[SammyC]

Well after going through my photos from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta last night it became quite apparent that a half decent tripod would have made the world of difference, esp. on the longer 300mm lens!

So, what I'm after is a reasonably priced compact tripod that would fit inside my Hama rucksack camera bag. I don't really want to be having it carried externally as the whole point of the Hama bag is that it doesn't look like a camera bag (pesky thieves!).

Any suggestions?!

[daveyuk]

SammyC
have a look at the following
Velbon DX-888 Digital tripod with carrying case £39
Velbon CX-Mini tripod no carrying case £24
Both have quick release platforms and you can buy spares platforms as well.
Velbon QB-4W for the DX-888 at £6
Velbon QB-4L for the CX-Mini at £6

http://wwwwarehousexspress.co.uk

I use them both without any problems the DX-888 is lightweight and easy to carry, the CX-Mini is great for table top macro work.

[Garnock]

If I am on a long walk or a hill walk I use the Velbon ULTRA-LUXi-SF.
I don't know what size your rucksack is but this fits inside my Lowepro Rover Plus.
It extends to a reasonable size (122 cm ) and folds down to 34cm.
Her'e a link.
http://www.velbon-tripod.com/ultra_maxi.htm

One other thing, I would be a bit wary of using a 300mm on any compact tripod unless the lens had a tripod collar.

Regards,

Cameron

You say don't use a 300mm on a compact tripod.
Can you define what you mean by 'compact'.

Reason is, I was aware of the implications of using heavy lenses on tripods as a whole, and using collars to support it.

At the moment, I'm using a cheapy Asda tripod (Hama Star 42 I think), with my 350D attached, and have a couple of times had my Sigma 70-300 attached.
I've done this without thought. Am I in danger of killing something?

Regards

[SammyC]

Shear issues on the mount maybe?

I think the Sigma 300 DG APO is actually quite a light 300 in so much that its only 0.5kg.

[Garnock]

Originally Posted by Marcel

You say don't use a 300mm on a compact tripod.
Can you define what you mean by 'compact'.

Reason is, I was aware of the implications of using heavy lenses on tripods as a whole, and using collars to support it.

At the moment, I'm using a cheapy Asda tripod (Hama Star 42 I think), with my 350D attached, and have a couple of times had my Sigma 70-300 attached.
I've done this without thought. Am I in danger of killing something?

Regards

I put tripods into 3 types. Micro ( table top ), Compact ( can extend to a reasonable height and fold away to 12 inces or so ), and full size tripods.

The reason I say I would be wary of using a 300mm lens without a tripod collar on a compact ( such as the Velbon Ultra luxi ) is balance. This type of tripod is a compromise, you lose stability and this is critical IMO. Also there is a possibility of the tripod toppling over in windy conditions.
Believe me, I almost lost my 10D and 300f4 because of this.

So if I'm confident the tripod is going nowhere, then I should be OK?

I admit it isn't the most expensive of tripods, but I wouldnt say it's a Compact (by your standards), extended it can reach around 6 foot, and compacts to about a foot and a half. (ish, im no good with measurements)

[Garnock]

Originally Posted by Marcel

So if I'm confident the tripod is going nowhere, then I should be OK?

I admit it isn't the most expensive of tripods, but I wouldnt say it's a Compact (by your standards), extended it can reach around 6 foot, and compacts to about a foot and a half. (ish, im no good with measurements)

It should be OK.

I think what I am trying to say is, Tripods are all about stability.
The heavier and more rigid the tripod the better, especially with a telephoto lens. The lighter the tripod the greater the tendancy for movement.
If you can, try and suspend something heavy from the center of the tripod ( a bag for instance ) also use mirror lock and a cable release.

Cameron

Aye I think I was mainly more worried about doing damage to the camera, with the extra weight being put on the tripod thread and quick release.

Its never felt unstable yet, and when setting up I try and give it a good old rocking to be sure.

[Liberalis]

You could always try a Pod ... http://thepod.ca/content/pod.html

I've found one of these very handy for keeping in the bottom of my camera bag.

[SammyC]

Well I bought a Jessops cheapo jobbie and I have to say that its not up to the job of keeping the 300mm steady so it'll have to go back.

I think that it'll have to be a strong one (and therefore bigger) to be any use which also means its not going to be able to come to Japan with me

Oh well.

[CT]

Generally speaking, the sad fact is 'lightweight' and 'tripod' are contradictions in terms, especilly once you start using long/heavy lenses.

[SammyC]

Any suggestions for a cheap but good 'medium' weight tripod then?

[CT]

Have a look at the Benbo smaller versions including the 'Trekker' . Benbo tripods are incredibly versatile, but they don't fold particularly conveniently. When folded the legs are side by side.

http://www.karlu.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=14

You could always be like me....
I'm 6'4, and my wife is 4'9".

"Just stand infront of me love, and keep your head very still.......plonk".

One instant bi-pod

[SammyC]

Iiiinteresting, I'm 6' and the missus is 5'1......

[SammyC]

Originally Posted by CT

Have a look at the Benbo smaller versions including the 'Trekker' . Benbo tripods are incredibly versatile, but they don't fold particularly conveniently. When folded the legs are side by side.

http://www.karlu.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=14

Hmm, that's a bit more than I wanted to spend. I guess I'll just have to go and try some with the camera.

[Sparky]

Originally Posted by Marcel

You could always be like me....
I'm 6'4, and my wife is 4'9".

"Just stand infront of me love, and keep your head very still.......plonk".

One instant bi-pod

:lol:

I'll have to remember that one. Im 6ft 3