Tripod Suggestion - Hiking w/XHA1

Hi,

Im looking for a new lighter tripod that I can hike a few miles with.

Im currently using an old Sachtler Video 20 Head with some sturdy but heavy Sachtler legs. All in all I'd say it weighs over 30 pounds, which really how far I can walk/hike with it.

Im using the XHA1 so it doesn't need to support anything heavy. I shoot a lot of scenery and wildlife so I need something that is sturdy, and has a really good fluid head.

Any ideas?

Anyone out there take there equipment out in the Backcountry and can offer some pointers?

Thanks,
Mike A.

Uhm... The XH A1 itself IS a heavy camera (it breaks 5lbs with extended duration battery). The "lightweight" heads I've seen seem to be rated for only around 3-5lbs (my big Manfrotto 501 is, I think, documented for ~10lb load, and the tripod it is on might be rated for up to 30lb [camera & head]).

If the primary concern is dead weight -- you will probably have to look into graphite/carbon-fiber/basalt type tripods... Rather expensive; and then match a head to the tripod. A skinny/light aluminum tripod is unlikely to give you the stability needed -- especially in the field, with wind.

Focusing just on the legs, Bogen makes a set called "wilderness", 3221WN, I think is the model number. I don't know the weight but I'm sure it isn't 30 lbs. You'll need to pick a head that is rated for your cam weight as wulfraed says. But with any legs, lighter usually means less stable and prone to torque. There's always a tradeoff.

Good luck.

Dennis

Has anyone used the Sachtler DV-2 II Fluid Head before?

Im looking at it for my Canon XH-A1. It says it can hold up to 7.9 pounds. I know the A1 is about 5.5.

Mike A.