My travel tripod is the Velbon 343e. It weighs 2 lbs and is 18" long
collapsed with the included small ball head. You can make it shorter by
taking off the head. Without the last leg section extended, it was at
least as solid as a travel Gitzo (don't remember model) I compared it to
and about the same height, so you would have to use it on your knees.
With the legs fully extended, it's 53" tall and, esp. with a little firm
but gentle downward pressure from the hands holding the camera,
amazingly steady. The flip leg locks are a real plus for travel because
they are so quick and easy to use. WAY faster than twist locks and in
travel, that translates into more shots with the tripod. The ball head
is nothing much in a way, but again, surprisingly good for something so
small and light, nice smooth action. I've used it quite successfully
with a Tamron SP 60-300, which is a fair size and weight lens for travel.
Probably won't last as long as a Gitzo in serious use, but at $70, you
can buy another and still be money ahead.
Weight may not be an issue in luggage, but it's an issue with me when
traveling because I still have to carry it around when not on the airplane.
A great tripod? No. Better than no tripod? Definitely! Better than all
the other junk in that size, weight, price range? Absolutely!!
Moose
Joe Scheese wrote:
Tripod: I do travel a lot on business and since 9/11 I haven't even tried
to take a tripod. I'm looking for something that folded up is about 17
inches. Weight is not an issue.
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|