I considered the Velbon Ultra Luxi-L but wanted something a bit sturdier to prop up my 70-200/2.8. ; It's my experience that, at least with inexpensive tripods, if you're close to the weight rating, in reality you're probably already over it, and I am very close to 2kg with the 70-200. ; Anyway, I found the Benro Travel Angel series when I was searching B&H.
It's basically a much cheaper Gitzo Traveler knockoff, the 5-section legs fold upwards so that the head adds much less to the folded length. ; They make it in 3 sizes, carbon fiber or aluminum. ; I went with aluminum to save $$$, and the second largest size (model TRA169) to save weight (3.3 vs 4.0 lbs). ; I'm 6'7" so the biggest size would be nice, but 4 lbs seems like a bit much to hang off my already-heavy bag and carry around all day. ; The size I ordered is about 4" shorter at max height than the Luxi-L, but rated for 8.8 lbs (we'll see if this holds up, I'm weary of the included ballhead but I have my Manfrotto if it sucks) and it's actually 1.2" shorter folded. ; I'm not wild about twist locks but it seems all travel tripods have them.
It'll be here Tuesday, I'll post a review after my trip! ; I'll be taking along this for walkaround shooting, and keeping my monster tripod (Slik 700DX) in my car/locker for fireworks.
Forgot to mention that I paid $170 for it.
It's basically a much cheaper Gitzo Traveler knockoff, the 5-section legs fold upwards so that the head adds much less to the folded length. ; They make it in 3 sizes, carbon fiber or aluminum. ; I went with aluminum to save $$$, and the second largest size (model TRA169) to save weight (3.3 vs 4.0 lbs). ; I'm 6'7" so the biggest size would be nice, but 4 lbs seems like a bit much to hang off my already-heavy bag and carry around all day. ; The size I ordered is about 4" shorter at max height than the Luxi-L, but rated for 8.8 lbs (we'll see if this holds up, I'm weary of the included ballhead but I have my Manfrotto if it sucks) and it's actually 1.2" shorter folded. ; I'm not wild about twist locks but it seems all travel tripods have them.
It'll be here Tuesday, I'll post a review after my trip! ; I'll be taking along this for walkaround shooting, and keeping my monster tripod (Slik 700DX) in my car/locker for fireworks.
Forgot to mention that I paid $170 for it.