Backpackers Tripod for a Nature Shoot

[Derek Doublin]

I am headed out on a shoot for the Sierra Club soon and will be traveling deep into the Grand Canyon with my Dragon. Does anyone know of a good, mid-range, lightweight and compact tripod setup that would work with a barebones Dragon that wouldn't be a pain to lug around on a hike? To put things in perspective, I already own some Miller Solo Sticks which are 3 Stage Carbon Fiber legs with a 100mm bowl and a Miller Compass 25 head. My current tripod setup weighs 13 lbs total. The issue is that it is still a bit too bulky to carry on a hike.

I know I want to drop down to a 75mm bowl. I was thinking of getting the same Miller Solo Carbon Fiber Sticks but in a two stage, 75mm config and then getting a mid-range 75mm tripod head.

Any suggestions? Anyone know of an ultra lightweight setup out there? I don't mind pushing the limits of this new tripod with the Dragon (without reaching the failing point) in order to keep the bulk and weight down. Anybody shoot in the wilderness on sticks? If so, what is your setup? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[Med D]

I have a similar rig to yours only with Manfrotto CF legs. The head though makes it way too heavy for any serious backpacking. When I really need to carry all my gear I actually use one of these. Yes it is grossly overloaded with an Epic and lens, but I mostly used it locked off. I always keep a very close eye on it as well. It's very stable generally but you really need to make sure nobody messes with it. If the "head" gets adjusted too loose things can so downhill rapidly. I have taken my full rig down into Havasupai Canyon using that tripod.

 

[Anthony Vitale]

I have been wanting to purchase a lighter tripod for the same reason and I found that the Miller DS 20 with solo carbon fibre legs is probably your best bet. It's light enough to strap to your backpack and this will help when you need your arms for balance and climbing.

The camera is a lot wider than the head so you have to make sure your tilt brake and plate lock are in the right position or they will hit the bottom of the camera and you won't be able to lock them. Besides that it's definitely one of the lightest options out there.

Hope this helps.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293494-REG/Miller_1514_SOLO_DV_20_Carbon.html

 

[Mark Andersen]

I have a similar rig to yours only with Manfrotto CF legs. The head though makes it way too heavy for any serious backpacking. When I really need to carry all my gear I actually use one of these. Yes it is grossly overloaded with an Epic and lens, but I mostly used it locked off. I always keep a very close eye on it as well. It's very stable generally but you really need to make sure nobody messes with it. If the "head" gets adjusted too loose things can so downhill rapidly. I have taken my full rig down into Havasupai Canyon using that tripod.

I shot in Havasupai last summer but I had mules carry my gear Beautiful place to shoot. Just don't let the locals see you doing it, they frown on "production" down there, but with that tripod you'll probably look like a civilian.

 

[Mark Andersen]

I use Sachtler 75mm heads (I have a Video 14 and a DV4, think thats what they are) and love them, they are a little heavier than the Miller but they last forever. I'd like to check out that miller though, under 4 pounds is pretty enticing. I also use Gitzo DF spreader less style sticks. They are super strong and last for ever. I actually really like the "stills style" spreader less tripods, I wish all tripods were this way.

 

[Med D]

I shot in Havasupai last summer but I had mules carry my gear Beautiful place to shoot. Just don't let the locals see you doing it, they frown on "production" down there, but with that tripod you'll probably look like a civilian.

The mules carried my camping gear but I had all my camera stuff. And yes discretion is another feature of the super-small tripod -- if you use that and screw-in filters you only look a little more elaborate than the average tourist.

 

[Ces Peynetti]

I use the Miller solo 3 stage CF with the Compass 20. That has been the best option I've found so far, though I wish I could still find another head either a bit lighter, or maybe a bit shorter than the Compass head, but I haven't been happy enough with other stuff I've used to switch.

If anyone has another suggestion though I'll be happy to hear it.

 

[Tony Mac]

I use Sachtler 75mm heads (I have a Video 14 and a DV4, think thats what they are) and love them, they are a little heavier than the Miller but they last forever. I'd like to check out that miller though, under 4 pounds is pretty enticing. I also use Gitzo DF spreader less style sticks. They are super strong and last for ever. I actually really like the "stills style" spreader less tripods, I wish all tripods were this way.

I'll second this, I've used a Gitzo 3 series w/ a Sachtler FSB8 75mm bowl head. For a stripped down Epic, it handles the camera nicely with lightweight stills glass.

 

[Joe Kyle]

Anyone know of an ultra lightweight setup out there? I don't mind pushing the limits of this new tripod with the Dragon (without reaching the failing point) in order to keep the bulk and weight down. Anybody shoot in the wilderness on sticks? If so, what is your setup? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

I have a similar rig to yours only with Manfrotto CF legs. The head though makes it way too heavy for any serious backpacking. When I really need to carry all my gear I actually use one of these. Yes it is grossly overloaded with an Epic and lens, but I mostly used it locked off. I always keep a very close eye on it as well. It's very stable generally but you really need to make sure nobody messes with it. If the "head" gets adjusted too loose things can so downhill rapidly. I have taken my full rig down into Havasupai Canyon using that tripod.

I'm with Med D - although I use a slightly different version of a travel tripod. I opt for the Benro Travel Flat A0180T (currently $107 on B&H). It is stupidly lightweight (2.3 lbs) and supports 13+ lbs. Use it in conjunction with a leveling base (I used the FLM LB-15, which I do NOT recommend) and its possible to make a complete tripod kit (legs, leveler, and head) that is under 5lbs. I attached a photo of my minimal Epic configuration (which was just under 11lbs with the Sigma 18-35 1.8 and AB battery) on the summit of Capitol Peak in Colorado.

I can also attest that the Benro Travel Flat makes a perfect walking stick...used it many times for river crossings. Seriously. I love that tripod.

 

[Linda Barzini]

I have a few friends who use warp stabilizer on just about every pan shot. They love the software, so regardless of tripod, you may still be able to get good footage with the software.

 

[Joe Pontecorvo]

This may sound kind of crazy, but if you don;t plan on doing any time-lapse or have to lock off the camera you can try one of these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...Migz5Od9cUCFc5ffgodslYAcA&is=REG&Q=&A=details
A monopod with fluid head. You can actually do some kind of cool move with these. I also use a small 75mm bowl Sachtler.

 

[Eli Jarra]

I second the Gitzo. Great tripod and very easy to manage.