Recommendation for a compact travel tripod compatible with Leica SL2?

Question

Need a compact travel tripod for my Leica SL2 ASAP because I'm leaving for Iceland in four days and I'm panicking a bit. The SL2 is a beast and with the 24-90mm lens it gets really heavy so I need something that wont just collapse. I looked at the Peak Design Travel Tripod since everyone loves it but some reviews say the legs get super shaky when you fully extend them with a heavy setup like mine. Also checked out Gitzo but their naming is so confusing and I dont know if the Series 1 is enough or if I need Series 2. Budget is about $600 max and it has to fit in a carry-on. Any ideas?

SkylineBuffer · Accepted Answer

Like someone mentioned, you really need to watch that leg diameter because the SL2 and 24-90 combo is basically a lead brick. You gotta be really careful with travel tripods because brands love to exaggerate load ratings. For Iceland? Honestly, skip the PD... that thin center column will vibrate like a guitar string in the wind. To answer your Gitzo doubt, Series 1 is way too flimsy for that glass; youd need a Series 2 but thats gonna blow your budget. I would suggest these:Benro Tortoise 24C Carbon Fiber Tripod with GX30 Ball HeadThis is solid because it has no center column, so its super rigid. Folds down tiny for a carry-on too.Sirui Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod W-2204Iceland is wet and sandy. These legs have gaskets to keep the grit out of the locks. Just be careful with the last leg sections. I wouldnt even extend them if the wind picks up. Spiked feet are a must for those icy rocks!

ZenByteX · Answer

Basically, you need 28mm leg diameters for that weight. The Leofoto LS-284C Ranger Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-30 Ball Head hits that spec perfectly. It supports 22lbs and fits carry-on bags since it has no center column. Much more rigid than the PD one for a heavy Leica setup. Its well under your budget too, so youll save some cash.

bikely · Answer

Agree with the point about leg diameter. For the SL2, definitely skip anything with thin leg segments. They are way too flimsy for that heavy glass. Iceland wind will vibrate a light tripod like a tuning fork and you wont get a single sharp shot. You need that extra mass to keep the 24-90mm steady. Stability is basically more important than max height tho.