Hello all you travel photographers,

Just wondering what tripod you use when you travel. I assume it's small and light yet able to hold an SLR with a sizeable lens. I already have a Manfrotto 4 section magfiber one which I still dread having to lug around on my travels (unless I have a paying photoshoot).


I was looking for something you could stick in your backpack or do you use something else (like a bean bag or monopod).

any feedback is highly appreciated.

Joey

Hi Joey!
Do you have the 55MF or the 190MF? I myself have the old aluminum 190 tripod weighing at 1.9kg strapped to the side of my backpack during multi-day hikes. A tripod is a necessary burden and helps a lot in achieving sharper images especially when exposures require a slow shutter speed. If weight is an issue, you should consider the Gitzo Mountaineer or Benro tripods if you're on a budget.

Hi Bernard,

I have the 55MF which is still relatively heavy if you take into consideration instances like . . . .multi day hikes like you mentioned. I totally agree though that a tripod is a must. Thanks for the recommendations, will have a look at the Gitzo and Benro offerings then.

Joey

hey why not try this one?

http://www.joby.com (http://www.joby.com/)

hey why not try this one?

http://www.joby.com (http://www.joby.com/)

nice, but how sturdy and reliable is it? any experience?

you can get a Gitzo Travel series. they are light and sturdy :)

I got a small monopod easy to use

Franz this is interesting where can you see this

I've got the 190MF4... very light.

@dave trinidad


havent tried it though...i think someone in this forum owns one....


@james rosca

not sure if it is available locallly....

If you want light, buy a Gitzo Basalt or the cheaper Benro Basalt tripods.
I use a trekking pole with camera mount (Leki Sierra Photo) when im climbing or hiking.

There are cheap table/traveller tripods available at Henry's and Aperture (+/-500 bucks) but don't expect them to perform like the real ones. Sure, it'll hold you DSLR but may need to be extra carefull. I use one for low-angle shooting.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/77/212050365_bc90484e56_m.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/233818765_7f1c9d950e_m.jpg

I've got the 190MF4... very light.

I have the same one. It's really light :) Not to mention it looks nice with the carbon fibre finish.

I think Zandy has the gorrilla pod SLR version :)

Lester Callanta has a Gorillapod SLR

lester callanta has the gorilla pod.

As an alternative a bean bag may be an alternative, I use the Adorama Q Pod a lot in my travel. It's about 5 in. in diameter and comes with a screw to mount your camera on.

Thanks for all your inputs. Decided to go with the Carbon One 444 Manfrotto tripod. It's a little longer than the 190MF4 but much lighter. Also it has a slightly larger last section (the one on the 190 looked like it may have trouble supporting my 100-200mm lens).

Just in time for my Kota trip in January.

Thanks again.

Joey

Thanks for all your inputs. Decided to go with the Carbon One 444 Manfrotto tripod. It's a little longer than the 190MF4 but much lighter. Also it has a slightly larger last section (the one on the 190 looked like it may have trouble supporting my 100-200mm lens).

Just in time for my Kota trip in January.

Thanks again.

Joey

I am hoping to buy that one too. But when I asked the distributor of Manfrotto tripods here in Dubai, the salesperson told me that the Carbon One series have been superseded by the Mag-Fiber tripods (MF series). Is that true? Even when I search in www.manfrotto.com (http://www.manfrotto.com), I can no longer see a Carbon One tripod in their product list. Or should I search further?
Actually the 55MF4 is also out of stock here in Dubai, but the salesman informed me that they will be arriving on the 5th of January 2007 as well as other new stocks of Manfrotto products. If they really don't have a Carbon One (4 sections) by then, should I go for the 55MF4 or the 190MF4 for lightweight but sturdy enough travel tripod? (I intend to use it for a Nikon D-70 & 18-200 VR combo).
Thanks in advance.

When I tried this bogenimaging website:
http://www.bogenimaging.us/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=81&itemid=1215

to search for the Carbon One 444

They have this note:
(Please note: This tripod has now been replaced by the new Mag Fiber Series. Click here (http://www.bogenimaging.us/product/itemlist.php3?manufid=1&sectionid=413) to view the complete range.)

Sandro,

I didn't know that. I have both, a 55MF4 and the carbon one but the 443 version (sorry, I said 444 version earlier). The 443 version does not allow you to take the center column and place it horizontally on the tripod like the 444 version. In other words, the 443 version is a simple tripod, no frills.

This suits me fine because it cuts down on the weight also and so it makes it ideal for travel. I wouldn't even consider the 55MF4 for travel because it is too heavy and big, I only use it for local shoots where I have a car and where I know I am authorized to take pics.

The 190MF4 is heavier than the carbon one because it is made of magnesium and carbon fiber whereas carbon one is pure carbon yata. The 190MF4 is more compact though compared to both the 55MF4 and the carbon one.

Having mounted my 30D with a Sigma 100-200mm lens on the carbon one, I don't think my previous fears of the 190MF4's thinner last section should be a problem though (on hindsight) so if the 190MF4 is available there then that would be a good choice. It's cheaper also (than the carbon one).

For me, the final decider was the weight issue. In travel (not just photography) lighter is always better.


Joey

Thanks joey!
I think I'll have to see both the 190MF4 and 055MF4 to better make my decision, although I'm leaning more on the 190MF4, because of lesser weight and size, which I have proven to be important in travel photography.

Thanks for all your inputs. Decided to go with the Carbon One 444 Manfrotto tripod. It's a little longer than the 190MF4 but much lighter. Also it has a slightly larger last section (the one on the 190 looked like it may have trouble supporting my 100-200mm lens).

Just in time for my Kota trip in January.

Thanks again.

Joey

Joey, where did you get the 443? And how much? I'm also thinking of getting one. Which ball head did you get? Thanks.

Cheers,
Norman

Hi guys,

For me, I choose either my Manfrotto Carbon Fiber or a Manfrotto Table top tripod + Markins Ballhead. It can easily hold a 300mm F2.8L. :)

A very solid combination..:) and a very light travel tripod. (http://www.pbase.com/image/72363542)..

http://i5.pbase.com/o6/63/4763/1/72363542.W3w9c7O4.IMG_2727.jpg



regards,
Ruel

Is it allowed to be hand carried inside a plane on an international flight? PAL or Cathay Pacific? If there is a similar thread, im sorry, please post the link:D:D

Same question I'd like to ask. By December, we will attend the International Pathfinder Camporee in Thailand. I'd be bringing a tripod, too.

Is it allowed to be hand carried inside a plane on an international flight? PAL or Cathay Pacific? If there is a similar thread, im sorry, please post the link:D:D

Hi Melwyn,

Here's the link to that thread http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=5612

No worries guys I havent have any problems with airport securities. I always carry along my slick tripod with my back pack. Just be sure that you hand carry your camera to be obvious. Hehehe.

Tripod is a no no at hand carries bag, you can put it at your baggage. Just keep your camera on the hand carry.

More often than not you will be required to check in your tripod. If you have a tripod bag the better, if not, just place it inside your luggage.

The last two times I flew I checked in my tripod w/o a bag, I just take out the quick release so it won't get lost.

I was stopped by Airport security and was asked to put the thing in the bag or face.

i decided to email PAL and below is their reply:


Dear Mr. Alamag,

As long as it is within the carry on baggage allowance. Our cabin/handcarry
baggage for all international and domestic flights is restricted to one
piece per passenger limited to 7 kilos and shall not exceed 45 inches in
total dimension.

We suggest that if you are checking it, maybe you could wrap some foam or
bubble wrap around the tripod before you put it in the bag.


For more information and assistance, you may call our reservations office at (632) 855-8888.

Thank you and we wish you a pleasant flight.




Sincerely,

Gigi D. Mediarito
WEBSITE MANAGEMENT
Corporate E-Business Department
Philippine Airlines
http://www.philippineairlines.com

I was able to hand carry the tripod but i had to use a beltbag as the other carry on. I had my camera in my Lowepro orion beltbag and hand carried the tripod. if i had a back pack pala the bag or the tripod had to be checked in. HTH

save yourself the trouble and check it in IMO.

some airlines allow some do not. and i think it depends on the airlines personel before boarding. i experienced being allowed and not in china. I ended up checking it in on my way to shanghai from beijing. but they allowed it to be hand carried from manila to beijing.

Is it allowed to be hand carried inside a plane on an international flight? PAL or Cathay Pacific? If there is a similar thread, im sorry, please post the link:D:D

Like 2-3 years ago, my wife and I got a chance to visit Italy and was able to hand carry a tripod. And the time we used it in the Colosseo in Rome one security guard told us that it is not allowed to use tripods within the vicinity. And on the way back from Leonardo da Vinci airport, we were'nt able to hand carry it and they asked us to have it packed in this cling type plastic wrap and checked it in. Never got a chance to get any reasons why since we were too tired to argue and don't speak Italian.

Safest is to just put your tripod in your check-in luggage. I almost hand-carried my tripod from DC to SFO (UA) but thank God I didn't, another passenger was asked to check his tripod in.

This thread is very useful as I will be in Canada for the first half of October. Thanks for the tips, guys! Dindin, welcome back, Super Mom! :)

Am leaving for the states in a couple of days and am looking forward to purchasing a travel tripod to complement my heavy weight.

Currently looking at the Gitzo 1541t (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548364-REG/Gitzo_GT1541T_GT_1541T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html#rev iews) and the Benro Travel Angel TRCB169 (http://www.benro.com/products_details_TRCB169.html#specs). I am seriously considering the Gitzo traveler but was thinking I could save money and buy other things if I go with the Benro.

Those are my top two but trying to consider the following as well.

Gitzo 0531 Mountaineer (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569082-REG/Gitzo_GT0531_GT0531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html)
Manfrotto 190cxpro3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548529-REG/Manfrotto_190CX3_190CX3_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html)


I hope i could get insights especially from those who have personal experiences with these tripods. Other suggestions are welcome as well.

i recently bought a benro trcb169. my main purpose is for traveling but haven't used it for traveling yet. my initial impression is that it is a lot lighter than my old 190prob + 486rc2 combo. a lot compact too.

some nit picking on the benro:
- the plate attachment is not quick release. you need a coin or the included allen screwdriver to secure or release it.
- the head must be positioned in such a way that it won't get in the way of the legs when you fold it.
- takes longer to set-up and pack. since the leg locks are twist type not the quick release lever on the 190prob.

but overall, i am happy with it. if you can live with those three things i mentioned, you will be happy too.

btw, i used it with a canon 5Dmk2 with 24-105/4 L lens attached (my heaviest lens). the head was as steady as it can get. tried to push it down, move it side to side, no can do. very slight to no movement at all.

Am leaving for the states in a couple of days and am looking forward to purchasing a travel tripod to complement my heavy weight.

Currently looking at the Gitzo 1541t (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548364-REG/Gitzo_GT1541T_GT_1541T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html#rev iews) and the Benro Travel Angel TRCB169 (http://www.benro.com/products_details_TRCB169.html#specs). I am seriously considering the Gitzo traveler but was thinking I could save money and buy other things if I go with the Benro.

Those are my top two but trying to consider the following as well.

Gitzo 0531 Mountaineer (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569082-REG/Gitzo_GT0531_GT0531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html)
Manfrotto 190cxpro3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548529-REG/Manfrotto_190CX3_190CX3_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html)


I hope i could get insights especially from those who have personal experiences with these tripods. Other suggestions are welcome as well.


im eyeing the manfrotto 190cxpro3 too. but have to test it first.

Benro's implementation of the twist locks aren't as quick to use as the Gitzo's.
The G-lock system only require a slight twist similar to say folding clip locks but the Benro's requires a bit more twisting especially on the lower sections.

I've personally experienced the last 2 sections of my old 169 twist & rotate and a couple of people do experiencing the smallest sections going down even if you've thought you've locked the last sections in place.

The issues mentioned by Elgin are valid as well but even the Gitzo1541T matched with the Markins Q3 Traveler (designed for the 1541) suffers from the head hitting the legs problem and its probably worse as you have to extend one of the legs a bit.

I've sold my 169 and really wanted the 1541T w/ a Q3T but opted for a Hakuba/Velbon Sherpa Pro/Carmagne instead (on the recommendations of atx over @nikongear & also Thom Hogan) and have for the meantime sworn off travel tripods because of the increasing carry-on restrictions w/c often meant I'd have my tripod in the luggage anyways.

I was also considering the Benro Travel Angel TRCB 169 but at the time they didn't have stock locally so I went with the Velbon Geo E540. Take note that the thread size is 1/4 so it needs an adapter for use with ballheads from other brands.

http://www.velbon.co.uk/newvelbon/pages/GEOE540.html

The 190cxpro3 is sort of on the heavy side when considering light travel tripods. It's at 1.3kg without the head and could support only 5kg. The Gitzo 1541t on the other hand is 970grams and supports 8kg. Most ball heads are around 400-500kg so 190cxpro3 plus head would still be near the 2kg mark.

im eyeing the manfrotto 190cxpro3 too. but have to test it first.

The head adapter screw in my Velbon N630 has two ends, one 1/4" and the other end or the most part if the screw is 3/8" so i just flipped the screw to attach the Markins Q3, which is only 385g. Shortening the center column, lowered the weight even more.

After long sleepless nights of reading up and trying to decide, I eventually bit the bullet and got the Gitzo 1541 Mountaineer (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569102-REG/Gitzo_GT1541_GT1541_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html). As a conclusion to this thread, I couldn't be happier. Minimal trade-off in weight compared to the traveler version. A lot sturdier in my opinion and just right for my height; I am 6' tall by the way.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/4598780310_f5e8a14627.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/4598162887_51e4ce5f6a.jpg

Now my problem is whether to get a Markins, an Acratech or a RRS. But that's another story. :Grin:

Congrats on the Tripod, where did you source your legs and how much did it cost?

The RRS BH-25 LR looks promising as its' very light at 221g though I haven't read much reviews. The RRS site has pictures of it with the Traveler legs attached.
The BH-40's base width might be an issue with your legs.

I'd recommend the Markins Q3T but you might say I'm biased :)

Sorry for the late response, haven't checked the forums as of late.

Was supposed to get it from B&H. Something came up. I had to rebook my flight for later. With the cash on hand I knew that I might spend it on something else so I did the next best thing; that is, bought it locally from Pixel Pro Virra Mall. I got it for 27,599php.

Not too keen on the bh-25 due to the lack of a dedicated tension knob. Deciding now whether to get a Markins Q3 Emile or go all-out with an Acratech GV2. Besides the fact that the Acratech works as both a gimbal and ballhead; I just love how this head looks. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure any of the two would work great. :)


Congrats on the Tripod, where did you source your legs and how much did it cost?

The RRS BH-25 LR looks promising as its' very light at 221g though I haven't read much reviews. The RRS site has pictures of it with the Traveler legs attached.
The BH-40's base width might be an issue with your legs.

I'd recommend the Markins Q3T but you might say I'm biased :)

How about this travel tripod???

Will you trust this with your dslr+kit lens???

http://www.zipshottripod.com/
http://www.zipshottripod.com/images/7.jpg
http://www.zipshottripod.com/images/5.jpg
http://www.zipshottripod.com/images/1.jpg

^ I've been seriously considering the zipshot, since I plan to shoot mostly with the tiny Pentax pancake prime lenses (one inch thick lenses), it might be worth trying out since it's just around PhP 2.5K or so at JT. I think there was one guy in the other forum who took it to a trip in Europe and used it successfully with a couple of Canon zooms.

The only possible deal breaker for me is the lack of a quick release plate. But the quick set-up and compact size are definitely very tempting.

Got the Benro A169m8 +B-0 ballhead... really a lighter and more compact tripod over my old A298...

Very glad I decided to get a travel angel series from BENRO... really well made item... cost is 7.7k ShutterMaster makati.

Question to most of the hobbyist and enthusiasts. Whenever you travel out of the country on leisure trips, do you normally bring a tripod with you? If so, are there any airline restrictions that you have encountered?

And when you do walking tours, like in Hong Kong or Bangkok perhaps, do you carry it with you?

Thinking if I should bring one or not. Your inputs will be appreciated.

All supports are to be checked in. Airport personnel will disallow you from boarding the plane if you do not check it in.

Question to most of the hobbyist and enthusiasts. Whenever you travel out of the country on leisure trips, do you normally bring a tripod with you? If so, are there any airline restrictions that you have encountered?

And when you do walking tours, like in Hong Kong or Bangkok perhaps, do you carry it with you?

Thinking if I should bring one or not. Your inputs will be appreciated.

There were times that I wished I brought one during some trips but the hassle of lugging a large camera around was more than I cared for, what more a heavy tripod.

If you do decide to bring one, have it with checked baggage (as what paolo said). Make sure to have a light one, it'll be a hassle when you carry one during walking tours.

Bought a tripod for a holiday trip. I ended up leaving it because it would be too heavy for me to be carrying it around. Good thing I left it since we were walking the whole day. Wish I bought a gorillapod instead. :(

I'm the backpacker type so yes I carry my big and heavy tripod together with heavy lenses in most of my travels. It's specially useful after the sun sets. Besides, you'll see a lot of tourist with huge cameras and tripods in key tourist areas anyway. But, I think it's better that you're on a leisure tour with loads of time to kill rather than a (big) group tour and your companions aren't inconvenienced with it, and of course, if you don't mind carrying the weight over a long period of time. It helps a lot if you don't have to carry it with your hand which will give you a lot of flexibility for walking, eating, reading maps, buying stuff, etc. A camera backpack with a tripod holder on the side is an ideal setup.

Having said that, I feel that I should buy myself one of those flat light weight carbon fiber travel tripods just to lessen my load.

My sentiment is to always bring your tripod. You'll never know when you'll need it.

Airline restrictions? None as long as it's checked in.

If I'm with a tour, I leave the tripod at the hotel because you won't have enough time to set it up.

TIP: Get a backpack that tripod attachment instead of carrying it separately.

I do. I tried once thinking i could pull it off with a gorillapod. Was i so wrong, never again.

International flights- always checked in.
Domestic flights- have hand carried mine once. Cebu pacific flight. They say as long as it's in a bag and that I am comfortable with placing it in front or under my seat.

Btw, it also helps to have a carbon tripod. Saves your back from all the weight. :)

try using the zipshot tripod, it's ultra light weight and ultra compact... it's only 312g, 38cm when folded and stands 112cm tall... max weight load is 3lbs (1.361kgs)...

http://www.zipshottripod.com/

I've always brought along a light tripod with me, a gitzo traveler series gt1540t. but now I carry a benro flat tripod c-1190t.

the tripod is actually one of the more essential gears for me when traveling abroad. i never leave the hotel without it.

A Benro tripod is very light to carry yet very sturdy. They won't allow you though to "hand-carry" it inside the plane.

HTH.

First off, most airlines these days will require you to put your tripod in your check-in baggage. The rationale is it can be used as a weapon inflight, because of its sturdiness and length. That's the reason I bought a smaller Benpro T600-EX, which fits nicely into my 20-kg check-in bag (my Giottos was too big, but it's still the one I prefer using most of the time, except when I am traveling).

I do not suggest that you check-in your tripod in its usual soft casing. Checked in bags go through a lot of beating to and from the airplanes/airports, hence the risk of damaging your tripod. Once when I flew to Bohol via Cebu Pacific, they required me to sign a waiver that does not make them liable in case of damage to my tripod. Good thing my tripod survived the trip with just minor scratches.

I used to often bring a tripod with me on my travels. However, lately I have been realizing one thing - that travel is primarily for leisure and secondly for photography. I can still take photos as I enjoy the scenery, the food, the culture. This means I use the tripod in probably just 1 of 10 instances when I shoot. So is it worth lugging it around? The answer for me is yes, but it's not because of my constant need for it. Honestly, it's because I am tired of not being in the group photos as I usually have to be the one to take the shot (entrusting it to the first available waiter or hotel receptionist just doesn't work :-) ). Seriously, whenever we travel as a family, one thing we'd like to do to recap the trip is to take a family photo of the journey. For this reason, a tripod is necessary. It may be just the fifth time that I am using a tripod in the five-day trip, but yes it is worthwhile!

Now if I were to travel alone with bias to do photography, the reason I will bring a tripod is because I will have a lot of time to compose before shooting, hence a tripod is an indispensible tool.

why not use a monopod instead? of course for landscape photography where youre looking for like a 5 minute exposure time it wont work you could prolly satisfy 80% of what you need with a tripod using a mono....just not sure if you can hand carry it....theyre small enough to fit inside your laptop bag but i dont know the rules...havent tried travelling with 1 yet since i bought mine just last week.

I have an aluminum Benro and I carry it on my travels. I remove the ballhead part to make it fit in my checked-in luggage. I've only had to check-in the tripod in its carrying case on a round-trip local flight, and I don't think it got damaged.

I've also used one of those cheap generic tripods you can buy for a thousand pesos. It was my constant companion when I started out with a DSLR. It may look spindly but mine was good for a 20D-ish camera with an UWA lens. Now that I think of it, maybe I should go dig it up and use that on my travels, since I've learned how to travel light now.

You can't hand carry a monopod in most airline. Even those trifold micro umbrellas needs to be checked in.

why not use a monopod instead? of course for landscape photography where youre looking for like a 5 minute exposure time it wont work you could prolly satisfy 80% of what you need with a tripod using a mono....just not sure if you can hand carry it....theyre small enough to fit inside your laptop bag but i dont know the rules...havent tried travelling with 1 yet since i bought mine just last week.

If you booked a "No check in baggage" (Cebu Pac) flying out from Manila, will they charge you extra for checking in a tripod?

If you booked a "No check in baggage" (Cebu Pac) flying out from Manila, will they charge you extra for checking in a tripod?It really depends on the mood of the people at the airport security and the airline's staff whether they'll let you hand carry your tripod. Local flights are more lax but international airports are very strict about it. With those kinds of odds, it might be better not to "GO-LITE'. :D

try using the zipshot tripod, it's ultra light weight and ultra compact... it's only 312g, 38cm when folded and stands 112cm tall... max weight load is 3lbs (1.361kgs)...

http://www.zipshottripod.com/

Hi. Will the Zipshot hold the Nikon D90 with a 18mm-105mm lens? Thanks

For light tripods go for carbon fiber ones. They can weigh 1-2kg. ;)

Hi. Will the Zipshot hold the Nikon D90 with a 18mm-105mm lens? ThanksD90+battery+18-105=1120 grams. The figures would say yes but would you really want to gamble 40k on a flimsy 2.5k tripod? Easy to carry means easy to topple too.

can the benro t600ex carry/ hold a d90 with 18-105mm like charm?

Hi guys. I am about to go SG next week and I'm really on the hunt for a compact travel tripod. I've done some research on the net and what seems to fit the bill are the Manfrotto 785B and Slik 330. Can you give me other suggestions and where to buy them here? ( aside from Hidalgo). It should be able to carry my D7000+batt grip and I guess, my heaviest lens is my sigma 10-20mm. It should also fit snugly under the belt harness of my Lowepro Versapack.

Thanks in advance!