For this year's vacation, I will be taking my camera (and wife) on some short (1/2 day) hikes with backpack into the snow covered Canadian Rocky Mountains of Alberta. I'll need a tripod that will handle the weight of a 300D & 70-200mm zoom BUT be small enough for carry on airplane and fit on or in a backpack. I don't a fortune to spend and this is not going to be used often (anyone have one I can borrow ). What do you have/recommend?
You can try getting something like this New Benro C-1691 EX Carbon Tripod + Monopod Leg C-169 1 - eBay (item 260448518772 end time Aug-16-09 12:05:50 PDT) I got myself 1681 cause the 1691 5 section leg doesn't look strong to me Dunno bout the price in US but in China I got it for about USD250, and that included a ball head but without the EX - Quick Flip Lock System.
Carbon fibre tripods are light but not lightweight in price. What's the max weight you would like to limit yourself to?
The camera/battery body = 645g 18-55mm = 200g 70-200m = 1370g At first the Manfrotto Modo Maxi look good ($80 usd) but only supports 1kg I don't mind to spend $100 US if it is something made quality. The old Velbon (don't know the model #) I have is cheap junk, may ok for web cam, etc...
Generally, Manfrotto tripods are well-made. I'm going to get another one myself soon. The carbon fiber model is sweet but a bit too expensive for me, but if yo ucan afford it, you can give it a try. The Modo Maxi looks like it has an integrated head. I think it's meant to be paired with a camcorder or a point and shoot camera, instead of a DSLR. You should look at the higher-end models that feature removable ball heads. Then you can select the head that best meets your needs.
I have the opportunity to borrow an old SLIK 450G and will have a go at it. If it is not up to the task I will use a bean bag!
Check out the Benro Travel Angel. I almost bought it while in Singapore. Fantastic carbon fiber tripod. Super small n light. Absolutely perfect for travelling.
