ultralight tripod

[SeeJ]

I capture most of my images while backpacking. My 20 year-old Manfrotto Pro with a ball head is wonderful close to the road but waaayy to heavy for an old guy to take on 5 - 7 back country trips.

Does anyone have any suggestions for an ultralight tripod and head configuration? I use Sony Alpha gear, including up to a 300mm lens, and a remote shutter release.

I've been looking for something like a head or minipod that will convert a pair of trekking poles and a stick (or a friend's trekking pole) into a serviceable unit but haven't seen anything that looks strong enough to support the camera and lens.

[matt wilson]

Stick with the head and go the carbon fibre route for the legs..just a thought .I too use the metal Manfrotto.

[CplBadboyUK]

Hey SeeJ,

Ive just picked up the Manfrotto 055CXPPRO4. WOW! Even with the 322RC2 head its incredibly light. Might be worth a look. She is as steady as they come. Quick & Easy to set up and a joy to carry even with a fully loaded Think Tank Streetwalker hard drive rucksack. Searched all over the internet and a lot of people seem to give them the thumbs up and Ill give it the thumbs up too! I believe the PRO3 version is few 100g lighter but slightly taller when folded.

Regards
Stu

[SeeJ]

sorry I've been so long getting back to you. I've been having computer "issues".
Thank you for the information.
4 lbs is still pretty heavy but it's lighter than what I have now by a wide margin.
Finding a supplier in Canada seems to be a bit of a challenge, though. Customs and duties on non-wholesale (personal) imports often make the cost prohibitive. Still working on it.
Thanks, again.