But, I still need advice. I bought a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, which is a carbon fiber tripod. We're heading back to the Grand Tetons this summer, and I wanted a tripod to take landscapes (because, dang, the Grand Tetons offer amazing landscapes), but also to take on hikes (thus the carbon fiber). But the thing is a lot heavier than I thought it would be, and I haven't even received the ball head! I must be a total wus if most people can hike with heavy lenses, camera, and tripod.
So, at first I thought I might return the carbon fiber and get the aluminum version for landscapes (cheaper) and maybe get a cf monopod for hiking. But, from what I've read, a monopod wouldn't be much help for landscapes on hikes. Now I'm wondering if I should just keep the cf tripod (because it's awfully nice) and forget about taking anything (tripod or monopod) on hikes. Any insights?
In daylight a lot of landscapes can be done with a piece of string and a course thread quarter inch bolt, you tie the string to the bolt, screw it in to the tripod mount on the camera and stand on the string pulling it taught, lets you get away with shutter speeds as low as 1/45 - 1/30th by taking a lot natural hand shake away.
Though if you have a decent backpack it makes all the difference to the weight you can carry - usually having the tripod looped underneath or along the back of the pack isn't that noticeable in weight addition...
How much does it weigh in the first place. Do you have a cute backpack or good one for day hikes that fits your body. Having hiked a lot I have learned before a big trip you wnat to be in hiking shape which includes training in boots and adding more weight and distance to your backpack for several weeks prior. Try that for the next two weeks and see if your body just adjusts to the weight naturally.
@killerjackalope excellent tip because I have yet to buy a sturdy tripod.
@killerjackalope@brumbe Thanks for the great ideas. I like the lightweight string idea. And, I know I need to "train" before we leave. I think I'll take all my gear in my backpack (which is a Deuter, so it's a good one) on my bike and do some photography walks.
@otprofsp I actually take all I think I want in my backpack, a rain coat, extra layer, water, food and walk. It is amazing how minimal my camera needs become once I walk for about an hour with it on the treadmill at the gym.
I did Grand Teton about two years ago and loved almost everything about the trip.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
Though if you have a decent backpack it makes all the difference to the weight you can carry - usually having the tripod looped underneath or along the back of the pack isn't that noticeable in weight addition...
@killerjackalope excellent tip because I have yet to buy a sturdy tripod.
I did Grand Teton about two years ago and loved almost everything about the trip.