Tripod for Travel and Hikes

Folks,

I am looking for a tripod for travelling and hikes. Initially I was considering the Gitzo 1540 but feel that it might just be too small. Have any of you used the 1xxx series tripods?

The lenses that I will be using this with are the all under 100mm.

Do you think that the 2540 or 1540 would be a better buy? I plan to take out the center column and replace with a markins or kirk plate so this will also bring down the overall weight.

Thanks,

Dave

I could argue that nothing less than a 3 series is good enough. At least that's John Shaw's argument

Yours is a tough question, and since you are limiting it to under 100mm lenses, maybe even tougher.

On a windy day, you would appreciate a larger set of legs, regardless of what you have. I've never used a 1 series leg set but I have a G1228. For a walk, with a landscape lens, that is a great set of legs and one reason I keep it. It is ultra-portable, with a TB20 and M10. I often wish I had a 3 section, mainly for longer and heavier lenses. The new G-lock 25x0 series is probably even better.

With either one, you want to take advantage of the center hook and add weight. I use a Low Pro Mini-trekker with a caribiner on the top loop on the pack. That works well for me because I always have my weight with me and I like to work without a pack on me and keep it out of the dirt.

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Regards,
Neil

P.S. I have seen the one series legs. I would go up a level to the 2 series unless you absolutely need the size/weight of the 1 series. The pricing is so close you might as well get the best performance you can. Unelss you need to put the thing in your back pocket

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Regards,
Neil

The new 2007 Gitzo tripods have a feature called “ground level set” that lets you use just the top disk and bottom hook without the center column. This is illustrated on page 10 of the pdf catalog. You may not need to get a replacement plate.

Backpacking last summer I used the 1057 and an RRS BH-25 with the D200 and 17-55 f2.8. This worked fine for me as I always used MLU, a cable release and never extended the center column. The tripod and ballhead weighed just under 2 pounds. I did have to sit or kneel when shooting.

Another photographer I know off used the 1157 with a Ds1MkII.

John

I have a Gitzo 1158T and Kirk BH-3 for backpacking, and like it. I don't use any large lenses..its mostly for landscape and macro shooting. I also use a cable release most of the time when shooting around camp. I know its not as stable as a 12XX series, but I think the size:stability ratio is just right for backpacking, when weight is a primary concern.

When hiking, does the .6 weight difference really make that much of a difference?

Dave Wolfs said:

When hiking, does the .6 weight difference really make that much of
a difference?

Click to expand...

To many hikers...yes. The difference between the 1228 and 1158 is 1.1lbs, which is significant when trying to minimze weight of a large pack for backcountry trips. The space issue is the other thing I take into account, the 1158T folds up much smaller than the 1228, and is easier to pack both for backpacking and overseas travel.

I don't have high demands for a tripod overall, my lenses are not big and I only use it occaisionally. When I need extra stability I hang something from the hook.

I understand the 2 series are more stable/taller, and preferred by most photographers, and I may get one some day, but for my purposes the 1158 is perfect because it is so easy to take with me and that means I use it more.

I recently got the 2.5 lb GT1530 for backpacking. For multiday backpacking, even half a pound makes a difference for me. It of course depends on your stamina and overall fitness. I found it sturdy enough for 70-200 f/2.8 if you use caution. For lens that most people are willing to take for backpacking trips, it's sufficient.

the setup is super fast and i remove the center column and the rubber foot with ease. Don't have a TB20 for comparison. But the top plate feels solid, and test shots are fine (non-scientific).
For shorter hikes (

Would you tell me if there is a difference between the leg locks of 1158 and the leg locks of 1158T? Are they identical? Photographs from the B&H website show that they are different.
Tnx

MIC37 said:

Would you tell me if there is a difference between the leg locks of
1158 and the leg locks of 1158T? Are they identical? Photographs
from the B&H website show that they are different.
Tnx

Click to expand...

I can only speak to the 1158T..which has the anti-rotation legs (ALR). That means I can twist all three locks at once, extend the leg fully, and then tighten each one down. Its very fast, I believe its the same as the newer Gitzos.

Are the 2540 and 1540. Not the T version, I am 6'1 and this would be simply too small.

I use a Velbon Ultra Luxi F tripod because it weighs less than 3 lbs and is very nicely constructed. My aim is to use the lightest viable tripod and this thing weighs more than my tent or sleeping bag, so you can see how light I go. I've used this tripod when shooting industry overseas, packing it into my checked baggage, and it's saved me many a time. The camera is set back a little on the head and this makes it very useful for panoramas as the lens/camera rotates roughly around the nodal point.

If there is much wind you can add weight by hanging a bag full of stones underneath.

With careful use a very light tripod will give amazing value for carrying effort.
Chris

--
I Reject Your Reality And Substitute My Own

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