I just spent two days in Savannah Georgia where the weather was superb; I was shouldering my Linhof Technika V 6X9 with super rollex back, viewfinder and hand grip that weighs about 7lbs. I had left my big tripod at home, thinking I could shoulder carry this weight for several hours. My question is this - is there a light weight strong tripod weighing about 3lbs that has a levelling head (for architectural shots) and has one of the legs that will convert to a monopod-like setting via quick release/trigger mechanism. My aching shoulders are willing to pay several hundred dollars if necessary.

John Cooper

-- John F. Cooper (d2538@fdn.com), October 22, 2001

Answers

Gitzo 1349 with your choice of head. you might get by with a Gitzo 1227 (I don't like the four section legs of the 1227-- the last one is too skinny, I don't think either of these tripods has the monopod feature but I know there is a Gitzo model that does.

-- Ellis Vener Photography (ellis@ellisvener.com), October 22, 2001.

The Gitzo 1227 has three sections; the 1228 has four. The 1227 works with a 2k 4x5 camera.

-- Tom Perkins (Thomas1592@msn.com), October 22, 2001.

I'm sorry, I wrote it out wrong. The 1227 supports a 3kg 4x5 camera. There is no way to separate a leg for monopod use.

-- Tom Perkins (Thomas1592@msn.com), October 22, 2001.

John, Consider the Gitzo 1349 (carbon fibre), I use it with the 1370 low profile head and the gitzo quick release plate. Superb!! Hardly know its on your shoulder. No monopod facility, but does everything a tripod should! Regards Paul

-- paul owen (paulowen_2000@yahoo.com), October 23, 2001.

Hi John

I vote for the Gitzo 1228 takes about 8 kilo and with the magnesium head of mamiya is it 2.090kg. Your shoulders will love it! Have a look at:http://www.gitzo.com/products/metric/tripods/ rightscreen.php3

Good luck!

-- Armin Seeholzer (armin.seeholzer@smile.ch), October 25, 2001.

Thanks for the feedback - it seems Gitzo is it. I just received "The Digital Photography SourceBook" from B&H, in it they describe two interesting tripods from Bogen (aka Manfrotto!) that are Carbon Fiber, nos 3443 and 3444; they are $200+ cheaper than the Gitzo - any user experience with these?

-- John F. Cooper (d2538@fdn.com), October 26, 2001.

Hi John, I understand you made a long search for the right tripod, so I was thinking mybe you can advise me what kind of tripod I should buy for my 35 mm camera. I was thinking to get the Manfrotto 3021PRO. it weights 5.3 lb and stand stabil for a big format as well. I didnt choose a head yet so feel free to give any advice (specially on the head that looks like a joystick). Thank You, Abigail

-- Abigail Sinai (absinai@yahoo.com), January 28, 2002.

Hi John,

More than an answer, I am seacking for tips. I have similar preoccupations than yours, and was wondering if you went and buy the Bogen 3443 or 3444, and if it is the case which head do you use with your tripod? and are you happy with your new combination? thanks

Best Ethel Buisson

-- Ethel Buisson (buisson@mail.utexas.edu), February 15, 2002.