Ok MINI photographers... I'm looking for some tripod advice. I'm looking to pick up a cheap travel pod that I can just throw in the back of the MINI and keep it there. Ideally, it would be light weight and kinda small, about 24 inches compacted. I've been looking at the Bogen Manfrotto 3011 or 3021. I'd also like something that's used as it's just going to get beatup in the back of the MINI... Any suggestions? What are you fellow photographers using? I'd love some opinions and advice! Thanks in advance!

 

See this thread: Tripod Advice

I wound up with a Bogen 3221 and a 488RC4 head. Both available at B&H.

 

I have two, one a cheap tablepod not very sturdy but gets the job done, (colapses to about 8in.) and one heavier tripod that rarely travels with me.

 

I have had real good luck with my Bogen 718. It is small and lightweight but still heavy duty. I like the fact that the head is all metal. Most of the half way decent ones in the stores had plastic heads, and I don't know about you but I don't want my DSLR held on/up by some plastic.

-Andy

 

The 718 looks nice, Andy. I've got a Slik U8000 tripod that is pretty much always in the back of the MINI. It was cheap (~$40) and has a head with a quick release, but the head is plastic. I've got not qualms about using it; it's pretty solid.

I also bought a Manfrotto 676 monopod with 3229 head for about $70. I bought it with the intention of using it at the Chicago auto show a couple of weeks ago, but never did, and haven't actually used it at all yet. I guess I'll keep it; it's a nice piece of kit, but what I *really* want is a super-portable tripod. "super-portable" means (I think) about 12" long fully collapsed, including the head, so that I can stuff it into a bag. The monopod does fit in my backpack, but kind of barely. I can't get my U8000 into any bag, no way, no how (just too long).

 

I got my nice teeny tiny tripod for $14.99 at Bestbuy, It's my best friend! I also have a Bogen Manfrotto which is huge and heavy and I think it's worth over $600 because it was a "Please don't dump me." present years ago. I've actually rarely used it because my point and shoot camera looks a little silly on top of a tripod that looks and feels like it's ready to go into battle. I keep holing onto it because maybe I'll need it next time I'm in 50mph winds.

 

I want something thats cheap and easy to carry in the back of the MINI. You never know when you're going to need it.

I'm looking into the Bogen Manfrotto 3001 right now. I'm not sure what head. Ithink that I like the idea of the $14.99 one from best buy. Looking for something nice, small and cheap for AMVIV... I don't want to hear a heavy pod rolling around in the back. Ideally it will fit in the boot without having to put the seats down.

 

Idealy my $14.99 one fits in my back pocket and expands pretty far. I love it and use it for almost all of my shots. The guy who sold it to me made a snippy coment about it's not a "real" tripod and if I wanted to take "real" photos it's not what I need. I couldn't help but laugh. I'm not an ego maniac but I think I've shot some darn good photos using that little bad boy. Heck, half the time I use the ground, rocks, books and whatever else is lying around. I say go for el cheapo regardless of getting another tripod, it's handy and that's all there is to it.

 

It expands up to 11.5 inches. looks like it went up in price, it's listed for $16.49. I'd check in-store
Here's the model I have

 

Thanks Stoopid, what camera are you using? I just want to make sure my D70 is stable when I put it ontop of a pod. I like this little pod thought, I'm going to have to get it regardless... Thanks again!

 

how big is a D70? I have a point and shoot. I wouldn't use that tripod for a "normal" size camera that uses lenses, it would probably fall over if you took your hand off it. I didn't even think about that factor (this is why I have my nickname :P )

 

I'd say the D70 w/ lens is about 4-5 lbs... I wonder if that little guy would support it.

 

Here's another option: http://www.thepod.ca/content/pod.html

Get the red one.

 

I've got an Ultrapod I, and will probably get a II for my 350d.

http://pedcopods.com/products.htm

 

I picked up a Gitzo used a few years ago - 18"-5.75'. Before I owned a Gitzo, I just didn't understand - they're just so great. Also got a light Bogen ball head. The whole deal was under $200 if I remember correctly.
Although that hardly constitutes cheap, it's bombproof.

IMO, stay away from those crappy "video" (video = crap) tripods. They're way too light & won't hold up to being kept in the boot. You can pick up a Bogen for inside of $70 & you won't be disappointed.

the billness

 

I use the same tripod as StoopidGirl with a Konica Minolta 5D DSLR, and as long as I don't put a BIG zoom lense on it I haven't had any problems. Even then, you can usually turn the tripod and still manage to get it to stand properly. That tripod has made two trips to Europe, been on a cruise, and more family/friend stuff than I can count in the past 4 years.

I will admit that after all its use, that occasionally the lock that keeps the legs extended seems a little loose, but for the price it is easy to replace and I will eventually replace it with another just like it.

I have a larger "more stable" tripod that I have had over 10 years that I have used maybe 5-6 times. It is a great tripod, but just too bulky to have to carry or pack conveniently.

 

I use the SLIK SDV-20 with my Digital Rebel. The tripod was only about $25 too! Works great.

 

I love my Gitzo. The things are just so well-made. Expensive but it's not like you need to buy a new tripod very often and these should last forever.

Mark

 

Gitzo is tops in my opinion followed closely by Bogen/Manfrotto. For heads RRS makes wonderful ballheads as does Kirk.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/busi...ess/index.html

http://www.kirkphoto.com/

My current tripod is a Gitzo 2227 Explorer in carbon fiber with a RRS BH40LR head. Not cheap, but my grandkids are likely to use these when I'm gone. Buy the best you can. If you don't you'll find yourself doing it again & again. Just like me.

For my point & Shoot (Olympus 5060) I have a Manfrotto 719B. I think it's been superseded by another model. It's a very nice tripod with an included ball head. Great for point & shoots, but not a SLR camera.

Good read here >> http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

 

I just picked up a Quantaray QSX 7001DX for $40 at Ritz Camera. Not too shabby, and it can go up to almost 6'! Gonna try it out tomorrow with my crappy point-and-shoot. Will post later...

 

Which Bogen and head is good for that price point? I want a tripod but I just can't see paying over $75 for it given the amount of use I would get out of the thing.

Right now I have a little "tripod" from Eddie Bauer that stands maybe 3 inches off the surface it is on that I use on top of things like posts, neches, etc. It is nice since I can fold it and put it in my camera case and not even know it is there, but certainly not good for night shooting away from posts, benches, etc.

 

LeeL, the cheapest Bogen tripod I see at B&H is the 714SHB for about $85.

I think I said this before, but I've got a Slik U8000 that I bought for about $40 that I'm fairly happy with; it's got a quick-release mount and seems to be fairly well built. I'd say for the price, it's hard to go wrong. I'd like one that compacts down to a smaller size, but I'm going to stick with this for a little while longer.