Best Travel Tripod (1 Viewer)

[birderk]

I am looking to buy a tripod to complement my larger Berlebach Wood Tripod. There would be two uses: for travel and for birding when I would have to carry my scope long distances. So I am looking for something light and compact. I use an angled scope so height is not terribly important.

I've been reading about Gitzo/Manfrotto/Slik/Velbon Carbon Fiber tripods.

I would go for a Gitzo except I am concerned about the leg clamps. I have heard they can take minutes to collapse and extend which seems unacceptable for busy birding. Has this been a problem for anyone? Also has anyone used basalt tripods from Gitzo?

Any opinions about the Carbon Fibers from Slik and Velbon? Are the leg clamps easy to use on the Slik?

Thanks

Brendan

 

[adw73uk]

Any opinions about the Carbon Fibers from Slik and Velbon? Are the leg clamps easy to use on the Slik?

Don't know about carbon fibres, but on the budget side I've just bought a video sprint tripod by Slik - cheap (£69) and light (1kg) - I use it with a light weight travel scope (500g) - it's an excellent piece of kit.

No complaints from me, however I've had it for less than a month so can't really comment on how robust it would be in the long term.

 

[Swissboy]

I am looking to buy a tripod to complement my larger Berlebach Wood Tripod. There would be two uses: for travel and for birding when I would have to carry my scope long distances. So I am looking for something light and compact. I use an angled scope so height is not terribly important.

I've been reading about Gitzo/Manfrotto/Slik/Velbon Carbon Fiber tripods.

I would go for a Gitzo except I am concerned about the leg clamps. I have heard they can take minutes to collapse and extend which seems unacceptable for busy birding. Has this been a problem for anyone? Also has anyone used basalt tripods from Gitzo?

Any opinions about the Carbon Fibers from Slik and Velbon? Are the leg clamps easy to use on the Slik?

Thanks

Brendan

I've been using a Velbon for probably more than two years now. Those leg clamps (rings) are a bit of a problem on my model. But I understand that newer ones have provisions that the sections can't twist unintentionally (the only problem I have at times). The other drawback in my case, is that the ring to fasten and loosen the center column is below the plate. That means I can only change the elevation of the center column when the legs are spread. That is a major hassle when using the tripod in the car, and it is a minor problem when folding everything up only to realise that that column is still extended. But the tripod, a 4-section model (SherpaPro 6400) that allows it to be carried in a smaller backpack, is VERY sturdy and a joy weight-wise!

 

[Den]

Found the Slik 611-284 Sprint Video tripod with fluid effect 2-way panhead to be ideal for travel ,especially combined with a Nikon ED50. Weight 1kg, goes up to 1.6m, folds down to 46cm and comes with QR plate and bag. Nice an easy to use leg locks too.

 

[cassowary]

Slik video sprint (delta travel tripod) I found a bit flimsy (undesirable amount of vibration) with Nikon 50 ED (I recently tried it).
Also looking at the Manfrotto 718B (1.4kg)and 728B (1.7kg). The only reference I can find for someone using the 718B with a scope is on a review of the Pentax 65mm scope http://www.betterviewdesired.com/11-05/Pentax 65mm.html

Found a lightweight tripod head - Velbon PH-237Q (245g) that looks good (I haven't tried it yet). Yet to find the ideal legs w central column for it to sit on. Just replacing this head on my current tripod saves me 600g!!!

Mike

By the way I think these travel tripods may only have any real value with travel scopes. Replacing the head on your current tripod might be the way to go. Threading is supposed to be universal.

 

[cassowary]

The Slik Pro 614 CF legs (860g). looks sturdy too.

Anyone use these legs?

Mike