Pros and Cons of your "Travel sized" tripod?

[skilsaw]

I'm looking at Gitzo Traveller series and Manfrotto compact series tripods.
What travel sized tripod do you use, and what are its strengths and weaknesses?

[NorthernFocus]

I recently purchased a Sirui T-025X carbon fiber.

Pros: came with C-10 quick release ball head and camera plate, deploys quickly, very versatile for heights from near flat on the ground to 52 inches, integral hook for hanging extra weight for stability if needed, folds into an extremely compact size for travel, weighs less than a kg including he ball head.

Cons: cost twice what the aluminum version sells for, only 52 inches tall so not comfortable for long term use by tall person, too lightweight for use in windy conditions

[Manfred M]

I have a couple of older Benro Carbon Fibre models (I'd have to look up the model numbers). Both are light weight and quite compact. They are both a 5-section design and fold over on themselves, which results in a very small package. They use the standard Arca-Swiss quick release plates. The one thing I dislike about the Manfrotto line, is their non-standard plate. A similar issue with the Gitzo, but I would never use one of their ball heads, as there are better ones on the market. (By the way, Gitzo and Manfrotto are the owned same company and both are made in the same factory, in Italy).

The downside, small size and light weight come at a cost; neither are particularly rigid and I need to use the centre column to get the tripod to a reasonable shooting height. The bottom legs are quite skinny and it takes longer to deploy with the five section legs. The smaller one is fine for a crop frame camera (and I have used it with a long and heavy lens (Nikon 80-400mm). The larger one is the one I use with the full-frame body.

I would echo Dan's comments regarding a travel tripod.

For sake of comparison, this shot shows the legs against some "AA" batteries. The tripod on the right is the small Benro and the one on the left is my heavy-duty Feisol 3371 with its 1.5" legs.

[rpcrowe]

I use a modified Slik Pro 330DX tripod http://www.amazon.com/Slik-330DX-Tri...o+330dx+tripod

The tripod in stock configuration weighs 4.4 pounds (~ 2-kilograms) but much of that weight has been taken up by the the long stock center column and heavy clunker of a pan-tilt head.

Replacing the stock center column with an accessory shorter column and replacing the clunker head with a Flashpoint F-1 Arca Compatible Ball Head http://www.adorama.com/FPTH1.html , reduces the weight of the package to about one kilogram. It can support my Canon 1.6x cameras with 70-200mm f/4L IS lens mounted even in a fairly brisk wind...



The downside of this tripod/head combination is that it is fairly short.



However, I am willing to bend a bit or to use a right angle finder to have a one-kilogram tripod which will support my gear and only costs about $130 (USD) new. It will also fit in my small to medium size carry on suitcase...

Another negative point is the lack of articulation but, I need that normally for small parts and macro photography, neither of which is important to my travel shooting.

While this tripod is nice for my general travel shooting, I would not recommend it as an only tripod.

[LouiseTopp]

I use a Hama travel tripod, been ok for me apart from one of the legs which keep coming loose (hope it don't fall off).

[Geoff F]

For easy use, and carrying; I have a Velbon Luxi L which goes from normal size to almost ground level and folds up to 14 ins which fits inside my backpack. Much more convenient than my main Manfrotto which has to be strapped outside the bag.

Lightweight and relatively cheap. Reasonably firm even with larger equipment.

But standard head with two locking screw handles. For quick work like wildlife I prefer a quick release ball head.

The legs are 'twist lock' which some people seem to prefer; but give me a straight forward over centre lever lock. And it means holding the knurled foot end to twist each leg. So leg length changes can be an unpleasant experience sometimes; considering what the legs are standing on for some of my 'country scenes'!

But for serious use, I always revert to my trusty but cumbersome Manfrotto 055.

[Dr Bob]

I purchased the Manfrotto 190CX PRO4 about a year and a half ago. How I selected it is outlined under "Discussion Categories", "Tripods" and the post entitled "Travel Tripod Search Results". I find the Manfrotto 190CX an excellent travel and backpack tripod for my use. It is light, compact, easy to set up, a little taller than most such tripods and, for a carbon fiber tripod, reasonably priced. I have used it shooting various places including national parks and have hiked with it on day hikes covering over 10 miles. It is obviously built to be light and compact and so is not as rock solid in the wind as a heavier model, however it works for me.

I hope this helps.

Dr Bob

[pokeba]

I just replaced my old Manfrotto 190 CF tripod with an Induro CT114 CF tripod.

Pros:
1. Light weight: only 2.8 lb.
2. Very stable and well made. It can handle my Nikon 200mm f4 macro. But I only plan to use it with my m43 cameras and travel. It's more than I need.
3. Great price. Induro has a 25% off deal going on and will end in end of January, 2014. The sales price is less than $260 in B&H.
4. Great review rating. It got 5 stars in B&H.
5. Comes with a pretty tripod case which accommodate my ballhead as well.
6. Pretty compact when travel. But extend to good height when using.

Cons:
1. It is heavier than some very light-weight Gitzos travel tripod (around 2.2 lb I think.) So it will depend how much you are willing to pay to save the extra 0.6 lb with a Gitzo.

[Brev00]

I use the Manfrotto Befree tripod, probably not as sturdy as what you require. But, I don't need any great support. I use a Nikon D90 and a Sigma 17-70 os (not C so a bit heavier) and similar weight lenses. For that gear, it does well. I would not take it to the Grand Canyon to support a D800 with 14-24 2.8. I got it for a few reasons. One, it folds up to 15.75" with a flip arrangement. Very easy to pack in a normal suitcase and it fits perfectly in my Kata 3 n 1 bag with its accessory tripod holder. It is so easy to transport which makes using it very easy. Second, the quick release plate is the same as my sturdy old 055x prob tripod. Convenient again. I got it for a trip to Oregon and I am pleased with the results.

Considering I bought it without sturdiness as a criterion, there is not much for me to complain about. No, it is not sturdy enough for pro gear. The only time that fragility was an issue was when one of the little feet came off due to shooting in a sandy beach. I pushed it back in and it is still there (I think). Gotta baby it a little. Otherwise, it does what I need. Which is a very limited recommendation. Good luck and report on your decision.

Edit: I just noticed N Photo Magazine gave the Befree an award as Tripod of the Year. Maybe I have understated its quality.