Travel Photography - Tripod/Beanbag Recommendations?

I'm going to Iceland in about a week and can't decide if I should get a tripod or a beanbag for my camera.

I've got a Canon Rebel XTi...which I intend to upgrade some time in the next year...and a few lenses. My main walkaround lens is the 24-105 f4 L.

A tripod seems like a bulky and heavy piece of equipment to lug around. Good ones are expensive. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good tripod that won't break the bank? Something in the sub-$100 range would be ideal.

The other option is to get a $30 beanbag for my camera, like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Adjustable-Camera-Support-System-/dp/B001B02ERU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316626509&sr=8-1).

My main objective is landscape photography and of course trying to get good photos of the northern lights.

What do people recommend?

My experience with Iceland is that there will be precious few places to put your bean bag on. It'll be on the ground for the most part. However, that at least keeps the wind from moving your camera around. You'll need a pretty sturdy tripod which you can weigh down.

Get both. You need a tripod for landscapes because there will rarely be a prop at a good height in the right spot for that once-in-a-lifetime aurora shot. Beanbags are great for when you can't carry a tripod, either because it is outlawed or just inconvenient. I have a Sunpak tripod, which is okay on a budget, and a "thepod.ca (http://thepod.ca)" beanbag that I don't leave home without.

There was an article I read not too long ago, by Thom Hogan IIRC, that said basically, you're going to end up spending $500 on a tripod. You can do it now, or you can do it later - but that's where you're going to end up. While I don't necessarily agree with the number, I do agree whole heartedly that tripods are one of those things where you get what you pay for.

If you buy a $100 tripod, it won't be all that sturdy, so you carried it around for basically no benefit. Or, if it's sturdy, it will be short, and that's not all that helpful either... same problem as beanbags mentioned above.

My recommendation? Benro Travel Angel $200ish in aluminum, $300 in carbon fiber (which I would recommend). The "transfunctional" version has one leg that screws off to become a monopod. 95+% of the capability of a Gitzo traveler at 50% of the price. Folds down to 13 something inches, weighs practically nothing, and yet comes up to eye level and is quite sturdy (espeically with some weight hanging off the hook). I have carried mine all over the world with no issues.

Two other options to consider:
- gorillapod. With the flexy, grippy legs, you have a lot more options for a "base" than a beanbag will afford
- walking stick with tripod thread in top. Ultimate in portability and usability, not as stable, but a helluva lot better than nothing

I second the notion that you might as well invest in a good tripod now. Cheap ones either aren't sturdy enough or will annoy you for some other reason.

I also second the Benro recommendation. I got the carbon fiber version of the Travel Angel a while back. It is relatively easy to carry around and very compact. I got a Manfrotto head for it. I think the combo cost about $400. There are tons of head options out there which can be tough to choose between.

There was an article I read not too long ago, by Thom Hogan IIRC, that said basically, you're going to end up spending $500 on a tripod. You can do it now, or you can do it later - but that's where you're going to end up. While I don't necessarily agree with the number, I do agree whole heartedly that tripods are one of those things where you get what you pay for.

Here you go: http://bythom.com/support.htm I'd also say that you don't necessarily need to pay that much to get good solid support. There's a lot of good options out there and a lot depends on each person's needs.

My recommendation? Benro Travel Angel $200ish in aluminum, $300 in carbon fiber (which I would recommend). The "transfunctional" version has one leg that screws off to become a monopod. 95+% of the capability of a Gitzo traveler at 50% of the price. Folds down to 13 something inches, weighs practically nothing, and yet comes up to eye level and is quite sturdy (espeically with some weight hanging off the hook). I have carried mine all over the world with no issues.

I think I've got the Giottos version of this same tripod for traveling. It came in two heights and I sprung for the bigger of the two. Best travel investment I could have made. Not as stout as my main tripod but definitely about the best I think can reasonably be done for travel.

Another option for the OP to consider is to buy something cheap when they get to their location if they know it is available. I took a trip to the east coast of the US one time and since it was domestic, I didn't want to deal with checking a tripod through. (Retractable metal foot spikes, I figured that wouldn't go over too well.) Since I knew there would be plenty of big box stores, I waited until I got there and picked up a big box tripod special. It was less than $30 and waaaay better than nothing. (And probably cheaper than checking my tripod through there and back.) When I was done with it, I just donated it.

I've been reasonably happy with the Benro bullhead that came with the tripod, but then I use lightweight micro four thirds equipment

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. So if I understand things (and correct me if I'm wrong), Benro is the brand to get because it's essentially the same quality as the really expensive stuff but costs less.

I went to J&R this afternoon but they didn't carry Benro - just some other tripods that seemed kind of flimsy. I was surprised. Tomorrow I'll go over to B&H and see their selection. Their website says they have Benro...and The Pod. :)

Help me understand my options here, please. On Amazon, for example, there are a bunch of Benro tripods but they seem a bit more pricey than what ~tc~ said...

What kind of head do I want? I assume ballhead, since that's the most common?

Thanks!

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good tripod...in the sub-$100 range.

There is no such thing IMO - even for the amateur or weekend hobbyist shooting travel snaps.

Since you asked for a specific recommendation I would say that the RRS BH-25/30 paired with something like the Gitzo GT-1840C legs in Basalt [16" folded, 2.5 lbs] is about the least expensive combo worth a damn - though you can save about $150 by getting the Manfrotto version of the Gitzo legs [~20" folded, 3 lbs].

Still expensive but will also last a lifetime with causal use.

There was an article I read not too long ago, by Thom Hogan IIRC, that said basically, you're going to end up spending $500 on a tripod. You can do it now, or you can do it later - but that's where you're going to end up.

It was $1000 but that article was written years ago so it is likely closer to $1500 now.

I have said the same thing here before and it is true.

I can trace my own experience from a $50 Velabon [plastic head broke] to a $75 Slik 800G [thin aluminum leg tube bent irreparably] to a $150 Slik U212 [lousy tolerances that would never "lock" solidly from day one] to a $350 Bogen [solid but heavy as hell even for a compact tripod and no pivoting legs] and finally another $200 to "upgrade" the Bogen's head to a Benro [heavy and was permanently loose after less than a year].

$825 spent over 10 years and all inferior to the $1000 Gitzo/RRS combo that I have used for the last 5 or 6 years and that shows every sign of still being a great solution for another 10 years or more.

Seriously, IMO spend the money on a quality legs/head combo, whether compact or studio size, whatever fits your needs, or else just use a Gorilla pod.

What kind of head do I want? I assume ballhead, since that's the most common?

Thanks!

You first need to decide what type of plate standard you want to use, the more generic Arca-Swiss type plate or any number of the proprietary quick release plates out there; Giottos, Benro, Bogen/"universal" [older], etc.

I would opt for the Arca-Swiss plate as they are much more solid, secure, and versatile, and can be used cross-platform between Arca, RRS, etc.

As I wrote previously I would seriously consider spending the extra $100-$150 on the RS BH-30 (http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=BH-30-LR&type=3&eq=&desc=BH-30-LR%3a-Compact-ballhead-with-LRR).

Yes, it is somewhat expensive but it will last forever and more importantly do what it is supposed to do - hold your camera rock-solid in any position you set it to [most heads out there - even some very expensive ones - can't even do this]. The RRS heads are also much easier to use than many of the others IMO.

the staff at B&H or Adorama should definitely be able to help you choose. As for heads, there are several different types and styles. Try them out and see which you like best. And again I would consult the staff.

I got my Benro from B&H.

Help me understand my options here, please. On Amazon, for example, there are a bunch of Benro tripods but they seem a bit more pricey than what ~tc~ said...

What kind of head do I want? I assume ballhead, since that's the most common?

Thanks!

Be sure you are looking at the travel tripods, not the boat anchor studio ones!

I didn't recall exactly what I paid, so I googled "benro travel angel".

As for the head, it depends on what you want to do. IMHO, a ballhead is the best choice for stills, and they are usually more compact than the 3-way that are better for video. The ballhead makes it very easy to set the camera level when the tripod is not.

Here's a couple links to help with your research
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?47930-Travel-Tripods-Comparisons-and-Reviews

Darn - there was a really good chart of a ton of tripods with all their stats, but can't seem to find it now.

Seriously, IMO spend the money on a quality legs/head combo, whether compact or studio size, whatever fits your needs, or else just use a Gorilla pod.

I was given a Gorilla pad as a gift and I have to say I have been a bit underwhelmed. It is difficult to make small adjustments (moving parts are sticky) and it never seems to be quite the right solution.

Get both. You need a tripod for landscapes because there will rarely be a prop at a good height in the right spot for that once-in-a-lifetime aurora shot. Beanbags are great for when you can't carry a tripod, either because it is outlawed or just inconvenient. I have a Sunpak tripod, which is okay on a budget, and a "thepod.ca (http://thepod.ca)" beanbag that I don't leave home without.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I wound up going to B&H today and got the green The Pod. I realized I have a cheap tripod that should be good enough for this trip. I've never actually put my DSLR on it because I wasn't sure it would take the weight...but I just tried it in my bedroom and it was fine. Certainly it's not a permanent solution but the two of them together will probably be good enough for my needs.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I wound up going to B&H today and got the green The Pod. I realized I have a cheap tripod that should be good enough for this trip. I've never actually put my DSLR on it because I wasn't sure it would take the weight...but I just tried it in my bedroom and it was fine. Certainly it's not a permanent solution but the two of them together will probably be good enough for my needs.

It certainly depends on the situation but about 5 years ago I took a tripod and a beanbag to Africa and probably used the bean bag, rested on the side of the Land Rover, about 20 times more frequently than the tripod.

It certainly depends on the situation but about 5 years ago I took a tripod and a beanbag to Africa and probably used the bean bag, rested on the side of the Land Rover, about 20 times more frequently than the tripod.

Four legs are faster than three?

It certainly depends on the situation but about 5 years ago I took a tripod and a beanbag to Africa and probably used the bean bag, rested on the side of the Land Rover, about 20 times more frequently than the tripod.

Some Land Rovers which are targeted to photo safaries have either a ledge that you can rest you beanbag on or have a quick release for your long lens mounted to a gimbal head with a Acra style plate.

Ive been using Manfrotto tripods the last five years and they've been great for me.

It's always going to be a bit of hassle lugging one around but even the lower end Manfrottos (starts at about $100 on Amazon) feel very well constructed and durable.

just my 2 cents

I go with the cheapie tripods. Notice the plural. I frequently lose, bust or give away my tripod. Hence, one I don't mind losing and replacing.

Use the tripod (or a monopod if you swing that way), even for hand-held shots. The moment arm of even a light tripod damps hand movement.

That said, a cheapie is not steady enough for shutter speeds under 1/30. But it is a way to raise the camera 4' above your head to shoot over the crowd. Or a safe way to put your camera down in a dirty environment.

This is a travel forum, so this advice is for travel pix. If you are doing studio portraits, or Ansel Adams landscapes, then refer to previous posters for heavy-duty gear.

Revisiting an old thread as I managed to damage my existing tripod over the weekend (one of the legs caught in the trunk hinge of my rental car--cracked the carbon fiber). It's still usable, but I'm definitely shopping around for a replacement now.

I had the Feisol CT-3401; the pros included cost ($250-ish for a carbon fiber tripod), size (fits inside my rollaboard, albeit at an angle, when collapsed), and weight.

My biggest complaints are that even at full extension and with a gimbal head (I use a Wimberley v2), the camera could be another 6 inches higher to really be comfortable; and (this is the bigger complaint) the legs have rotating collar locks.

I'm considering the Benro C3580F, which I think may be a bit too large to fit in my rollaboard (folded height of 23"--although the description isn't clear if that includes the center column and if the column is removable/optional), but has a height advantage of nearly 10 inches over the Feisol and has lever lock legs, which TMK will be faster to set up & take down in the field.

Any thoughts? Sounds like posters to this thread do like Benro tripods; I guess I'm most curious about the level lock legs vs. collar locks.

Revisiting an old thread as I managed to damage my existing tripod over the weekend (one of the legs caught in the trunk hinge of my rental car--cracked the carbon fiber). It's still usable, but I'm definitely shopping around for a replacement now.

I had the Feisol CT-3401; the pros included cost ($250-ish for a carbon fiber tripod), size (fits inside my rollaboard, albeit at an angle, when collapsed), and weight.

My biggest complaints are that even at full extension and with a gimbal head (I use a Wimberley v2), the camera could be another 6 inches higher to really be comfortable; and (this is the bigger complaint) the legs have rotating collar locks.

I'm considering the Benro C3580F, which I think may be a bit too large to fit in my rollaboard (folded height of 23"--although the description isn't clear if that includes the center column and if the column is removable/optional), but has a height advantage of nearly 10 inches over the Feisol and has lever lock legs, which TMK will be faster to set up & take down in the field.

Any thoughts? Sounds like posters to this thread do like Benro tripods; I guess I'm most curious about the level lock legs vs. collar locks.

What are your primary concerns; size, weight, cost? Are you OK with a center column, three or four leg sections?

I think the Gitzo CF tripods are superior in every way but they aren't cheap. Then again the Gitzo tripod has a five-year warranty to the Benro's 1-year.

I much prefer twist lock legs over lever lock. Much easier and faster to use IMO and more compact to boot.

I really like the Gitzo GT1542T; 16.5" closed, 59" extended, 2.2 lbs, but with a ~20lb max load it's not the tripod for a 4x5 or large medium format camera or a DSLR with a 400mm f/2.8. Same max load as your Feisol but 2" shorter when folded, ~8" taller when extended, and almost a half a pound lighter - but it's ~$700.

I like my Benro Travel Angel A1690T.

Pros: folds to <18", so fits in rollaboard with room to spare; extends to a height I can comfortably use (I'm 6'5"); relatively light weight for an aluminum unit; really well made and dust/dirt resistant; leg collars are locking; center column has a bag hook and reverses for close-up/macro use; unit comes in a nice, zippered carry bag which I never use.

Con: it IS aluminum rather than carbon fiber; the included ball head well and truly sucks - I replaced it with a spare Gitzo I had and it works much better without adding much to the weight and none to the folded height.

I think the Gitzo CF tripods are superior in every way but they aren't cheap. Then again the Gitzo tripod has a five-year warranty to the Benro's 1-year.

I LOVE my carbon fiber Gitzo and use it every day. As I recall it was close to $1000, but my back thanks me every time i carry it.

I think Benro CF gets you >80% of the capability of a Gitzo at <50% of the price.

As mentioned above, change out the ballhead and you're probably 95% of Gitzo while still saving several hundred dollars - not chump change.

As for the twist vs lever lock debate, I think it all comes out even. Both sides have huge lists of pros/cons related to susceptibility to dirt, ease of clamping, tendency to get snagged on things, weight, etc

The lock thing is a personal preference I suppose. But I really like the twist locks. Once you get good at it you can loosen all of the locks on a leg at once, extend and then tighten them quickly one by one.

I have the CF Benro Travel Angel (one of the older models) and it works great for me. Lots of good head options out there too.

What are your primary concerns; size, weight, cost? Are you OK with a center column, three or four leg sections?

I'm fine with a center column; I think weight followed by folded size are my two primary factors, and the latter drives to a degree the necessity of four leg sections (even though IME that results in somewhat less stability & load capability).


I much prefer twist lock legs over lever lock. Much easier and faster to use IMO and more compact to boot.

Hmm; my primary reason for going away from twist locks would be speed. Maybe I just need to work on my technique. :) Having carried my Feisol up and down Bryce Canyon and all around the Bosque, my hands were pretty tired by the end of the day each time from rotating all those twist locks repeatedly.


Con: it IS aluminum rather than carbon fiber;

Yeah, having carried an aluminum tripod before, I think I'll stick with carbon fiber. My back will thank me. :)

I'm fine with a center column; I think weight followed by folded size are my two primary factors, and the latter drives to a degree the necessity of four leg sections (even though IME that results in somewhat less stability & load capability).

There are a lot of 16"-18" folded/55"-60" extended/<3lbs 3-section tripods out there so you should be OK.

Hmm; my primary reason for going away from twist locks would be speed. Maybe I just need to work on my technique. :) Having carried my Feisol up and down Bryce Canyon and all around the Bosque, my hands were pretty tired by the end of the day each time from rotating all those twist locks repeatedly.

I can twist-lock/unlock all three sections of each leg quickly in one step with one hand. At least on the Gitzos the twist locks require less than a full twist from lock to unlock so full lock-to-full unlock is just a single, quick ~60 degree motion. Much easier IMO than levers.

Also, if I am moving around a lot I just twist the locks enough to hold them in place while retracted which makes it quick and easy to pull them out when I reposition.

I also got tired of straps, bags, and clothing getting caught/tearing on the levers and if you have ever caught your hand on a lever when it's cold outside you won't forget it - something that never happens with twist locks.

I use one of three options when I travel, and one for home work.

Home: Manfrotto 055xProB. Heavy, rock solid.

Travel 1: Induro AM25 monopod + manfrotto 234RC monopod ballhead , cost me around 125CAD. Came with a belt holster. Ideal for a long daytime walk that may include inside areas (churches, museums) that don't allow/don't like tripods. It sits on my belt, covered by a jacket, and isn't noticeable until I use it. Great for getting at least an additional f/stop.

Travel 2: Gorillapod. Was around 70CAD. Don't use it as much, but it has proven occasionally useful for urban walks. I suspect it would be more useful for nature walks. In urban situations where I expect I can use a tripod, I am more likely to use option 3.

Travel 3: Induro AKB travel tripod with ballhead. Not very heavy, but as long as I don't extend the centre post, works OK. Reverseable centre post for closeup macro work. Great for an outside urban walk. Came with a shoulder bag, very light. Nothing close to a studio setup like the manfrotto, but I barely notice it is on my shoulder.

There is no such thing IMO - even for the amateur or weekend hobbyist shooting travel snaps.

Since you asked for a specific recommendation I would say that the RRS BH-25/30 paired with something like the Gitzo GT-1840C legs in Basalt [16" folded, 2.5 lbs] is about the least expensive combo worth a damn - though you can save about $150 by getting the Manfrotto version of the Gitzo legs [~20" folded, 3 lbs].

Still expensive but will also last a lifetime with causal use.



It was $1000 but that article was written years ago so it is likely closer to $1500 now.

I have said the same thing here before and it is true.

I can trace my own experience from a $50 Velabon [plastic head broke] to a $75 Slik 800G [thin aluminum leg tube bent irreparably] to a $150 Slik U212 [lousy tolerances that would never "lock" solidly from day one] to a $350 Bogen [solid but heavy as hell even for a compact tripod and no pivoting legs] and finally another $200 to "upgrade" the Bogen's head to a Benro [heavy and was permanently loose after less than a year].

$825 spent over 10 years and all inferior to the $1000 Gitzo/RRS combo that I have used for the last 5 or 6 years and that shows every sign of still being a great solution for another 10 years or more.

Seriously, IMO spend the money on a quality legs/head combo, whether compact or studio size, whatever fits your needs, or else just use a Gorilla pod.

I took anrkitec's advice a couple of years ago and have never regretted it. RRS ballhead on Gitzo legs. RRS is one of the top customer-friendly companies I have dealt with. When I ordered the ball head combo, I did not realize that one part (the clamp?) was included. Added it separately. Before shipping, someone from RRS called to ask if I really wanted two, or had I not noticed that it was already in the package. ^

I took anrkitec's advice a couple of years ago and have never regretted it. RRS ballhead on Gitzo legs. RRS is one of the top customer-friendly companies I have dealt with. When I ordered the ball head combo, I did not realize that one part (the clamp?) was included. Added it separately. Before shipping, someone from RRS called to ask if I really wanted two, or had I not noticed that it was already in the package. ^

I may end up splurging for the Gitzo legs; the Manfrotto ball head I've got and the Wimberley gimbal head are fine for now (the Wimberley's the top of the line as far as that goes, anyway).

It's going to depend on how much the Canon 500 f4L II is when it finally comes out; if it goes up from the current price B&H has it ($10.5k), no new legs for me any time soon. If it comes down (closer to what the MSRP was when they announced it, then announced a delayed release, under $10k), sure, I can justify the Gitzo. :)