A Great Tripod for Packn'

[scottydawg]

I have been wanting a lightweight, compact tripod that fits in the LT topcase for a long time. Also import to me was that I wanted something that extended to a reasonable height so I can get a normal perspective on my shots. Even though there is a high cost involved I have been drawn to the carbon fiber selections from Gitzo.
Last month I made the purchase on a Gitzo GT1540T (keep in mind if you are looking at these that the "T" is different from the GT1540). I already have a very nice magnesium head from Velbon (I use it on my RAM mount on the bike) so I figured I would just use that for both. As Ted Shred can vouch, I used this tripod in 20-40 mph gust last Sunday at the Golden Gate Bridge and it was completely stable. The legs fold up over the head to make it very compact, actual folded length is 15.4 inches. Maximum extended length is 55.1 inches. It will hold a 10 pound set up so it is good for almost any SLR and long lens.
I can't say enough good about this tripod except one negative and that is that it is CRAZY expensive.

Here's the link if you would like to have a look check the Gitzo site under the photo tripods / 6X collection: http://www.gitzo.com/jsp/index.jsp

[Ted Shred]

I can "VOUCH":D It was windy...

http://www.sealec.com/ted/albums/album61/IMGP3310.sized.jpg

[Randy]

I have been wanting a lightweight, compact tripod that fits in the LT topcase for a long time. Also import to me was that I wanted something that extended to a reasonable height so I can get a normal perspective on my shots. Even though there is a high cost involved I have been drawn to the carbon fiber selections from Gitzo.
Last month I made the purchase on a Gitzo GT1540T (keep in mind if you are looking at these that the "T" is different from the GT1540). I already have a very nice magnesium head from Velbon (I use it on my RAM mount on the bike) so I figured I would just use that for both. As Ted Shred can vouch, I used this tripod in 20-40 mph gust last Sunday at the Golden Gate Bridge and it was completely stable. The legs fold up over the head to make it very compact, actual folded length is 15.4 inches. Maximum extended length is 55.1 inches. It will hold a 10 pound set up so it is good for almost any SLR and long lens.
I can't say enough good about this tripod except one negative and that is that it is CRAZY expensive.

Here's the link if you would like to have a look check the Gitzo site under the photo tripods / 6X collection: http://www.gitzo.com/jsp/index.jspI couldn't agree more about the Gitzo CF tripopds. They are ridiculously expensive, but almost perfect in execution. For years I used a GT-1228 as my lightweight travel tripod. Though it is lightweight, it is too long to fit inside any of my motorcycle's system cases. Carbon fiber makes them surprisingly light and incredibly strong. The traveler series that Scott is referring to is even lighter and stronger than the 1228 because of a new method of weaving the carbon fiber. As Scott said, the really clever thing is that the legs fold 180 degrees, so the column and ballhead are contained within the legs when it is folded. All new Gitzo tripods als can have the column removed and the legs folded out at almost 90-degrees, for ground level shots. I purchased the 1550T which is about 8 inches taller, because of a fifth leg section and includes a compact ball head that is contained within its folded size.

A good tripod is an item that will improve any photographers pictures. To properly expose in lower light or with higher apertures, especially with longer lenses, holding the camera steady is imperative. A cable release is helpful, but the camera's self timer will work as well.

Though the Gitzo CF tripod is expensive, it will last a lifetime and work with any camera or camcorder.