I just got a Sony A7iv and I'm seriously struggling to find a tripod that actually makes sense for it. I’m heading out to Olympic National Park in like two weeks so I’m on a bit of a deadline here and I don’t want to waste money on junk. I looked at the Peak Design travel tripod since everyone raves about it but honestly for four hundred bucks it feels kinda flimsy? Like the legs look so thin. People say the carbon fiber one is better but that's way out of my budget right now. Then I saw the Manfrotto BeFree line but there are like twenty different versions and I cant tell which one will actually hold a full frame setup with a heavy 24-70mm lens without drooping. I'm so annoyed because every "best tripod" list just feels like an ad and nobody talks about how they actually hold up in wind or on uneven trails. I need something lightweight enough to hike with but it has to be rock solid because I do a lot of long exposures. I've got about $350 to spend and I just want to buy one thing and have it work. Does anyone actually use a specific one for their Sony Alpha that doesn't shake the second you touch the shutter? What are the actual must-have tripods for these cameras that aren't just overpriced hype?
Honestly, the Peak Design is basically a wet noodle in the wind. For Olympic, you might want to consider the Leofoto LS-284C Ranger Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-30 Ball Head. It is way sturdier for long exposures. Just be careful and make sure to: