Extreme low weight tripod of landscape

[Jared Gricoskie]

I'm in search of a extremely low weight tripod setup for longer hikes, 5+ miles to use with my D300 and my 24-85 for under $550. Most of my shots are taken from my knees so max height is not a key feature for me, and will be in weather from 80 to -20 degrees, definately a lot of cold winter hikes in there.

I already have 3 other tripods, 2 great gitzo 3530's, one with an Acra swiss head so if I need some super strong support I'm all set. What I'm looking for is to cut out about 2-3 pounds so long hiking/snowshoing trips are better for my back. I do these about 25 times a year, so not enough to pay for a very expensive $600 tripod not even including the head.

Counting the GT3530S and the acra swiss head without the camera, it comes in at about 5.5 pounds, I'd like to be around 2.5 pounds or below. I've looked at the Gitzo G0530 and a Really Right Stuff BH 25 head.

I would appreciate any advice or alternate options to consider.

[Dan Brown]

Hi Jarad, I just posted an image by accident in reply to your post, Sorry. Are the tripods that you are looking at carbon? If not, carbon is the way too go for lightweight.

[Michael Pancier]

I'm in search of a extremely low weight tripod setup for longer hikes, 5+ miles to use with my D300 and my 24-85 for under $550. Most of my shots are taken from my knees so max height is not a key feature for me, and will be in weather from 80 to -20 degrees, definately a lot of cold winter hikes in there.

I already have 3 other tripods, 2 great gitzo 3530's, one with an Acra swiss head so if I need some super strong support I'm all set. What I'm looking for is to cut out about 2-3 pounds so long hiking/snowshoing trips are better for my back. I do these about 25 times a year, so not enough to pay for a very expensive $600 tripod not even including the head.

Counting the GT3530S and the acra swiss head without the camera, it comes in at about 5.5 pounds, I'd like to be around 2.5 pounds or below. I've looked at the Gitzo G0530 and a Really Right Stuff BH 25 head.

I would appreciate any advice or alternate options to consider.

this is my setup for such circumstances
Gitzo GT0549 with RRS BH-40 PCL

might be more than what you're looking for but it's very light and compact and pretty sturdy.

[muralin]

consider the Gitzo 1541T. I got it brand new for $397 ($530 - 25% Live.com discount). i use a D300 with 24-85 or the Sigma 10-20 with it.

Here is a secret. You can get a lot of the stuff from Kirk Photo at 25% discount using Live.com :-)