mini tripod?

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made. i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer. something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

I've been using the Cobra minipod for a while and I like it. It's only $8

http://www.ckcpower.com/tripods.htm

There are some nicer products Gioto's Q-pod is pretty nice but those cost about $25.

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

--
But God...
Eph 2:4-8

Mike...I have a quick suggestion for you. After trying it out, you might not like it, but give it a shot.

I just got back from a trip to Gettysburg and Iceland. I, too, was looking for a travel tripod and decided on Quantray's QT-100 Travel Tripod. I got mine at my local Ritz.

Now, it's small (less than 13") and light (less than 2 pounds) and you really shouldn't put a big camera on it, but it sets up quickly, has a 3-way head and extends to a fairly decent height.

I was worried about the snap legs (where you pull them out and pin locks the segments into place) but with other travel tripods, you have to open each lock (3 to a leg), extend the leg and then re-lock. It was too time consuming. The snaps on the Quantray worked quickly and easily.

Hope this helps. Cheers...Bill

http://www.pbase.com/foosballking (Pictures of Tahiti, Portugal, Iceland and Gettysburg/Maryland)

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

How about the Ultrapod II?

http://www.pedcopods.com/specsup2.htm

It works great for me and my G1. The thing goes everywhere. The velcro strap not only comes in handy to strap it to polls and trees, but also around the strap of your camera bag, so you always have it. It locks down and is very sturdy. I have used it a bit to with my Rebel 2000 and 28-105 lens. You can pick them up at REI: http://www.rei.com

--Bill

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

i think the one i have is the qpod.

i found a slik compact tripod, about $30, 14" closed, about 3ft or so extended. center column reverses, that's the best feature. mostly short close, light weight is what i want... thanks...

---Mike Savad

Richard Leino said:

http://www.ckcpower.com/tripods.htm

There are some nicer products Gioto's Q-pod is pretty nice but
those cost about $25.

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

--
But God...
Eph 2:4-8

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

i have the cobra, but the store i got it from ripped me off and charged abotu $20 for it.

i need something a bit taller. when i was in that hotel room last vacation. trying to get a night shot. it was impossible. it couldn't see over the ledge, and the pod kept settling. it is cute though.

---Mike Savad

mike savad said:

i found a slik compact tripod, about $30, 14" closed, about 3ft or
so extended. center column reverses, that's the best feature.
mostly short close, light weight is what i want... thanks...

---Mike Savad

Richard Leino said:

http://www.ckcpower.com/tripods.htm

There are some nicer products Gioto's Q-pod is pretty nice but
those cost about $25.

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

--
But God...
Eph 2:4-8

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

i added it to my list, thanks...

i have to do more research. it's a cross between not cheaping out, and cheaping out at the same time.

---Mike Savad

Bill Moede said:

I just got back from a trip to Gettysburg and Iceland. I, too, was
looking for a travel tripod and decided on Quantray's QT-100 Travel
Tripod. I got mine at my local Ritz.

Now, it's small (less than 13") and light (less than 2 pounds) and
you really shouldn't put a big camera on it, but it sets up
quickly, has a 3-way head and extends to a fairly decent height.

I was worried about the snap legs (where you pull them out and pin
locks the segments into place) but with other travel tripods, you
have to open each lock (3 to a leg), extend the leg and then
re-lock. It was too time consuming. The snaps on the Quantray
worked quickly and easily.

Hope this helps. Cheers...Bill
http://www.pbase.com/foosballking (Pictures of Tahiti, Portugal, Iceland
and Gettysburg/Maryland)

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

that looks cute, worth a look anyway. convient for it's size and ability. getting it to see over something may be harder if there isn't anything to attach it too. but it's certainly light weight looking.

i still need to make a flash bracket of some kind, so i can get good butterfly shots.

---Mike Savad

Bill Anderson said:

http://www.pedcopods.com/specsup2.htm

It works great for me and my G1. The thing goes everywhere. The
velcro strap not only comes in handy to strap it to polls and
trees, but also around the strap of your camera bag, so you always
have it. It locks down and is very sturdy. I have used it a bit to
with my Rebel 2000 and 28-105 lens. You can pick them up at REI:
http://www.rei.com

--Bill

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

mike savad said:

i'm going on a cruise in a few months.

Click to expand...

So, Mike, where you going?

Pops
--
Canon Powershot G2 black http://www.pbase.com/pops
surf the internet -------- hang 0000 1010

I've bought one for#15€ very light and cute but not easy to use for panoramas because the head don't turn easily within 360°.
Has somebody met the same issue?

it's a really long story - but it will be RCI - radiance of the seas carribean. i think it's st johns, st maarten, san juan, phillipsburg, st thomas - not in that order, toward the end of december.

right now it's planning for excursions, photo ops, and what to bring along.

---Mike Savad

Pops! said:

mike savad said:

i'm going on a cruise in a few months.

Click to expand...

So, Mike, where you going?

Pops
--
Canon Powershot G2 black http://www.pbase.com/pops
surf the internet -------- hang 0000 1010

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

jice46 said:

I've bought one for#15€ very light and cute but not easy to use for
panoramas because the head don't turn easily within 360°.
Has somebody met the same issue?

Click to expand...

my panorama worries are small, since i can do alot by hand, though 360 is a bit much by hand, i get all dizzy. i mostly want it for controlled long exposure shots. if there are any that is. the likely hood of setting up a tripod while in a group of others, is rather low. though i don't know how this all works out.

i want small, light, compact, quality, for not too much money. i don't want it slipping and falling into the water... that would be a bad thing. especially since we're on deck 9, and even if it could somehow be fished out (i doubt it floats), the impact alone would sting quite a bit.

i'm tempted to bring the monopod, but i don't see when i'd be using it, and that's another thing to carry.

a chest pod is another thing i'm thinking about. though not in a real hurry, it would be a home thing mostly.

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

I have an ultrapod II and it's great with my G2. extremely lightweight yet strong enough to hold the G2. Not ultra-strong, but strong enough.

best thing is, as Bill mentions, is that you can turn almost anything into a camera support - balcony railing, bicycle handlbar, signpost, etc. I've used mine while skiing and turned my ski pole into a monopod - also used it to get some high level or odd angle shots by holding the pole up and using selftimer. If you're brave, I guess you could do same to get a photo over the balcony of the ship! A piece of driftwood at the beach or a walking stick on a hike becomes a great monopod with the ultrapod. Of course a real tripod is better, if you can carry it (or remember it), but you can't beat the versatility and portability of this thing for a small lightweight camera. you should check it out.

BTW, there is an older model "ultrapod" (no II designation) that was smaller and flimsier - I have one of those too. You might not be able to get it anymore, but you'll want the II since it's sturdier anyhow.

Bill Anderson said:

http://www.pedcopods.com/specsup2.htm

It works great for me and my G1. The thing goes everywhere. The
velcro strap not only comes in handy to strap it to polls and
trees, but also around the strap of your camera bag, so you always
have it. It locks down and is very sturdy. I have used it a bit to
with my Rebel 2000 and 28-105 lens. You can pick them up at REI:
http://www.rei.com

--Bill

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

mike,

I forgot to add a few other points:

it may not be apparent from the spec sheet, but the thing that makes it so good to attach to poles, tubular things like patio chair armrests, etc is that the main leg has a V-shaped cross section. When not using like a conventional table-top tripod, you fold the 2 smaller flat legs in, and then you strap that whole V-shaped mass to your post/railing/whatever. Cinch down the velcro strap really tight, and it holds pretty well, assuming the circumference of whatever you're attaching to can be handled by the strap (it's reasonably long). The simple ball-head on the thing isn't the greatest, but it's good enough considering the weight advantage. If you press down on the whole arrangement, there is still some flex if used as a table tripod, so it's best to take the actual shot using the self timer, unless you have a very light touch shutter-finger.

Depending on the shape/size of your balcony railing and/or patio furniture, it might be all you need in a pinch to get those sunset shots you're after.

BTW, though I've been on a Caribbean cruise a few times, including RCL Explorer, but never had a balcony room - you lucky guy! I assume a polarizer is already on your list.

Good Points B.C.

I do have the non-II UltraPod as well, and it is great for my Yashica T4 (and my friend's S200), but it is not big enough to hold the G-family....

--Bill

b.c. said:

Bill Anderson said:

http://www.pedcopods.com/specsup2.htm

It works great for me and my G1. The thing goes everywhere. The
velcro strap not only comes in handy to strap it to polls and
trees, but also around the strap of your camera bag, so you always
have it. It locks down and is very sturdy. I have used it a bit to
with my Rebel 2000 and 28-105 lens. You can pick them up at REI:
http://www.rei.com

--Bill

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Mike,

I don't know that this would be best for butterflies. Unless there is something to attach it to really close to the 'fly... As for a flash bracket, I always use my off camera cable. If you need to be in the shot as well, the off camera cord with a second UltraPod could do the trick...

The beauty of this thing is that it is always with you. I have used it on a ton of day hikes where I only brought my G1 and the UltraPod, rather than my entire package of gear. Some of my hiking friends don't like it when I stop every five seconds. But, I have been saved several times when a great opportunity arieses and I can use the UltraPod. Also, it has come in handy even when I have my Bogen when I want a close to the ground shot....

--Bill

mike savad said:

i still need to make a flash bracket of some kind, so i can get
good butterfly shots.

---Mike Savad

Bill Anderson said:

http://www.pedcopods.com/specsup2.htm

It works great for me and my G1. The thing goes everywhere. The
velcro strap not only comes in handy to strap it to polls and
trees, but also around the strap of your camera bag, so you always
have it. It locks down and is very sturdy. I have used it a bit to
with my Rebel 2000 and 28-105 lens. You can pick them up at REI:
http://www.rei.com

--Bill

mike savad said:

a while back someone mentioned a good small mini tripod - i'm going
on a cruise in a few months. i want to be able to set up a little
thing on the balcony in case there are sunset shots.

perferably under 12" in length closed, but it should be well made.
i have a really tiny pod. but it was totally useless last time i
used it. it's a deck of cards sized thing, and it doesn't hold it's
posistion all that well. and i had problems getting it to look over
the window ledge.

what would be really cool is something like my gitzo explorer.
something that i can lock the legs in different positions.

anyone know of a good one, peferably cheap (but not to cheaply made).

thanks

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
Added - More Closeups, Flowers, Buildings, and Still life.

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Click to expand...

b.c. said:

mike,

I forgot to add a few other points:
it may not be apparent from the spec sheet, but the thing that
makes it so good to attach to poles, tubular things like patio
chair armrests, etc is that the main leg has a V-shaped cross
section. When not using like a conventional table-top tripod, you
fold the 2 smaller flat legs in, and then you strap that whole
V-shaped mass to your post/railing/whatever. Cinch down the velcro
strap really tight, and it holds pretty well, assuming the
circumference of whatever you're attaching to can be handled by the
strap (it's reasonably long). The simple ball-head on the thing
isn't the greatest, but it's good enough considering the weight
advantage. If you press down on the whole arrangement, there is
still some flex if used as a table tripod, so it's best to take the
actual shot using the self timer, unless you have a very light
touch shutter-finger.
Depending on the shape/size of your balcony railing and/or patio
furniture, it might be all you need in a pinch to get those sunset
shots you're after.
BTW, though I've been on a Caribbean cruise a few times, including
RCL Explorer, but never had a balcony room - you lucky guy! I
assume a polarizer is already on your list.

Click to expand...

right now i'm still gathering lists stuff.

filters: polarizer, IR filter, Tiffen Color grad.6 (round for now), ND 4. and a backup sky filter if i somehow destroy the UV filter. maybe a ND 8 as well, though i doubt i'll use it.

250d close up, all batteries for camera and flash - 550ex flash, stofen omni bounce, some tripod combo.

i found a small bean bag and i may bring that.

i probably won't get a wide angle lens quite yet, there are other things i'll be needing.

i like that ultra pod thing, and may get that, along with that ultra mount. use the money i was going to spend on the wide on things i can use.

right now i'm trying to figure out if that Sea-Band thing works and where to get ginger candies. as i understand that works pretty well.

we just ordered luggage, Atlantic carrera 3150 i think it's called, 3150 denier ballistic, should be strong enough, 28" bags. 3 of those, we're hoping it will fit in the room.

don't know the room yet, i do know it's on deck 9, Deluxe Ocean suite, grandmother paying.

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

mike savad said:

it's a really long story - but it will be RCI - radiance of the
seas carribean. i think it's st johns, st maarten, san juan,
phillipsburg, st thomas - not in that order, toward the end of
december.

Click to expand...

I've been to all of them. It'll be a great time! Lots and lots of Photo opportunities in Old San Juan. I was there for the festival of St. Sabastian.

Enjoy

Pops
--
Canon Powershot G2 black http://www.pbase.com/pops
surf the internet -------- hang 0000 1010

Pops! said:

mike savad said:

it's a really long story - but it will be RCI - radiance of the
seas carribean. i think it's st johns, st maarten, san juan,
phillipsburg, st thomas - not in that order, toward the end of
december.

Click to expand...

I've been to all of them. It'll be a great time! Lots and lots of
Photo opportunities in Old San Juan. I was there for the festival
of St. Sabastian.

Enjoy

Pops
--
Canon Powershot G2 black http://www.pbase.com/pops
surf the internet -------- hang 0000 1010

Click to expand...

i'm really, really hoping that we'll have enough time to go through at least some of san juan. i saw a bunch of pictures, so many things i think my head will explode.

hoping of course for nice weather, i'm looking through architecture photo's, next i'll look for tropical photography. then i need to practice and write down settings for fill flash, food photography. and a a good way to get pictures of ice sculptures. from what i can tell they're lit from underneath, but i'm wondering if i pre-make a bounce card with tin foil on one side if it would give me better specular highlights.

i have sample pictures of the whole trip. samples of food pictures, and general layouts, so i know where i'll stand to get the shots i want. have the shots of butterfly farm, now i know the backgrounds stink so i'll have to work that in somehow. i also know that i won't need to drag that bracket along, as it wouldn't help much anyway.

still need to figure out a quick bag deployment in case it rains.

i'm looking to get the hoya lens hood because i think it would be big enough to not get vigneting. i've been getting that when using the polarizer, and i'll probably be keeping that on during the trip. i just wish i knew, or was able to handle one locally - does anyone know about the HOYA RUBBER MULTI ANGLE HOOD? by any chance?

---Mike Savad

--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/

http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=9050

Bill Anderson said:

How about the Ultrapod II?

Click to expand...

I have one, which I use with my S110 and my G2. It's fine for the S110, but forget it for the G2. The weight of the G2 is enough to make the head slip, and as a result it cannot be easily nor reliably locked into position. The last time I used the Ultrapod it took 10 minutes to set it up, during which time I was eaten alive by mosquitoes (this was in a location with reports of West Nile, no less!), and swore I'd get a better mini-tripod for my next trip.

I'm interested in what you decide to do, Mike. My ideal travel tripod is something very small, like the Cobra mini-tripod mentioned earlier. If I want anything bigger, I'll carry my compact Slik tripod with ballhead.

Richard Drdul
Vancouver, BC