LIGHT Tripod System for an Old Guy

[cortlander]

Feisol 3443 2.31 lbs
https://improvephotography.com/34507/feisol-tournament-ct-3442-review

I have been using it for years, slung on my shoulder with a strap

[mike gannon]

look into the Field Optics Research , tripods for guns, there is a tripod FBT5436C, Bowl Top, 32mm dia., 8 layer carbon fiber legs. Adjustable height from 3.8" to 54.5". Load capacity 95 lbs , Weight 3.6 lbs.

[Philmar]

The Center Column is dedicated to providing quantitative data on tripod stability.  This is to both help inform purchasing decisions.
https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/
The RRS travel tripod is extremely  sturdy for its weight but it's compromise is it is short..47 inches.
On that list you will find the the FLM CP30-S4 II sits in a peculiar sweet spot. You will not find a lighter tripod that is sturdier or taller.

[Peter McLennan]

look into the Field Optics Research , tripods for guns, there is a tripod FBT5436C, Bowl Top, 32mm dia., 8 layer carbon fiber legs. Adjustable height from 3.8" to 54.5". Load capacity 95 lbs , Weight 3.6 lbs.

Interesting, but for me, too low at max height.

I'd love to hear recommendations for a 75mm bowl top CF set of sticks that won't break the bank or my back.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

My solution, adopted when I was in my mid-seventies, involved two steps:

1.   I got rid of all removable lenses and their associated cameras. I now have only two cameras. My "small" camera is a Canon G5X, with built-in zoom lens with a moderate zoom range and very good image stabilization. My "big" camera is a Sony RX10-III with an excellent built-in zoom lens with a range of 24mm to 600mm (full-frame equivalent), and excellent image stabilization (I can spot a bird in a tree and zoom in and get good, clear shots hand-held.)

2.   I gave away my Gitzo tripod to a friend who needed one, since I decided I didn't need to take any more long-exposure photos of waterfalls any more.

No more carrying a bag of heavy lenses to change, no more tripods to log. Just freedom to photograph whatever I see that interests me.  I have never missed the individual lenses or tripods.

Of course, your mileage may vary.

[Peter McLennan]

Eric, it's a good strategy.  My RX10 IV was surprisingly capable and the only reason I sold my copy was that I found that AF was unreliable.

My solution is a Nikon Z6ii with the 24-200.  That lens will probably never come off the body, but I do need a good tripod and head for the video aspect of the Nikon, otherwise I'd avoid 'em.

I even shot the full moon eclipse the other night hand-held. 

[greyscale]

Am about to travel to Yellowstone, Grand Titan, Bryce and Zion. Yes, long trip. For the north part I'll be using a Nikon D800E mostly. For the southern half, I buying a Sony RX100 M7 with a tabletop tripod. Not about to get on/off the shuttle buses in Zion or Bryce with a full size camera.
 Yup, am old & have cane