I seem to always be looking for the tripod that doesn't exist. For travel, I would like a tripod which is not only reasonably light (under 4 lbs, or 2 Kg.), but which collapses to about ten inches (25 cm.), so that it fits in a reasonably small bag (i.e. a Domke 4AF). It would be used with an 80-200 f2.8 zoom at the longest. I wouldn't mind stooping somewhat to use it.

To collapse sufficiently short, it would need 6-8 sections. I know multiple sections detract from stability, but not nearly as much as leaving my tripod at home. The best alternatives I've found are the Cullman Magic II, but that gets much of its height from a very long (2-section) center column, and one of the lighter Gitzos, but these are still at least 13 inches long. I also think that the long center column of the Cullman detracts more from stability than additional leg sections. There are some very junky eight-section tripods, but they are very stable.

1) Does such a tripod exist? 2) Could one be constructed by combining a couple of tripods?

-- Hector Javkin (h.javkin@ieee.org), March 23, 1999

Answers

In the last line, I meant to say that, "There are some very junky eight-section tripods, but they are very UNstable." Sorry about the typo.

-- Hector Javkin (h.javkin@ieee.org), March 23, 1999.

I would recommend the Cullman Magic II tripod, others have commented on it here:
http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000Jjt
I'll use it fully extended with the Canon 28-135 IS and even with about 60mm of extension tubes. You will want a separate ballhead, but the main result of the stability issue is you might have to lock the head just above your framing range to compensate for slump. For your requirements, I'm not sure if there is a better solution other than getting a tripod that forces you onto your knees. This might of course be a good alternative with a right angle viewer. See this post here:
http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000O49.


-- Paul Runnoe (prunnoe@aros.net), April 18, 1999.

Whoops, that last post referred to your own inquiry.
Funny how a few of us are looking for optimal travelling solutions.
Good luck, and please let me know if you discover a great set-up!

-- Paul Runnoe (prunnoe@aros.net), April 18, 1999.