Lightweight Tripod

[Mahsleb]

Hi All

I read on another site that there is no such
thing as a "cheap,light and sturdy tripod"
Apparently you can get 2 but not all 3 of these things!

My current tripod is a cheap and sturdy Velbon
but it weighs in at 2kg, which is a bit much to carry, with
all my other gear, on a bicycle, so I tend to leave it at home!

So how much do I need to spend to get something which
will give good results and not break the bank or my back?

Cheers :t:

Ps I've tried a Monopod and can't get on with it!

[FIDDLER]

Try a velbon cf 531 a great tripod £170 or there abouts.
fiddler.

[postcardcv]

I'd agree that the Velbon CF tripods are very good, personally I'd go for one of the taller models (635 or the like)...

[vkalia]

How light/how much to spend depends on what you will be putting on it.

I have a $150 Chinese CF tripod+ballhead that does a very good job with my ED50 scope and occasionally, with my DSLR and a standard or WA zoom.

However, for photography with a small tele (400/5.6 or 300/4), I'd go with a Gitzo 1 or 2 series and a Markins Q3 (for a lens with IS, I'd try a 1-series; no IS - 2 series). As for ballhead: I recently got the Q3 and am amazed by how much load it can bear... I am going to compare it to the Arca Swiss B1, but I suspect that in combination with IS, the Q3 may be able to handle the small teles quite well... atleast at the shutter speeds relevant for bird/wildlife photography.

Vandit

[a.dancy]

I use a Velbon Sherpa Pro CF635 which I use with a Sigma f4.5 500 and 300 f2.8 . I have to make do with a light tripod because I have to use public transport and walk around a lot. This tripod is very sturdy and passes the twist test and even better it is great value. You can whip out the lower part of the centre rail and drop the tripod down for low level shots.

[michha62]

Light and sturdy - Velbon Sherpa Pro CF-635 Carbon Fibre would fit the bill, but not so cheap at about £200. I would highly recommend as a travel tripod.
Regards
Mike

[Jaff]

I'd say my Manfrotto NAT3 would fit the bill too.

[Mahsleb]

Thanks for the replies folks
It would be used with a 40D/400 5.6L

The cf 635 looks to be a favourite
but £200ish without a head? and I would
only save about half a kilo in weight hmmm
I'll have to give this a bit more thought
or maybe persevere with the monopod?

Anyway thanks again for your help,very much appreciated!

[a.dancy]

Bargain hard...I got mine for £150.

[harley1450]

Hi - FWIW - I use a Manfrotto 055MF4. Use it with an ED50 scope and 20D with 100-400 with Kenko 1.4x converter and produces some very good results. Use a 322RC2 head (not to everyones taste - but works well for me - very easy to use). Also bought a handy matching hide clamp. Very well made with cast mag fittings.

[AC/DC]

Morris photo seem pretty cheap on the velbon Cf's:
http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/manufacturer~categoryid~178~sub~Carbon+%26+Magfibe r+Tripods~man~Velbon.html

[Geoff Brown]

Try a Manfrotto, a plethora of legs and heads can be mixed and matched to taste and more importantly to pocket. Look at their website and/or catalogue.

[Mahsleb]

Lots here to keep me busy researching!
Thanks for the advice All

regards Tony