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Thread: Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

  1. #1

    Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

    I am trying to learn from someone elses' expereince regarding a lightweight tripod for a 4x5 for backpacking.

    I would like to get close to 2lbs.

    And if someone has some thoughts on a lightweight head as well?

    thanks

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Luxembourg
    Posts
    319

    Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

    Hello Ron,

    a Gitzo G1228 with an Arcatech ball head is my best compromise (1,9 kg) for backpacking.

    Kind regards

    Aender

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Orange, CA
    Posts
    973

    Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

    Ron,

    Here are some reviews of the Acratech:

    www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/arcatech.shtml

    www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008IPQ

    bayimages.net/tech/equipment/acratech-ultimate-ballhead.html

    www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=005zuy

    I think the Acratech combined with the Gitzo G1227 or G1228 is the hot ticket right now for a lightweight hiking solution. I bought my G1228 and Linhof Profi-II ballhead (with a Really Right Stuff quick release mounting plate installed) before the Acratech was available; it has served me well, but if I decided to upgrade my setup I probably buy the Acratech.

  4. #4

    Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

    Ron,

    You didn't mention what camera you will be using. There are 4x5 cameras that weigh less than 2 lbs. and there are ones that weigh over 20 lbs. - and just about everything in between. Since you mention backpacking, I'll assume your camera is closer to the low end than the high end in terms of weight, but even then, I'd recommend a different tripod/head combo for a 3 lb. camera than I would a 7 lb. camera.

    For backpacking, with a Toho FC-45X (2 lb. 12.5 oz.), I use a modified (center column removed) Gitzo 1227 with a couple different heads. One is a Slik Standard Ballhead II. It's not the smoothest head in existence, but it's cheap, light and easy to modify by adding an ARCA style QR clamp from RRS. When I want to go REALLY light, I use a tiny, ultralight Velbon PH-253 magnesium ballhead. This little head tips the scales at an even 6 oz. Total combined weight with my modified 1227 leg set is 3 lb. 4.75 oz. This topic has been discussed to death in this and other online forums (hint: www.google.com). Here's a link to a discussion on this forum titled: Carbon fibre tripods - comments please? that should help get you started.

    That combo is more than you 2 lb. goal, but even then I'd only recommend it for the very lightest 4x5 camera and lenses. If you don't need as much height, you could get the combined weight in the 2 1/2 lb. range by going with one of the smaller Gitzo carbon fiber leg sets. You wouldn't give up all that much in rigidity (use a cord to ground the tripod or hang additional weight from the bottom of the center column), but you would sacrifice a lot in height and comfort, IMHO.

    Kerry

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Pasadena, CA
    Posts
    389

    Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

    Ron,

    If you can find one that suits your specs, some of the wooden

    pods from Burlebach are very very sturdy yet light weight

    and best of all, low cost. Not sure if they have one that fits the

    size requirements of backpacking though. I have a reporter series

    with a ball head built-in. I put a video-style locking low profile

    quick release ( Velbon or Gitzo, clamps with screw ) on it, and

    I use no regular head at all. Result is ridgid enough to get tack

    sharp photos with a Deardorff 8x10 and a 450mm lens, even

    though the tripod is on the small size for that camera. Very low

    weight and fast setup this way. For my aproximately 12 lb

    camera, this is the lightest and most sturdy rig out of all things

    I've tried. Elminating the regular pan-tilt head saves a ton of

    weight, lowers the CG / leverage on the top of the sticks, and

    makes leveling a one-knob operation. I can set up in about

    30 seconds and be ready to shoot in a minute or two.

    http://www.berlebach.de/e_index.php

  6. #6

    Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

    I'm another who uses the Gitzo 1228. I use the short column and a Kirk BH-3. I've been very happy using this with my Wista DX. If I were to be making the decision again, I'd sure take a closer look at the Acratech head. Good luck and good light. :-)

  7. #7

    Lightweight tripod for 4x5?

    I have been using a Gitzo 1227 with a RRS-55 ballhead with good results (the camera is an Ebony 45SU).

    The Gitzo 1227 is the 3 section version of the 1228 which makes it more rigid, quicker to unfold, and also a tad higher.

    I used to use the Acratech head, but I don't find it to be reliable enough for 4*5.

    Regards,
    Bernard

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