Compact Travel Tripod (1 Viewer)

[Sc0tty]

My God, Hermann....no handles? I don't know if I'm brave enough. And yet....it makes perfect sense...use the scope as its own 'handle'! I'll try it, but today is stormy here so it's an indoors day!

I took the handles off my Manfrotto MVH500 and 701HDV which I use with my Kowa 883 and Leica APO62. I find the handle gets in in the way and is of no benefit when panning/tilting.

 

[fazalmajid]

There is the unique Hungarian-made Flexshooter ballhead, dual nested ballheads that behave like a gimbal but are compact like a ballhead. Eye-wateringly expensive, though:

BallHead – The Worlds Only Spring Balanced Multifunctional Ballhead

ballhead.com

For the legs, I'd go with a Gitzo Traveler or a Leofoto Ranger LS-224C.

 

[Harry Stottle]

Lots of discounts available at the moment, e.g.

Amazon.co.uk : sirui carbon fibre traveller tripod

Sirui AT-125 Carbon Fibre Tripod with E-10 Ball Head

Lightweight, portable solution - For photographers and videographers on the move. Quick leg setup - Leg lockless design . Reverse folding legs - Allow compact storage at 35cm. Detachable and reversible centre column - For low angle and macro photography. 660 gram weight - Ultra portable...

www.castlecameras.co.uk

 

[Jonny721]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations and discussion. I went with the Sirui ST-125 tripod and VA-5 video head which arrived today and I can already confirm is a superb bit of kit, only weighing 1.8kg combined and folding down to 42cm when separated (or 52cm if left as one). Fits perfectly in my carry-on rucksack so looking forward to taking it to Morocco and Cyprus in the new year.

This combination is currently on sale in the UK for £199 which is an excellent deal - Sirui Superb Traveller 125 Carbon Fibre Tripod with Video Head VA-5.

 

[dantheman]

I find the 128RC to be a good head, but struggle to get the correct tension/fluidity if I remove the handle for some reason. Any recommendations for shortening the handle?

When I had that head I just took the handle and reversed it - ie slotted it in the other way and pointing outwards parallel to the scope body rather than towards me and in the way. Worked perfectly for seawatching etc.