Who has a light weight tripod they can recommend?

[Rob]

I am looking for a light weight tripod for my spotting scope.  I want to be able to use it while in a sitting position.  

I will be carrying it in the field so it would be nice if it was under 2 pounds.  one pound would be ideal!

Anyone have one they like?  I have a couple that are nice, but really heavy and too big.  I have others that are too short.  I have one that is the perfect size, but it is of poor quality and the head does not operate smoothly.

Finding the right tripod has proven for me to be a search of the same magnitude as wife's crusade to find the perfect pair of black pants...

[swanny]

Here is what I take backpacking for my DSLR when I feel like packing one. Right at 2lbs and the price isn't bad either.

http://www.rei.com/product/745097

[CanvasGear]

Take a trip to Glazers in Seattle. They stock the full line of Vangaurd tripods. They are a middle of the road quality tripod. I think its the Alta that weighs under 2lbs. These are not cheap junk, more along the lines of semipro and affordable price to match, just as good as Bogen / Manfrotto.

CG

[Rob]

Thanks, I have not had a chance to check these two recommendations out but I will.

I went to Cabelas on Sunday for some other stuff and man.  What a crummy selection of tripods...

[jackelope]

gitzo



how much do you want to spend?

[Rob]

At this point, for a smooth operating light weight tripod, I'd pay a lot!  100 to 150 would be about top, but I could go higher if it was really really cool...

Cool factors would be:
-really light
-smooth pivot
-compact, but able to be used in a sitting position

[Rob]

OK, the Gitzo tripods are very cool....  but 450-800 bucks is a bit more than I want to pay!

[jackelope]

I think $100-150 will get you a decent aluminum sort of lightweight tripod without a head.

[Chesapeake]

I just ordered a Slik Sprint Mini for $76 the other day. Dont have it yet.

I liked the weight, price, and size. Cant say much for the ball heads though. Hoping its better than what Leupold uses on thier compact tripod, but dont have much hope. The ball heads are workable though.

Head Type Compact Ball Head
Max Height w/extended column 43.3(1100mm)
Max Height w/closed column 32.2"
Minimum Height 6.38" (162mm)
Closed Length 13.8 in.(350mm)
Leg Sections 4
Max Load Capacity 4.5 lbs. / 2,050 grams
Weight 1.75 lbs. / 780 grams

[SkookumHntr]

-I was looking at the Vortec HighCountry and really liked it, it was 79 bucks but I didnt have that much so had to get a cheapo 30 doller tripod, that other one was nice though!

[7mag.]

Take a trip to Glazers in Seattle. They stock the full line of Vangaurd tripods. They are a middle of the road quality tripod. I think its the Alta that weighs under 2lbs. These are not cheap junk, more along the lines of semipro and affordable price to match, just as good as Bogen / Manfrotto.

CG

I disagree. I have two Vangaurd tripods, not the cheap one's either, I also have a Manfrotto, which is by far superior. The problem is, finding a light weight tripod (which my Manfrotto is not) that also has a smooth operating head and strong enough to support my spotter.

[CanvasGear]

The problem is, finding a light weight tripod (which my Manfrotto is not) that also has a smooth operating head and strong enough to support my spotter.

Usually just the low end tripods come with heads They are good for a dslr with a short lens. To get a good tripod you buy the legs and head seperatly. Its not hard to find a head that will support a spotter. Pretty much any head rated for 300mm pro lense and pro dslr will do the job nicely.
Even the elcheapo Manfrotto 155XPROB or 055XPROB can be fitted with a head capable of handling a spotter or heavy pro glass.
Benro has a middle ground for about $250 with the head thats acceptable but at 2.5 lbs a sand bag is usually needed if it windy.
 
CG

[CheyTac]

 The Slik Pro 614 DX Compact Carbon Fiber Tripod with 3-Way Panhead works very well and is light weight.

[CanvasGear]

You may also want to look into the Bog-pod cld3s it only goes about 3 ft tall and down to about 6". Its 2lbs and rock solid. The quick release heads are pretty good and you can shoot from it.

CG

[jackelope]

You may also want to look into the Bog-pod cld3s it only goes about 3 ft tall and down to about 6". Its 2lbs and rock solid. The quick release heads are pretty good and you can shoot from it.

CG

At 2 pounds how does your tripod and spotter stay standing if the wind is blowing? That doesn't sound too stable.