Not exactly MINI related (unless you count me using the MINI to get me to trails), but I don't really know where to put something like this.

I'm looking for a tripod I can use while hiking; it needs to be able to collapse to less than 14" and would prefer it to extend to a normal size (so self-portraits aren't of my nasal passages). I'm planning to use a small point & shoot with it (light weight) but may take my XTi (with a normal lens, nothing big and heavy), depending on the length of the hike, weather, environment I'll be in, etc. Basically it needs to support a light camera, would be nice to hold up an XTi + lens weight camera. It also needs adjustable length legs for uneven terrain.

I'd prefer something light weight. I realize I'll be sacrificing durability for this convenience but I really don't want to carry more weight than necessary.

If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate them.

 

This Manfrotto (Bogen) tripod is exactly what you want:

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/sit...AN&market=MKT1


This one would also serve you quite well:

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/sit...AN&market=MKT1

 

Depending on your budget, you might want to have a look at the Gitzo tripods, too. The 0540 is carbon fiber, supports up to 11 lbs, and weighs only 1.7 lbs. That's without the head but a small, high-quality head like the Really Right Stuff BH-25 would work well for loads up to about 9 lbs and adds only about half a pound of weight. Not cheap at about $600 for the tripod and head (and you'll need camera plates, too) but it's not like it's something you need to replace every few years. Lightweight and well-made and durable is tends to be pricey.

 

I was actually looking at the Gitzo's this morning; while they are very sexy, the only one that folds short enough to fit in my pack was about double the cap on my price range.

Since I didn't address price, I'll do that now. I'd prefer to spend under $100, however for a quality unit that would last many years I'd be willing to put in up to $300-400. With my current budget I just can't justify more than that.

So far from the ones I've looked at, the Manfrotto 715SHB (first one bbqhog linked to) looks to be in the lead.

 

Feisel makes a line of inexpensive tripods. While they are not as good as the Bogens / Gitzo's, they cost a whole lot less and probably offer 90% of the performance.

While I do not personal own one, you might look at the Benro line.

steve

 

I bought several of the Ultrapod II, mini tripod with velcro strap, when I found them fifteen years ago. It is a great little item to take hiking and I also keep at least one in my pro camera bag. Two legs fold inside the middle V shaped leg. You can place the folded legs over a tree limb or small tree trunk and sinch down the velcro strap for a rigid support. I've used them on hiking sticks to make a makeshift mono pod, used them to support off camera flashes, etc. You can find them for around $20.

http://csigizmos.com/products/photography/ultrapod.html

 

I cannot recommend the Velbon Maxi or Ultra Luxi enough. I had one for 3 years and took it on tons of hikes, used it in snow, mud, sand with no problems. It did eventually break, 7 year warranty covered it no questions asked. Its small, sturdy and not too pricy.

-Joe

 

You might try looking at Giottos. I have a Giottos 9160 and it is a good quality tripod. It is a tad on the heavy side since it is aluminum, but it is very sturdy. The next step is looking for a good ball head. I use a Bogen 486rc2 for now but plan on upgrading to like a Markins Q3 soon.

 

+1 for Giottos. I have a 9360, its a weighty SOB but the things is built like a friggen tank, is friggen tall, and wasnt that expensive. I am not specifically recommending that model of tripod, however Giottos makes some quality products.

But that first Manfrotto that was linked to you would probably fit the bill the best.

 

Try Benbo. They are Chinese knockoffs (most likely illegal infringements of patents or trademarks or something) of Gitzo and Arca-Swiss ballheads...if the thought of that doesn't bother your conscience they they are a good deal. I bought mine before I realized what they were and have been so happy with them I haven't replaced them.

 

Not much in the way of a specific tripod but I wish someone showed me this artical before I purchased my first tripod.
http://bythom.com/support.htm
In that you want to backpack with the tripod take a look at the author's creds.

 

+1 on the link DaCrema posted. I followed Thom's advice on my second tripod and was glad I did.

However, based on the OP requirements, there is a conflict. A cheap lightweight with 4-5 leg extensions is about as good as no tripod... *cough*Kurt's POS tripod*cough*. You can get a lower cost AL model that will work well (skip the CF), but will weigh a bit more. If your goal is to go light weight, pick up one of these models. Inexpensive, small and light, easy to pack for backpacking. I've always have been able to find a tree, rock, post, stump, garbage can, etc to put it on and it's rock solid for a heavy DSLR camera. I've used it in places where tripods are verboten (inside St. Peter's Basilica with tripod pressed against a marble column) to take long exposure photos. I frequently toss these in the camera bag just in case and rarely regret not bringing my big tripod.

If you do decide to pack a conventional tripod, just make sure you get one with a hook at the bottom of the center column. Hang your backpack or something heavy on that hook to make it much more stable.

Just another data point for you...

 

Don't know if you use Nikon or not but for tripods there is some really good stuff on www.nikonians.org for any camera you might use.

 

By the way, I just received an email ad from Adorama which has the Manfrotto Modo Maxi tripod on sale, this week only, for $59.90 with free shipping. Adorama.com If this is the tripod you choose, that's a good price.