Looking for a Tripod for dSLR

Hi,

I am looking for a compact tripod that I can take for hikes, skiing, etc. I have Nikon d40 DSLR and just bought Optex T25, which is about 11" when folded, 20" unfolded 25oz. I still have two weeks to return it.

Here are some other ones that I found descriptions of, but haven't really seen myself yet.

Compact SXL (black)
14.6" to 42.5" (folded/unfolded)
25 oz
http://www.tocad.com/tripods/compact.html

Compact DXL (alum)
14.6" to 43.5"
25 oz
http://www.tocad.com/tripods/compactd.html

Have you used these?
Any other sugestions?

Review from '96: http://photo.net/equipment/tripods/cheap

Thanks

I dunno how serious are you into photography. If you just want to try it out, then I would stick with anything cheap. Else I'd invest in a good tripod as it'll probably outlast all your equipment. I am still using my aluminum tripod from the 80s. What I would suggest is to look for a tripod with a quick release plate so you can remove the camera from the tripod very fast for some quick hand shots and a good quick release latch for the legs. Everything else is a bonus.

I have a Manfrotto for regular use, and a $15 super cheap, light, and rather flimsy tripod for hiking/canoeing. Since it's left outside of the pack and takes a good beating, I'd rather not risk losing/breaking a good tripod. If this thing goes over the side of the canoe, I have no problems replacing it.

Which manfrotto tripod are you using for hiking?

btw, T25 does not have a quick release plate, but I was thiking it can be fine.. the major thing I am worrying about right now is that I'll really need to look for a high object to place the tripod on or have to lean to look through the view finder..

Manfrotto is for regular use. Not hiking. That thing is way too heavy.

Manfrotto is for regular use. Not hiking. That thing is way too heavy. I saw some nice collapsable part fibre ones at Henry's, though.

Does anyone have any opinions for GIOTTOS VT-809. It seems to periodically go on sale.
Would this be suitable for a slr? Does anyone recommend anything else for this price range?

That looks exactly like my $15.00 one. I think I got mine at...not TigerDirect, but that other place that sells mostly refurbs.

Looks like it's $20.00 now. I assume it's the same one.

http://factorydirect.ca/catalog/prod...p?pcode=TR0053