Light inexpensive tripod for travel

[Ron Marshall]

I am looking for recomendations for a light, preferably compact, and inexpensive tripod to use on an upcoming trip. This is for use with a Mamiya 7 so it doesn't have to be rock solid. I already have a good tripod for LF, so I don't want to spring for a CF Gitzo or equivalent.

I read the following review of the Velbon Luxi max. It sounds promising. I'm wondering if anyone has seen this tripod or if there is another light one they would recommend.

http://www.virtualtraveller.org/tripods/tripods.htm

Sorry for the non-LF post.

[roteague]

"Light, inexpensive" tripod? Isn't that an oxymoron? Sorry, I've always thought that Velbon tripods were junk.

[Bill_1856]

The Velbon VGB-37 has center column struts and is a lot more stable than the maxiF, but it also weighs 1.5# more.

[BrianShaw]

(I'll answer here rather than at the other forum where you cross-posted.)

It depends on what you really mean by "inexpensive". My 'light inexpensive' choice was a Manfrotto 3001 with a 484 ball head. Total cost was about $150. It holds MF rock solid. I believe "rock solid" is a requirement. I tend to agree with Robert about Velbon. Have you looked at the Calumet line of tripods/heads? They are relatively inexpensive and look amazingly similar to the Manfrotto line.

[Brian Ellis]

Feisol. Very light, carbon fiber, $210, includes padded legs, carrying bag, and shipping from Taiwan. www.feisol.com Price might be a little more depending on what model you choose but still less expensive than any other carbon fiber tripod I know of and seems to work as well as my Gitzo 1325 for a third of the cost.

[davidb]

search "carbon fiber tripod" on ebay.

[Ron Marshall]

[QUOTE=roteague;230498 Sorry, I've always thought that Velbon tripods were junk.[/QUOTE]

That's always been my thinking as well, and why I'm skeptical about the review I posted the link to.

On my trip I will shoot mostly handheld, but want something light to throw in a daypack for the occasional low-light shot. So weight being the main concern I am willing to put up with a bit less sturdyness.

[Ron Marshall]

Feisol. Very light, carbon fiber, $210, includes padded legs, carrying bag, and shipping from Taiwan. www.feisol.com Price might be a little more depending on what model you choose but still less expensive than any other carbon fiber tripod I know of and seems to work as well as my Gitzo 1325 for a third of the cost.

Thanks Brian, the Feisol's are exactly what I am looking for.

[BrianShaw]

$210 is cheap? You are blessed to have a much bigger checkbook balance than I!

[Ron Marshall]

$210 is cheap? You are blessed to have a much bigger checkbook balance than I!

The model I want is $165. You can't get much cheaper than that and expect any durability. If you go too cheap you just have to buy twice, so it's really a false economy.