Looking for a tripod that travels well

F

Fourth Line

Active member
I am looking for a tripod (head and sticks) that I can travel with relatively easily. In the past, I have used a Manfrotto 503 along with Manfrotto 755 sticks (I think that is what it was.) This was good for traveling as I seperate the head and the sticks, put them in my suitcase and draw a little less attention from curious customs officers.
The sticks were about 25 inches folded up so they fit into my rolling duffel rather easily. They weren't as solid as i liked, but they worked for interviews and locked down shots.

For a couple upcoming shoots, I will be using a Canon XH A1 with an adapter, monitor (and batteries), rails etc. There is no way the system I have can manage this. So a new tripod is in order.

The ideal would be...
Something that is light - entire system under 15 pounds if possible
Sticks that can fold up under 30" - around 26" would be even better
Something that can manage 20 pounds

I have been looking at the following options
Sachter CF 75 sticks - 4588
Manfrotto 519 head
Libec H55 head

Budget would be in the 1000-2000 range with a preference to be under 1500.

Thoughts?
 
mmm...I would like to know the same.

I've been thinking about buying a new tripod so let me know if you ever buy one of those tripods (and do a review on it please)
 
I recently picked up a Manfrotto 519 head and it operates quite smoothly. Particularly where you want a small, slow and subtle pan or tilt.

It's too new to report ruggedness or reliability, but Bogen has a reputation for equipment that seems to handle the "real world" well.
 
Woot! Thats what I plan on getting. Is it nice and sturdy? I mean the head is relatively small and the legs are light. I know it can hold the weight and everything but doesn't it get a little top heavy? I really think I am going with this tripod though. There is no other fluid head at this level that can hold this weight. The Sachtler combo that holds 20lbs costs over 2k I think. Too bad. I wish there was a competitor.
 
Just got back from a week shooting in Guatemala with the Miller DS-20 (among other things.) Not that it needed any more recommedations, but I would highly recommend it. It was able easily able to handle the weight of my Canon XH A1 with an SGBlade and associated kit. The weight was perfect - heavy enough to handle the camera and adapter but light enough that you hardly noticed it when slung on your shoulder. My only gripe is that the legs are a little long when folder (this is only a gripe when travelling overseas and I need it to be as small as possible.) But this is minor and it still fits in my bag when seperated from it's legs.

Thanks again for the recommendation - once again, this board comes through.
 
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