Low Weight Landscape tripod

I'm in search of a extremely low weight tripod setup for longer hikes, 5+ miles to use with my D300 and my 24-85 for under $550. Most of my shots are taken from my knees so max height is not a key feature for me, and will be in weather from 80 to -20 degrees, definately a lot of cold winter hikes in there.

I already have 3 other tripods, 2 great gitzo 3530's, one with an Acra swiss head so if I need some super strong support I'm all set. What I'm looking for is to cut out about 2-3 pounds so long hiking/snowshoing trips are better for my back. I do these about 25 times a year, so not enough to pay for a very expensive $600 tripod not even including the head.

Counting the GT3530S and the acra swiss head without the camera, it comes in at about 5.5 pounds, I'd like to be around 2.5 pounds or below. I've looked at the Gitzo G0530 and a Really Right Stuff BH 25 head.

I would appreciate any advice or alternate options to consider.

I have started using a Gitzo 1531 with the center column removed and replaced with a Kirk flat plate and a RRS BH40 for exactly that type of duty.

Hey YWguide

When I need to shed some tripod weight for hiking that's what I use - well, I carry the Gitzo 1058 and RRS BH-25 ballhead. I think my tripod isn't made any longer, and the replacement is a Gitzo 0540 or 0530. It's a nice little rig. Weighs about 2 lb or so. My only wish is the tripod didn't have the centre column, but it could probably be removed if needed.

Cheers

Carl

I use the same rig as E.J. but minus the Kirk plate. I removed the center column but screwed the hook back in to the opening. The set up is light and travels well. I will say the tripod is a bit pricey

Jim

Any of the 1 Series Gitzo tripods should work well for you. As Jim said, you can remove the center column and used the existing plate, saving you some weight at the expense of some height.

The GT1541 and GT1541T fold up smaller than the GT1531 as they have 4 section legs, but they cost a little more.

Live.com/ebay/paypal give u 25% cash back on equipment bought on ebay. u can get a brand new Gitzo GT1531 for $510-$127.50 = $382.50.

I used the same method to buy a Nikon SB900 (brand new) for $310 & a used (Like New equivalent) 24-85mm f2.8-4 Nikkor for $300.

Each purchase has a $200 rebate cap & it will take u 60 days to get the rebate deposited into your bank account.

Ebay & Microsoft change the discount every 3-4 weeks (20% on the low end and 30% on the high end)

Usually I work with a bigger Gitzo (Carbon fiber G1227 with Arca Swiss B1), but for very long hikes or trekkings (My last one, 25 days walking in the Annapurnas) I carry sometimes a small Gitzo carbon fiber Mountaineer G1057 with a RRS BH40. It's incredibly rigid for its size. I think now there are other Series O models. Series 1 are better, but I wanted an extremely light tripod I do not worry to carry at more than 5000 altitude meters.

The only downside is that it's not very high with the legs open (around 1 meter) and the long center column does not allow to put it very low. I use my EOS 1Ds MkII with 70-200mm f/2.8L IS on them without problems, although I usually use the Mirror lockup in my landscape images.

I know this little tripod is not recommended for heavy use, but one day I was hiking in Denali National Park and took many images of a Brown bear with cubs with a 500mm f/4L IS + 2X in the EOS 1DS MkII in that tripod with all his legs closed (I was seated in the earth taking the pictures) and no one was blurred! I do not recommend for that, but this gives an idea of the carbon fiber rigidity.

I just had my first outing this weekend with my 0 series Gitzo, a Gitzo GT0531 to be precise. I used it with my 5D + 16-35L or 135L with an Acratech Ultimate ballhead. Very light set up, the tripod itself only weighs 1.6 pounds, no problems with stability either. Not very tall at about 3.5 feet without using the center column but I generally stay low. I'm very happy with it so far and it's small and light enough that I will actually take it with me when I'm out shooting. I'm considering a BH-25 to pair with the legs, but I like having a panning base.

I use a Really Right Stuff ground pod with an RRS BH-40 ballhead for long hikes. It's incredibly robust; that combination has allowed me to get razor sharp 1-second exposures with a 6-pound 4x5 and a 720mm lens mounted.

E.J. Peiker wrote:I have started using a Gitzo 1531 with the center column removed and replaced with a Kirk flat plate ...

Reading the specs I understand that the 1531 now comes with a feature called "GROUND LEVEL SET This new feature allows you to remove the center column to save weight and get the camera closer to the ground. Uses existing components: the upper disc with reversible 1/4 - 3/8 bolt and the column hook assembly: Remove column and fix the disk directly to the upper casting using the column hook. No tools needed".

Can I assume then that the Kirk PLate FP-100 (does not fit 1531 according to Kirk) is not necessary if I want to use the tripod without the center column?

KK-

That is correct, you do not need the Kirk plate any more to use the GT1531 without the center column.

Thanks, Chris!
That's great and save me time and money ...

I would also have a look at the Feisol Carbon Tripods, especiallt the CT-3402:

http://www.feisol.com/english/standard.htm

I have no practical experience with it, but i'm considering buyin one for travelling, as my Gitzo 1410 is a little too heavy and big.

Looking at the specs: it looks quite suitable for your purpose and it is also not that expensive, compared to Gitzo.

Chris and I are looking into the GT0531 and GT0541 for the same purpose. See a discussion on this topic (similar to yours) here: http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/view ... 1&t=142210