Travel Tripod

[debrown]

I am desperately looking for a tripod to take along with me on an upcoming trip. It seems all of the tripods I own are big and heavy and really not suited for travelling. My own research keeps pointing me to a tripod made in Taiwan (only) called the "Feisol CT3441". I sent them an email but they say it would be almost impossible to gaurantee delivery by Friday, Nov 30. Gitzo has a travel tripod, the 1550T, whose specs are right but is a bit pricey at $600+.

Anyone have any ideas on a unit that clocks in at about 2-2.5lbs and has a pretty good load bearing spec (10lbs or better), a hook to hang a weight (camera bag) for stability, and max height of 55" to 60" or better...And one for which I won't have to take out a second mortgage.

[rpk717]

Don,

Will you be shooting out the top of a vehicle? If so why not a good bean bag?

[debrown]

Yeh, I have a good beanbag...but something inside of me says take a tripod also. One of my ventures will be to a day at the Rondevlei Nature Reserve which is one of the premier birding locations in South Africa. This day will be mostly on foot and sitting in blinds and a tripod could surely be helpful.
I have finally settled on a carbon fiber SLIK tripod that I already own (2.2lbs and extends to 57inches) and I bought a light ballhead from Really Right Stuff. It is rated for 13lbs and if I hang my bag on the center post, everything should be okay.

thanks for responding!!!

[rpk717]

I'll try not to suggest too many assignments for your plate at the board meeting, but you know how easy it is to assign projects to those that are not at the meeting.:eek:

Seriously have a great trip, be safe and bring back a bunch of great shots.:)

See you soon!