Tripods Tripods.....

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Hi all, Thought I would pick your collective brain regarding a tripod. I am looking at a lighter weight tripod for hiking and packing for air travel.. I currently use a Gitzo 1348 for all around use.

I wanted something I could carry with me while travelling and also use for hiking, but it might have to support a 200mm-400mm lens when out travelling.

Hope that makes sense? Any suggestions as to what might work that is lighter in weight but would support the big tele lens if i were to use it while on vacation or travelling?

The other question is since the lighter tripods are shorter.. What is one to do who is 6'2" tall but using a tripod that is only 54 inches tall...

Narrowed down the decision to a 2540 and 1540.. Would I notice much difference in the 1/2 pound ???

First question: which 200 to 400 lenses? A 400 5.6 will give a lot more options than Nikon's 200-400 f4 zoom.

Well, it is the Nikon 200-400 lens... That lens would be used occasionally if I found some wildlife or something...

I use a 1228 CF Gitzo for my Nikkor 500 f/4. It is rigid enough but a bit short for my 6'2". If I had to do it over again I would get the taller and lighter 1227, or today's equivalent. At my age every ounce is important.

I use the 1127 for backpacking. I like it a lot, except it is SHORT. It holds a light 4x5. If it is windy, I hook a bungee cord to the hook and stomp on the bungee with a boot. Makes it rock solid. I think 1/2 lb. is quite significant if you are backpacking far and if you have a heavy pack.

Check out the new Gitzo 3540 LS - 3.8 lbs and 57.5" without ball head or the 3530 L SV 3.8 lbs and 58.3" high without ball head. Both around $650.

There is a similar post at the top of the Gear Review forum for other comments