Tripod advice?

[Richard D]

I realize that I need a tripod. What I'd like is one that is very travel friendly - e.g. light and small. and sturdy. Not too expensive would help a lot.

[Deja Q]

1. For indoor or outdoor use?

For outdoor use, don't bother with "light" - any whisper of a wind will rock the thing and render blurry, useless photos.

Indoor use - not a problem.

[Richard D]

2. Primarily outdoor.

But I'll be carrying it for long distances in rough territory.

[Deja Q]

3. Hmm... have you considered a backpack?

Even if your camera has optical image stabilization, you're still going to want a sturdy and solid a tripod as possible. No plastic $40 junk. :(

[Richard D]

5. I do carry a backpack . . .

. . . but still want to keep weight of the tripod under 4 pounds if possible. No cheap junk wanted.

[comrade snarky]

6. Depending on what you are doing

How about a monopod?

My heavy tripod has one built in that I can pull and carry almost everywhere. It's not perfect but it helps to steady a shot I couldn't get otherwise.

[Richard D]

7. it's more of a tripod use.

Longer exposures than a monopod would work for. But it's a good thought as a backup.

[Cassandra]

4. I have a Slik Sprint Pro, which I took out in the wind...

yesterday. There was some movement but it was more from my p&s camera than the tripod, which seemed pretty solid. It's easy to carry and was under $100.

[ConsAreLiars]

8. Carbon Fiber construction saves weight, maintains rigidity, but also adds $$.

One tip for increasing stability is that if the tripod and location allow you to easily dangle several pounds of rocks or dirt between the legs, almost anything will have enough mass to become relatively stable. And use a cable release to avoid giving the setup a poke just before the shutter opens.

(edit tiny stuff)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

9. grollipod....

http://www.joby.com/

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

10. I was in the same boat, so to speak

bought a carbon fiber one... $$$, but sturdy even with my big lens and outdoors.

You will not regret it, or beat it on weight

spread out over the years you will use it, the cost does not hurt as much.

[Richard D]

11. I ended up getting

a moderate priced aluminum/magnesuium travel tripod from Induro, the AB1. Weighs 3.4 pounds, has a ball head, and comes with a nice and sturdy travel pack. Used it last night for the first time and I really like it.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

12. moon, venus and saturn picture?

I would say it works great!

[Richard D]

13. That's the picture!

Whole new avenue of picture taking for me just opened up!
Thank you!