Backpacking has been my preferred way of exploring the country. However, my leg and back injury two years ago have forced me to stop this activity. Although my leg has recovered, I am not able to walk for long hours with weight that I used to carry. Finally, I dump my Canon 5DMKII & lenses for Fuji X-T1. When come to weight and size, the latter is so much lesser. Yet, it does not compromise performance and quality.
Free Lander in Lowepro Passport SlingII
I have been bringing my Velbon Carmag 640 tripod attached with a Markin M10 ball head whenever I travel for photography. Although it is made of carbon fiber, the combine weight is about 2.3Kg. It is just over kill for my new Fuji system. Hence, I need a lighter and smaller tripod. My criteria of travel tripod are it must be as light as and as short (when fully retract) as possible but yet provides rigid support up to 3Kg of weight.
After some search, I order a Fotopro PGC-484 and Free Lander V5, both come with own ball heads; FPH-52P and A10, respectively. So, below are some side-by-side comparison of Velbon 640, Fotopro PGC-484 and Free Lander V5 (from left to right) at various positions. By the way, all of my tripods are China made. And this does not mean their quality standard is not good. Mind me I have been working in China since 1998. :P
Minimum Height (for storing. Note that Free lander legs are reversible)
Standard Height
Maximum Height (without extending center column. I placed my iPhone 5S next to V5 for size comparison)
All of them allows legs adjustment at 3 different angles
Combine weights with ball head of PGC-484 and V5 are 1.04Kg and 0.83Kg, respectively. For its size, PGC-484 is very light thanks to carbon fiber material used. V5 is generally made of aluminum alloy. The former can support up to maximum weight of 5Kg and the latter, 3Kg. My heaviest combo, X-T1 and 56 F1.2 weights lesser than 1.5Kg, so both can meet my expectation. Both models have detachable center columns section for even lower profile like all professional tripods.
Ball Heads Up Close
Free Lander V5 uses twist-pull style to extend its leg. The good side is it is quick but the down side is it does not provide strong lock as others. But I guess you have to compromise something to achieve such mini size. Having says that, if I still have my 5DMKII and 70-200 F2.8L, I probably won't use them on this mini tripod with legs fully extended. The PGC-484 still feels much solid when fully extended (without extending center column).
Free Lander V5 Twist-Pull Legs
I guess I will bring PGC-484 during my next travel. And as for the mini Free Lander V5, perhaps it is best for weekend trip with family or during street shooting. It is so small that I can just fit it into my bag.
I only have them for less than a week. So, I do not have enough uses to point out more good or bad. However, so far first impression for both tripods has been positive. I even give them nicknames, kiddy tripod (Fotopro) and baby tripod (Free Lander). Well, don't forget daddy tripod too (Velbon). ☺
