Which compact travel tripod works best for Olympus OM-D cameras?

Question

What tripod are you guys using for your Olympus OM-D setups when you're hiking? I've been shooting MFT for years and usually just rely on the IBIS but I'm heading to the Oregon coast next month for some long exposure landscape stuff and my old Manfrotto is just way too bulky for 10-mile treks. I need something that won't give me any head sag with the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro lens because that glass is a bit front-heavy on the E-M1. Budget is around $250 max but I could maybe go higher for carbon fiber if it actually makes a difference for weight. I looked at the Peak Design travel one but the price is kinda wild honestly... what else is out there?

JuniperJive · Accepted Answer

In my experience, the ball head is usually the weak link for long exposures. I've tried many over the years and these are actually solid:

Sirui T-1205SK Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with K-10X Ball Head

Leofoto LS-254C Ranger Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-30 Ball Head Both are light enough for 10-mile treks and wont sag with that 12-40mm. Carbon fiber is definitely worth the extra cash for dampening coastal wind vibrations.

RaymondBlups · Answer

Regarding what #2 said about "In my experience, the ball head is usually the weak link", i definitely see where you are coming from, but honestly the leg vibration is what usually ruins my shots on the coast! I stumbled on this thread and just had to mention that carbon fiber is absolutely worth it, but you dont need to spend a fortune. I have been using the Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod and it is fantastic for MFT setups. It is super light for 10-mile treks but feels way more premium than its price suggests. The big thing with CF is how it dampens vibrations from the wind... aluminum just vibrates like a tuning fork sometimes! To handle that front-heavy 12-40mm, just make sure to use the ballast hook under the center column. Hang your pack there and that thing wont budge even in a gale. It is such a lifesaver for long exposures!

TidalTamarind · Answer

i wasted way too much money on gear tbh before finding a setup that worked. I tried the MeFOTO Backpacker S Aluminum Travel Tripod and it was not as good as expected... the head sagged constantly with my 12-40mm. Total waste of time. Unfortunately it felt super flimsy for long exposures. I eventually switched to the Sirui T-025SK Carbon Fiber Tripod with B-00K Ball Head and it finally holds the E-M1 steady.