Posted by Roger Rouch on March 25, 2008 at 9:05 AM
I think with all the positive reviews I've just about convinced my wallet to buy a G9. Would folks have suggestions for a tripod that is in the ultra light and compact category for very light travelling? I have a nice CF trripod for my regular camera, but thinking of something very light. Extension height is probably not a big issue.
Posted by Paul Inglis on March 25, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I like the Gitzo GT1550T Traveller Tripod. Very compact and has a ball head already attached.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on March 25, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Gitzo 0540, 0530, 1540, 15XXT
Slik 614
Velbon 540
All of these are light and compact.
Posted by Robert Ganz on March 25, 2008 at 11:39 AM
I opted for the GorillaPod SLR Zoom for my G9, with a Manfrotto 486C2 ballhead.
Granted, it does not give you the height of a full tripod, but you can wrap this thing just about anywhere.......
Posted by Jim Sabiston on March 25, 2008 at 1:20 PM
I've used two small + light tripods that I happened to already own. One is a cheepie aluminum model that came as a 'free' bonus when I bought my G2 years ago. It packs small, weighs under a pound (I think) and is nearly full height when fully extended. It has a plastic panning head type of mount and works just fine with the G9. I used it quite a bit with my old Powershot Pro1 with very good results. 'Stiff' is not a word I would use to describe it, but it gets the job done quite well. You can probably get a similar one for around $20 at most camera stores.
The other is a much better made and much heavier no-name brand I picked up for $5. Gotta love garage sales! Much stiffer with lots of bells and whistles, but when it comes to saving weight, the other one ends up on the pack.
The G9 is not a heavy camera, so there is no need to go for the fancy stuff. Those Gitzo models sure are nice, tho!
Has anyone seen the limited edition Gitzo Titanium Traveler yet? Drooooollll.....
Posted by Tom Nevesely on March 25, 2008 at 1:45 PM
When I want to travel really light weight with my G9, I bring my modified Slik Compact with a Manfrotto 484 head and a Kirk quick release clamp (My G9 has a Arca- Swiss style plate so I can use it on my big tripod too). This whole setup weighs just over 1kg.
I'm looking for a better tripod, one that's more solid and one that allows the legs to spread to different angles but I can't find anything that is this compact and doesn't cost a fortune.
I am curious to hear what everyone is using their G9s for. I have the G9 and it is a nice P&S. The stock agencies, at least Alamy, accepts the files. However, I would not make a print for fine art sale from a G9 image. I use mine either for stock when I don't take the 5D or for snapshots.
As far as tripods go, look for a used Gitzo 1127. I can get by using that pod with a light 4x5, so it is plenty beefy enough for the G9. Practically any stable tripod is, no matter how light.
Posted by Zack Schnepf on March 25, 2008 at 6:30 PM
I love my G9, I use it for snap shots when I don't want to lug my 5D around, It's a lot of fun to shoot with. I only shoot with it at ISO 100 or 200, it produces decent RAW files, but the noise at ISO 400 and higher is pretty bad. I have the Gitzo 1028 lightweight carbon fiber tripod, if you can afford it it's fantastic.
Posted by Roger Rouch on March 25, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Harley, I don't know where others are coming from with this, but I don't intent for a G9 to replace anything. There are times when I am out biking or day hiking when I would not take a bulky camera system or lug along something heavy in unlikely conditions and never take a shot. I'm picturing a system that will fit in my lumbar pack or tuck away for an overnighter in my backpack. My Bogen CF is plenty beefy enough for anything, but doesn't fit the small size and weight I'm thinking of. I guess I remember the ol film days and one of the reviews said the G9 would compare favorably with 35mm film. I'd rather have this quality than none at all. And I certainly can't see spending a bucket load of money for a high end tipod for this tiny little camera.
Maybe the G9 is indeed just a snapshot camera? I have trouble thinking of taking photos without a tripod unless it's pets, family or friends.
For the purposes you delineate, I think the G9 is very well suited. I am surprised how good the files look, but they just don't compare to the 5D (nor should they). As long as you have realistic expectations, it is an excellent little camera for what it is intended. If you are out on a ride or long hike and you get into low light, you will need a tripod to get a sharp image. The IS works great, but you might be shooting at speeds so slow, even the IS won't make it work.
Discussion
9 repliesSlik 614
Velbon 540
All of these are light and compact.
Granted, it does not give you the height of a full tripod, but you can wrap this thing just about anywhere.......
The other is a much better made and much heavier no-name brand I picked up for $5. Gotta love garage sales! Much stiffer with lots of bells and whistles, but when it comes to saving weight, the other one ends up on the pack.
The G9 is not a heavy camera, so there is no need to go for the fancy stuff. Those Gitzo models sure are nice, tho!
Has anyone seen the limited edition Gitzo Titanium Traveler yet? Drooooollll.....
I'm looking for a better tripod, one that's more solid and one that allows the legs to spread to different angles but I can't find anything that is this compact and doesn't cost a fortune.
As far as tripods go, look for a used Gitzo 1127. I can get by using that pod with a light 4x5, so it is plenty beefy enough for the G9. Practically any stable tripod is, no matter how light.
Maybe the G9 is indeed just a snapshot camera? I have trouble thinking of taking photos without a tripod unless it's pets, family or friends.
For the purposes you delineate, I think the G9 is very well suited. I am surprised how good the files look, but they just don't compare to the 5D (nor should they). As long as you have realistic expectations, it is an excellent little camera for what it is intended. If you are out on a ride or long hike and you get into low light, you will need a tripod to get a sharp image. The IS works great, but you might be shooting at speeds so slow, even the IS won't make it work.