View Full Version : SLR Tri-pods
Does anyone hike with SLR camera gear? Yeah I know, it packs on the pounds, but I'm going to do it and my mind's made up. Done it before, not for 4 months, but I'm going to go for it. It's 50% of my drive on the AT deu to a photography project im working on. Is anyone has, what tri-pod did you find to be the lightest but still sturdy enough to hold up an slr with decent lens weight? Nothing over the top huge...
Megapixel
11-24-2010, 19:17
Does anyone hike with SLR camera gear? Yeah I know, it packs on the pounds, but I'm going to do it and my mind's made up. Done it before, not for 4 months, but I'm going to go for it. It's 50% of my drive on the AT deu to a photography project im working on. Is anyone has, what tri-pod did you find to be the lightest but still sturdy enough to hold up an slr with decent lens weight? Nothing over the top huge...
joby gorillapod.
bigcranky
11-24-2010, 20:10
You might talk to this guy:
http://benbenvieblog.com/2010/09/tell-my-mom-not-to-worry-maine/
IIRC he carried a gorillapod for a small part of the trail, but mostly not.
If you try the JOby, you'll need the larger one. If you want something taller and more sturdy, something like one of the small Gitzo or Manfrotto or even the Feisol carbon fiber travel tripods will work, with a small ball head and an L-plate from Really Right Stuff.
Do you have the weight of your camera/lens combination ?
Minimum acceptable (to you...) height ?
Budget ?
Franco
There is no point and shoot digital camera quality that can compare to an SLR.
The detail you're gonna get will blow any point and shoot away IMO.
SMSP
There is no point and shoot digital camera quality that can compare to an SLR.
The detail you're gonna get will blow any point and shoot away IMO.
SMSP
burntoutphilosopher
11-25-2010, 09:29
have you considerred a monopod, like a tent pole with a tripod mount?
Odd Man Out
11-25-2010, 13:08
There is no point and shoot digital camera quality that can compare to an SLR. The detail you're gonna get will blow any point and shoot away IMO. SMSP
How about these?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1011/10112305highendgrouptest.asp
Greentick18d
11-25-2010, 16:18
I have the large and small gorillapods. They pretty much work as advertised. You can get a level shot on uneven surfaces, wrap it around tree branches, or perch it on hiking poles (1 for small point/shoot, 3 for heavier cameras). I use an older ULA Circuit pack and the small one fits easy in the waistbelt pocket. The larger one I can reach behind me and hook one leg into a side pocket of the pack. The grippy rings keep it in place and it is alway accessible.
have you considerred a monopod, like a tent pole with a tripod mount?
I think a monopod should be mandatory for DSLR toting hikers. Tigoat has a monopod option for their carbon fiber trekking poles. Gossamer Gear has one too, but you have to have the poles with straps, which sadly I do not.
Wise Old Owl
11-25-2010, 17:40
I think a monopod should be mandatory for DSLR toting hikers. Tigoat has a monopod option for their carbon fiber trekking poles. Gossamer Gear has one too, but you have to have the poles with straps, which sadly I do not.
I took the straps out and replaced them with large wire tyes that allowed me to continue to strap them over the pack. Saved 3+OZ
I TOO prefer the monopod and take my treking poles to be modified - drill a hole in the top insert the screw with a nut on. And epoxy it in. Come back the next day cut the head off, and unscrew the nut putting the grove back in as its removed. Monopods can be jambed point down in thick muddy dirt and offer terrific support, or just lean it against a tree and get back in the picture.
burntoutphilosopher
11-26-2010, 19:38
^^ i guess i was more thinking of scenery than having to be freestanding and get in the frame.
still, instead of carrying something extra; you simply use something you will have anyway for another use. might be worth the sacrifice
Feral Bill
11-26-2010, 19:42
How about these?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1011/10112305highendgrouptest.asp
None of those, afaik stop down to a small aperature for good depth of field. Also I think they have smaller sensors than DSLRs and interchangable lens compacts. It is a tough problem.
The problem is actually not "not enogh" but too much ...
Small sensors always give loads of depth of field, even at the widest aperture .
The smaller the sensor , the more (apparent) depth of field.
For shallow depth of field you do need a larger sensor.
Franco
Feral Bill
11-27-2010, 18:44
The problem is actually not "not enogh" but too much ...
Small sensors always give loads of depth of field, even at the widest aperture .
The smaller the sensor , the more (apparent) depth of field.
For shallow depth of field you do need a larger sensor.
Franco
In that case I need to be more careful about focus. I have too many pictures that are 95% in focus.
In that case , this should help you :
http://photonaturalist.net/how-to-isolate-your-subject-from-the-background/ (http://photonaturalist.net/how-to-isolate-your-subject-from-the-background/)
http://photoinf.com/General/Wendy_Folse/Composition_Part_IV_Isolating_the_Subject.htm (http://photoinf.com/General/Wendy_Folse/Composition_Part_IV_Isolating_the_Subject.htm)
Franco
Feral Bill
11-27-2010, 22:30
Thanks, Franco
FB
The last time I did the Hundred Mile Wilderness (9/09) is carried a Contax G2 with three Zeiss lenses, perhaps comparable to a good DSLR in terms of weight.
I searched for an acceptable, affordable tripod and settled on the Slik Sprint Mini GM (780 g). It's not full height, but that didn't matter, it was high enough. I got a lot of great shots and had a wonderful time with this outfit. With a tripod and a shutter release, your focus problems are over. The biggest problem was low light in the dark green tunnel. Makes a tripod essential for anything beyond snapshots, IMO. Most of my offhand shots were out of focus; shutter speed was too dicey in low light, even with 400 film!
I would never go for another trip like that without a great camera and tripod.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm checking out the link now. I am not satisified with a monopod with the type of night shots I'm looking forward to, the shutter will be open way too long and I must have a tripod.
kayak karl
11-29-2010, 20:02
the fact that this is in ultra cracks me up. LOL
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm checking out the link now. I am not satisified with a monopod with the type of night shots I'm looking forward to, the shutter will be open way too long and I must have a tripod.
Can't you effectively make a tripod with a monopod, 2 stakes and guylines? Non-stretch dyneema cord would be best. As the last poster said, this is the ultra-light forum. A big fat tripod in addition to a big fat slr is hardly ultra-light. You should be able to test this out at home. Right now.
There is no point and shoot digital camera quality that can compare to an SLR.
The detail you're gonna get will blow any point and shoot away IMO.
SMSP
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml
I agree with you to some degree, but this is still pretty interesting.
Anyway, check out this tripod thread at BPL. Neat stuff:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=14867
BJStuart
12-02-2010, 11:56
Thanks for this thread - I found this tripod which looks like the one they were using in the BPL thread:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1309
For $1.50 I figure I'll make one & see how I like it.
Some of those mini flexible tripods break off easily where the legs are inserted into the top part.
I would add a good amount of epoxy glue there. (just in case...)
Do keep in mind that they are meant for compact cameras. That is 10-15 oz max.
Franco
Black Wolf
12-15-2010, 12:27
Does anyone hike with SLR camera gear? Yeah I know, it packs on the pounds, but I'm going to do it and my mind's made up. Done it before, not for 4 months, but I'm going to go for it. It's 50% of my drive on the AT deu to a photography project im working on. Is anyone has, what tri-pod did you find to be the lightest but still sturdy enough to hold up an slr with decent lens weight? Nothing over the top huge...
I'm torn up about this..I so wanna bring mine but here's no way...I hate that I can't..{read; won't}..way to much weight ..I shoot on a Nikon D2H...but..
this might help you..since I don't know what you're shotting with??..what lens are you planning on carrying ?? IMO stay away from the mono..I have and use one all the time, I would never try to "rig" my gear to stand up on a mono...something about having a $4k body and $1k lens smashing into the rocks ...
soo ..here goes.. I have a Slik Sprint Pro GM...not sure what I paid for it but it collapses down pretty small and for a tri-pod is very light...it's holds my D2H with 300mm lens.. always use your timer so that any movement will "settle''..especially if you're going to shoot with a low ISO...you can use a small weighted bag hanging on the tri-pod to stabilize it..highly recommended if there's any wind at all ...
I also have a folding mini tri-pod that works well... but you'd have to find a perfect spot to place..it's great on tables... IMO...and I love the Gorilla-pods..won't hold the weight of a SLR and a fast lens ... FWIW.. I'm bring a Gorilla-pod with my P&S...Damn I'll miss my SLR...
back to the mono...if you're camera is never going to leave your hands..I use that... if you're going to do some self portraits or timed exposures.. use a tri-pod
lenses.. again..not sure what you're using but Tamron makes a 70-300 that'll stop down to f1.4--5.6 and is fairly light... this will cover most shooting scenarios...add a 18-55 and you'll have the wide-tele range covered..
here's a link to my website...http://DaringImages.com
can't wait to view your images here ...good luck and hope this long-winded reply helps.. feel free to ask me anything
Black Wolf
12-15-2010, 12:38
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml
I agree with you to some degree, but this is still pretty interesting.
Anyway, check out this tripod thread at BPL. Neat stuff:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=14867
Awesome Link...
Sassafras Lass
12-18-2010, 17:35
Does anyone hike with SLR camera gear? Yeah I know, it packs on the pounds, but I'm going to do it and my mind's made up. Done it before, not for 4 months, but I'm going to go for it. It's 50% of my drive on the AT deu to a photography project im working on. Is anyone has, what tri-pod did you find to be the lightest but still sturdy enough to hold up an slr with decent lens weight? Nothing over the top huge...
I envy you, you're going to have an awesome time! The AT is our priority but whenever I can add that D700 and some great glass to my repetoire I'm getting back in the wilderness and shooting my heart out.
Sassafras Lass
12-18-2010, 17:37
Whoops - repertoire.
Meant to add that I just got the Joby Gorilla tripod and I'm in love :)
I used to carry a SLR all the time (FM2n with 35-105). Recently it's been P&S. With all the light-weight gear I've invested in the past few years, no reason I shouldn't be able to splurge and carry my D40 and a couple of Nikon's light lenses. It's pretty small and light as dSLRs go and the results are unquestionably better. I have not been satisfied with the photos from the P&S.
Next trip for sure. :-)
In response to OP, I've carried a Gorillapod for the P&S. For the SLR I always just used a log, rock or a small stuff sack with some socks and shirts in it. Worked pretty good.
Black Wolf
12-19-2010, 16:51
http://thestickpic.com/
Here's a awesome gadget...not SLR worthy... but for us that'll be carrying a P&S...it's pretty kool....Damn I'll miss my Nikon
Jim Adams
12-19-2010, 18:03
In 1990 I carried 2 SLR bodies, 1 with B&W and the other with chrome. A 28mm, 50mm, 135mm, a 2x converter (used manly as an extension tube), a small flash, a shutter release cable, 4-5 rolls of film at a time and a small aluminum tripod. The tripod was only 14" while collapsed and carried along the outside of my pack. It would go to about 30" when extended. I used it constantly. In 2002 I used a smal point and shoot with print film. The 1990 gear was alot heavier but those are also the photos that are better quality and I like to look at. I shot 16,000 frames of film on the 1990 trip (13 months long) and only 300 frames of the 2002 trip (6 months). If you want memories take point and shoot. If you are a photographer, take the gear.
geek
I recently had this same dSLR Vs P&S debate:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=980700
In the end I think, for me anyway, practicality wins out. So far I've decided to leave the 5D2 + lenses & accessories home and take the G12 instead (but I still have at least a year to change my mind ;)).
Black Wolf
01-10-2011, 12:29
I recently had this same dSLR Vs P&S debate:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=980700
In the end I think, for me anyway, practicality wins out. So far I've decided to leave the 5D2 + lenses & accessories home and take the G12 instead (but I still have at least a year to change my mind ;)).
That G12 is awesome....and that's coming from a Nikonian....
There is no point and shoot digital camera quality that can compare to an SLR.
The detail you're gonna get will blow any point and shoot away IMO.
SMSP
This should:
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4624
This should offer much higher quality than most point and shoot at a much lower price:
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4621
I believe with these cameras, it ultimately comes down to the lens quality. If their lenses suck, then the pictures will suffer, but of course you could also put a low quality lens on an SLR with the same result.
ec.hiker
01-18-2011, 23:34
I am taking a vivitar tripod it weighs um 1.4 lbs while it is heavy I have figured out a weighh to cut down on the weight dramaticly which reminds me I need to get on that I am going o drill hole through the legs all over I think I can cut by a third like this if not a little more it extends to 56 inches and I got it for free at a yardsale they said the stuff the couldnt sell was going for free I was there neighbor and they gave it to me
ChinMusic
01-18-2011, 23:55
There is no point and shoot digital camera quality that can compare to an SLR.
The detail you're gonna get will blow any point and shoot away IMO.
SMSP
I carry an SLR (Canon 5D Mark II) out west, when hiking Yosemite, Glacier, Alaska, and other big time eye candy areas. IMO the AT is just not that photogenic, MOST of the time. If I were doing a thru this year I would just use my cell phone (there are some great Apps making cell phone pics better than you think). Pics from a cell phone are easily shared with others on the fly or sent to the web. On a thru its the people shots that will mean the most to you and you just don't need an SLR for those.
Celeste - If you are set on taking one you will prob want a regular height tripod over a Gorillapod. I find the Gorillapod great out west but you will find ground-level shots on the AT not as common due to the vegetation. A regular size tripod will give you more shots. Yes, the Gorillapod can be wrapped around a tree but in my experience the trees are not often in the right place. If you go too light on a regular-size tripod you will find that it just is not stable in anything but light winds. A monopod just isn't going to gain you much. That is more of a sports item.
EC Hiker
I suspect that you will save very little weight by drilling holes through the legs and risk compromising the strength of it...
Franco
Delta-Dawn
01-20-2011, 13:38
I'm glad I'm not the only one taking my DSLR! I know it is extra weight and I will scale back other things to compromise this but my thinking is that if I don't take it, it will be what I regret the most.
On the tripod, I have a Gorillapod and don't like it, it isn't meant for the heavier lens. I have another tripod/monopod that folds down small but is not so light that I worry about my gear. I only paid $40 for it at Wolf Camera (or Ritz Camera, same place different name) and while it isn't video production quality smoothness if panning, it is a good trail tripod and didn't break the bank (so I could get better glass, lol).
It weighs 3.3 and I know that is a lot for this ultralite thread, my camera is important to me, maybe more so than something else I might not need so it is a weight I will deal with.
http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/291660843.htm
BJStuart
06-08-2011, 14:58
I finally made one of the tripods, using the $2 mini tripod from dealextreme & some old Easton aluminum tent poles I had. Weighs 9.7 oz & holds my video camera & SLR pretty well. It's not steady enough for long exposures, but that could be remedied by hanging a weight from it. Not sure if I'll actually use it hiking, but it was fun to make & practically free.
I spotted this one in town yesterday :
http://www.zipshottripod.com/
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/zipshot.jpg
11 oz,44" H, holds up to 3 lbs
Franco
ChinMusic
06-08-2011, 20:08
Thanks Franco - That thing looks awesome. I'm sure it isn't the most stable thing but speed and weight savings are important too. Using the 2 or 10-sec delay should suffice. Needs a quick release.
I'm ready to order one right now.
ironman y2k
06-08-2011, 21:09
Celeste... when I was your age I used to carry all my slr gear and none of it was as light as today's equipment, so I won't try to tell you not to carry your slr; however, for those "surprise" moments on the trail you might consider also carrying a point and shoot that you can carry in a shirt pocket or strapped to your pack straps. You wouldn't want an expensive slr hanging around your neck and take a fall (which you certainly will). Anyone wanting to take a lighter camera with close to slr properties you might consider a Canon G12. 10 megapixel, 28 - 140mm lense, shoots RAW, and under 1 pound. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonG12/
I have that tripod specifically for hiking. It works great, and is pretty light. It's good if you're looking for a full height tripod.
The hight is kind of adjustable by either spreading out the legs really far to lower it, or folding them in a little to raise it up a little, but the difference is probably only 6"-8", and you lose some stabiity by folding the legs in a bit.
Still, it works just fine with my D40 and 70-210mm F4, so it can handle the weight just fine.
I spotted this one in town yesterday :
http://www.zipshottripod.com/
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/zipshot.jpg
11 oz,44" H, holds up to 3 lbs
Franco
Jim Adams
06-09-2011, 00:06
In 1990 I carried 2 bodies, a 50mm, a 24mm, a 135mm lenses, a 2x converter ( used mostly as an extension tube), a small flash, a shutter release cable, 5-6 rolls of film, spare batteries and a tripod. The tripod was aluminum, 10" collapsed and about 28" extended and very light.
I carried alot of photo gear but I have a degree in photojournalism and used 1 body with B&W and 1 with chrome film. I shot 16,000 frames in 13 months.
In 2002 I just took a point and shoot and concentrated on shooting photos of other hikers instead of sights....wasn't near as enjoying, photos sucked and I decided to never do that again. I will always take my SLR equipment from now on....it is worth the quality improvement.
geek
Brewerbob
07-26-2011, 07:54
My Pentax K20D with battery grip, Sigma 16-50mm, and Sigma 70-200mm weighs about 6.7lbs by itself. Last time out I took the 16-50mm lens and the tripod. Tripod weighs almost the same as teh 70-200mm. I can't imagine the gram counters wanting to carry that. If I was doing a thru hike I'd probably leave the 70-200 at home.
Camera (body) w/ single battery 19.9 oz
70-200mm 48.3 oz
16-50mm 28.2 oz
Battery grip 8.3 oz
Second battery 2.6 oz
Tripod ~ 40oz
Guess I won't make it into the UL Club.
I used to carry a SLR all the time (FM2n with 35-105). Recently it's been P&S. With all the light-weight gear I've invested in the past few years, no reason I shouldn't be able to splurge and carry my D40 and a couple of Nikon's light lenses. It's pretty small and light as dSLRs go and the results are unquestionably better. I have not been satisfied with the photos from the P&S.
Next trip for sure. :-)
In response to OP, I've carried a Gorillapod for the P&S. For the SLR I always just used a log, rock or a small stuff sack with some socks and shirts in it. Worked pretty good.
Well I did carry my D40 last month for my 125 mile section. Not at all bad. I didn't carry any tripod, just used the "whatever is available" technique. Only wished for a better solution a few times. I am MUCH more satisfied with the photos.
This D40, or possibly a D3100 (same size, better specs than the D40), will be carried on future trips. Well worth it.
Carried on your chest, it is even more accessible than a P&S tucked away in a hip belt pocket, at least that was my experience. It was always front and center, literally, reminding me to take a shot, but not at all annoying.
Why save your good cameras for mundane photos of the kids and Aunt Bessy? This hike is a once in a lifetime adventure for most of us - take advantage of being out there.
My 2 cents worth.
I carried a HD camcorder and a P&S camera on the PCT in 09. What I really missed was the low light performance of a larger sensor found on DSLRs. A friend I met that year carried a DSLR and his photos in the early morning and evening outdid anything I saw from all the P&S photos I saw. Thanks to the improved HD video performance of the newer DSLRs I'm going that route this time around.
These are the tripod choices I'm currently thinking about for a DSLR for my AT hike next year.
1) Nothing. On the PCT, I found I rarely used my minitripod and mostly used rocks/logs with a hat underneath to level my camcorder or camera. So I may get lazy and go this route even if I start off with something else.
2)I bought that zipshot tripod back in early 2010 and have played with it off and on. It works well for what it is. The camera will shake anytime you touch it so using a timer or remote is necessary for slower shutter speeds. It will also shake in the wind or even blow over (ask me how I know :rolleyes:). Despite its stability problems, its nice having a full size tripod on trips that I would normally be without.
3) Another idea would be the Trek-Tech TrekPod XL Carbon Fiber Monopod/Tripod/Hiking Staff (http://www.trek-tech.com/products/trekpods.html)(can be found for ~$300 at Amazon but can be used with cameras up to 9lbs, weighs just over a pound with a ballhead and quick release, adjustable height from 39" to 62.5"). Its a hiking staff that looks like a normal monopol hiking staff except the bottom will split into 3 short legs allowing it to stand upright. It still would have some stability issues due to the short legs on the bottom with the tall center of gravity but it doesn't shake as much as the zipshot. However the ground should be relatively flat if your camera weighs alot or it might tip. If you don't mind using a staff instead of 2 trekking poles, this might be a good way to go as it is a dual use item. They have a cheaper <$100 version but it weighs several ounces more.
Shutterbug
08-17-2011, 17:11
Does anyone hike with SLR camera gear? Yeah I know, it packs on the pounds, but I'm going to do it and my mind's made up. Done it before, not for 4 months, but I'm going to go for it. It's 50% of my drive on the AT deu to a photography project im working on. Is anyone has, what tri-pod did you find to be the lightest but still sturdy enough to hold up an slr with decent lens weight? Nothing over the top huge...
I use a hiking pole/monopod. Here is a link:http://www.rei.com/product/745686/rei-hiker-shock-light-staff
The top of the pole screws off and leaves a camera mount. It as worked well for me.
Brewerbob
08-18-2011, 07:20
I just bought this but left it behind on my last trek.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/687325-REG/Oben_CC_2310L_CC_2310L_3_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html
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ChinMusic
08-18-2011, 12:37
I broke down and went with one of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569063-REG/Gitzo_GT0541_GT_0541_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html
I used the head I Jacoby head I had on my Gorillapod and it worked great for my recent trip to Yosemite.
I will ONLY take it on what I consider photography trips, such as Alaska, Glacier, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, etc. I can't see ever taking it on the AT.
13609