Hey all. Hoping to see if any of you have recommendations for a lightweight travel tripod that you've have a good run with. I am looking for a lightweight one that comes with a head.
I'm currently playing jenga with my kit so that it falls into most airline carry-on weight limits for travel.
Am looking for something around $500 and less, carbon hopefully. No preference on brand. Folds up into a bag/water bottle sleeve on my backpack. No preference on snaplocks vs. twist though I'm less familiar with twist style ones. A centre hook for a bag would be nice.
Relatively light load (a7iii + 2x primes).
A little bit of research generally seems to point to these:
* mefoto Globetrotter CF
* manfrotto befree advanced
* manfrotto elements (Big)
* wait for peak design and burn hole in wallet
* 3LT Leo / Sirui ET-2204 / Benro of some description
So far, most shops have recommended the Elements due to the versatility and arc swiss compatibility and steered me away from 3LT due to build quality issues. I've also been told the sony alpha versions aren't worth it as there's no compatibility with other cameras (not a huge issue with me). No one really stocks mefoto here but it's super popular on B&H and online, Sirui gets a good wrap online.
What do.
I wouldn't recommend the Peak Design, you're paying mostly for marketing and other nonsense, not the actual tripod. I haven't seen it myself, but the reviews I've watched seem to show that the head is a bit weird (the way that it turns vertical is not like any other tripod), and the locking mechanism is strange and can easily be accidentally opened. It's pretty clunky to set up, even though it's small. Sure, it looks good, but I think it's more of a fashion accessory than something I'd use for serious photography.
I'd personally recommend the Manfrotto Befree Advanced - it's not as "fancy" as some of the other tripods, but it's no-frills (at the end of the day, a tripod is just three sticks of metal) and it comes in at a good price. The Mefoto Globetrotter CF looks pretty nice too, from what I've seen. I've never been much of a fan of the more "snobbish" brands like 3LT, Benro, Gitzo…etc. I've just never found the need to spend a lot on a tripod.