tripod for travelling/documentary: must be ultra portable!
 

Hi,

I am leaving soon to southeast asia for a documentary were I need to stay very moveable and low profile with all my gear. my libec LS55 is to heavy and to big for this kind a work so my quest for a more portable/practical one starts here. I know I will have to pay weight/size probably with quality loss but thats just the sacrifice I have to make. I was looking at the libec TM20 but it still looks quiet big when folded. who has some suggestions? my camera is a canon xh A1 with wideangle...

thanks a lot

does anybody has experience with this one:

Bogen / Manfrotto BO055MF4701H Professional MagFiber Tripod System (Black)

Bogen / Manfrotto | BO055MF4701H Professional MagFiber Tripod

What camera are you using?

I investigated this topic thoroughly last year when I had (and continue to have) similar needs.

I found two choices: (1) a very lightweight carbon fiber bogen (possibly what you list, but I don't know) and (2) a Gitzto combo.

I bought this Gitzo combo:
Gitzo G2180 Fluid Head: Gitzo | G2180 Series 1 Fluid Head | G2180 | B&H Photo Video
Gitzo Traveler (5 section) Tripod: Gitzo | GT-1550T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod with | GT1550T

(There is also a 4-section Traveler tripod that that doesn't collapse as small.)

The Gitzo combo is 2-1/2 times the cost of the Bogen, but it fit with other equipment I had. The Gitzo head doesn't have a leveling bubble on it, but Gitzo makes one that can be used on the tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...or_Series.html

Both the Bogen I saw (the lightest weight carbon fiber with the smallest bogen fluid head, supporting 7.5 pounds, I think) will do the job when being small and lightweight are most important. They are not as easy to use as a larger setup. I was shooting with a Canon XHA1 at just under 5 pounds.

thanks jack,

looks at first hand super lightweight but I am going to have to use it with my wideangle and ntg 2 mounted on it. perhaps once in a while with the senn G2 reciver also. is it not going to be a little to much for this setting?

grtz
niels

Probably something a bit heavier than the Gitzo Traveler and tiny fluid head would be best.

Before getting the small Bogen, I would try to see one in a store. I don't know if that's possible where you are.

The Gitzo series 3 Tripods are exceptional and very light weight. They can take any head, since there is a collar that accepts either a flat base, 75mm bowl, or 100mm bowl. (If you don't get what you need with the tripod you buy, the inserts can be bought separately.)

I have a Gitzo 1380 head with a Series 3 Carbon Fiber tripod. This setup is reasonably lightweight and able to handle up to 22 lbs. (the head, the legs support more and are very solid.)

The Gitzo head is 5 lbs. The Bogen 501 head is 3.5 lbs. It would seem the Bogen head would be preferable if it will support the weight you need.

The Bogen legs and the 501 head might be the best solution for what you need.