3 Affordable Ultra Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tripods
Last year, I wrote an article titled best tripods under 200 featuring three high-end models each weighing less than three pounds. Each of them would be a good choice for serious backpackers or travel photographers.
Here are three other good choices that fall into the slightly cheaper category. Each of them weighs less than three pounds and costs $ 260 or less.
1. Induro CT-014 8X Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Induro CT-014 is folded with 2.1 kilograms headless and with 4 bolt locking legs to only 18.5 inches.
It ranges from 16.6 "to 55.1" and if you use the short center column, you can reduce it to just 5.3 ", which means you can work very close to the ground.
There are currently several models of this zomei tripod, each with different maximum heights. This has 3 different leg angles and a reversible center column. It also comes with a carrying case and a strap.
Induro CT-014 is made from 8-ply Carbon Fiber Tripod vs Aluminum and offers very high resistance to the leg, some of the industry's chains, as well as a light and stable performance.
The Induro costs $ 199, about one-third of most Gitzo tripods. At about the same price it is easier than almost all manfrottos and seems to get very good reviews from other photographers. I did not use it in the field, but I manipulated it and it seems like a decent tripod for the money. It's exceptionally light but strong enough for most DSLRs, lenses, and mirrorless frames.
2. Siuri T-025X Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Siuri T-025X ($ 239) is one of the lightest tripods on the market. At only 1.3 lbs. With the included Arca ball head, it extends to 51.4 inches and folds down to 11.8 inches. It's so small because the legs of the central column fold back.
It is designed to hold up to 13.2 kg of camera material, and this will likely be the case under the right circumstances. As with any lightweight tripod, I would not expect a professional DSLR with a large lens to remain stable when fully fired, but its weight remains at the bottom of the center post and everything will be fine.
The Siuri T-025X actually has better scores than some heavier and more expensive Siuri tripods. I saw this in the store and I played with it. As with the Vanguard 225CT, it seems like a decent choice for someone who wants to be very light and compact and still has the option of having camera support when needed in the backcountry.
3. Slik PRO 624 CFL Carbon Fiber Tripod
I have always liked Backpacking tripod because they offer a very good value for money. My very first tripod was a SLIK and it has served me well for years.
The SLIK PRO 624 CFL is an extremely lightweight carbon centre tripod that can be opened from three angles. Thin, ergonomic, spring-loaded spring closures are less cumbersome and less prone to pinching fingers than some inexpensive tripods.
It's also easier with an adjustable center column for low-angle shooting or to make the tripod even easier.
The SLIK PRO 624 can be folded with a weight of only 8.8 kg (1.8 lb). The maximum height is 44.7 inches, which roughly corresponds to the Gitzo.
As with many SLIK tripods, the CFL 624 PRO is an inexpensive option for those who own a lightweight DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera configuration.