What's the BEST ultra-light weight, compact 4x5 tripod you've actually used

[Certain Exposures]

My current 11lb tripod with a minimum collapsible size of 5ft makes my 2 hour walks nightmarish. I am willing to spend on something better.

What's your favorite 3lb (1.7KG) or less tripod that can hold a minimum of 12.5lbs and can ideally fit inside your backpack's water bottle pocket? I'm not including the tripod head in the tripod weight. I'd love to see one that allows you to attach your own head.

I didn't find a thread about this. Please link me if one already exists!

Thank you.

[Benjamin]

A little bit heavier that you wish at 4.3 lbs, but I love my FLM CP34-L4 (https://www.flmcanada.com/product/flm-cp34-l4-ii-tripod/) tripod for my 4x5 Linhof.

They have a slightly lighter model (https://www.flmcanada.com/product/flm-cp30-l4-ii-tripod/), at 3.1 lbs.

[Drew Wiley]

It exists in your imagination only. But you can come close. My original old carbon fiber Gitzo Reporter, highly modified by me (including tossing the center column), will compact down enough to fit inside a regulation airline carry-on, and is around 3 lbs. It's an original 3-ply version, and as light as I would personally care to go with respect to wind resistance. Their current version, available in 4-section fashion I think, and a little shorter and lighter, is unfortunately only 2-ply and not as rugged (I've seen those legs break). There is no free ride. But by modifying my Gitzo for a small platform-style head with turnbolt below, it is not only a more rigid setup overall, but alleviates the redundant extra weight of a tripod head, so overall, is a lighter setup. (I only use tripod heads on it for MF applications, not 4x5 itself).

But there are in fact, lots and lots of previous threads debating all this. Remember, it's actual rigidity that counts, not just alleged "dead-weight" ratings. Just like ladders.

[Kiwi7475]

Many options exist…. From all major manufacturers…
May want to check https://thecentercolumn.com/tripod-reviews/ as they cover specific tests/measurements that are quite relevant to the real world performance.

Overall ranking is here: https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/

[Bernice Loui]

Dead weight = Dead stability.
Trade-off will be unescapable.

First image lost due to tripod instability from being lightweight could "weight in" on this reality.


Bernice

[Drew Wiley]

You really need to test things in person based on your own actual anticipated usage, including specific camera, maximum bellows extension, maximum weight lens to be used, ground firmness conditions anticipated, what amount of wind you typical encounter - real-world variables. Published specs and other people's opinions only tell you so much. But I do appreciate and also find ironic, how the first accompanying article, at the head of the list of thse, on that thecentercolumn.com site, tells you why having a center column itself is a poor idea.

My own take is that there are times when you absolutely need a lighter tripod, like for cycling, long distance hiking, or perhaps airline usage; but otherwise, go for a heavier more rigid option. So I have both lightweight CF tripods as well as heavier wooden Ries ones.

[Bernice Loui]

Gotta wonder, how would a GOOD wood/composite surveyors tripod or a GOOD cinema tripod system fit into these charts?


Bernice



Many options exist…. From all major manufacturers…
May want to check https://thecentercolumn.com/tripod-reviews/ as they cover specific tests/measurements that are quite relevant to the real world performance.

Overall ranking is here: https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/

[Drew Wiley]

Pretty bad, lightweight wise. Probably way better, rigidity-wise. For several decades, I ordered up a private-label series of the best US-made survey tripods for sake of our own company sales to construction. Sometimes I'd sell these to LF photographers too. These were an excellent value and quite solid, with even the largest model going for only $200. They were super-easy to convert to photo use simply by substituting the standard 5/8-11 turnbolt below the head with a 3/8-16 one, and were fiberglass clad over wood core; but don't expect non-ferrous rustproof hardware like with an expensive Ries. Cheap IMPORT knockoff survey tripods, however, even though they might look identical, are miserably unreliable - slipping legs, hardware snapping in weeks if not mere hours, the usual issues. You get what you pay for.

[xkaes]

I don't know what "small" is for you. I hang my tripods on the outside of my backpack -- makes for easier access.

But in any case, there are tons of "lightweight" tripods out there -- but the shorter they are to pack, the shorter their maximum height.

So start with your maximum "minimum" height requirement. Then look at their minimum length when folded. That will narrow it down a lot.

Then look at the weight. You'll probably find several.

You can weed these out for stability, by setting the tripod at its maximum height, and draping your fully loaded camera/lens bag over the top of the three legs.

Some will loose stability and others will gain it.

Then let your wallet decide -- along with the other features of the tripod -- spikes on the shoes, easy of set-up, accessories, etc.

I use Gitzo Reporter Performance tripods because they let me get basically down to the ground -- where I often find myself. They came in many styles.

[MAubrey]

I enjoy mu Sirui AM-284. It's low weight is a result of what it sacrifices in height rather than in stability.

[Kiwi7475]

Gotta wonder, how would a GOOD wood/composite surveyors tripod or a GOOD cinema tripod system fit into these charts?


Bernice

Never seen one of those come in at less than 12 lbs. OP is looking for something in the 3 lbs range or thereabouts. If you know of brands/models that fit the bill please let us know.

[Doremus Scudder]

I'll spout a little heresy here:

Sure a tank of a tripod is more stable in windy conditions or when you're using that 12 lb camera at full bellows extension with a 450mm lens. But, all the camera has to do to record a shake-free image is to hold still for whatever fraction of a second (or multiple of seconds) you're exposing at. That's not so hard to accomplish with a lightweight tripod.

So, for field work where the gear is lightweight to start with and weight and portability are real considerations, a lighter tripod and head makes a lot of sense.

For field work I use a Bogen (Manfrotto) 3205 set of legs and the 3-way (Junior) 3025 head. It's not the lightest around, but significantly less expensive than carbon fiber (especially used) and gets my camera to higher than eye level if I pull the legs in a bit from maximum spread. If I need extra height in the field, I'll stack up rocks or logs or whatever. It holds my 3 lb Wista DX with whichever of my lightweight lenses I wish just fine (the heaviest of which is a Nikkor 90mm f/8 at 12+oz.). I can't remember when I had a negative ruined by camera movement on that tripod. In questionable situations, I have a nylon bucket with me that I can fill with rocks and hang from the center column (alternately, I'll hang my pack on one of the leg locks).

But, I'm careful when using a lightweight tripod. My tips: Have a lightweight kit to begin with (my heaviest load for the tripod in the field is under 4 lbs). Set up so the tripod/camera is well balanced and braced. In windy situations, shield the tripod from the wind and/or wait till the wind stops plus hang a weight from the tripod for stability. Watch reflections in the ground glass to see when the camera has stopped moving, and use faster shutter speeds if possible. Develop and use good cable-release technique; keep the release curved and release using gentle, steady pressure - no jerking or pulling. Still is still; it doesn't matter if it weighs 100 lbs or 3.

FWIW, I usually just carry my tripod in a hand when hiking, but can strap it onto my lumbar pack when I need both hands for scrambling, etc.

I've got a nice wooden heavy-weight tripod with a nice (heavy) three-way head that I use from the car and in the studio, but when I'm hiking all day in desert canyons, etc., I never bring it with me.

Best,

Doremus

[Drew Wiley]

A setup that looks wobbly is wobbly. If I have to stand around waiting for a setup to stop vibrating, even after a few seconds, forget that toy tripod mentality! You might get one crack at it, and half a second might as well be half an hour is there are wind gust or other vibration issues. Yeah, we get good at timing things. And maybe some people can afford to machine-gun a whole stack of sheet film per day, hoping that at least one shot will turn out good. ... Should have spent that amount of money on a better tripod instead.

[Paul Ron]

get a light weight tripod and from the center post from underneath, hang your back pack to give it the added weight to help steady it. use a bungie cord so the pack is in tension with the tripod, holding it down like a spring.

then after a few outings you'l probably go back to carrying the beast.... i did.

[Peter Lewin]

The travel tripod I use is a carbon FLM, I believe the model is the CP-26 and I have an FLM ball-head on it. FLM products are fairly expensive, but very well made. The North American importer is a member of this forum, "Ari" and he can also be contacted at ari@flmcanada.com. I've met Ari at a couple of trade shows, and corresponded with him by email, and he is knowledgeable and great to do business with. He knows the entire FLM product line, uses cameras up to 8x10 himself, and can offer you reliable advice. (No, I have no business connection, but I like him.)

P.S. I have a heavier Gitzo CF tripod which is my preferred tripod for more general use, but the FLM is the one I take on trips (packed inside my carry-on) and if I am going to be hiking any distance .

[rfesk]

I have owned the original carbon fiber Gitzo G1228 4 section tripod (with center column removed) for many years. Can't imagine putting 11lbs on top of any lighter tripod. And I own a super light/super small Sirui for travel with small 35 and 120 cameras.

[xkaes]

I'll spout a little heresy here:

Sure a tank of a tripod is more stable in windy conditions or when you're using that 12 lb camera at full bellows extension with a 450mm lens. But, all the camera has to do to record a shake-free image is to hold still for whatever fraction of a second (or multiple of seconds) you're exposing at. That's not so hard to accomplish with a lightweight tripod.

So, for field work where the gear is lightweight to start with and weight and portability are real considerations, a lighter tripod and head makes a lot of sense.
Best,

Doremus

I can tell you've never hiked in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming!

[xkaes]

get a light weight tripod and from the center post from underneath, hang your back pack to give it the added weight to help steady it. use a bungie cord so the pack is in tension with the tripod, holding it down like a spring.


That's a good idea if your tripod happens to hang a hook on the bottom of the column -- most don't. And besides, a backpack is likely to be way too heavy. That's why I simply drape my camera bag over the top -- with the shoulder strap around the three legs. Works great for increasing stability -- and with the top of the camera bag open, I've got everything at my fingertips -- lenses, filters, film holders, meter, cable release, etc. etc.

[Bill Poole]

A lot of good advice here. I might add that attention should be paid to your own height, as it dictates a comfortable working height for the tripod. (And remember that terrain often calls for spreading the legs wider at a loss of height.) Other factors being equal, taller tripods are heavier--sad but true for us high-rise guys (and gals).

[Vaidotas]

Gitzo carbon series II, I’m using GT2540 (1,4 kg with central column, no head, 4 section) for ~20 years mainly with MF with a biggest load ~4 kg (Hass 500, converter Mutar x2, Sonnar 250, lens support, head) and and never looking around for better option for hiking.

[Tin Can]

Why a big tripod?

I carry a tabletop tripod, very useful

I also use a very lightweight Printed 4X5 scale focused

Flashbulbs weigh very little with a capacitor/tiny battery

[xkaes]

Why a big tripod?

I carry a tabletop tripod, very useful

That's right. And if you need to take a picture more than a foot off of the ground, just out the table-top tripod on your head You can't do that with a regular tripod!

[John Layton]

Gitzo 1325 CF tripod w/1370 magnesium head for regular/heavy duty work.

Going light: Feisol "Tall Traveller" tripod w/photo-clam head - works great with 4x5 Calumet/Gowland "Pocket View" camera, carried with either a single 135mm lens, or with 90/135/210 lenses. This tripod also works well with my 3lb "minimalist" (cheap DIY plywood 5x7), but not with my heavier L-45A/57 cameras (which weigh just over 7 lbs.).

The above mentioned Feisol tripod was (smartly!) supplied with a load hook (screws into the bottom of either the "shorty" or regular column) which provides a convenient means of hanging whatever bag I might be carrying...adding a bit more stability when needed.

Do keep in mind what is being asked of the camera, as, for example, such a lightweight tripod, even when topped with a "lightweight" camera, might not be adequate at a near maximum bellows extension and/or a large heavy lens and/or a large (#3 and up) shutter, unless exposures are long enough to mitigate shutter-induced vibration. Lots of variables to consider!

Another nice feature of the Feisol (shared by the Gitzo) is the ability to spread the legs through several intermediate locked settings (can also set between these in a pinch) right down to ground level...but of equal importance being that this feature can also add extra stability, especially when setting up on uneven ground.

[Tin Can]

Tripod hat, great idea!


That's right. And if you need to take a picture more than a foot off of the ground, just out the table-top tripod on your head You can't do that with a regular tripod!

[esearing]

FLM Tripods - They have many to choose from . I wanted Tall and sturdy so went with the CP34-L4II. FLM makes a nice travel hybrid CP30-M5 or the CP30-S4 both under 3 pounds. You can also get replacement parts when/if needed.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51887687076_625614b361_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n48XCq)30 Dist 4x5 Norma Monocular Viewer (https://flic.kr/p/2n48XCq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The original Leitz Tiltall is surprisingly lightweight. Right now I am building a new to me highly portable 8x10 Sinar Norma. It's stable and solid and can be carried around is one hand for a while

[Tin Can]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51890455202_08dce51221.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5)Camera Head (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Certain Exposures]

Thanks for the replies (and the humor) everyone. I bought a tripod to test a couple days ago and it arrived in the mail today. There's a wind warning out so there couldn't be a better day for determining its worth. None of you mentioned this particular model so I can share my thoughts on it later if you're interested. If this tripod doesn't suit me I'll go with one of the first options listed here and work my way down.

[Paul Ron]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51890455202_08dce51221.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5)Camera Head (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

hahahaha that what you see is what you get analog version. 2ff!

[Bernice Loui]

Lightweight with ease to carry too.


Bernice


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51890455202_08dce51221.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5)Camera Head (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[xkaes]

There's a wind warning out so there couldn't be a better day for determining its worth.

One more point to consider is how much bellows extension you typically use. If you generally stick to shorter lenses you will have less of problem with wind than if you like long lenses. Of course, that's not just a "tripod problem". With any amount of wind, I don't bother to pull out my 300mm lens -- or longer. It's just a waste of time even with a 300 pound tripod.

[esearing]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51890455202_08dce51221.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5)Camera Head (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/R9zJb5) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

Needs a chin strap. You could put a canon 300mm on an autofocus DSLR body and use it for bird in flight shots. Where you aim your head you can follow the bird and use a cable/remote release. You become the human gimbal.

[Tin Can]

It has a tight chin strap

Very necessary



Needs a chin strap. You could put a canon 300mm on an autofocus DSLR body and use it for bird in flight shots. Where you aim your head you can follow the bird and use a cable/remote release. You become the human gimbal.

[Ari]

I've been working on this for a while. Lightweight, strong and compact are difficult but not impossible.
https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?163361-New-FLM-Ultralight-Tripod-for-8x10-and-smaller

I use a variety of tripods, mostly 2-section or 4-section, depending on how much adjustments I think I"ll need to make in the field.
The 2-section is very light and strong, but isn't compact when folded. Still, it's so light that you can strap it to anything and easily carry it all day.
Set up is very quick, too.
A number of 4-section tripods are very useful as well, they're slightly heavier but stability isn't an issue.
I test everything with a lightweight 8x10 (6-7 lbs), a smallness and a film holder. A 32mm or 38mm ball head is used.
I wouldn't call this the only solution, but it's one that is available when I want to travel light.

[Tin Can]

Ari, I will buy the 2 leg upside down Heavy Duty with new 100mm ball head

It will work very well for me sitting in a small folding chair, as I have done many times

Any idea of timing?

[Ari]

Hi Randy,
End of March is when they're due, I'll update the thread when I have a definite date.

[Tin Can]

Very good

I consider my tallest and strongest FLM a lightweight at well under 5 lb

OP, thread drift is constant


Hi Randy,
End of March is when they're due, I'll update the thread when I have a definite date.

[Tin Can]

OP has deleted his messages, he may

However we all lose when data is erased

Pity

[Jim Noel]

I have several Kodak (and other brands) wooden folding tripods. When set up correctly they are extremely sturdy. Any vibrations which will be amplified by metal and CF tripods, are dampened immediately. The one I use with the 8x10 weighs 20 oz.

[xkaes]

It will work very well for me sitting in a small folding chair, as I have done many times


Now all you need are a bunch of helium-filled balloons and a BB-gun.

[xkaes]

The one I use with the 8x10 weighs 20 oz.

I hope they have one of these in the George Eastman Museum in Rochester!

[Robert Opheim]

In photographing in the field, I find that the tripod that I need depends on how long the exposure is and how long the bellows extension is. It depends on what I am needing to do. As mentioned above it is defeating to use a tripod that will allow camera movement during exposure. I have found taking images with long exposure times and long bellows extensions that there is a need to have more support for the camera than a shorter exposure of 1/30, 1/15 of a second. Most of my exposures are between 5 and 60 seconds - with smaller apertures for depth of field. By more support I mean a stronger tripod and definitely better support between the tripod and the camera. Some in this forum recommend using no tripod head or center column at all. The tripod head / column is where there is a single point that is controlling all of the vertical cantilever movement of the camera / lens weight to the tripod legs - which are sort of a 3 dimensional truss. The best tripod head design I have seen is the Ries Head - but it very heavy - it has 2 points of attachment to the tripod top rather than 1. I have 4 tripods none are as stable as a Ries tripod system. My lightest tripod is a Gitzo 1325 MK 2 at 4.4 pounds and made of carbon fiber. It work fine (by itself) for 4x5 with shorter length exposures. All of the other tripods are heavier, and depending on the head and brace or second tripod - more stable for longer exposures.

[Tin Can]

Recently I obtained 4 wood Folding Tripods

Very lightweight

I think they will be fine in/on grass, spikes

My Ries Model C is far heavier

[ic-racer]

Many options exist…. From all major manufacturers…
May want to check https://thecentercolumn.com/tripod-reviews/ as they cover specific tests/measurements that are quite relevant to the real world performance.

Overall ranking is here: https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/
Are any of those good for 8x10? The reason I ask is I'm only familiar with the Manfroto brand and the only list light duty tripods.

[Kiwi7475]

Are any of those good for 8x10? The reason I ask is I'm only familiar with the Manfroto brand and the only list light duty tripods.

What type of 8x10? Like a Chamonix 8x10 or an Arca F line? Yes several of them would be ok, for example a Gitzo Series 5, or an RRS Series 3,, or similar. For a Sinar P2… maybe but it starts being a stretch…anything heavier than that I wouldn’t recommend.

[Ari]

What type of 8x10? Like a Chamonix 8x10 or an Arca F line? Yes several of them would be ok, for example a Gitzo Series 5, or an RRS Series 3,, or similar. For a Sinar P2… maybe but it starts being a stretch…anything heavier than that I wouldn’t recommend.

I used to use the Toyo 810M with the FLM CP38-L4 II, and on occasion, the smaller CP34-L4 II tripod.
They both worked superbly.
With an 8x10, the weak point will be the head, or rather, how you attach the camera to the tripod.
Two FLM ball heads can support the 810M: CB-48FTR and CB-58FTR, with the latter being preferable.
But my usual method is to use a levelling half-ball, mount a QR clamp to that, and then attach the camera. No head, camera stays low to the tripod, and the half ball gives you 15˚ of movement.
As long as you don't need to point your camera straight up or down, this is the most stable arrangement I've tested out in the field.

[Tin Can]

I also use a FLM CP38-L4 with the big removable spikes

and like Ari, the 100mm 1/2 ball

Sometimes I add a NORMA tilt head and a very strong QR ARCA type

I consider the combo lightweight, when compared with my studio tripods

and my gimpy hands can carry it easily

[Jim Jones]

I have several Kodak (and other brands) wooden folding tripods. When set up correctly they are extremely sturdy. Any vibrations which will be amplified by metal and CF tripods, are dampened immediately. The one I use with the 8x10 weighs 20 oz.

Long ago folding wooden tripods often served well. My pre-WW2 8x10 2D came in a 8x18x27 case which held a Folmer Graflex Crown No. 4 tripod, the camera, 7 film holders, two lenses, and smaller items. The tripod weighed almost 6 pounds, although it did extend up to 5 feet. For leveling and moderate tilts, no extra head was deeded.

[Drew Bedo]

I put my Wista 45DX on a • Velbon "El Carmagne 540", This tripod is mounted with a light-duty magnesium alloy "Gitzo G1177M" ball head.
Never weighed the combo, but it is just able to hold the camera adiquetly.