17/02/2026 6:06 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Micro Four Thirds Forum
3
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
135
Views
0
Hey everyone! I’ve recently fully committed to the Micro Four Thirds system, currently shooting with an OM System OM-5 and a couple of small primes. I absolutely love how much weight I’ve saved on my hiking trips, but I’m hitting a bit of a wall with my current tripod. My old Manfrotto is a tank, and it feels a bit ridiculous to carry a massive, heavy tripod when my entire camera and lens setup weighs less than two pounds!
I’m looking for a solid travel tripod that fits the M43 philosophy—compact, lightweight, but still reliable. Since I do a lot of long exposures for waterfalls and some coastal landscapes, I need something that won’t wobble in a light breeze. My main requirements are that it should weigh under 1kg (around 2.2 lbs) and be short enough when folded to fit inside a standard 20L daypack. I’ve looked at carbon fiber options from Peak Design and Sirui, but I’m worried about sacrificing too much stability for portability.
Budget-wise, I’m willing to spend around $200-$400 for something that will last. For those of you rocking lightweight M43 setups, what is your go-to tripod for travel that doesn't break your back? Any specific models you’d swear by for this specific system?
3 Answers
10
17/02/2026 6:07 pm
I would suggest the Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Tripod with B-00K Ball Head. Honestly, I totally get the struggle of lugging a heavy tank... basically defeats the purpose of M43 right? This one is super light—right around 2 lbs—and fits in a 20L pack easily. For like $150, it's a steal and you dont really need to spend more. Just be careful in deep water cuz it's reallyyy light, but for waterfalls it's solid. gl!
3
20/02/2026 4:36 am
Honestly, for an OM-5 setup, you really don't need a center column. Most people forget that the center column is the first thing that introduces vibration in a light breeze. I'd highly suggest looking at the Leofoto LS-224C Ranger Series with LH-25 Ball Head. It’s 10-layer carbon fiber and weighs in at like 0.9kg (around 2 lbs) including the head. Because it’s a 'leg-only' design, the stability is *significantly* better than typical travel tripods with a skinny middle pole. It fits easily into a 20L bag because the legs fold down much tighter without that extra bulk. Plus, it’s usually around $220, so it fits right in your budget without going crazy. Pro tip: since youre on the OM-5, definitely leverage the 'Live ND' feature for those waterfalls. It lets you get the long-exposure look with slightly shorter physical shutter speeds if the wind starts picking up, so you dont need to carry a realy heavy rig to get sharp shots. Basically the perfect M43 philosophy combo. idk why more people dont go the leg-only route for hiking, it's a total game changer for packability.
1
23/03/2026 9:03 pm
Following this thread
