New backpacking tripod

[rainrunner]

I picked up a new Promaster XC522 tripod from shutterbug.
Runs $139, but I was able to use a gift certificate to get it, so it was free to me, a very good price.
I am not sure who makes this tripod for Promaster, though it looks quite a bit like the mefoto travel tripod.

It has a quick release, level bubbles, a spring hook to add extra weight and converts into a monopod.

Some of the specs are:
+ 5 section; 22mm leg diameter
+ Maximum working height: 49'' / 124cm (without head)
+ Minimum working height: 6 3/8'' / 16cm
+ Folded height: 11 7/8'' / 30cm
+ Maximum load: 11 lb / 5kg
+ Tripod weight: 1 lb 14 oz / .85kg

I was very happy with my first backpacking trip with the tripod. We used a small bag to carry it in that I got at a road race. It was very easy to set up and it seemed very stable with my new heavier Sigma 18 - 250 lens.
The three features that drew me to this tripod is it being under two pounds, folds to under 1 foot, and the minimum working height of 6 3/8 inches.
Here are some pictures

49 inches tall


Can drop to 6.5 inches


levels on the tripod and the ball head to make sure the camera is level to the horizon


Close up of ball head, quick release and bubble levels


Can be turned into a monopod which is about 54 inches tall



Folds down to a small size for backpacking.

[Waffle Stomper]

That's very cool.

[mayhem]

Very nice thanks for sharing! Does the swivel head swivel smoothly?

[justpeachy]

Hmmmm, very nice. I might have to look into this.

What did you think of the twist tightening on the legs? My current tripod has this and it's a bit of a pain. I think I'd prefer the kind that have a snap lock.

[jeffstatt]

The twist tightening was the one question I had too. I've never had good luck over the long term with those (thank goodness for REI's generous return policy on trekking poles!) I'd love to hear your experience with this. Hmm about 2 lbs. How does this weight compare to other tripods you've used?

[retired jerry]

I have one pole with twist tightening - I can't get it to adjust - it is now a fixed length pole

I remember someone trying to adjust another pole for half an hour and finally gave up

[rainrunner]

The tripod seems to pivot very smoothly, but I'll check that out more tomorrow on our day hike.
I know what you are talking about with the twist tightening on hiking poles, but I hope that I don't experience as much problems with the tripod.
The tripod won't get the use that the poles get on a hike, so hopefully they will hold up better.
They are very easy to release and slide back together. One twist with my hand and they all release, then a quick twist as I slide the poles back up and they collapse very quickly.

[Waffle Stomper]

The tripod seems to pivot very smoothly, but I'll check that out more tomorrow on our day hike.
I know what you are talking about with the twist tightening on hiking poles, but I hope that I don't experience as much problems with the tripod.

So how did it do on the day hike?

[scole]

Bump for an update, please.

[Waffle Stomper]

Bump for an update, please.

Yes, inquiring minds want to know. I was just thinking about it this weekend.