1.5m travel tripod folds to 29cm

[Bamboopictures]

This is a knock-off the velbon UT-60D but at less than half the price and a detachable monopod leg as a bonus.
A real steal at USD85!
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...ortable-Compact-Travel/621379_1655631652.html
[video=youtube;T77vRBzBycg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T77vRBzBycg[/video]

 

[lippy]

I have a very similar China/ebay/aliexpress tripod. It works fine for timelapses, weighs around 1 kg and fits well even into the length of tiny travel suitcases.

But after 2 months of usage (across 2 trips), the glue that attaches the feet have worn out, if you twist and pull to release the legs, some times u end up loosening the rubber feet. The centre column's locking mechanism also wears out quickly and has lots of give after some usage. I can't use the tripod with a lightweight fluid head any longer because of the rotational looseness in the centre column.

So, great for timelapses, static shots and times you don't want to reframe or change perspective and it does have a very low price. But considering that it isn't very well built, money may be better spent buying a better made travel tripod, which could last longer than one trip.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Thanks for the warning bro! You saved me $85!

 

[kandinsky]

Sirui's T005 comes close? 1.3m, 31cm folded. S$109/US$80.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Currently onto my second Velbon UT-43D mark II. 1.54m folds to 26cm. SGD180.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=UT-43&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=
Will vibrate even in a gentle breeze. But ok for indoors.

 

[pettypoh]

my friend has the china version which lippy talked about < it's really light, but he doesn't use it much (probably why it's still working)

sirui > good brand and worth a look >> i am also looking for a new tripod (but prefer lightweight and able to switch the centre column into a horizontal bar => manfrotto?)

some of the lightweight tripods can't hold up well in windy conditions >> my current version (not that lightweight) was vibrating when i was shooting at a 40plus storey open balcony area (and i already had my 3kg bag hanged down the centre column)

 

[xjosephtbr]

oh this was my first tripod which i got off taobao. wirthin a month it became very difficult to extend and the legs kept falling out

 

[pettypoh]

direct link > https://goo.gl/gCQSxw
this looks similar, slightly more sturdy maybe? coz the lower legs not are slightly thicker
1.31kg tripod [35cm extend to 142cm]

looks like the cost is about SGD60-70 (including shipping)

 

[Bamboopictures]

Thanks for sharing.
Currently still using the Benro A3190 tripod for rock steady, locked-down location shooting.
http://www.kens.co.nz/tripods/standard-tripods/benro-a1190-travel-flat-tripod-2094
170cm folded to 40cm
Not the lightest tripod but compact enough to fit into any haversack due to its fold-flat design. Will not shake even in strong breeze (think Kudeta before a thunderstorm). Only weakness is the legs cannot splay wide open for extreme low angle.

 

[chiangkxv]

Velbon Rexi and Voxi series fold up pretty compact too.

 

[Bamboopictures]

I'm a big fan of Velbon's patented TSS Trunnion Shaft System.
Not always durable but amazingly compact due to the lack of clips and fasteners.
Waiting for them to really push the envelop on their Ultra (Rexi/Voxi) series which has stagnated of late.
Their latest TSS breakthrough is the 8 segment Super8 monopod which is mind boggling short and long at the same time.
If they ever put to 3 of those together, we will get the ultimate Ultra.

 

[chiangkxv]

I'm a big fan of Velbon's patented TSS Trunnion Shaft System.
Not always durable but amazingly compact due to the lack of clips and fasteners.
Waiting for them to really push the envelop on their Ultra (Rexi/Voxi) series which has stagnated of late.
Their latest TSS breakthrough is the 8 segment Super8 monopod which is mind boggling short and long at the same time.
If they ever put to 3 of those together, we will get the ultimate Ultra.

The newer version seems fine. It's so compact that I can dump it in m Hadley Pro bag

 

[lippy]

Thanks for the warning bro! You saved me $85!

My pleasure