Recommended Tripods: Small
Recommending a tripod really depends on usage.
I own five tripods of varying sizes, all Gitzos: the GT0530, G1228, G1325, GT3540XLS, G1548. See The Sharpest Image in DAP for my research on tripods and more.
Ultra light — GT 0531
The GT 0530 has three (3) leg sections, which is generally preferable to four, for increased rigidity. It is a high quality all-around choice. Gitzo has revised it to the GT0531, which is pretty much the same.
This is a compromise tripod:
- Height is only belly button high.
- Weight bearing is no problem, but a big camera can be very top-heavy, and thus prone to tilting over and smashing your camera and lens.
- It’s awfully nice to have something this light.
- Watch out for vibration from wind.
Height and weight
Weight with head is what counts. Heavier than I’d like, but very light as such things go. Light enough to hang through a belt on one’s pants for easy access.
Weight: 667 grams (as weighed), 851g with RRS BH-25 head Max height: 42.1" / 107cm Folded length: 20.9" / 53cm
At 667 grams (1.5 lbs), it is light enough to hang through a belt loop to be available when you need it, and not even noticed until then. That rises to 851g (1.9 lbs) with the BH-25 head, and 1005 grams with the BH-30. The BH-25 requires great care with a DSLR, so stick with the BH-30 if weight is tolerable.
Height is about belly button high, a serious compromise.
Tripod head
A head that fits nicely on it is the Really Right Stuff BH-30 . With that combo, weight is 851 (1.9 pounds), which falls safely into the ultra light category and very easy to carry.
The BH-25 also works well, but it requires extra care with a large DSLR. Perfect for the Leica M9 however.
Stability
You can use a large DSLR on this tripod with care—I do—but be careful about it flopping over.
Non-rotating legs
Unlike older Gitzos, the legs do not rotate. This makes it possible to lock or unlock the legs in any order, leading to much faster setup and takedown of the legs. This is a great feature!
Locking/unlocking each section is also easier, since one doesn’t have to over-tighten one section to avoid twisting. Setup/takedown is a time-waster with a tripod, hence it is a high priority for those who shoot-and-go.
In the field
This is a good choice for a compromise between tall and sturdy vs lightweight. It can handle any large DSLR without difficulty, but should not be used for 200mm and longer lenses, it has too much resonance. This is true of all tripods in its range, don’t screw around with a tripod this size for 200mm and longer lenses, though the consumer grade f/3.5 - f/5.6 ones fare better than the higher quality pro lenses.
See The Sharpest Image in DAP.
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