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Affordable and Compact Tripod for the X-T20?
- Thread starter RRod
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- fujifilm x-t20
crowley213
Senior Member
It would be helpful to know
- what you consider as “not too expensive”
- in / for what shooting conditions you want to use the tripod
Nevertheless I dare to state upfront that considering stability, mobility and (low) cost for a tripod you can have two of them, not all three.
Herbert
Anything under $200
Cloudy and Sunny weather, mostly for urban landscapes
How about something like this:
I have the carbon version of this tripod which it looks like they don't offer anymore. For the price, it's a great tripod.
I have the carbon version of this tripod which it looks like they don't offer anymore. For the price, it's a great tripod.
I second that. MeFoto has a good general range with decent value-for-money... Good middle of the road solution. Having 2 tripods from them myself...
They have a new range "Air" which I quite like as lightweight solution (but you will be more than fine with the weight of an XT20 and any standard lens attached..)
They have a new range "Air" which I quite like as lightweight solution (but you will be more than fine with the weight of an XT20 and any standard lens attached..)
crowley213
Senior Member
Just my personal opinion, most likely different philosophies in here, definitely no offense intended... but considering a tripod system (legs and head) even below $200 is something I don’t understand, therefore no recommendations from my side.
My (very personal) philosophy in here: What sense does it make to cheap out on a tripod considering the value of the gear it has to hold safe (!) and stable? Also, you buy a good tripod once and it will serve you for a long time, way longer than a camera.
But again, different people, different point of views, no problem with that. And if your solution finally satisfies you everything is fine.
Herbert
dmaclau
Veteran Member
There’s an old question/advice: How to save $1,000 on a tripod. Buy the Gitzo first.
that being said, I bought a Benro when they first appeared (outside of China). Reasonably priced and holding up well. It’s a Chinese Gitzo
that being said, I bought a Benro when they first appeared (outside of China). Reasonably priced and holding up well. It’s a Chinese Gitzo
ddtan
Senior Member
I have an older version do this, the Serui T-025X, that has served me well.
They also make an aluminum version for $100 less.
They also make an aluminum version for $100 less.
Hi,
There are thousands of tripods 'out there'. However, we can't possibly know what will fit in your Peak Design bag (assuming we don't own the same bag). Maybe do some research on a handful of tripod models with a folded length (with head) that you know will fit in the bag and then ask for opinions on them? And if the bag's too small for a tripod that meets your photographic needs (as against your bag dimensions), don't rule out a change of bag. Or carry it in some other way.
If generic advice helps..... If you live in a place with cold winters, I would buy carbon fibre. Aluminium is very cold on the hands. I would avoid buying tripods that are too cheap or too small. It's very tempting to economise and it's very tempting to avoid weight, but there are many tripods in the travel and compact genres that might be easy on the wallet and the back, but just don't cut it when it comes to being tall enough. I'm 188cm and 'see' images from my eye height. Small tripods don't get close. And if you put them up on sloping terrain, they're even worse because at least one leg has to be down hill.
Regards, Rod
There are thousands of tripods 'out there'. However, we can't possibly know what will fit in your Peak Design bag (assuming we don't own the same bag). Maybe do some research on a handful of tripod models with a folded length (with head) that you know will fit in the bag and then ask for opinions on them? And if the bag's too small for a tripod that meets your photographic needs (as against your bag dimensions), don't rule out a change of bag. Or carry it in some other way.
If generic advice helps..... If you live in a place with cold winters, I would buy carbon fibre. Aluminium is very cold on the hands. I would avoid buying tripods that are too cheap or too small. It's very tempting to economise and it's very tempting to avoid weight, but there are many tripods in the travel and compact genres that might be easy on the wallet and the back, but just don't cut it when it comes to being tall enough. I'm 188cm and 'see' images from my eye height. Small tripods don't get close. And if you put them up on sloping terrain, they're even worse because at least one leg has to be down hill.
Regards, Rod
another +1 here, i've been using that one for 2 or 3 years now without any issues
side note: if you do go with that, go with the one he linked (roadtrip). I purchased the backpacker model as a second tripod for an even lighter weight option but imo its just too small and unstable unless you plan on using it ~3' high
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https://www.flickr.com/gp/48769879@N04/C2780W
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I agree. I've bought a MeFoto RoadTrip, aiming at a decent yet afordable tripod. At the end, I'm dispointed and I'm looking after a good tripod. I would recommend to avoid a 4-sections legged tripod, especially with the screwing leg locks. My afordable option appears, at the end, as a waste of money. Buying a tripod should IMO be considered like a longer term purchase than even lenses.
BTW, if someone had a recommendation fot a tripod with leg clips (not the inconvenient screw rings) and a head which makes possible to frame then secure without affecting the framing, and with eventually a clever central column allowing to reach the ground ans easily shoot in portrait mode.
BTW, if someone had a recommendation fot a tripod with leg clips (not the inconvenient screw rings) and a head which makes possible to frame then secure without affecting the framing, and with eventually a clever central column allowing to reach the ground ans easily shoot in portrait mode.
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EuronGreyjoy
Leading Member
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For traveling, I love this one, it's tiny but even holds the X-T3 with the 100-400mm without problems:
Here is a photo with that combo:
biza43
Forum Pro
Manfrotto Element Traveller
Morris0
Forum Pro
If you purchase a tripod in this price range you will be back purchasing one that costs at least $300 and have spent $500.
I suggest you increase your budget to at least $300 and budget another $100 for a low end head or $300 for one that will last years.
Morris
I suggest you increase your budget to at least $300 and budget another $100 for a low end head or $300 for one that will last years.
Morris
I'll definitely consider a higher end model based on everyone's recommendations. From my perspective, I've never owned a tripod so I wasn't sure what my price range would be or should be. I guess I was looking for one that would meet the basic needs in an urban environment.
Morris0
Forum Pro
I'm glad you are adjusting. Get a tripod with a heavier load rating than your existing rig. You may get heavier lenses in the future and it's also good to be able to hang your bag from the tripod to add stability.
Morris
mahidoes
Veteran Member
I use Sirui ET-1204
But I find height is short.
yet I wish I had bought
Slik Lite CF-422
It rated for 3Kg but on inspection I'm sure It can handle more.
But I find height is short.
yet I wish I had bought
Slik Lite CF-422
It rated for 3Kg but on inspection I'm sure It can handle more.
rad_fish
Well-known member
MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Backpacker. $119 on Amazon
I don’t use it a lot, but it works when needed for my XT-2. YMMV
Amazon.com : MeFOTO BackPacker Classic Lightweight 51.2" Aluminum Travel Tripod Kit w/Case, Twist Locks, Double Action Ballhead w/Arca Swiss Plate - Red (A0350Q0R) : Mephoto Backpacker : Electronics
Amazon.com : MeFOTO BackPacker Classic Lightweight 51.2" Aluminum Travel Tripod Kit w/Case, Twist Locks, Double Action Ballhead w/Arca Swiss Plate - Red (A0350Q0R) : Mephoto Backpacker : Electronics
www.amazon.com
I don’t use it a lot, but it works when needed for my XT-2. YMMV
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