-200 f2.8 lens.
The current tripod I have is bigger, and heavier than I'd like to walk around DC with.

I will be driving to DC and leaving my vehicle at the hotel, using public transportation, so I'm not concerned about airline restrictions

What is anyone using? Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you!!

Chris

Cygnus Studios

You didn't mention your budget, but if you want super light weight that can still support a body/big lens, the FLM CP30-M4L6 or CP30L4L6 are super light weight tripods. They weigh around 4 pounds. I own the M4 version and love it.

Clandersphoto

> @"Cygnus Studios" said:
> You didn't mention your budget, but if you want super light weight that can still support a body/big lens, the FLM CP30-M4L6 or CP30L4L6 are super light weight tripods. They weigh around 4 pounds. I own the M4 version and love it.
I'm not terribly concerned about price, just looking for quality, thank you for your suggestion, I will look into them!

ziggy53

You might also check out this previous thread on this topic:

https://dgrin.com/discussion/193929/is-there-a-good-travel-tripod-that-can-handle-ff-camera-with-telephoto-zoom

Clandersphoto

Thank you, I did not come across this thread when I had searched

cmason

For what its worth, I have been very happy with my Benro carbon fiber tripod legs. They weigh only 11lbs (legs only). My criteria was for a lightweight set that folded to less than 20", so that they would fit in my rollaboard suitcase. This way I have the option of packing them in my bag or carrying in my photo backpack.

No longer for sale, but here are details: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/497911-REG/Benro_450_158_C_158n6_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html

This might be a close equivalent in the range: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157824-REG/benro_tma18c_mach3_9x_carbon_fiber.html

Now, its important to note that these legs do not include the bit that attaches your camera, you will have to purchase that, otherwise known as a tripod head. The benefit is that you have a wide range of choices. I use a Kirk ball head, but there are tons of options, and nearly any price point. The head can add significant weight, but for travel, I remove it from the legs and pack it away.

lightyear

I have the same Benro carbon fiber tripod as above and agree with above comments, and use a ballhead. When selecting a ballhead make sure that the ballhead width is narrow enough ( some are not) to permit you to fold the legs all the way to minimize overall width when packing the tripod. I use it with a Nikon D700 and up to 400mm Tokina lens.
Stan

Jkatzphoto

My personal choice is the ProMaster X525c Carbon Fiber tripod which comes with its own ballhead. Super lightweight, sturdy, and not too expensive. I attached my Nikon D810 and larger lenses to it and it does just fine. I wrote about this one, and some of my other favorites in this article on the best tripods for outdoor or travel photos.

PhotoManSam

Gitzo Traveller with Acratech GP-SS! The ultimate travel setup/hiking.....

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175114-REG/gitzo_gt1545t_series_1_traveler.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/903253-REG/Acratech_1185_GPSS_Ballhead.html

Brett1000

in Washington DC I use a $10 folding telescopic tripod from Walmart (but I use a small lightweight mirrorless camera)

flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

BlackRock

> @PhotoManSam said:
> Gitzo Traveller with Acratech GP-SS! The ultimate travel setup/hiking.....
>
> https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175114-REG/gitzo_gt1545t_series_1_traveler.html
>
> https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/903253-REG/Acratech_1185_GPSS_Ballhead.html

This is the best choice