View Full Version : Wanted:Lightweight Field Tripod


Rick Forge
January 26th, 2003, 09:28 AM
Looking for suggestions for a lightweight field tripod. I shoot outdoors 99% of the time (hunting and fishing). Must be collapsible to a reasonable size for backpacking and be able to cover heights from 18 inches up to 5 or so feet. Mid height spreaders are a must. Any suggestions? The camera is a Canon GL2.

Dan Holly
January 26th, 2003, 10:26 PM
Tell us how much you have to spend.
You may get more responses.

Frank Granovski
January 27th, 2003, 06:13 AM
That's exactly what I was going to say. There are a lot of good choices, but prices can be out of this world for carbon fibre legs. A miller DS5 would be nice---the legs aren't very heavy. Manfrotto has some good ones, and they are cheaper. One option would be a monopod.

Rick Forge
January 28th, 2003, 09:41 AM
Cost obviously is a factor--I didn't quite realize the variations in cost!! How about comparing these 2 tripods:
Bogen 3221 with a WN 501 head and ball level compared to a Libec M20. Both of these have been offered to me (used)- I'm looking for a tripod for field work that can be lugged into the backcountry. I have not handled either of these models. As for cost I'm trying to stay in the under $300 range. Are there any other models I should consider? Don't recommend any bottom spreader bar models--tough in the bushes!
The used Bogen, mentioned above, also comes with a 522c zoom control unit.

Jeff Donald
January 28th, 2003, 11:25 PM
I would probably go with the Libec. I'm not particularly fond of the 3221 as a video tripod. Great for still pictures, though. I don't find the Bogen heads real smooth at the low end also. However, since they are both used, I recommend trying them first, to evaluate wear and tear.