I've currently got a fairly heavy tripod I use mainly indoors but from the few times I have used it I get much much sharper shots!

Just wondering if there's any recommendation for a lightweight one that perhaps goes down to a fairly small size for transportation?

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I recently bought a Manfrotto MKC3-H01 from Amazon for the princely sum of £37.16. I didn't expect much but it is a great bit of kit for the money. It would't do for a big DSLR but for my E-P3 it is fine and much lighter than my standard tripod.

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I was on the hunt for this same sort of thing. Since we don't need to have super heavyweight pods for m4/3 gear it makes the cost quite a bit cheaper.

I went with a new tripod model, the Benro MEFOTO.

Amazon.com: Benro MEFOTO Travel Tripod Kit, Titanium (A0350Q0T): BENRO: Camera & Photo

It only weighs 2.6lbs, folds to 12.6", extends to 51.2 inches. At $140 its not super cheap but it seems to have a quality that equals the money spent. I like the lock rings have a great feel to them, I can get it out really quick and shoot (which to me is something I value!). For me it was a good balance of quality and utility without spending huge amounts of cash

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Is the ball head on that any good, or does it need to be replaced/upgraded?

These are relatively tiny, but very sturdy by all accounts - depends if you want the head included or not as to which you'd buy....

Velbon Ultrek 43D - Review

Velbon Ultra Rex-i L - Review

I've got a couple of heads, so am going to go for the Rex-i L myself.... a bit taller and sturdier as well I think....

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E-M5; 7-14mm; 12-50mm; 20mm F1.7; 45mm F1.8 & various bits n' bobs....

I think it is actually pretty nice mainly comparing it to more expensive tripods in Kenmore camera. And it was much better than a lot of the slightly cheaper ~$100 ones. The mounting plate leaves a bit to be desired though. It takes a Swiss-Arca type so that makes replacing that quite easy.

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X2 for Benro - mine is the carbon fiber version of the one above.

They also have a new "flat" design that is easier to pack.

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I've been trying to save for the Gitzo 1550T traveler but unexpected expenses keep getting in the way. If you can afford it, its a nice tripod.

I was at the store the other day and a new comer has appeared in the local markets recently: Sirui. Their T005 aluminum tripod folds down to 11.8 inches with an arca swiss style head. Runs locally here for about $129. They have a carbon fiber version that is lighter in weight but folds down to an inch or so longer. The store also had the MEFOTO Benro tripods. The Sirui actually folds shorter.

I suggest the Benbo Trekker.

Personally, I use a Tiltall tripod for all 35mm and m4/3 work and a very heavy Manfrotto (075 IIRC) for 4 x 5. Even though the Tiltall is fairly light it is overkill for m4/3.

I used to own a Benbo Trekker and it was ideal for use with 35mm rangefinder cameras with lenses up to 90mm, so it should be perfect for m4/3. It typically costs £90 legs only and £135 with the ball head and a carry case.

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I have a Benro Travel Angel, aluminum, not carbon. Very well made, nice combo head (ball and pan) and one leg can be removed and the head attached to it to make a monopod. Small enough it fits in a standard suitcase with the head attached. Certainly not as sturdy as my 10 lb. Manfrotto, but I think it's quite good for the weight.

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