To add to the point above: I spent a week in some nasty Patagonia winds last year trying to get sharp long exposures on an a7RIV and it was a total nightmare until I swapped my setup. Most travel tripods sacrifice the apex diameter for packability. This makes them wobble under a heavy lens. If you're hitting the Dolomites, you basically need something without a center column to keep your center of gravity low.

• Sirui AM-284 Carbon Fiber Tripod with A-10R Ball Head
• Benro Tortoise Columnless Carbon Fiber Three Series Tripod with GX35 Head The Sirui is solid because the 28mm leg diameter provides enough torsional rigidity for that 24-70 GM II. No center column means the vibrations dont have a neck to travel through. It works well. The Benro is also a decent option since its wider leg angle helps when gusts pick up. Honestly, stay away from anything with 5 leg sections... those 12mm bottom segments are basically toothpicks.

I spent ages looking at load capacities and leg diameters before my last trip to the Alps because I was so worried about my a7R vibrating during 30-second exposures. Picking up the Benro Mach3 2 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod TMA28C was the right move and I am seriously satisfied with how it handles. Its a bit beefier than the ultra-compact stuff, but the stability is night and day. Another solid option is the Leofoto Mr. Q Series LQ-284C Carbon Fiber Tripod which has a really clever removable center column design. The 28mm leg diameter provides that extra rigidity you need for the 24-70 GM II. Both of these stay well under your 500 budget and honestly they work well in high wind. Ngl, skipping the super skinny travel legs was the best decision I made for my landscape shots... you wont regret having the extra bulk when the gusts start hitting.

Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷

Yep, this is the way

Unfortunately, most viral travel tripods like the Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber fail to support high-res sensors in real conditions. I found the thin leg sections just cant handle the torque of a heavy lens like the 24-70 GM II. The Ulanzi Zero Y Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber is also disappointing... that center column design is a major weak point for vibration damping. If youre hitting the Dolomites, you need something like the Leofoto LS-284C Ranger Series Carbon Fiber Tripod. It doesnt have a center column, which is basically the only way to get real stability at this weight. I have found the 28mm leg diameter is the bare minimum for the a7IV. TL;DR: Skip the slim designs. Go for a 28mm tube diameter without a center column for maximum rigidity.

Works great for me

🙌