Looking for a <$100 travel tripod that folds down small and is stable

I'm looking for a travel tripod that will hold a T2i + 17-40 L without flexing or swaying in the breeze.

Here are the 2 I'm looking at:

BENRO TRA068 Travel Angel TRA

Slik Sprint Pro II

I like the Slik because it is a Japanese company, but I want something which fits into the pouch on the side of my backpack similar to the size of my fold-down rain umbrella. The Slik is about a foot and a half. The Benro is a just a mite over 12 inches folded down.

Has anyone used the Benro? Although China is starting to make some OK stuff, their QA can vary from day to day. Somedays you get 70% of the real deal, other days it's melted down pot metal from old cookware that Uncle Chang didn't want anymore.

You should read Lighting 101 at the Strobist site. Here is the information that is posted there.

Two of my favorites are the Bogen 6' Retractable 5-Section Light Stand (3373) and the Bogen 8' Compact Light Stand. The 3373 has been discontinued for another model. It is now sold as a Manfrotto Nano 001 (~$58.00).

There is an off-brand 5-section compact stand that is very similar (and a little more heavy duty, actually) for $39.99. It is called a LumoPro 604. For all practical purposes, the two are exchangeable. /

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Sailor Blue said:

You should read Lighting 101 at the Strobist site. Here is the information that is posted there.

Click to expand...

If you read the OP's post, I think you will find that he is enquiring about tripods, not lightstands.

Brian A

I own several tripods... one that I do have which is very small and close to what you are looking for is the Slik Sprint Mini. I bought it for my G11, but occasionally I have used for my 30D.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/614703-REG/Slik_611_806_Sprint_Mini_II_GM.html

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Bogen makes a sturdy table top tripod. Does not telescope, will hold a pro DSLR with moderate lens. Is tabletop too small for you? Requires about 1 sq foot space.

Hugowolf said:

Sailor Blue said:

You should read Lighting 101 at the Strobist site. Here is the information that is posted there.

Click to expand...

If you read the OP's post, I think you will find that he is enquiring about tripods, not lightstands.

Brian A

Click to expand...

Your right, I didn't read the original post correctly.

I have a Cullmann Magic folding tripod with the video head. It is strong, stable, and smaller than a regular tripod, but it is heavier than a carbon fiber tripod.

http://www.rtsphoto.com/html/cullm2.html

Here is a link to the Cullmann Magic 2 Tripod with Ball & Socket Head, but it costs more than $100.

http://www.adorama.com/CU2722.html

If you are going to go tabletop you could consider one of the higher end GorillaPods. I've used one to support a 5D w/24-105.

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Sailor Blue said:

I have a Cullmann Magic folding tripod with the video head. It is strong, stable, and smaller than a regular tripod, but it is heavier than a carbon fiber tripod.

http://www.rtsphoto.com/html/cullm2.html

Here is a link to the Cullmann Magic 2 Tripod with Ball & Socket Head, but it costs more than $100.

http://www.adorama.com/CU2722.html

Click to expand...

I had a Cullman for awhile. Worked great for what is was. My bag even had a bottom that you could slide the folded legs into for storage. A hook would allow me to hang the bag from off the bottom of the center piece for extra stability. At high shutter speeds and light wind it worked fine. But you have to remember that you are trading away stability for price and portability.