Hello fellow photographers,
Can you recommend a stick/monopod/tripod ideal for back country hiking?
I already own a Manfroto tripod, but it's a monster. I sometimes take to my backcountry hikes, but it contributes to almost half of my gear in terms of weight. It weighs the same as the rest of my backcountry equipment all together, thus contributing 50% to the total weight. It's great, it's sturdy, but definitely not for backcountry.
I also have a light monopod that is good as a hiking stick and the bottom extends to three legs to form a tripod, but it's so unsteady that practically I have to hold it to stop it from falling under weight of an SLR. And for vertical pictures it's totally useless. Not to mention the magnet is too weak to hold an SLR. It's a good walking stick/monopod combination, but definitely not a reliable tripod.
Is there anything in particular you can recommend? It needs to be light enough for a 12 miles hike with a full backcountry gear, but steady and strong enough to hold an SLR in a twisted vertical position for 10 seconds exposures. Is there such a thing?
Thanks
Cezar
Sounds like you have the same Trek Pod that I have. I dumped the magnet immediately and replaced it with a good ballhead. It's still shaky though and I have to wait for it to settle before tripping the shutter, but if I really don't want to pack my aluminum Manfroto tripod, it's better than hand holding.
It does help if I make the TrekPod as short as possible.
I think the best thing to do is to get a carbon or basalt fiber tripod. I've done a lot of searching and inspecting of different monopods and my conclusion is that I need to just suck it up and buy a fiber tripod.
Thanks Curtis for the answer. As to having to wait for the thing to settle, it's OK to wait, that would not be a problem. The main problem is that if I flip my camera to the vertical position, then the tripod itself is not balanced enough to hold it and simply falls to the side.
I wonder if they have anything in ProPhoto Supply (I live in Potrland). For me it's a one hour one way trip, and if they don't have anything then it's a waste of three hours for me. But I guess I have to make that trip anyway. I am sure there must be something available online, but I would like to feel the product in my hands before I buy it. This is why I am asking you guys if there is anything I can blindly order, pay and be happy for the rest of my life... :)))
I have a nice and light Silk tripod and the smallest Really Right Stuff ballhead for backpacking. The whole gig weighs 2 pounds but costs, total $400. I have an "L" bracket on my camera so turning the camera from horizontal to vertical keeps the camera centered on the ballhead. It'll set you back $150 though. It's the way to go, imho.
Discussion
5 repliesCan you recommend a stick/monopod/tripod ideal for back country hiking?
I already own a Manfroto tripod, but it's a monster. I sometimes take to my backcountry hikes, but it contributes to almost half of my gear in terms of weight. It weighs the same as the rest of my backcountry equipment all together, thus contributing 50% to the total weight. It's great, it's sturdy, but definitely not for backcountry.
I also have a light monopod that is good as a hiking stick and the bottom extends to three legs to form a tripod, but it's so unsteady that practically I have to hold it to stop it from falling under weight of an SLR. And for vertical pictures it's totally useless. Not to mention the magnet is too weak to hold an SLR. It's a good walking stick/monopod combination, but definitely not a reliable tripod.
Is there anything in particular you can recommend? It needs to be light enough for a 12 miles hike with a full backcountry gear, but steady and strong enough to hold an SLR in a twisted vertical position for 10 seconds exposures. Is there such a thing?
Thanks
Cezar
It does help if I make the TrekPod as short as possible.
I think the best thing to do is to get a carbon or basalt fiber tripod. I've done a lot of searching and inspecting of different monopods and my conclusion is that I need to just suck it up and buy a fiber tripod.
I wonder if they have anything in ProPhoto Supply (I live in Potrland). For me it's a one hour one way trip, and if they don't have anything then it's a waste of three hours for me. But I guess I have to make that trip anyway. I am sure there must be something available online, but I would like to feel the product in my hands before I buy it. This is why I am asking you guys if there is anything I can blindly order, pay and be happy for the rest of my life... :)))