Looking for a tall, portable, sturdy yet inexpensive tripod
 

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a tall yet portable tripod for the XH-A1. I realize "tall yet portable" may be contradictory, but I'm looking for the best compromise. Basically, I'll be traveling on planes with the camera/tripod and will be using it to film focus groups (generally 10-12 people sitting around a large table). I need the tripod to be tall to get the best possible angle. I do NOT need any sort of fluid head/panning ability as the camera will be locked in place the entire time. So, again, here's the requirements...

1) Support the XH-A1 (6-ish pounds I think?)
2) As tall as possible
3) As portable as possible
4) Sturdy
5) Inexpensive (I don't need panning abilities, just something that will hold the thing)

I've found a bunch of possibilities and aid from these forums, but still wanted to ask for specific advice. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated - thanks so much in advance!

Bogen 3246
 

You might look into this one -- very sturdy for up to 24 lbs. Center crank column and leg extensions will go up to 89". Has center column brace. Collapses fairly compact but will have about 8" diameter when folded. May be heavier than you want (9 lbs) for hand carry for long distances in airports. Cost is around $250 at B&H, but typically is found as part of a kit with a head.

Matthews M-25
 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_System.html

I use it all the time with a Z1U...no problems...nice features...low cost.

if you can fit it in the budget, check out the gitzo gt3540xls. a photographer colleague had one with him recently, and it's impressive. carbon fiber, so it weighs 4.5 lbs. but supports a payload of 40lbs., and goes up to 6.5 feet without a center column. like most of these super light tripods, you would probably want to weigh the base down outdoors, but indoors, your primary shooting environment, it should be fine. the tripod will set you back $750 tho.

i got sick of carrying my tripod around, so i recently got some feisol sticks as a portable/backup support and i really like them. not quite gitzo, but are very solid and very light, and quite a bit cheaper. this one is 6lbs and goes up to close to 7ft with the center column.

http://www.feisol.net/feisol-threese...ripod-p-1.html

Thanks for the responses. Right now I've ordered a Velbon 607/F and the Matthews M25, and I'm basically going to see which one I like better, and to see if the Matthews is too heavy to lug around. (Like I said, cheap cheap cheap!!) I do appreciate the responses, and will definitely keep them in mind when my budget increases.

I just looked at the Matthews 25 at a local video supply store the other day and was really impressed by how nice it was.