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Tripod recommendation for mirrorless camera

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Gian81

Gian81

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Hi there,

I'm looking at exploring the landscape capabilities of my X Pro2, and have been scouting the web for a solid tripod that will do the trick. I have the chance to get hold of a Gitzo Basalt GT3830 with head for about £180 which, as far as I can see, is an absolute steal. I appreciate it may be a bit over the top, but maybe daft to let it pass?

Does anyone have experience with this particular tripod? It weighs 2.7kg, so I don't fancy lugging it around on long hikes through the mountains here in Norway, but I'm open to suggestions.

I'm looking for quality and (originally) portability, and have been looking at some of the offerings from 'Three-legged Thing'.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers, Gian
 
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Gian81 said:
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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If I were intending long hikes through the mountains, I'd probably not choose a 2.71kg / 68cm folded-length set of legs that'll just be even heavier and longer once paired with a head.

Have you looked at the MeFoto products such as the Globetrotter or Roadtrip, or looked into the Sirui options?

I've heard good things about 3LT tripods but haven't owned one.
 
Thanks for that Lew and, you know, you're totally right about the weight being a potential issue. I think I was just a little excited about finding a complete gitzo at such a good price.

I'll have a read about the brands/series you suggested and do a bit more research on 3LT's range. I want to get something quality that will last without breaking the bank.

Cheers!
 
As well as those suggestions posted above, have a look at the Vanguard range - particularly the VEO 235 AB which comes with a ball-head, folds down to about 38cm (!) and has both rubber feet and spikes which you may regard as useful.

I have the model below which is also a good budget travel tripod.

I use a bungee cord with hooks to attach my bag to the tripod if I need extra-stability but on longer walks the size and weight becomes a major factor.

Good luck.
 
Having owned the Xpro-1 I would say a series 3 Gitzo is overkill for size. You should be looking at a series1 or series2 traveler or at most a seies2 mountaineer or something of those size from another manufacturer.

What's the largest lens you plan on using with your Xpro-2?

I personally use a GT1542 traveler for my mirror less kit. I use a GT2532 mountaineer for my larger DSLR when I have a bigger lense like a 70-200 f/2.8 but my traveler could do the job if necessary.
 
Thanks, I´ll have a look at their range. I like the sound of a tripod that folds down to under 40cm. Cheers.
 
Yes Steve, you´re right about it being overkill, it was just that for under 200 GBP for both the tripod and ballhead it just seems like such a good buy.

I´ll initially be using the 16 1.4 and see how that fares, but I´ll check out the Series 1 and 2 travellers that you´ve mentioned.

Thanks for the tip. :)
 
Gian81 said:
Yes Steve, you´re right about it being overkill, it was just that for under 200 GBP for both the tripod and ballhead it just seems like such a good buy.

I´ll initially be using the 16 1.4 and see how that fares, but I´ll check out the Series 1 and 2 travellers that you´ve mentioned.

Thanks for the tip. :)
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I don't know if Gitzo makes basalt tripods any more so that maybe why the attractive price. On B&H and Adorama they are no longer available.

The Gitzo tripods are not cheap so you might get better deals on a carbon fiber MeFoto GlobeTrotter or some other carbon fiber tripod from Benro or Manfroto.

Steve
 
I have recently picked up the 3 Legged Thing Equinox 'Albert' model, and this is an amazing set of sticks.

Very versatile in terms of its range from getting from low to high, and being able to detach a leg to make a monopod, very funky and reasonably lightweight at 2kg including the ballhead. It folds down to a size that is easily attachable to a small backpack. It is 95% as stable and solid as my RRS TVC-23, which is about the same weight but does not fold down to anything as small as Albert.

I've previously used the 3LT Rick, which is lighter and smaller again, but does not have the same stability or height range.

I love my RRS tripod, but have been blown away by the 3LT Albert.
 
How can anyone suggest a Mefoto as an alternative to a Gitzo Series 3, I don't know. Different worlds.

Suggesting to consider a Series 2 or even 1 to save weight makes much more sense.

The size and weight of your equipment is not really relevant. What is relevant is the maximum focal length you intend to use and if you hope your setup to be steady in the wind.

Gitzo gives maximum advised focal lengths for their different models. they are excellent indications. Don't forget to divide by 1.5 to get the equivalence for APS-C.

A Mefoto is like 3 well cooked spaghetti compared to a Gitzo Series 1.
 
StephaneB said:
How can anyone suggest a Mefoto as an alternative to a Gitzo Series 3, I don't know.
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Think it through a bit more and you'll get there. XPro2, carrying it on long hikes through the mountains of Norway, looking at a £180 option, typical Gitzo series 2 or 1 pricing around three to four times that amount.

Yes, if the OP has a £800 budget, then certainly a series 2 or 1 Gitzo would be a nice choice. Though then I suspect he'd not be looking at the mentioned series 3.

I do really like my GK1545T-82TQD. Yet I've also used the MeFoto Roadtrip and Globetroter and they're pretty good.

I'm curious, which specific MeFoto models have you actually used?
 
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Lew said:
StephaneB said:
How can anyone suggest a Mefoto as an alternative to a Gitzo Series 3, I don't know.
Click to expand...
Think it through a bit more and you'll get there. XPro2, carrying it on long hikes through the mountains of Norway, looking at a £180 option, typical Gitzo series 2 or 1 pricing around three to four times that amount.

Yes, if the OP has a £800 budget, then certainly a series 2 or 1 Gitzo would be a nice choice. Though then I suspect he'd not be looking at the mentioned series 3.

I do really like my GK1545T-82TQD. Yet I've also used the MeFoto Roadtrip and Globetroter and they're pretty good.

I'm curious, which specific MeFoto models have you actually used?
Click to expand...
 
I think it might help to narrow down the usage case or your priorities... I've got a Sirui T-005X (the smallest/lightest they make basically) that I'm really happy with for travel and hiking and using it with my smaller M4/3 lenses (all less than 300g and 2" long). Folds down to 12", weighs just over two pounds, and even the little ballhead it comes with is pretty nice. It can also get down low.

Now, in adverse conditions or with heavy gear it's absolutely not gonna get the job done (would have to remove the center column in windy scenarios, for starters), but I've got zero regrets about getting it for travel and all-day jaunts. I'm currently looking for something beefier for home use and more deliberate scenarios, something that'll take a 300mm or a sky tracking mount without issue.

Got my eye on the Sirui N-2004X and Desmond DCF-428 legs at the moment... Probably going with a Sirui K-20X head. They don't fold down as small (18") and weigh much more (3-4lbs), but thicker 4 section legs (instead of 5) should make them much more stable which is what I'm going for.
 
StephaneB said:
support it with junk.

I've seen, touched, tried Mefoto tripods in a shop, would not spend 10 bucks on them.
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Clearly you hold a different opinion than most other folks.

If you want to actually help the OP you might consider a less haughty manner and point him to specific examples to support your point of view.
 
StephaneB said:
How can anyone suggest a Mefoto as an alternative to a Gitzo Series 3, I don't know. Different worlds.

Suggesting to consider a Series 2 or even 1 to save weight makes much more sense.

The size and weight of your equipment is not really relevant. What is relevant is the maximum focal length you intend to use and if you hope your setup to be steady in the wind.

Gitzo gives maximum advised focal lengths for their different models. they are excellent indications. Don't forget to divide by 1.5 to get the equivalence for APS-C.

A Mefoto is like 3 well cooked spaghetti compared to a Gitzo Series 1.
Click to expand...
 
I would also suggest looking at Vanguard.
 
I use a Gitzo series 2 traveller and a series 1 traveler. And love both. Bought the series 1 recently because my series 2 + Markins q3t I found to heavy in some situations.

The Gitzo 1555 (series 1 traveler) is weights about 1kg. I combined it with the RRS BH-25 ballhead. Love this combination when wanting to travel light. 1.2 kg.

Also have an Surui t025x + c01. Nice tripod an very light 800grams including the ballhead. But not that sturdy. So replaced it for the Gitzo 1555.

Just go with your setup to a local camera store and test some tripods. What do you like?
 
I recommend you to buy the best tripod you can afford , I have used a couple of cheaper tripods and have just brought a Gitzo 2545T that was on special at less $200 Aus .

Wow what a difference , this tripod is fantastic and really stable , I wished I had bitten the bullet and spent the extra cash a couple of years ago instead of buying cheaper tripods .

I also lashed out and brought an Arcatech ball head , this setup should see me a happy camper for many years .
 
Geat to hear from someone with hands-on experience of a specific model. I´ve added 3LT to my shortlist. Thanks. :)
 
I really appreciate that you´ve all taken the time to offer your thoughts and opinions, and I see that there are vastly differing opinions based on personal preferences and experience.

I was too late to get the Gitzo; it sold a few days ago, but I think that particular model was a bit over the top for my needs. I have nothing against spending 600GBP/800USD/700EUR on something that I intend to use a lot and for as long as possible, but I´d struggle to justify spending much more as my main focus has been street and documentary photography for the last few years. My wife is already critical of my expensive hobby. ;)

I´ve been lucky enough to acquire a Lee Seven5 Deluxe filter kit from a work colleague who has far too much money and suffers from GAS, and this has really been the catalyst for my recent interest in landscape photography. I see now that I may have been a little premature in posting what exactly I´m looking for, as I see that long exposure landscape shots using such a filter system may require shutter speeds of up to a minute or more in some instances. This means that tripod stability is of the utmost importance, especially considering that the western coast of Norway where I am currently living is constantly bombarded by the North Sea wind.

I have come to realise that what I may actually need is a two tripod system; one for travel where portability is a deciding factor, and the other for hikes here in Norway where quality and stability are more important. I´m an active guy, so am not too worried about lugging a heavier tripod around with me, but obviously I don´t want to kill myself in the process.

I´ll keep on researching and will check out the suggestions that have been put forward so far.

Thanks again!

Regards, Gian :)
 
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