Posted by Inge Johnsson on August 15, 2007 at 3:37 AM
Hi,
I am looking for a really lightweight tripod and ballhead for backpacking. When there is elevation to be gained every pound counts, so I'd like to complement my current Manfrotto 055 and 3001 tripods with something lighter. I have been looking at the Gitzo 0530 and 0540 legs and also the RRS BH-25 ballhead as interesting alternatives. What are your thoughts on these, and other suitable products?
I will use tripod with my Canon 5D with 28-70L, TS-E24, and 70-200/4 lenses mostly.
Posted by Rick Lundh on August 15, 2007 at 4:09 AM
Mark H just bought an incredibly light weight tripod and quick release. I am seriously considering getting it for myself. I'm sure he will share what he has...
Posted by Mark Hudon on August 15, 2007 at 11:17 AM
The tripod I just got is a Silk Pro 614 Carbon Fiber. It weighs 1.5 pounds. The ball head is the Really Right Stuff BH-25 with a quick release plate. 8 ounces. Total weight 2 pounds, it's pretty sweet. I feel fine using this set up with my D80 and 18-200 lens. (the tripod is rated to 8.8 pounds) I'm sure I wouldn't like it with my D2x and my pro lenses. Lightness is great but it costs money, this setup cost me $400.
Posted by Marc Adamus on August 15, 2007 at 11:38 AM
My lightweight tripod is a Gitzo 1540. This series, and the 0 series, I believe, are the best lightweight tripods in the world. There are many, many options within the two series. They cost $400-$650 and are worth every penny IMO. I've put mine through hell and back a few times.
Posted by Mark Hudon on August 15, 2007 at 12:11 PM
What does it weigh, Marc? I think I looked at that one but decided the cost was too much for how often I'd actually be using it.
Posted by Jeremy Cram on August 15, 2007 at 2:28 PM
I use a Giottos 1140 with a Kirk ballhead BH-3 for my backpacking tripod. It is very cheap $80, but with the ballhead it weighs only 3.4lbs. The BH alone is like 20 oz. I'm sure a very nice expensive tripod in in my future, but right now I just can't see the reason to shell out the money if this one is working well and not inhibiting me in any way.
Posted by Mike Stovall on August 15, 2007 at 2:34 PM
Geez, Mark, I googled Silk Pro 614 and the second link goes to a previous NPN thread where you mention this tripod!
But I'm pretty hard on my tripod. I've got the Gitzo 1228 MK2 carbon fiber, which is 3.4 pounds. There are much lighter tripods available now. But I do like that it can push the camera eyepiece way up to about 6 feet and it is tough enough that I can lean on it as a hiking pole when creek wading or climbing up/down river banks. If I had to make the purchase again, I'd get a 1540 series, though.
One thing to look at is the AcraTech Ultimate Ballhead. Tough as nuts and only 1.25 pounds. Nancy & I both have one and we have managed to beat em up quite good and they keep on working great!!
For tripods Nancy has a Bogen Manfrotto Carbon One 440 which I'm not sure exactly how much it weighs but it's super light and quite compact so it fits well on a smaller backpack with four leg sections. I have the somwhat bigger version of the same tripod with only three leg sections and it is slightly heavier.
Inge if you are in the Puget Sound area I would be happy to show you exactly what we use. Just ask!
Posted by Mark Hudon on August 15, 2007 at 2:57 PM
My standard Bogen/Manfrotto (carbon fiber) tripod with a Kirk B-3 ball head weighs 4.5 pounds (I have scales certified for trade by the state of Oregon, accurate to .05 of a pound). My new set up is saving me 2.5 pounds. I wouldn't consider 3.5 pounds "light".
Wow Mark 41 pounds is pretty impressive!! What all camera gear/bits n pieces are you including?? And what survival gear??
I once made the painful assumption that carrying all my lenses on a two day backpacking trip in Mount Rainier National Park was a "good" idea!! I paid dearly for said assumption and I won't be repeating that one any time soon!! I am more prone to taking my 17-40mm and my 24-70mm and calling it good with my Canon 1D Mk II which is indeed a bit of a beast in its own right. But hey it is my primary beast of choice!!
Posted by Mark Hudon on August 15, 2007 at 5:29 PM
Rick,
I bought a pack that weighs 3 pounds and got rid of one that weighs 7.5 pounds. I got a 1.5 pound tent, replacing a 3 pound tent. A lighter foam pad, buying food smarter and replacing the D2x, two lenses, 4.5 pound tripod (thirteen pounds of camera gear total) with a D80, the 18-200mm lens and a 2 pound tripod (6.15 pounds total).
Little things like soft water bottles, 1.5 ounces vs. 3.3 ounces for the hard ones, does save weight, it does add up.
I sacrificed no comfort or safety gear, in fact, I'm actually taking binoculars and MORE scotch than I had last year.
Posted by Inge Johnsson on August 15, 2007 at 9:35 PM
Thanks all of you, very helpful information. I definitely want to keep the total tripod weight at around 2 lbs, so it is probably going to be the RRS BH-25 ballhead, and the Gitzo GT0540 or GT1540. I will look at that Slik Pro 614 as well since it is quite a bit less expensive and taller too while still only 1lb14oz. The one drawback I see with the SLIK legs is the lower max load of 6.6lbs according to Slik's website.
- The Gitzo GT0540 is 1.7lbs
- The Gitzo GT1540 is 2.5lbs (but is a bit taller)
- The Slik PRO 614 CF is 1.9lbs
- The RRS BH-25 ballhead is 7.8oz with clamp
I thought I had just got myself a very lightweight tent at 3 lbs, but Mark H proved me wrong.
I live in Sammamish east of Seattle and I'm planning to hike up to the Enchantments across the Aasgard pass in early October (got the permit), so that is why I am taking a good look at the equipment.
Posted by Tom Kloster on August 15, 2007 at 9:47 PM
I thought I'd add a weekend warrior perspective, since there are more than a few of us lurking around this board! My criteria for tripods is something on the order of $100, and very, very sturdy. My stalwart over the years has been a Slik U212 behemoth that I nevertheless tote around with my on almost any day hike. It weights 6 lbs (ouch!), extends to 63 inches and has made my right arm a few inches longer from carrying it around for years (I'm actually on my fourth version of this tripod over about 20 years). I like this model because it doesn't have a freeform pan head - three separate adjustments, and I like that. This tripod costs around $100.
For trips where I carry a tripod in a pack, I have a Slik Pro 330DX that weighs 3.31 lbs and extends to 63 inches, as well. It has a different quick release bracket than the U212, and is a lot less sturdy - but works well for its purpose. These can be purchased for as little as $80, if you shop around.
I mention both options because for the more casual photographers, a price range of $400-600 might fly for a camera body or decent lens... but not a tripod!
Tom
Posted by Inge Johnsson on August 15, 2007 at 9:55 PM
Thanks all of you, very helpful information. I definitely want to keep the total tripod weight at around 2 lbs, so it is probably going to be the RRS BH-25 ballhead, and the Gitzo GT0540 or GT1540. I will look at that Slik Pro 614 as well since it is quite a bit less expensive and taller too while still only 1lb14oz. The one drawback I see with the SLIK legs is the lower max load of 6.6lbs according to Slik's website.
- The Gitzo GT0540 is 1.7lbs
- The Gitzo GT1540 is 2.5lbs (but is a bit taller)
- The Slik PRO 614 CF is 1.9lbs
- The RRS BH-25 ballhead is 7.8oz with clamp
I thought I had just got myself a very lightweight tent at 3 lbs, but Mark H proved me wrong.
I live in Sammamish east of Seattle and I'm planning to hike up to the Enchantments across the Aasgard pass in early October (got the permit), so that is why I am taking a good look at the equipment.
Posted by Mark Hudon on August 16, 2007 at 1:03 PM
At some point I would suspect, stiffness no longer becomes the main issue with a light tripod. Simply the mass, the weigh (or lack of), becomes a problem. Wouldn't the stiffest material known to man, Stiffentium, if it could be made into a tripod, let's say 8 ounces, be so light that the least little wind or touch would cause it to shake and move?
A hook to attach a strap to clip to a pack seems like a good idea for these light tripods. Put the pack in between the legs, clip the strap to it, cinch it down.
Posted by Kevin Pieper on August 17, 2007 at 8:30 PM
Marc, what are using for a head on your gitzo 1540?
I'm using a 1227 with a BH-55 ball head. It's about 5.5 pounds. It's not exactly light, but it's super stable for 35mm and medium format. I could shave a pound from it without sacrificing much stability, but it's just as easy to work out hard and shave a pound of fat from my body and enjoy the luxury of a sturdy tripod in the field. :)
FYI, I just carried it (plus a medium format system) up to the Enchantments from the lower route, which is another 1,500 feet or so and perhaps two additional miles. If my tripod had been two pounds lighter, I'm not sure I wold have felt the differenece. Once I was up there, it was nice to have a sturdy tripod to work with. (By the way, I think the lower access is more scenic and tranquil than Asgard, despite the extra effort. That said, if you're planning on spending all your time in the upper Enchantments, Asgard is the way to go. I've found Asgard a couple of hours quicker than the lower route, but it's more of a zoo in my opinion.)
Posted by Inge Johnsson on August 20, 2007 at 2:15 AM
Thanks. Well, I already have two other tripods that are quite stable and all that. What I am looking for is another tripod+head that is truly lightweight, ie. around 2 lbs, for strenuous backpacking. I understand that I will have to compromise somewhat on stability and max height. I am trying to minimize my total equipment weight, i.e. tent, sleeping bag, pack, cooking utensils, lenses, tripod, so I can actually make it through these kind of hikes without killing myself.
I am mainly going for the Enchantments, so that's why I picked the Aasgard route. Hopefully it is not so crowded in early October when I am going. And hopefully I can make it up to the Enchantments from the Lake Colchuck trailhead in one long day.
Hi Inge. October is awesome up there. The bugs are gone, the larch are golden, the air is crisp, and you never feel guilty about sleeping in (less daylight). You can make it up in one day, no problem. Just make sure you're on the trail around sunrise, so you'll have wiggle room. Note: If it has snowed lately, or if there's any chance of a storm, it behooves you to go in through Snow Lakes. That way, you can work your way up with lots of opportunity for shelter. Feel free to drop me an e-mail if you have any questions.
Discussion
20 repliesI am looking for a really lightweight tripod and ballhead for backpacking. When there is elevation to be gained every pound counts, so I'd like to complement my current Manfrotto 055 and 3001 tripods with something lighter. I have been looking at the Gitzo 0530 and 0540 legs and also the RRS BH-25 ballhead as interesting alternatives. What are your thoughts on these, and other suitable products?
I will use tripod with my Canon 5D with 28-70L, TS-E24, and 70-200/4 lenses mostly.
But I'm pretty hard on my tripod. I've got the Gitzo 1228 MK2 carbon fiber, which is 3.4 pounds. There are much lighter tripods available now. But I do like that it can push the camera eyepiece way up to about 6 feet and it is tough enough that I can lean on it as a hiking pole when creek wading or climbing up/down river banks. If I had to make the purchase again, I'd get a 1540 series, though.
http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ubh
For tripods Nancy has a Bogen Manfrotto Carbon One 440 which I'm not sure exactly how much it weighs but it's super light and quite compact so it fits well on a smaller backpack with four leg sections. I have the somwhat bigger version of the same tripod with only three leg sections and it is slightly heavier.
Inge if you are in the Puget Sound area I would be happy to show you exactly what we use. Just ask!
On a more serious note Inge I still suggest looking at the AcraTech Ultimate Ballhead.
(BTW, my eight day backpacking pack weigh is down to 41 pounds including a fifth of Scotch!)
I once made the painful assumption that carrying all my lenses on a two day backpacking trip in Mount Rainier National Park was a "good" idea!! I paid dearly for said assumption and I won't be repeating that one any time soon!! I am more prone to taking my 17-40mm and my 24-70mm and calling it good with my Canon 1D Mk II which is indeed a bit of a beast in its own right. But hey it is my primary beast of choice!!
I bought a pack that weighs 3 pounds and got rid of one that weighs 7.5 pounds. I got a 1.5 pound tent, replacing a 3 pound tent. A lighter foam pad, buying food smarter and replacing the D2x, two lenses, 4.5 pound tripod (thirteen pounds of camera gear total) with a D80, the 18-200mm lens and a 2 pound tripod (6.15 pounds total).
Little things like soft water bottles, 1.5 ounces vs. 3.3 ounces for the hard ones, does save weight, it does add up.
I sacrificed no comfort or safety gear, in fact, I'm actually taking binoculars and MORE scotch than I had last year.
- The Gitzo GT0540 is 1.7lbs
- The Gitzo GT1540 is 2.5lbs (but is a bit taller)
- The Slik PRO 614 CF is 1.9lbs
- The RRS BH-25 ballhead is 7.8oz with clamp
I thought I had just got myself a very lightweight tent at 3 lbs, but Mark H proved me wrong.
I live in Sammamish east of Seattle and I'm planning to hike up to the Enchantments across the Aasgard pass in early October (got the permit), so that is why I am taking a good look at the equipment.
For trips where I carry a tripod in a pack, I have a Slik Pro 330DX that weighs 3.31 lbs and extends to 63 inches, as well. It has a different quick release bracket than the U212, and is a lot less sturdy - but works well for its purpose. These can be purchased for as little as $80, if you shop around.
I mention both options because for the more casual photographers, a price range of $400-600 might fly for a camera body or decent lens... but not a tripod!
Tom
- The Gitzo GT0540 is 1.7lbs
- The Gitzo GT1540 is 2.5lbs (but is a bit taller)
- The Slik PRO 614 CF is 1.9lbs
- The RRS BH-25 ballhead is 7.8oz with clamp
I thought I had just got myself a very lightweight tent at 3 lbs, but Mark H proved me wrong.
I live in Sammamish east of Seattle and I'm planning to hike up to the Enchantments across the Aasgard pass in early October (got the permit), so that is why I am taking a good look at the equipment.
A hook to attach a strap to clip to a pack seems like a good idea for these light tripods. Put the pack in between the legs, clip the strap to it, cinch it down.
FYI, I just carried it (plus a medium format system) up to the Enchantments from the lower route, which is another 1,500 feet or so and perhaps two additional miles. If my tripod had been two pounds lighter, I'm not sure I wold have felt the differenece. Once I was up there, it was nice to have a sturdy tripod to work with. (By the way, I think the lower access is more scenic and tranquil than Asgard, despite the extra effort. That said, if you're planning on spending all your time in the upper Enchantments, Asgard is the way to go. I've found Asgard a couple of hours quicker than the lower route, but it's more of a zoo in my opinion.)
I am mainly going for the Enchantments, so that's why I picked the Aasgard route. Hopefully it is not so crowded in early October when I am going. And hopefully I can make it up to the Enchantments from the Lake Colchuck trailhead in one long day.