Absolutely smallest tripod of carry-on kit

[mdarnton]

I'm trying to put together a carry-on travel kit for a B&J wooden 5x7, and I'm curious what's the smallest tripod anyone here is daring to use for occasional use. I'm not looking for the "right" thing, or the best, I want the smallest tripod that will hold the weight without the top snapping off, and I'll take responsibility for making it not shake. It would mostly be used at around waist height for sitting portraits, probably with strobe, so it doesn't have to be tall or too stiff. If something like this would work, I'd be delighted: http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-5...pod+for+travel
Specs say it's good to 8 pounds, and my camera/lens/holder is 9, but off-balance on the head, front-heavy. It might be worth a couple of ounces more to make a mounting plate so I could center the weight, though.

Anyone got any great ideas? Budget is an issue, too, so I won't be spending hundreds of bucks on some carbon wonder. I am expecting that the weakest point, the place to worry about snapping, is going to be the head/tripod joint or somewhere close to that.

Thanks..

[RHITMrB]

Folds down to 16", supports up to 26 pounds, costs $250: http://www.mefoto.com/products/globetrotter.aspx

[David A. Goldfarb]

For travel, I like the Feisol CT-3441S--

http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Traveler_Class.htm

But you might want a larger head than the (optional) one that folds with the tripod. For larger cameras with that tripod, I use an Acratech Ballhead.

I'd also recommend the short column over the telescoping column, or you can do what I've done, which is to cut off the telescoping end of the column and epoxy the end cap in place at the open end (the column is still removable from the other end) to make a more solid, one-piece medium-length column.

When I'm traveling by air and not actively using the tripod and using a head that won't fold inside the tripod, I store it with the legs reversed and the head removed, but when I'm out shooting, I leave the head attached and don't reverse the legs. For smaller cameras on this tripod I use a Linhof Ballhead I.

[Tin Can]

I use an older model of this on a tabletop, car top, held against my chest.

It can hold a 4x5 Speed if tightened fully. Very sturdy. I paid way less years ago and it goes in any bag or back pocket.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=REG&A=details

I can bring it to our next meeting.

A balance plate would be good and small.

[Heespharm]

Sirui... Folds down to 13 inches and can fit INSIDE my bag

[JWebb]

+1 on the mefoto globetrotter. I have the road trip that I use with my dslr with 300mm w/1.7tc and have not had a problem. Fits quite nicely in my suitcase at 15.4" including head. I would think that the Globetrotter at 16" and a capacity of 26lbs. would probably hold the 5x7.

[Jeff Keller]

The Amazon tripod looks like a "copy" of the Gitzo GK1580TQR5. I have the Gitzo GT1544 which has one fewer leg sections and is longer when folded. It is surprisingly sturdy considering how light and tiny it is. I haven't mounted a large format camera on it but I sure don't think it would break. It is rated at 17.6 lbs.. The Gitzo does have a different fitting from the Amazon tripod, for mounting the head.
jeff

[mdarnton]

Thanks. You folks pointed me towards a whole category of tripod I wasn't aware of. I picked one, and it's on its way. We will see if I chose poorly! :-)

[Drew Wiley]

I have the original Gitzo Reporter carbon fiber tripod - a bit different than the current models, and fits in a legal carry-on. Tough as nails. What you don't want is
to depend of a center column for necessary height. That just equates to wobble when it comes to anything large format. Weight ratings mean next to nothing
because they don't tell you how your gear will vibrate. That Amazon thing looks like a pathetic toy and probably wouldn't even be sturdy enough for a 35mm camera fitted with a long lens. I don't know what Feisol has in this exact niche. I have one of their bigger carbon fiber units which is excellent with my 8x10; but
it's a tad bulky for a carry-on.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Another nice compact tripod of beautiful design is the old Linhof Reporter that folds flat with three legs all in the same plane.