Super light tripod

Markitto

Markitto

Well-known member
I need to buy a new tripod + head that's really light (for traveling) but I still can't make up my mind. :( I have done a lot of research, but I can't find that many topics about really light but still good tripods.

This 2 is my top choice right now:

Bogen 755MF3 /503
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=357549&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Bogen 055MF4/503 (It seems that this tripod is actually a photo tripod. Anyone got experience using it with a camcorder. Looks to be very compact and light)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=362142&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Im also thinking about getting the vinten pro 6 head and put it on some light gitzo legs (for example G-1325V)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...283&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Would very much appreciate a little help. :)
 
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SPZ said:
the 501 head is enough.
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Well it may be enough but not good enough for me. :) I think that the 503 really is the minimum. I would like something better like the cartoni focus but I can't climb around with that kind of tripod. That's why I thought gitzo would be good an alternative.
 
You really need to give us more information like what camera you are using, what you are shooting (wildlife, landscapes, etc.), and your criteria for a "good" tripod because tripods are very subjective and everyone has a different opinion as to what is good enough. But generally, super light weight and good do not go together when it comes to fluid heads and tripods. You can have one or the other but not both.
 
I have used the bogen carbon one with a 501 head as a really stripped down tripod for a dvx, but for the hvx the head would be overwhelmed. unless you are doing basic locked off shots, of course.

i recently got a set of the sachtler DV1 CF speed lock legs and head, which for some reason almost the same price as the sticks alone. the head is about as good as a 501, imo, but you could easily swap it out for a beefier 503 head and have a pretty decent setup that is light and sturdy.
 
tnle2 said:
You really need to give us more information like what camera you are using, what you are shooting (wildlife, landscapes, etc.), and your criteria for a "good" tripod because tripods are very subjective and everyone has a different opinion as to what is good enough. But generally, super light weight and good do not go together when it comes to fluid heads and tripods. You can have one or the other but not both.
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Well I will use HVX in the wildlife and the ground is usually not flat. It's aways a lot of walking and Im usually alone so I need something that's "good enough". I do understand you can't have both that's why im trying to find something between. And by superlight i mean under or around 9lbs. I will get a heavier tripod, probably the cartoni focus later on, but for the moment I really need a lighter and more flexible one. :)
 
I like Gitzo, I have had one for 25 years, and it works perfectly, it's rock solid, the SUV of tripods... It's the one I use for travel. I use a Manfrotto as well, but too big for travel.
 
Markitto said:
Well I will use HVX in the wildlife and the ground is usually not flat. It's aways a lot of walking and Im usually alone so I need something that's "good enough". I do understand you can't have both that's why im trying to find something between. And by superlight i mean under or around 9lbs. I will get a heavier tripod, probably the cartoni focus later on, but for the moment I really need a lighter and more flexible one. :)
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Wildlife is a tough application. You will likely be on full zoom which is where cheap fluid heads and tripod legs really fall apart. If things aren't rigid or smooth, they show up real fast at telephoto.

I can't really recommend anything but I can suggest a few ideas you can look into. For super light legs, I would look into the new Gitzo 6X carbon fiber legs, especially the G-1257LVL. These are "2" series legs so I'm not sure if they are stiff enough torsionally for video work, but it has a built in leveling thing for the center column so that will save you some weight over a half ball leveler. For the head, I haven't tried them so I don't how they good they are but Gitzo has some fluid heads for birdwatchers that might work since usually the scopes used by those birdie guys are pretty damn telephoto.
 
tnle2 said:
Wildlife is a tough application. You will likely be on full zoom which is where cheap fluid heads and tripod legs really fall apart. If things aren't rigid or smooth, they show up real fast at telephoto.

I can't really recommend anything but I can suggest a few ideas you can look into. For super light legs, I would look into the new Gitzo 6X carbon fiber legs, especially the G-1257LVL. These are "2" series legs so I'm not sure if they are stiff enough torsionally for video work, but it has a built in leveling thing for the center column so that will save you some weight over a half ball leveler. For the head, I haven't tried them so I don't how they good they are but Gitzo has some fluid heads for birdwatchers that might work since usually the scopes used by those birdie guys are pretty damn telephoto.
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Thanks for the tip. The gitzo carbon legs seems to be very good, though I don't know that much about Gitzo's heads. This may be a bit stupid question but what is the big different between a photo and a video tripod? The bogen/manfrotto 055MF4 seems to be a perfect tripod for wildlife. It's weight only 4.4 lb and folded it's only 21.3". It's a still camera tripod but BH is selling it with the 503. What makes this tripod different from a video tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=353680&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
 
Bogen 501 head + HVX = pan OR tilt

Cartoni Foucus + HVX = Pan AND Tilt!!!!


but I did play with the 510 it was very nice...

my wife Told me to just go and buy a good Pair of sticks.....insted now I have 3 crapy pair and one good one.....


VP

www.vincentpascoe.com
 
Markitto said:
This may be a bit stupid question but what is the big different between a photo and a video tripod?
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Generally, a video tripod is designed to carry a lot more weight and they have some way to level the head (like a bowl leveler) while most photo tripods do not. Also, professional video tripods (good ones at least) are designed to be much stiffer to resist twisting when panning on heavy drag.
 
Markitto said:
I

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=362142&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Im also thinking about getting the vinten pro 6 head and put it on some light gitzo legs (for example G-1325V)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=244283&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Would very much appreciate a little help. :)
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Dude!

I was going to do that very combination. That's a great choice right there. I have had a chance to try the 501 and 503. And I can tell you they're nice, but your a lot better off with the Vinten/Gitzo combination.

Good luck man! Hope it works out good for you!
 
Markitto,

One more thing I was just looking back at your responses, and I understand the nature thing. We do a fishing show out here, but I usually don't have to hump it very far into the country. Usually no more than a mile or so from the trucks so I opted for something a little more solid but still light enough not to kill me.

But I looked really hard at this combination. And looking closure at what you say your doing, spend the extra go Vinten/Gitzo and have your cake and eat it too. :)
 
Flash Beaver said:
Markitto,

One more thing I was just looking back at your responses, and I understand the nature thing. We do a fishing show out here, but I usually don't have to hump it very far into the country. Usually no more than a mile or so from the trucks so I opted for something a little more solid but still light enough not to kill me.

But I looked really hard at this combination. And looking closure at what you say your doing, spend the extra go Vinten/Gitzo and have your cake and eat it too. :)
Click to expand...

Yes that combination looks sweet. It's not that big price different from the manfrotto/bogen setup, but quality seems to be much better. Im only worried about how well the Vinten pro 6 head will fit with the gitzo Carbon Fiber Tripod. If it fits like a glove then that would probably be the combination I will get. :)
 
I think you'll do great with Vinten/Gitzo combo. You know, as long as your not loading down your HVX with a bunch of stuff out in the field you should be well off. In some ways I would have rather gone that route initially, but I have some other plans with those miller sticks like getting a medium kessler cran and their fluid head. We shall see. And damn, that Focus head is smoooothh. hehehehe

Okay, enough of that, hehehe, go get the hookup and get out there to sieze the day!

Just remember whichever combo you pick, if it feels good when you use it, you picked the right one.

Happy shooting, Sir! :)
 
Anyone every tried the Libec LS-37 or 55. I played with one at NAB 2006 and it was solid. I also borrowed a friends with his PD170 and it worked poretty well. Interested in other opinions since I too need 3 good pairs of sticks.
 
If money were no object, I'd buy the Sachtler hot pod. I have two from many years ago waaay back when camcorders weighed 25lbs. They are still great! though a little heavy. I looked at the manfrotto 755MDEVE w/503 head and bought a set. I also liked the Roadrunner legs, and would have bought them except no column. they are really light and love the quick set up / knock down.
I do so many talking heads though, that having the column to go up and down fast is important.
 
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