hey. i tried searching for an existing thread, and didnt see one.

just curious to see what you guys use?
im torn between a surui t-0025x, manfrotto befree or a mefoto backpacker.
anyone have any experience with these?

the mefoto is really really flimsy at least in my experience.

I have a small manfrotto that I use much better , it doesn't have the greatest height but it is sturdy and get an RRS head

what model manfrotto? my camera only weighs 2 lbs tops

the mefoto might work, I was thinking dslr with battery grip

http://www.bhphoto..._Carbon_Fiber.html

I have this and it folds down small enough to fit in my thinktank streetwalker pro. Having a tripod that fit in my bag was a requirement.
it wasn't inexpensive though.
I have a K-40x head but you could go with a smaller one if your cam is only 2 lbs

you can't go wrong with manfrotto.

I'd suggest Manfrotto, they have last forever.. I work in a studio that has a tripod by Bogen (now Manfrotto) that was bought 20 years ago.. Anyways on the low-end Best buy carries a few cheaper Manfrotto Tripods, Like this:

http://www.bhphoto...uminum_tripod.html

But if you have a little more to spend I'd get this one: http://www.bhphoto...ection_Tripod.html

I've used my friends 294 and it is rock solid, I'm hard on equipment because I do photography as a living and this thing could take a beating. Another pro to this tripod is unlike the cheap one I linked, you can get a replacement quick release plate for the 294.

I have the MeFoto Backpacker and I love it! It's exactly what I was looking for in a tripod. I try to go as minimalist as I can, and at two and a half pounds and roughly a foot long this little beast doesn't slow me down at all. Granted I'm no pro, but I haven't had any stability issues with my 5D Mark II (no grip.) I do tend to use the timer as a matter of course if I have an exposure over 10-15 seconds. There is a hook to hang additional weight and add stability, but I haven't personally used that feature at this point.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are better options available at a higher price point, but at about $140 I don't think you can go wrong with the MeFoto.

went with the backpacker for now! thanks

I have a great Manfrotto that's really have for general photography but I need a decent travel tripod for hiking / exploring for my D7000

(probably) twenty years old Slik, I'm not sure what model it is because I did buy it used. Thick aluminium legs and so on... Last year I did buy new tripod that did cost near 150 euros, but that did go forward straight after first test. It seems that today only thing that matters is small weight and that is pure poison to me because I like to photograph in blizzards etc. That Slik weights probably at least 5kg so it's much sturdier. Also my photographing trips last mostly only for few hours so it doesn't matter if my tripod weights bit more.

Mefoto Backpacker I love it light, folds up small... BUT you need the shorter center shaft to get low to the ground Its like a extra 20 bucks

Octopus iPhone tripod. $3.

Posted by abandonr. Octopus iPhone tripod. $3. ;-) click to view

YES!!! These are surprisingly good for exploring! I mean, there are times you're going to want a full tripod, but for those trips where you really don't feel like carrying one, these things are so incredibly useful.

In case anyone is still interested, the Q 666 is a pretty well designed tripod for the money. It folds down very small (13.8") and still extends up to 62" which is the biggest selling point for me. My old larger tripod was a pain when climbing caged ladders. You can get the aluminum for about $75 on ebay (under $60 if you're lucky) and they have a carbon fiber version for around $100.

The only thing I don't like is how much you have to turn the knobs on the head to get it locked down. Also the horrible english (most ship from china) on the ebay ads...seriously.

Review: https://www.youtub...atch?v=De_e9hxaImA

I've finally semi-retired my 20+year-old Bogen/Manfrotto tripods. I've broken too many of their cast aluminum (or is it potmetal?) leg clamps over the years. It was time to try something new.

I popped for one of the smaller tripods from Induro. Hardly had a chance to use it yet, but it seems very nice. The twist locks work well but take a little to get used to coming from the Bogen and its knobs. If I'm happy with this one I'll get a larger one to replace my big Bogen 3021.