DanG
Well-known member
Can I get some opinion here. I’ve never used a tripod. Since I hike for miles, I think I will need something light but strong. Thanks in advance for input!
Wildlife lightweight high quality tripod
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IainD
Well-known member
I have bought far too many tripods over the years. My $19.95 tripod was not a wise purchase.
Gitzo makes a range of carbon fibre tripods which are light and of excellent quality. It will depend on the height you need, expected load capacity and budget.
They say you can have a stable tripod, a light tripod or an inexpensive tripod, but not all three.
My advice is to get a top grade tripod that is more than you need, and probably more expensive than you are hoping, and yo will be set for years and it will cost you less in the long run.
RRS, Velbon and others make great tripods too, but I have only used Gitzo and RRS in the wilds. My RRS is big and tall, and quite heavy. Look at the Gitzo Mountaineer range, I think it is called. Mine is a Systematic, and may be heavier than you want.
Gitzo makes a range of carbon fibre tripods which are light and of excellent quality. It will depend on the height you need, expected load capacity and budget.
They say you can have a stable tripod, a light tripod or an inexpensive tripod, but not all three.
My advice is to get a top grade tripod that is more than you need, and probably more expensive than you are hoping, and yo will be set for years and it will cost you less in the long run.
RRS, Velbon and others make great tripods too, but I have only used Gitzo and RRS in the wilds. My RRS is big and tall, and quite heavy. Look at the Gitzo Mountaineer range, I think it is called. Mine is a Systematic, and may be heavier than you want.
eft
Well-known member
What kind of camera gear will you be packing? You will need a tripod that is sturdy enough to support the camera and lens. Probably would be helpful to know what type of wildlife because if you need to shoot upwards you will need to consider the height (and therefore weight). Consider carbon fibre legs but also bear in mind the gimbal or ball head can significantly add to the overall weight. I personally have a 
Jobu Design carbon fibre tripod, and a Jobu Design gimbal head. I think they are great value and well made but the gimbal head is not carbon fibre.
Jobu Design carbon fibre tripod, and a Jobu Design gimbal head. I think they are great value and well made but the gimbal head is not carbon fibre.I recommend you set a budget for a tripod, ballhead and plate(s) before you get too far along in your search. The advice given above is good, and a light, but quality set of legs will not be cheap. It is all about compromise.
Good luck,
--Ken
Good luck,
--Ken
eft
Well-known member
@DanG if you have a copy of @Steve 's Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography (and, if you don't, you should 
) he has a whole chapter on tripods and heads. Also, search the forums for similar questions. Finally, consider whether a monopod would meet your needs, possible paired with a lighter head. Steve has lots of articles in his archives that are still very relevant.
) he has a whole chapter on tripods and heads. Also, search the forums for similar questions. Finally, consider whether a monopod would meet your needs, possible paired with a lighter head. Steve has lots of articles in his archives that are still very relevant.
DanG
Well-known member
I do have a copy and will check it out. When I get my z9 it will be with my 500pf, etc.@DanG if you have a copy of @Steve 's Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography (and, if you don't, you should
RRS TVC-34 with BH55 ballhead.
There are several options and accessories you could consider. You got a $10,000 rig, don't try to save on the tripod.
There are several options and accessories you could consider. You got a $10,000 rig, don't try to save on the tripod.
I would get a monopod and monogimble
IainD
Well-known member
Steve makes the monopod with monopod gimbal look great. I am not so good with the monopod though!
The RRS BH55 is excellent, but quite heavy. I don't own it but there is a smaller head (BH40 I think) which should do the job.
If you might get a heavy lens, consider a Wimberley or similar gimbal. Heavy, though. Perhaps not for hiking.
The RRS BH55 is excellent, but quite heavy. I don't own it but there is a smaller head (BH40 I think) which should do the job.
If you might get a heavy lens, consider a Wimberley or similar gimbal. Heavy, though. Perhaps not for hiking.
Ltgk20
Active member
I bought a FLM CP30-L4 II tripod with a Sirui K-30x Ball Head. After much research I felt the combination was very solid with a reasonable price.
I really don’t think you will need one with that setup. Unless you plan on sitting in one place for a prolong period of time.
Do you need full height or can you work some thing smaller? How heavy is your rig?
fcotterill
Well-known member
I agree it's false economy to try and save on legs & heads. I find I use a light (Gitzo) travelling tripod (with Acratech GPSS head) interchangeably with more robust Leofoto 323 CS with 75mm base for Leofoto gimbal + I have 3 other gimbals. And I have customized 3 of my gimbals to meet my minimum standards for safety and speed. BTW, Jobu Jnr gimbal is a sound soultion IME
I plan to replace the Gitzo traveller with a 2 Series Leofoto Ranger - the integral base is more compact, convenient etc
here's a link to one recent tripod thread, with more therein.
bcgforums.com
I plan to replace the Gitzo traveller with a 2 Series Leofoto Ranger - the integral base is more compact, convenient etc
here's a link to one recent tripod thread, with more therein.
Tripod for Mirrorless Setup
I'm looking for advice for a tripod for a Nikon Z setup. My largest setup will most likely be the Z with the 100-400 or 200-600 when available. I'm 5'4", 65 yrs and am looking for something that reaches eye level (tripod with camera and ball head 58" seems optimal), sturdy, and lightweight. I...
bcgforums.com