Lightweight Tripod for Large Format Recommendations

[sanchak]

Hi,

I am looking to replace an old Manfrotto aluminium tripod (5.5 lbs) with a lightweight one. Just that the combination with the old style Arca Swiss ballhead (1.9 lbs) while very steady is becoming too much to carry and hindering me getting out. I am looking at the Gitzo 1545T. At 2.3 pounds and 22 pounds weight capacity will it be ok for a 4x5 / 8x10 usage if the total weight of camera plus lens is less than 10 pounds. Longest lens used will be 450mm/19in.

It would be wonderful if you could make alternative suggestions as well if you think getting the 1545T for LF work is being too optimistic.

Shan

[Peter Lewin]

My own "lightweight" CF tripod is a Gitzo 2-series for my Canham DLC 4x5, so the 1-series may be a bit less stable than you want as an "only" tripod. But my travel tripod is an FLM Traveler, which is probably similar to a 1-series, and I've been very happy with it, albeit I've never tried it in heavy winds, or with anything heavier than my Canham. I suggest you send a PM to "Ari" (Ari Tapiero) who is the North American importer of FLM tripods; Ari has always been exceptionally responsive to tripod questions.

[prado333]

Berlebach

[JMO]

Really Right Mark 2 CF tripod; expensive, but well made and last legs you may ever buy.

[lcpr]

I’ve been happy with my Gitzo 1542T + Arca P0 with my 4x5 cameras (was a Tachihara and now a Linhof Tech V) but it definitely isn’t enough for 8x10. You have to factor in the weight of the film holders and the leverage a dark cloth will have over the head/legs. I use a 3 series Gitzo for my 8x10 instead, no complaints there. I suppose you could get away with a super light 8x10 like an Intrepid though.

[seezee]

I’ve been happy with my Gitzo 1542T + Arca P0 with my 4x5 cameras (was a Tachihara and now a Linhof Tech V) but it definitely isn’t enough for 8x10. You have to factor in the weight of the film holders and the leverage a dark cloth will have over the head/legs. I use a 3 series Gitzo for my 8x10 instead, no complaints there. I suppose you could get away with a super light 8x10 like an Intrepid though.

I carried my Reis J100 with a Manfrotto 438 leveling base, Manfrotto 410 geared head, & Hejnar Photo extended plate with F63 Arca-type clamp thru the Wichita Mountains for an entire day. About 12 lbs / 5.5 kg. Not fun, and overkill for 4×5.

I have the identical Gitzo/Arca combo as you and the next time I go shooting in the wilderness I'll be carrying them instead. Unless it's very windy.

[seezee]

I have the identical Gitzo/Arca combo as you and the next time I go shooting in the wilderness I'll be carrying them instead. Unless it's very windy.

One of the nice things about the Gitzo 1542 (and others in the series) is they have a hook on the bottom of the center column. Carry an empty sandbag, fill it with rocks or dirt, and hang it from the tripod to dampen vibrations. Dump it and move on the next subject.

[Jac@stafford.net]

I do not mean to be impolite or unhelpful, but this exact question has been asked so often, and even very recently that I'm encouraged to answer, "Use the search feature!"

[Audii-Dudii]

One of the nice things about the Gitzo 1542 (and others in the series) is they have a hook on the bottom of the center column. Carry an empty sandbag, fill it with rocks or dirt, and hang it from the tripod to dampen vibrations. Dump it and move on the next subject.

Nah. Assuming you're photographing in a place where driving a tent stake into the ground isn't prohibited, a much better solution is to carry a tent stake and a stout piece of cord, and run the cord from the hook on the bottom of the center column through the hole in the tent stake, pulling firmly upward on it to compress the tripod against the ground for each exposure. Then you can relax and leave it loose while you compose your next photo. When it comes time to move on, assuming you've chosen the right sort of tent stake, you can easily pull it out of the ground, brush the dirt off, wrap the cord around it, and toss it back in your pack.

The benefit of this approach is that it's not only cleaner -- no need to be getting your hands dirty playing in the dirt all day -- but usually lighter to carry and, perhaps most importantly, also far more effective at stabilizing the tripod, since a cord pulled taut doesn't swing in the wind as a bag full of dirt does, adding more energy into the system that the tripod will subsequently need to dissipate.

Edited: If you're photographing in a place where using a tent stake is prohibited or impossible, you can simply forego the stake and step on the cord with your foot, pinning it to the ground. You adjust the tension by adjusting the position of your foot along the cord ... works great!

[seezee]

Nah. Assuming you're photographing in a place where driving a tent stake into the ground isn't prohibited, a much better solution is to carry a tent stake and a stout piece of cord, and run the cord from the hook on the bottom of the center column through the hole in the tent stake, pulling firmly upward on it to compress the tripod against the ground for each exposure.

Brilliant!