Spec me a small / lightweight / travel tripod

Mr. Peri Peri · 21 Aug 2013 at 18:41

Going to be heading to London this weekend and want to do some night photography whilst there - however I don't want to lug round my main Manfrotto tripod all day as it's quite large and heavy, and bound to be going in shops etc too.

So, looking for recommendations for a small and lightweight tripod that would be ideal for travel.

I am aware of the Gorillapod and am considering that but wondering what alternatives there are.

Thanks!

Nexus · 21 Aug 2013 at 20:46

I found the Gorillapod to be not as good as made out. The ball joints snap off too easily while you are bending it into position. It also tends to slip or get knocked enough by a breeze to make your long exposures slightly blurred.

This is the Gorillapod SLR Zoom, using Canon 1 series DSLRs.

I'm sure its probably fine with small cameras though.
I reckon even a cheap tripod might work better.

Genoma · 21 Aug 2013 at 22:05

Good timing on the thread

I'm considering:
Manfrotto MKC3-H02 Compact Photo-movie Kit

Hahnel Triad 40 Lite Professional

Hama Traveller Compact Pro Tripod

All under £50 - anyone have any views on these too?

Mr. Peri Peri · 22 Aug 2013 at 12:34

Thanks for suggestions.

I ended up going for the Hama Traveller Mini Pro Tripod which is about £20 and will be fine for what I need.

I was also considering one from 7 day shop though which does seem good - folds down to only 30cm too and just under £50.

http://www.7dayshop.com/7dayshop-tripods-travel-pro-tripod-for-professional-photo-video-use-includes-carry-case

Genoma · 24 Aug 2013 at 13:13

I got the Hama too, looks really nicely built!

Mr. Peri Peri · 24 Aug 2013 at 21:14

For some reason I was under the impression the Hama had a quick release plate - which it doesn't which is a little awkward. But other than that I would say it's good for the money. Nice size and weight, fits perfectly on my backpack.

EDIT: Had a bit of a look on your flickr and some great shots there mate. Would be interested to know what your method for the panoramas is? Never really done any but something I want to try. Is it just a case of overlapping shots on a tripod and then stitch in software?

Genoma · 26 Aug 2013 at 00:05

Mine has a quick release lever and a plate that stays on the camera.

Thanks for the feedback

glad you like them! I've just started out. Panoramas were all taken handheld. I usually take a sequence of four or five ground level, then the same a bit higher up. Stitching done in photoshop with the panorama feature then cropped. Simples