Which CF tripod for backpacking with 4x5

[Ron Stoecklein]

Gotta love this forum--thanks for the information.

Should have mentioned that I currently use a heavy Bogen tripod with a heavy bogen head or the Kirk ballhead for my hike within three miles setup--total weight about 10 pounds.

We all realize the optimum would be to just bring a llama,donkey, or horse along--or guide to carry our equipment--and while at it a few bottles of cabernet--for after the sunset....ahh that would be nice--and am actually thinking about that for one trip this summer--but normally not practical due to cost.

Thinking the Gitzo 1127 with the RRS BH-25 pro might be the ticket for me---I think total weight for tripod and head is under or close to 2lbs. I ws thinking the acratech head but seems like many have pointed towards the RRS or the Leica B+S(which I might also look into a bit more).

RRS says the 25 is good for up to 8 lbs or so---anyone used the 25 and have some advice ?

It seems like the 1127 leg angles are narrow--and from what I have heard they can easily be filed down to provide a more stable support.

I recently returned from a trip to Bryce and Zion---where I used my heavier setup(as that was all I had)--I really had no problem carrying it--but then I wasn't hiking 10-15 miles with it either.
And the best day of shooting at Bryce -- a storm was moving in with dark-ominous clouds and ultimately a blizzard--I couldn't get the 4x5 out of the car for the wind--but I did get some great shots with my Canon 20D. No tripod setup short of a fixed steel column would have worked.

I also did a solo trip to Langley in the fall--where I was testing some ultralight stuff for backpacking--and did not take the 4x5 because of the weight--in hindsight--I regret not having had the 4x5 with me--and came back with some feeble pt. and shoot digital images that were sufficient for snapshots--and the web and email.

Definitely a balancing act trying to find the "ultimate solution"--part of the fun seems to be in the hunt for the right equipment--just as in outdoor photography where much of the enjoyment comes from the hunt for the "perfect shot"!!

Thanks
Ron

[Jack Brady]

Opps - Sorry - I have the G1227 MKII - it has 3 leg sections.
Jack

[Bob Salomon]

Anyone read the tripod test article in the latest issuse of LFI on vibration and dampening of tripods?

[Ernest Purdum]

One fairly light and compact help to tripod stability is the metal tent "stake" shaped like a corkscrew. I think they are still available from sporting goods stores. Adjustment is easier with some bungee cord between stake and tripod.

[Sal Santamaura]

OK Bob, what's LFI and where can we find it?

[Jerry Fusselman]

Ernest, would you please describe the technique a little bit?

[Bob Salomon]

Don't know where you would buy it at retail. It is the magazine Leica publishes.

[tim atherton]

http://www.lfi-online.de/ceemes/show.php?lfi_index_english

any of the few stores left which specialize in Leica usually stock it

[Walt Calahan]

Here's something new which might not meet your needs, but thought I'd post it anyway.

Don't own one, but I find it tempting.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/pod/index.html

The Really Right Stuff ground pod can't get tall, but it only weighs 2.6 lbs. I do own some of their panoramic stuff, and found everything is very very well made.