looking for best travel and light tripod for af-100 ?
- Thread starter olivier b
- Start date
I use something like that but with cheaper Manfrotto legs for travel with some documentary work. It is fine. Any extra weight when you have to carry your gear is frustrating to say the least. Obviously, my portable tripod setup isn't exactly high end, but it gets the job done for docs on the run. I use it with a Manfrotto fluid head.
Gitzo is a nicer brand, so I am sure it is built a lot better. I just didn't think it was worth paying more for something that was only meant to be a super portable tripod. Of course, that Gitzo and my Manfrotto legs--that I use when I travel--weren't meant for serious video work, or even video at all.
Make sure the legs are opened up all the way, or maybe things will tip. It can be kind of annoying to level, but you can't complain with portability.
Edit: I can spell Manfrotto when I am paying attention to what I am doing!
Gitzo is a nicer brand, so I am sure it is built a lot better. I just didn't think it was worth paying more for something that was only meant to be a super portable tripod. Of course, that Gitzo and my Manfrotto legs--that I use when I travel--weren't meant for serious video work, or even video at all.
Make sure the legs are opened up all the way, or maybe things will tip. It can be kind of annoying to level, but you can't complain with portability.
Edit: I can spell Manfrotto when I am paying attention to what I am doing!
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thanks for your answer, but i'm curious to know the model ? of your tripod... you don't mention it ?
It is a Manfrotto 55xprob. I don't think that particular model is made anymore; I must have bought it sometime around 2008. If you want Manfrotto, there are probably newer versions of the same type of tripod. I think it was meant as pro, or maybe semi pro, still photo tripod legs. You get some features on it that are nice. It collapses down to small enough to fit into a nice soft bag, and it is heavy enough to feel stable for doc work--like interviews on the run. I would describe the weight as "medium-light." It definitely isn't a light consumer photo tripod, and it has enough weight to not ruin my shots. Any issues that I had revolved around the size of the head and not the legs. There might be some lighter options out there, but this served me well for the work that I used to do at the time.
I originally bought it to use with an XHA1, which is definitely heavier than an AF100 with Nikkor primes.
Do you have a local camera shop? They would probably let you feel the physical weight of the tripod and see if it is portable enough for you. Maybe even the 55Xprob would too heavy for what you want. Once I used a tripod that was too light, and it ruined a lot of my interview.
What I consider light might not be what other people do. I used to roll with a pack with a camera, shotgun mics, lavalier, field mixer, a field sound recorder, cables, and minimum clothes for 1-3 weeks ... All in all, it was pretty heavy with all my gear, but the tripod worked out fine.
I originally bought it to use with an XHA1, which is definitely heavier than an AF100 with Nikkor primes.
Do you have a local camera shop? They would probably let you feel the physical weight of the tripod and see if it is portable enough for you. Maybe even the 55Xprob would too heavy for what you want. Once I used a tripod that was too light, and it ruined a lot of my interview.
What I consider light might not be what other people do. I used to roll with a pack with a camera, shotgun mics, lavalier, field mixer, a field sound recorder, cables, and minimum clothes for 1-3 weeks ... All in all, it was pretty heavy with all my gear, but the tripod worked out fine.
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Andrew J. Allsbury
Well-known member
We use a Panther X15 (Heavy), Kessler K-Pod/Hercules 2.0 (REALLY Heavy) and a Manfrotto 504HD (Light). I love them all, but the Panther is for sure my favorite. The Kessler is great, but I'm pretty sure it weighs more than my VW Baja Bug!
Erik Naso
Veteran
I have the Gitzo GT3540LS Series 3 Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber 4 Section G-Lock Tripod
http://tinyurl.com/3wag5h7
This is a great tripod, with the 75mm bowl adapter it works really well. I also use it for stills and a slider with a really right stuff ball head. Super light weight and solid. Not cheap but will last. I hiked down into Bryce Canyon with this setup, including a slider and two heads. The tripod unextended fit perfect in a photo backpack.
http://tinyurl.com/3wag5h7
This is a great tripod, with the 75mm bowl adapter it works really well. I also use it for stills and a slider with a really right stuff ball head. Super light weight and solid. Not cheap but will last. I hiked down into Bryce Canyon with this setup, including a slider and two heads. The tripod unextended fit perfect in a photo backpack.
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I gather that the Gitzo Systematic series (p/n ending with "S") does not have the center column and can be equipped with the 75mm bowl for mounting a 3rd party head. Do you have any experience with the Gitzo Mountaineer series tripods? I wonder if the center column is a problem for the bowl adapter, making it a proprietary system.
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Erik Naso
Veteran
When I purchased mine a few years ago I needed a Photography tripod, but wanted a good sturdy version. It came with a flat base plate and I mounted a ball head to it. I remember looking at the product line and liked the fact that I can add the center column If I wanted. That's why I picked this model. Very interchangeable. I added a Gitzo 75mm bowl adapter to it early this year and put a old Miller head on. Fits perfect. I would think any 75mm would work just fine.
OKCPicker
Active member
I went very light on my last trip and man did I regret it. I took a very light Libec RS DV something or other and it didn't serve me well at all. It was the very light head that was the problem. I could not do a decent pan or tilt to save my life.
For the past ten years, I have used a Libec LS70 (100mm bowl) style head and sticks - originally for a heavy Betacam. Heavy sticks yes, but it's the mass of the unit that helps give you that rock solid, smooth movement. The Libec isn't considered top-of-the line gear but I traveled extensively with it and it's held up pretty good.
It turned out to be great support for the AF-100 IMHO. I wouldn't skimp on camera support. I'm more concerned with what ends up on the screen. If I have to sweat a little more toting gear, then it's a small price to pay for coming home with images you can be happy with.
For the past ten years, I have used a Libec LS70 (100mm bowl) style head and sticks - originally for a heavy Betacam. Heavy sticks yes, but it's the mass of the unit that helps give you that rock solid, smooth movement. The Libec isn't considered top-of-the line gear but I traveled extensively with it and it's held up pretty good.
It turned out to be great support for the AF-100 IMHO. I wouldn't skimp on camera support. I'm more concerned with what ends up on the screen. If I have to sweat a little more toting gear, then it's a small price to pay for coming home with images you can be happy with.
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Erik Naso
Veteran
Its not a one size fits all thing with tripods. I have three. two stage Miller carbon fiber 100mm and two Gitzo carbon fiber tripods. Each has its place. I wouldn't take that Miller hiking if I had to carry it and the camera. It would kill me. The shoot dictates the gear. Know what you are shooting and get what you need to make it work. I wouldn't suggest getting a camera support that wont hold the minimum weight of your camera either. Thats a bad call. However if you dont pan and tilt then a fluid head isnt worth much to you. Know your style and get what you need.