Best travel tripod/gimbal setup?

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Michelelabelle

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I'm going on some bird trips this year and need help choosing the best travel tripod with lightweight gimbal head set up for my Sony A1 with 200-600. Closer to home I use a monopod and Wimberly head. I have a fine RRS tripod with gimbal head - but it's too heavy to carry more than a short distance. Apparently on these trips the monopod is not a great solution. Recommendations much appreciated!
 
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If it's what you are accustomed to using and get good results then why isn't the monopod w/gimbal a good solution? IMO a monopod is just as useful as a lightweight tripod for wildlife shooting. If you can't have a solid(i.e. large/heavy) tripod then why bother? None of us enjoy using heavy gear. We do it because it works. So if you've already decided that's not an option then why shoot with something that you'd normally consider unacceptable? IMO if you have a monopod option that you're happy with stick with it.
 
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NorthernFocus said:
If it's what you are accustomed to using and get good results then why isn't the monopod w/gimbal a good solution? IMO a monopod is just as useful as a lightweight tripod for wildlife shooting. If you can't have a solid(i.e. large/heavy) tripod then why bother? None of us enjoy using heavy gear. We do it because it works. So if you've already decided that's not an option then why shoot with something that you'd normally consider unacceptable? IMO if you have a monopod option that you're happy with stick with it.
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I actually agree with you. However trip leader is firm
That a tripod is essential for this particular trip.
 
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Will there be a lot of walking involved while shooting? If not why not carry your normal tripod/gimbal and pack it in your checked luggage. I've traveled a good bit with my full size pod and wimberly. The baggage handlers don't seem to mind the weight :)
 
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Michelelabelle said:
Excellent thinking. I do worry about checking the tripod through.
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Honestly I doubt that the average person has the slightest clue as to what a tripod is worth so it's not likely on the radar for thievery. If worried about the bag getting lost you could double down and carry your monopod in you camera pack as a throw down. Also if the tour leader is over emphasizing the tripod requirement you might end up being able to shoot with the monopod.
 
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Michelelabelle said:
I’m not reven sure where to start with that - can you give me some examples of a range? That said, I’d like to keep it under $1,000 if quality can ge found at that level.
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That is a reasonable range to work for most folks. My recommendation would be based on a ballhead and Wimberley sidekick since they could pack down easily. If you get other recommendations of a gimbal that is compact or breaks down easily, then give it consideration. I am recommending the Sidekick because I am familiar with it.

If you were to pair a ballhead with it, you should have some reasonable choices that are of good quality, yet compact. Two examples that some to mind are from Markins and RRS. The Markins Q3 has been around forever and is reasonably small. And RRS has the BH-25 (or 30). I am sure there are other compact options, but this should give you something to start with as you look to make a short list.

Finally, you need a set of legs (pardon the bad pun). If you are traveling by plane, then both size and weight will weight heavily in the decision process. You also ideally need a tripod that will reach proper height (ideally without ca center column). Carbon fiber will keep the weight down, but size will be dictated by the legs, and the more legs you have, the m ore you may have to worry about stability and vibrations. Feisol has some decent legs that you could consider without breaking the bank. There is always Gitzo, but their is a price premium for the brand.

There are choice above and below the starting suggestions that I have mentioned. Much of where you land will depend on what you are or are not willing to accept. Look a bit and post back with more questions. I am sure you will get more suggestions.

Good luck,

--Ken
 
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In a recent trip to Alaska where there was very severe weight restrictions, I used a flex shooter (middle size). Worked will for D850 w/ grip + 180-400. Not as good as Wimberley but well enough. Highly recommended.
 
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Replytoken said:
That is a reasonable range to work for most folks. My recommendation would be based on a ballhead and Wimberley sidekick since they could pack down easily. If you get other recommendations of a gimbal that is compact or breaks down easily, then give it consideration. I am recommending the Sidekick because I am familiar with it.

If you were to pair a ballhead with it, you should have some reasonable choices that are of good quality, yet compact. Two examples that some to mind are from Markins and RRS. The Markins Q3 has been around forever and is reasonably small. And RRS has the BH-25 (or 30). I am sure there are other compact options, but this should give you something to start with as you look to make a short list.

Finally, you need a set of legs (pardon the bad pun). If you are traveling by plane, then both size and weight will weight heavily in the decision process. You also ideally need a tripod that will reach proper height (ideally without ca center column). Carbon fiber will keep the weight down, but size will be dictated by the legs, and the more legs you have, the m ore you may have to worry about stability and vibrations. Feisol has some decent legs that you could consider without breaking the bank. There is always Gitzo, but their is a price premium for the brand.

There are choice above and below the starting suggestions that I have mentioned. Much of where you land will depend on what you are or are not willing to accept. Look a bit and post back with more questions. I am sure you will get more suggestions.

Good luck,

--Ken
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Great info and ideas, thank you!
 
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I have a trip where we shoot from blinds and a tripod is "needed". I typically never use a tripod preferring a Benro monopod and a monogimbal. Nevertheless I purchased a Sirui tripod and a Movo gimple because the combo was light and cheap.

Understand that I almost always shoot hand-held (D500-500pf), occasionally with the Benro/monogimble and rarely drop below 1/2000 so This was to me a VERY infrequent use. This setup should not be confused with a proper tripod/gimbal setup (which I have). It was just purchased for this specific trip. and I hope that I never use it.

Tom
 
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Would think a smallish Gitzo mountaineer and a Winberly sidekick might fit the bill, not too heavy. Smaller RRS tripod too, but more expensive. I've never had anything damaged in my checked bag. Anymore, I use a big Pelican as my checked bag. My tripod I wrap with clothes and position it along the centerline away from the sides. I usually pack some smaller padded lens/camera bags for day trips, and these work great for accommodating a ball head or sidekick. Good luck whichever way you go!
 
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Viseguy said:
Would think a smallish Gitzo mountaineer and a Winberly sidekick might fit the bill, not too heavy. Smaller RRS tripod too, but more expensive. I've never had anything damaged in my checked bag. Anymore, I use a big Pelican as my checked bag. My tripod I wrap with clothes and position it along the centerline away from the sides. I usually pack some smaller padded lens/camera bags for day trips, and these work great for accommodating a ball head or sidekick. Good luck whichever way you go!
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Thanks, great suggestions. My worry about the checked bag was if I simply checked the tripod in its own padded bag. No way would my RRS tripod fit into my luggage! ;.)
 
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Tom Reynolds said:
I have a trip where we shoot from blinds and a tripod is "needed". I typically never use a tripod preferring a Benro monopod and a monogimbal. Nevertheless I purchased a Sirui tripod and a Movo gimple because the combo was light and cheap.

Understand that I almost always shoot hand-held (D500-500pf), occasionally with the Benro/monogimble and rarely drop below 1/2000 so This was to me a VERY infrequent use. This setup should not be confused with a proper tripod/gimbal setup (which I have). It was just purchased for this specific trip. and I hope that I never use it.

Tom
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I'm in exactly that boat. I typically shoot with a monopod and Wimberly head. I have a heavy duty tripod and gimbal head - but they are far too bulky for travel.
I will likely do something very similar to what you suggest. Thanks!
 
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Michelelabelle said:
I'm in exactly that boat. I typically shoot with a monopod and Wimberly head. I have a heavy duty tripod and gimbal head - but they are far too bulky for travel.
I will likely do something very similar to what you suggest. Thanks!
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Movo GH700 MKII Professional Gimbal.
Sirui T2005X TX Series Tripod Legs 5 Section 61" Height Aluminum

Less than $300 total including tax on Amazon.

This combo does not provide the rock solid base that a heavy duty setup does BUT I question why that is necessary any longer when a D500 will produce good pictures at 1600 or 3200 ISO. The days of shooting moving wildlife as ISO 100 are history, at least for me. What this setup will do is give you gimble head accuracy in a stationary setting. If on the move I would shoot handheld and if needing a TC I would use the Benro mono-gimble but I purchased this rig for shooting from blinds on a South Texas ranch. I bet, however, If I see birds in flight I will hand hold.

Tom

D-500 500pf
 
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Tom Reynolds said:
Movo GH700 MKII Professional Gimbal.
Sirui T2005X TX Series Tripod Legs 5 Section 61" Height Aluminum

Less than $300 total including tax on Amazon.

This combo does not provide the rock solid base that a heavy duty setup does BUT I question why that is necessary any longer when a D500 will produce good pictures at 1600 or 3200 ISO. The days of shooting moving wildlife as ISO 100 are history, at least for me. What this setup will do is give you gimble head accuracy in a stationary setting. If on the move I would shoot handheld and if needing a TC I would use the Benro mono-gimble but I purchased this rig for shooting from blinds on a South Texas ranch. I bet, however, If I see birds in flight I will hand hold.

Tom

D-500 500pf
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Excellentbthots, thank you!
 
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I just purchased (and have been using it for a week) A Really Right Stuff Series 2 with the BH-30 and I love it! Super light, super stable but not cheap!

I purchased the 2xl because I am 6' 3" and don't want to stoop.

I use it with my D500 and the Nikon 200-500

There is probably no better quality tripod and it's made in the U.S.!

But looking at the other side...you will never need to buy another tripod!!!
 
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Andrew Lamberson said:
I just purchased (and have been using it for a week) A Really Right Stuff Series 2 with the BH-30 and I love it! Super light, super stable but not cheap!

I purchased the 2xl because I am 6' 3" and don't want to stoop.

I use it with my D500 and the Nikon 200-500

There is probably no better quality tripod and it's made in the U.S.!

But looking at the other side...you will never need to buy another tripod!!!
Click to expand...
Excellent, great info, thank you.
 
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I got a recommendation myself and I followed it. I got a Feisol CT-3441 (the tall one) with a CB-30D.
Really light, really stable, good damping, beautiful ...

Did I change something ?
Yes.
I added the long spikes (IMHO crucial especially with something this light.

Would I change something else ?
Yes.
After I found out that the combo works well even with a gripped D850 and a 500PF on top, and after making really good experience with the Flexshooter Pro on my big tripod, I would replace the ball head with a FlexShooter Mini. This way I have a ball head and the gimbal-similar panning and tilting in one, I don't have to think about loosening and tightening the ball head to prevent the camera/lens combo tipping over and I have "smallish" wildlife tripod in case I need to go really light and compact.
 
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If you are already good with a monopod, do you really need a tripod? For general shooting my monpod with gimbal is great. But, I am getting more and more into Macro and that is 100% tripod!
 
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Michelelabelle said:
I'm going on some bird trips this year and need help choosing the best travel tripod with lightweight gimbal head set up for my Sony A1 with 200-600. Closer to home I use a monopod and Wimberly head. I have a fine RRS tripod with gimbal head - but it's too heavy to carry more than a short distance. Apparently on these trips the monopod is not a great solution. Recommendations much appreciated!
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Not sure about a travel tripod but I can recommend the Flexshooter Pro head, which is a ball-style head with gimbal capabilities, and is small and lightweight. It provides good stability and smooth operation, even for large, heavy rigs - many pros have replaced their gimbals with one, and are quite happy.

For travel, I pack my Gitzo carbon fiber tripod in my checked baggage, and have never regretted doing it when out in the field. If I were in your situation, I'd pack the RRS tripod, and buy a Flexshooter Pro head (about $600). https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1505192-REG/flexshooter_fs02010_pro_ball_head.html
 
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