Best Portable Camera Stabilizer/Tripod ...........

[Cut-Throat]

I am looking for a Great Portable Camera Stabilizer/Tripod. This will not be for a Large Camera with Big Lenses, But a portable camera or Phone for taking mostly Night Shots. Portability is the main priority. And then a quality piece of gear that will stand up to use. I have had other mini tripods that were junk or fell apart and did not work that well. This is a Sample Photo I took here in Hawaii last month, but I had to sit the camera on the deck railing as I don't have a way to stabilize it.
So, can I have your recommendation on a good Portable Tripod/Stabilizer?

[DektolMan]

I just purchased this carbon fiber tripod for traveling. I am shooting with a 4/3 mirrorless camera system.


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...on_carbon.html

[Cut-Throat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DektolMan I just purchased this carbon fiber tripod for traveling. I am shooting with a 4/3 mirrorless camera system. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...on_carbon.html

Thanks for the tip.... What would you say is the big advantage of the carbon fiber over the aluminum ?

[Starsky]

I love the Joby Gorillapod. They come many different sizes and designs; and they are cool because they can be wrapped around things and are small and easy to pack.


The Manfrotto Compact is good if you want a more traditional setup.

[OldShooter]

Light weight, very stable, low price. Pick any two.

[Midpack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starsky I love the Joby Gorillapod. They come many different sizes and designs; and they are cool because they can be wrapped around things and are small and easy to pack. The Manfrotto Compact is good if you want a more traditional setup.

+1. Exactly what I’d recommend too. If none of the many sizes of Joby’s work for you, a small Manfrotto. I have both including the Joby universal smartphone holder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GHYLKS...550217848&sr=3

There are Joby knock offs, but some/most are junk.

[Ronstar]

I like this one. Manfrotto bought at Best Buy. Works great for phone or small point and shoot. A little shaky on my big dslr.

[Ronstar]

Thinking about getting one of these for a table top tripod

[folivier]

Like Oldshooter said: pick any 2 of these: lightweight, stability, low price. Can't have all 3.
Gitzo makes excellent carbon fiber tripods, very light and stable, I have a traveler carbon fiber, awesome tripod. CF tends to absorb vibrations unlike aluminum. Important if you're shooting at a slow shutter speed.
Make sure whatever you buy has a nice ballhead, as important as the tripod.
Feisol, Benro, Oben?, Manfrotto all make nice tripods. Read about tripods on www.fredmiranda.com

[MichaelB]

For purchases like this I usually check Wirecutter review site https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/th...travel-tripod/

[braumeister]

I bought one of these not long ago because I needed one that fit easily in a suitcase. Pretty happy with it so far.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._traveler.html

[Cut-Throat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldShooter Light weight, very stable, low price. Pick any two.

I'm not that interested in those features ---

How about Portable (compact - not necessarily light weight), Stable, High Price ?

[Cut-Throat]

Anyone use anything like this? And had good luck with it?


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787YXQNP...v_ov_lig_dp_it

[folivier]

Here is one to consider, I don't know anything about it other than the review below:
https://www.amazon.com/Leofoto-LS-22...eofoto+ls-223c

https://adelembuttolphgallery.com/le...tripod-review/

[Chuckanut]

I use a Gorillapod about 6 inches long. I screw it into the bottom of the camera and use it to brace the camera against a wall, table, pole, etc. If there is nothing else to brace the camera against, I hold the Gorillapod tightly with my left hand/arm pressed against my chest, hold my breath and shoot. It works remarkably well.

If I am shooting out of a car, then I use a tripod. But, I find more and more of my shooting is when I am out on foot, and carrying tripod is no longer an option for me.

[OldShooter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat I'm not that interested in those features --- How about Portable (compact - not necessarily light weight), Stable, High Price ?

Easy. Gitzo.


Aluminum Reporter models are remarkably cheap on eBay. Get the 4 section legs called the Compact model. Under $150 shipped should be easily achievable with a little patience.So not even that high a price.

[Ronstar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat Anyone use anything like this? And had good luck with it? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787YXQNP...v_ov_lig_dp_it

I have not, but it looks like it would work.

[DektolMan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat Thanks for the tip.... What would you say is the big advantage of the carbon fiber over the aluminum ?

As others have said the carbon fiber is lighter than the aluminum and absorbs vibrations better. If you are doing longer exposure or HDR it would be better in my opinion.

[Ronstar]

I made a couple of my own. One from an Irwin clamp that I use to take photos in my workshop. Another I made from mdf for low level shots.

[Freedom56]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat I am looking for a Great Portable Camera Stabilizer/Tripod. This will not be for a Large Camera with Big Lenses, But a portable camera or Phone for taking mostly Night Shots. Portability is the main priority. And then a quality piece of gear that will stand up to use. I have had other mini tripods that were junk or fell apart and did not work that well. This is a Sample Photo I took here in Hawaii last month, but I had to sit the camera on the deck railing as I don't have a way to stabilize it. So, can I have your recommendation on a good Portable Tripod/Stabilizer?

I own a lot of tripods (ten of them now), but the best for travel has to be my ZOMEI Q555 which I picked up on Ebay for $41 with free shipping. It cost a fraction of some of my other tripods but it's the one I use the most now as it is fairly light weight and very durable and well designed.