{"id":4315,"date":"2011-04-13T12:44:17","date_gmt":"2011-04-13T21:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/?p=4315"},"modified":"2017-09-03T15:04:14","modified_gmt":"2017-09-04T00:04:14","slug":"3-ultra-lightweight-tripods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/3-ultra-lightweight-tripods\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ultra Lightweight Tripods"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever since I broke my lightweight backpacking tripod last fall, I’ve been looking for the perfect replacement. Of course, there is no such thing as perfect when it comes to outdoor photography gear, but you can sometimes get pretty darn close.<\/p>\n

While there are quite a few tripods in the 3 lb. and above range, there are not very many quality choices in the under 3 lb. range. Most tripods that are super light weight just aren’t very sturdy. You might as well try to stack your camera on top of a set of twigs, which is essentially what you’re doing if you get one of those cheapo models. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, check out these 3 slightly more affordable lightweight carbon fiber tripod models.<\/a><\/p>\n

When it comes to quality, though, here are three of the best options that I’ve found. If you’re the kind of photographer who likes to carry your equipment into the backcountry, who likes to go light, fast and unencumbered, and who isn’t afraid to spend decent money on a good tripod, you should definitely consider one of these. All are carbon fiber, which has excellent strength to weight ratio, and it doesn’t radiate cold on your hands in the winter like aluminum does.<\/p>\n

1. Gitzo GT0532 Mountaineer<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Gitzo tripods are the cream of the crop when it comes to camera support. There is simply no finer tripod that you can buy. Whether you need ultralight or big lens support, you can never go wrong with a Gitzo.<\/p>\n

At 2.3\u00a0lbs, the GT0532 Mountaineer<\/a>\u00a0offers excellent strength to weight ratio. It’s not quite as light as a feather, but it sure comes close. It’s also quite sturdy for how little it weighs. It’s rated to 17 lbs, and it while it won’t provide\u00a0the same\u00a0support of a heavier tripod if you’re using longer telephotos like 300 and 400mm, if you’re looking for a set of legs that feels like you’re carrying nothing at all, this is your best bet.\u00a0Note: Right now there’s a $150 rebate deal on\u00a0the this tripod.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The GT 0352 extends to 52″ and closes down to 20.9″. With the center column all the way down, it still extends to 42.5″ high.<\/p>\n

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@Danbaileyphoto I love my Gitzo Mountaineer.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/polyline>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSteve Coleman\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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My vote? Gitzo Mountaineer > RT @Danbaileyphoto: Great tripods for outdoor and landscape photography<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t

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