Compact tripods

[shenstone]

I'm about to do some travelling and I need to upgrade from my old Jessops clamp tripod, http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/tripods/jessops-clamp-table-tripod.asp which was one of the best things I ever bought because it's been in my camera bag the whole time and been incredibly verstile because it's not strong enough for the E-30 + 14-54

I've so far some up with 2 optsions for this "ecer ready the

Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom http://joby.com/gorillapod/slrzoom/
Velbon Ultra Maxi-Mini http://www.velbon.co.uk/newvelbon/pa...amaximini.html

I think the 1st is winning, but not having used one of these flexible devices with anything more than a compact I'm uncertain. I'd actually like a manfrotto device as my existing QR plates would fit, but they seem to offer just the full sized or a pure tabletop which both look too limited

Any opinions on the 2 devices above or suggestions for this type of device that I've not seen

I think my "Lightweight travel kit" will be ...
E-30; E-510; 11-22; 14-54, 50mm; 50-200; EC-14; FL-36, FL-20
hence most of the "mini tripods" are not up to it

Regards
Andy

[benvendetta]

Re: Compact tripods

I got a large Gorillapod a few years back as it seemed like a good idea at the time. Unless you use a head on it, it is a faff fitting/unfitting your camera. Even then I found that it was only really suitable as a 'tripod' rather than something you wrap around posts, branches, etc (again, too much faff). I hardly used mine and sold it.
Are you taking a monopod? The reason that I ask is that you can buy a Manfrotto attachment that allows you to use a monopod with some support such as against a wall or close to the ground. However, this may not offer the versatility that you are after and it does have the same sort of 'head' as the Gorillapod although you could fit a ball/socket to it.
I have one of these too (a good idea at the time, again!) but never use it.

[stevednp3]

Re: Compact tripods

Hi Andy

I have SLR Gorillapod and although I never use it here in the UK for my camera (I find it very handy for off camera flash though, attaching to trees etc) but it does come in very handy when im traveling and has supported my e-30 when attached to posts and even just on the floor, very well indeed

One thing I recommend is to set a 2 sec timer, as after you take your hand off the camera, its inherent that the tripod will shake a little.

[Jim Ford]

Re: Compact tripods

I've also got a 'Gorillapod'. I don't use it much, but it's very handy for ground level shots.

Jim

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Compact tripods

My HAMA Clamp is by far the best thing I have ever bought.

The "G" Clamp design has been about forever and it's much better that all these faddy new idears...

Stick to the clamp

[crimbo]

Re: Compact tripods

I am using an Ultra Maxi SF

http://alatest.co.uk/reviews/miscellaneous/velbon-ultra-maxi-sf-tripod-with-ball-and-socket-head/po3-48447825,2/

Dont think they make it any more but works well but a bit bigger than table top

[peak4]

Re: Compact tripods

Andy, personally I have an Ultra Maxi Mini and am well impressed with it.
If I want to go really compact, I dispense with the Velbon QD head and add the minuscule Giottos ball head as shown below. (They claim it's good for 2.5Kg)

Showing Folded Down


At Full Height


As Low as Possible (with the centre column split)


And Finally With the 50-200mm for size comparison

[shenstone]

Re: Compact tripods

My HAMA Clamp is by far the best thing I have ever bought.

The "G" Clamp design has been about forever and it's much better that all these faddy new idears...

Stick to the clamp

HI Graham

I cant' find anywhere what it's made of and how much it can hold. i.e. will it be stronger than my plastic jessops one and more stable - can you comment on that at all ?

Regards
Andy

[shenstone]

Re: Compact tripods

Andy, personally I have an Ultra Maxi Mini

Hi Bill

It looks a very useful device - my only misgiving isthat the legs don't seem to be shown stacked vertical in any of the pictures which makes me concerned it would be bulky even though small

Any good news on that ?

Regards
Andy

[ndl0071]

https://www.giottos-tripods.co.uk

Hope this helps.

PS, street prices seem to be a little cheaper than stated above.

[peak4]

Re: Compact tripods

Andy, since you have an original 40-150, it's about the same size as that with my baby ball head on it.



Again, not a very good quality pic, just a quick grab shot with my little Ricoh GX200
a full 1 second exposure, hand held with my elbow braced against the table.
Isn't IS clever.

That combination is about 465g, the lens with hood is about 480g

Just previewing it, the photo is slightly deceptive, the lens looks a bit too small, but tea's about ready so I'd better post it anyway.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Compact tripods

Years ago I had a No.10 wood screw with a 1/4" Whit cap hd screw brazed on the other end. Sadly I lost it

Maybe it's time to make another

[shenstone]

Re: Compact tripods

Many thanks for all the input, especially Bill for the useful pictures

The final decision has been the velbon given some mirroring of my concerns re the flexible device

I'll no doubt tell you how it goes in Morocco

Regards
Andy

[shenstone]

Re: Compact tripods

I posted this same question in a more general forum and finally got 1 answer after I had made my purchase

The help I had here just goes to show why this is the best photo forum out there whatever you use

Regards
Andy

[peak4]

Re: Compact tripods

I'll no doubt tell you how it goes in Morocco

Regards
Andy

Have a good time, Jane and I went to Marrakesh for her 50th
The main square (Jemaa el fna) is an experience to behold.
The only photo I have was with a little point and shoot at night

I'll bet you develop a taste for preserved lemons whilst you're there