Light Weight Tripod

[Geoffsco]

I'm finding that my Manfrotto 055 is not quite as stable as I would like, and have started looking for a new tripod. I carry my camera mounted on the tripod over my shoulder, and usually walk 3-5km on an afternoon out, so am looking for something relatively light. The main camera I will be using it with is an Arca Swiss F 4x5.

Any recommendations appreciated. I've done a search, but am not too sure where to start, and I havn't quite cracked things such as the Gitzo numbering code.

[Joanna Carter]

Gitzo GT2531LVL

Light(er), (more) stable and the levelling collar makes quick setup easy.

[Lachlan 717]

Kerry Thalmann's range of CF tripods are good.

[jeroldharter]

I have an Arca Swiss F-Line field camera too and went through the same process. I am very happy with my tripods now and would not buy anything different now if I had to.

On the lightest end for backpacking, minimalist travel, etc. I have a Feisol CT-3342 with an Arca Swiss Z1 ball head. The 3342 has 4 leg sections instead of 3 and is therefore somewhat shorter when packing so that is something to consider. But the tripod is quite stable and the quality is excellent. The legs flip over 180 degrees to protect the ball head and make a compact package for travel.

Later, I needed a rock solid tripod that I could use for an 8x10 camera too. So I bought a larger Feisol, the 3372. I could park a car on the top of that thing. It is still very light so using it hiking with the 8x10 is not bad.

I bought both of mine from Really Big Cameras:

http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tripods

[cjbroadbent]

Look at pro video tripods like Vinten, get a pan plate and throw away your head.

[E. von Hoegh]

Tiltall.

[Ari]

Tiltall is an excellent choice, as is Feisol (though a bit pricey).
I was looking into Induro tripods when they happened to have a sale. I bought the A413 for under $200; I chose an aluminum tripod because it felt more stable, and it was only 1.5 pounds heavier. It's still very light, and I've had no problem carrying it around all day.
It turned out to be a great tripod; I use it mostly for the heavier camera, a Toyo G that weighs 14lbs with lens and Grafmatic. I would recommend their tripods, esp. the higher-end line of aluminum tripods.
I also have a Tiltall, which is small, light and perfect for the metal field camera. You can get them for $100 or less these days.

[Steve M Hostetter]

I used to own the biggest tripod Bogen makes which is 17 lbs .. I thought I needed it for the 8x10" sinar P but guess what? I bought a used Gitzo carbon fiber pod with "NO" center column and it works just fine with even my 11x14 attached..! I believe it's only 4 lbs

[gardnermounce11]

Would Tiltall be the brand to go with if I'm looking for a tripod at or under $200?

[E. von Hoegh]

Yep. Likely under $100. Stick with the Marchioni or Leitz versions.