Gadget Bag: Going Light With Firm Support

Ultralight, but steady tripods for hiking and travel

Zachary Singer

Published April 1, 2005

When I began using a new "lightweight" tripod in the late ’90s, I was relieved that it weighed just 8 1/2 pounds/five for the tripod and the rest for the head. It certainly seemed light because it was just half the weight of my first solid tripod, a 17-pound brute.

To read this Photography Gear article, become a Member.

Become an Outdoor Photographer Member to access this Photography Gear Article, plus techniques, inspiration and equipment reviews from the pros!

Featured Articles

Olympic National Park

Encompassing three distinct ecosystems and incredible geographic diversity, this jewel of the Pacific Northwest is unlike any other national park.

Every Picture Tells A Story

Tips for drawing viewers in with a narrative approach to image making

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.

Capture One is an excellent Lightroom alternative for pro photo processing.

Capture One Pro 11: The Best Lightroom Alternative?

This pro-level Lightroom alternative offers excellent RAW processing and a highly customizable interface.

Horned puffins near Katmai National Park

Katmai For Wildlife

The dramatic landscapes of Katmai National Park in southern Alaska are home to an abundance of wildlife photo opportunities.

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.

Pentax K-1: The Perfect Astro Camera?

Capturing an accurate (and beautiful) view of the heavens is the goal of the astro-photographer, but for the shooter looking to capture the majesty of the Milky Way without star trails, it’s often necessary to turn to expensive pieces of hardware called star trackers.

From My Perspective

Considering perspective for more engaging photographs

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.

To read this Photography Gear article, become a Member.

Read Next

Featured Articles