Packed size comparison

I the last two years I only owned a Gitzo GT3541LS tripod with an Arca Swiss Monoball P0 ball head. I really like this combination as the tripod from Gitzo's systematic series can handle up to 18 kg load capacity with a maximum height of 146 cm without a center column which tends to make a tripod unstable. The tripod is made of carbon and weights only 1.72 kg plus about 350 g from the ball head, but together with the ball head and a Kirk quick release clamp it has a closed length of about 65 cm. This is way too much to put it easily inside a back pack for travelling! Thus, on my recent trips I left my Gitzo tripod at home and only carried a GorillaPod Focus with me (You might want to have a look at my GorillaPOD SRL-Zoom vs. Focus comparison). This is better than nothing, but on my trip to Grand-Teton- and Yellowstone-National-Park I regretted not bringing a real tripod. My next trip will bring me to Costa Rica with all of its nature and so I wanted a real tripod which I could carry around easily! Continue reading →