I have been reading the comments regarding which tripods to purchase and I'm more confused than ever so I thought I'd ask what everyone would recommend for my situation. I do a lot of traveling, mainly adventure type traveling. I like taking pictures but there only for pleasure, not money. I own a canon 28-135 IS, canon 100-300, and canon 100-400IS L. I carry all of this in a camera backpack which isn't very light after hiking for a couple of hours. Now I'm looking at purchasing a tripod which isn't very heavy but will hold my stuff. What would you guys recommend? Would sometime like the Bogen 3205 work or the Gitzon 1026 (I believe that is the number)? Thanks for the help.

-- Me (GPDMTR25@aol.com), February 15, 2002

Answers

This is a post from another board:
I bought a Bogen 3401B leg set and 3047 pan/tilt head. I really like the quick release plates and have 2 of them. They are very stable and I have never had a bad experience. The 3401 leg set utilizes the type of legs that can be tightened as the locks wear. I highly recommend you do not buy a leg set without this feature. In other words, stay away from leg sets that force you to "twist" a collar to lock the leg in place. Just my $.02 Mind you, the 3401B/3047 is very heavy. I'm schlepping about 8 pounds around with the long center tube installed. It does come with a short (8" or so) tube for macro work. The legs do flatten out for a very low set up for said macro work. With the legs fully splayed out, the minimum height is about 4". More about height issues. I'm 6'6" in my hiking boots and had to find a tall leg set with little or no center column movement. For us tall blokes, the 3401B hits the mark.

Click over to http://www.bogenphoto.com and look at their gear. I won't hesitate to endorse their camera support equipment. If it's in your budget, a carbon fiber model would cut back on the weight issue. It would do the same for your wallet!!

I can't even find anything on their site saying that Bogen makes a 3401 leg set. hmmmm I know I own it; it's right here next to me. I also have the 3231 monopod with 3232 swivel head. That was modified for my height also. I put a 4" spacer between the top of the 'pod and the swivel head. Now, I don't have to bend over when I turn the camera for vertical shots.

Another weight issue: you can buy a really nice Bogen strap that will go over your shoulder and disperse much of the weight of your tripod/head combo. Something to consider.

-- Colin Miller (miller.photos@att.net), February 15, 2002.

For adventure travel: Velbon Maxi 343E. Under 2 pounds with its ball head, over 62 inches extended or 50 inches with the center post down. It's has spindly legs but stability will still be okay with the 100-400 IS as long as the wind doesn't kick up too much. At least that's my choice. I don't want to pack any more than this.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), February 15, 2002.

Sorry, I guess I should have mentioned I'm 5-8 so I don't need something taller than that.

-- Me (GPDMTR25@aol.com), February 15, 2002.

If money isn't an issue get the Gitzo Carbon Fiber 1128 for B&H price $531. Get the Kaiser small ball head. If money is a concern get the Bogen 3001 <$100, with the same head. Good luck.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), February 16, 2002.

Go to www.robertwhite.co.uk and price the Gitzo 1228. Then compare with B+H. You will be surprised! I would recommend the 1228 over the 1128 since you go into the long tele range. Another point: You carry a lot of duplication from 100 to 300 mm. Do you carry two bodies also? Might you need two tripods as well? Maybe a monopod for the IS is enough.

You need a pack that is anatomically useful to carry the load. Look at the Lowepro Orion AW. You can change lenses with it when travelling on a camel. And lens weight does not matter much since your hips carry it with the ORION AW.

-- Frank Uhlig (uhligfd@auburn.edu), February 17, 2002.

I really don't want to spend $550-$600 on a tripod, that's why I was wondering about the Gitzo 1126 it a little more reasonable. What about the Velbon that was recommended? Has anyone else had good experences with that one. The Bogen that was recommended is way too heavy. Also 2 of the lenses have the IS, as mentioned by someone else what about a monopod. I never thought they would be very useful since you still have to hold the monopod and it seems like it's defeating the purpose. Thanks Everyone.

-- Me (GPDMTR25@aol.com), February 17, 2002.

Even the Gitzo 1228 at White will only run you around $ 400. Where do you get your prices from?

-- Frank Uhlig (uhligfd@auburn.edu), February 17, 2002.

IS works good with a monopod, I do it all the time. And I still vote for the Velbon Maxi 343E. It's the only one I'm willing to pack. But this is a personal preference.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), February 18, 2002.

I guess it depends on what you want.You did say 'adventure', right? I have presently, a 28-200 on an MZ5n. I often trek long distances, and have done some extended cycle tours, I cant carry weight. I have a hama clamp with a couple of little legs that screw into it that convert it to a mini tripod. I searched for this. It stands about 8" to the viewfinder. Its all metal. When its set up it can be balanced to support the camera. Usually with the body of the clamp fwds. I quite like doing panoramas. Its worked fine for me so far, but dunno about that 400 of yours. I can usually find find something to either clamp it on to or sit it on. with a cable release, its stable. It lives in my small bag and I just carry it, its always there. it can go anywhere. Remarkable what you can get by with isnt it? A.

-- anna edgar (anna.edgar@lineone.net), February 18, 2002.

Why not sell the 100-300mm and use the proceeds to get something worthwhile?

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002.