So Ive been a Fuji shooter for like six years now, currently rocking the X-T5, and Ive always just lugged around this massive old Manfrotto aluminum beast. But Im finally heading to Japan next month for a three-week trek and there is zero chance Im carrying that heavy thing across Tokyo and Kyoto. I need a proper travel tripod that actually fits the Fuji vibe but doesnt compromise on stability.
Ive been looking at the Peak Design Carbon Fiber one because everyone raves about the packed size, but honestly those skinny legs make me so anxious. I usually have the 16-55mm f2.8 glued to my camera and that lens is a chunky boy... Im terrified the whole thing is gonna tip over in a light breeze. My logic was maybe the Ulanzi Zero Y? Its cheaper and looks similar but Ive heard mixed things about the locking mechs. Ive got about $350 to spend and I really need it to be Arca-Swiss compatible because I use an L-bracket constantly. Is there something Im missing? Maybe a Leofoto or Benro model that isnt a total pain to deploy? I just dont want to regret my choice when Im standing on a windy hillside trying to get a long exposure...
Ive spent way too much money trying to find the perfect middle ground between weight and wobble over the years. Since you are rocking the X-T5 with that chunky 16-55mm, you definitely want something with a bit more meat on the bones than those ultra-thin travel legs. In my experience, skipping the center column is the secret to getting sharp long exposures in the wind. Here are a couple that handle heavy glass way better:
> I usually have the 16-55mm f2.8 glued to my camera Unfortunately, most travel legs are flimsy toys. Save cash with the Sirui T-1205SK Carbon Fiber Tripod with G-10KX Ball Head. Its 22lb capacity handles heavy Fuji glass for way less tho...
Like someone mentioned, those super thin legs can be a real worry when you are shooting long exposures. Ive tried many different setups over the years to find a balance between my Fuji X-T5 with the 16-55mm and the need for a light pack. Honestly, I eventually gave up on the ultra-slim designs because the vibration was just too much.
Just caught this thread and wanted to jump in because the 16-55mm on an X-T5 is a specific beast. It really changes the center of gravity compared to the smaller primes. In my experience, people obsess over the max load weight, but what you actually need to look at is the leg diameter of the thinnest section and torsional rigidity. If those skinny bottom legs flex when you twist the head, your long exposures in Kyoto are gonna be blurry. Have you looked at the Sunwayfoto T2840CK Carbon Fiber Tripod? Its often overlooked but the build quality is honestly incredible for the price. It uses 10x carbon fiber layers which helps dampen vibrations way better than the cheaper 8x stuff found in most entry-level travel legs. Ive found that the CNC-machined parts on Sunwayfoto gear tend to have tighter tolerances than Ulanzi or even some Benro models, meaning less wobble in the leg joints over time. Quick question tho, how tall are you? If you are over six feet, you might find the compact travel models a literal pain in the neck without a center column, but if you are shorter, the stability gain from a column-less design is totally worth it for that heavy Fuji glass.