UL tripod? WiFi SD Card? PC access? ...

[ATX-Hiker]

I finally bought a decent digital camera for my upcoming hiking, it's amazing the difference between it and my old $50 3MP I've had for years.

I was wondering if anybody makes a real tripod maybe 2-4' tall, that weighs a pound or less? Nature pics are cool but it would be nice to be in some of the pics if there's nobody around to snap a pic for me.

Has anyone tried that EyeFi ?, wireless SD card yet at a hot spot or where there is public WIFI?

One last one. The memory card I got is an SDHC, which unfolds to expose a usb plug. I haven't been to a public library in ages, I've been to college libraries recently though. The computers at the college had all sorts of security and locks on them; couldn't load cd, or put a thumb drive in it, and the only program that would open was internet explorer. Finally to my question.

Do the computers at the public libraries have all the security poop on them?

I ask b/c I still own the server space for my recently shut down biz's website. And i would like to occasionally empty out the card and upload it to my server for safe keeping and so I don't have to deal with multiple memory cards.

Thanks in Advance Everybody.

WB Rocks!

[BR360]

This is what I use...it can be strapped to a hiking pole, tree. etc., as well as stand alone.

http://www.rei.com/product/777250

Or consider http://www.rei.com/product/777251.

I don't know of any tripods other than "table-top" that come in under a pound.

[ATX-Hiker]

This is what I use...it can be strapped to a hiking pole, tree. etc., as well as stand alone.

http://www.rei.com/product/777250

Or consider http://www.rei.com/product/777251.

I don't know of any tripods other than "table-top" that come in under a pound.

I've seen the ultrapod before, how do you like it? Also how big is the velcro strap, i.e. how thick of a branch or post will it attach to securely?

[Sly]

I wouldn't think the EyeFi cards are worth it with cheap SD cards and card readers. Since your card already has a reader it's easy enough just to plug it in to a USB port and upload to your server.

It seems enough people upload their photos I would think you'd have a problem.

[garlic08]

I saw a guy day hiking last week with a tripod built into a hiking staff. The bottom 18" or so folded out into three legs. I'm not sure it would hold up to a thru hike and it looked pretty heavy, but if you're thinking about bringing a hiking staff anyway.... Sorry, I can't remember a brand name or where he got it.

[windy city]

I havn't tried this, but it looks like it would do the job. Weighs only 10 grams. http://www.thestickpic.com/

[MOWGLI]

FWIW, I started with an UL tripod and sent it home at Neels Gap. Most times I just held the camera, and a few times I propped it on a rock and used the timer. Worked like a charm.

If you're a pro photographer, I'd sad "bring it," but then if you were a pro, you wouldn't need my advice. ;) For the rest of us slobs, it's pretty much a waste of space and weight. That's my opinion anyway.

[MOWGLI]

What I would suggest to all backpackers is to make sure you have a case you can put on your sternum strap or someplace convenient. You don't want to be having to rummage through your pack when the bear is 50' in front of you. He won't stand there waiting for you to get your camera ready.

[Mags]

If you are considering the ultrapod, consider something like this instead:
http://www.joby.com/products/gorillapod/original/


Much more versatile.

It is just under 1.5 oz, but if you are into photography and don't want to carry a full on tripod, it works well.


I am a "serious amateur" (I guess!) so it is a luxury item I enjoy.

[BR360]

The UltraPod will go around something the size of a coke can, maybe a little larger.

I recently purchased just the ball-socket attachment part from REI (not now listed on their website) which is mounted with a female thread base.

I then epoxied an inverted scew (male-side out) with the same threading into the top of a hiking pole. This alone makes the pole a monopod.

I can then mount the ball socket to the pole, but with the added benefit of being able to then join the hiking pole with another, and a third piece of wood lying about, which, with a hasty lashing, will become a tripod sturdy enough to hold my rather heavy DSLR. This rig has served me well to make good photos at waterfalls, doing some macro work on wildflowers, and an occasional self-portrait (since I hike solo much of the time).

This set-up is lighter than the UltraPod, but is a bit of hassle.

Having looked everywhere for something usable and yet very lightweight for my needs (and I would say I am a serious amateur), including the monopod with the collapsible tripod-feet (too heavy and impractical for widely rugged terrain like in the woods), these are the best solutions I have found.

Not putting the gorilla pod down, it may be better than my solutions. You should check it out too.

[Quoddy]

I've been using a 1.6oz Joby GorrilaPod (http://joby.com/products/gorillapod/original/) for a couple of years. Adjusts to, and wraps around almost anything in any situation.

[dla]

I've been using a 1.6oz Joby GorrilaPod (http://joby.com/products/gorillapod/original/) for a couple of years. Adjusts to, and wraps around almost anything in any situation.

+1 for the GorrilaPod and or Targus brand knockoff. I use the knockoff and really love the versatility. I have a Pentax Optio WP30. I shoot underwater videos by wrapping the gorrilaPod around a branch. The design really lends itself to some creative shots.

[Powder River]

BR630 that sounds interesting. Do you have any pictures of this rig?

To the OP, I can second on the ultrapod II. I carried mine from Springer to Katahdin, and it was the best 2 ounces I was carrying. I used it countless times for sunsets, waterfalls, macro, etc, and I gladly would have carried it even if it were 2x as heavy.

As for a full sized tripod, the lightest one I know of is the Slik Sprint Pro (http://www.amazon.com/Slik-SPRINT-Travel-Tripod-Ball/dp/B00009R6QP), which is about 2 pounds. I think most people, even dedicated photographers would mail this home at Neel's Gap.

[grizzlyadam]

although it is a little bigger and heavier (1.8 pounds) i carry a Quantaray - QT-100 Compact Travel Tripod (http://www.amazon.com/Quantaray-291660520-QT-100-Compact-Travel/dp/tech-data/B00009V37O/ref=de_a_smtd). i have found that this works quite well for those long exposure sunrise/sunset/nightime/moving water shots

[Wise Old Owl]

I went with the screw in the top of my hiking pole, epoxied in with a nut on the top. I cut the head off and with a wrench pull the nut off, putting the thread back in place. I have had no trouble pushing the pike into hard soil or leaning the pole against a tree and using a timer. I like some of the previous ideas, but I really have this covered.


The wifi - library questions are out of my league. I haven't tried this all the way though yet, but my cell phone can ship the pictures home for transfer. I would use a 4gb micro ship in an adapter then remove the micro storage device and slide it into the cellphone. Select multi media, select all pictures and send to a simmilar phone - person on the other end reverses the process and slides the adapter card into a laptop. My wife and I have moved a few pictures back and forth, on a Nokia Camera phone 6000 series.

[Ramble~On]

I'm a big fan of GorillaPod. Light and holds tight.
I'm amazed at how well the newer "SLR Zoom" works and how much weight it'll support.

I like the smaller tripods like these cause they're perfect for the pack and let me get low angle stuff right down to the ground...nice for shooting waterfalls or for where a longer exposure is needed.

http://www.target.com/Gorillapod-Original-SLR-ZOOM-Flexible-Camera/dp/B000KFRSG4/sr=1-2/qid=1231314705/ref=sr_1_2/175-5193072-2675628?ie=UTF8&rh=k%3Agorillapod&page=1

They make smaller ones that would support a small point and shoot digital...they weigh less.

[rampli]

I havn't tried this, but it looks like it would do the job. Weighs only 10 grams. http://www.thestickpic.com/

I have the stickpic. It has a couple of drawbacks.

It is so small that I have "lost" it in my gear and been unable to locate it when needed, leave it mounted.
When mounted the camera doesn't fit in my camera case, new case on order.
Pole tips are always muddy and don't engage the stickpic well unless cleaned off a bit. I have tried rubbing the tip against my gaiters or boots with some success. In the end your fingers get dirty either installing or removing the camera from the pole.
Shot is limited to arm's reach. Good for full frame portraits of 1-3 people but difficult to negotiate a decent background.

On the plus side.

Very lightweight
Works well for a self-filmed video