to tripod or not to tripod?
Day -5: I’ve been afflicted by one of those great packing dilemmas that has pitted two of my ingrained travel prejudices against each other. One is the joy to be found in great photography; the other is the need to travel light.
The decision I have to make is whether or not I take a tripod for my camera. The one that I have opens up to about 150cm and would be perfect for longer exposures, particularly at dusk and dawn. On the other hand, there is the not insignificant matter of the extra weight - probably around 1.2 kilograms (about the same as my extremely lightweight Sony VAIO laptop).
What’s it to be? While I’m leaning in favour of taking the tripod with me, knowing that I might only make use of it three days out of every week is counting against the decision. Should I leave out another pair of underpants and socks in order to justify its inclusion?
Posted: June 19th, 2007 by Andrew under Camera, Planning, tripod.
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| Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from Greg
Time: 20 June 2007, 12:43 pm
http://www.diyphotography.net/the-super-small-bottle-cap-tripod
problem solved…..and classy
Comment from Miss B
Time: 20 June 2007, 1:30 pm
I managed our whole trip without a tripod so I’d say leave it - you can always balance camera on furniture, floors and partners.
Comment from Paul
Time: 20 June 2007, 3:00 pm
All the best for your adventures. Yes, Egypt is very worthwhile - Luxor was incredibly interesting. Re the trip, I saw those little (expensive) bean bags they sell for acting as a trip on irregular shaped surfaces. Made me think of potential use of my filthy tiny travel “pillow” that I rest my head on when in transit etc… or making something that could work as both a travel pillow and tripod to satisy the weight weenie factor…
Comment from Phil
Time: 20 June 2007, 10:40 pm
Bean bags are good and the beans allow you to adjust angle where as inflatable pillow wont allow for as much adjustment.
The bottle cap tripod is great for mini cameras but I dont think it will hack your slr but could be wrong.
Another great gadget =) which does not cost a lot you will be glad to hear is the Ultrapod II and it weighs 4oz. http://www.pedcopods.com/specsup2.htm
I used one for a while. I have seen them for sale in Aus but dont ask me where. The velcro strap is a bit of genius as it enables you to strap the angled body to a railing/tree/pole…beaut!
I also tried a cheap light weight tripod and it broke as you cant tighten the nut enough to support the weight on certain angles.
Comment from andrew
Time: 21 June 2007, 1:07 am
Thanks for the suggestions. It is a tough one. Fortunately I’m quite unsentimental about travel gear. My current plan is to take the one I have and then, if I’m not getting enough use out of it, to gift it to someone else and move to one of the lighter options that have been suggested here.
The tripod that I have is not so expensive that I will regret giving it away to someone who might get some enjoyment out of it… at least until they also decide that it’s too heavy!
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