Its carrying capacity is 5kg, enough to carry at least a 200mm lens. It weighs in at 1.47kg, without the head and folds up to 58cm. Over all this is a very nice mid-range tripod. The downsides are minimal, mainly that a head must be purchased separately. And although carbon fibre is extremely tough, it can become brittle at very low temperature. Tripod from £139.00, Velbon QHD-51Q quick release ball head, £49.95, www.speedgraphic.co.uk.

Manfrotto190CX Pro4

For many years Manfrotto has consistently built inventive, tough and versatile tripods and with the 190CXPro series that tradition continues. The Pro4 stacks up with a maximum height of 146cm and a minimum of 8cm, excellent for macro work. Its 5kg carrying capacity should meet the needs of most travel photographers with lenses up to 300mm.

The 100% carbon fibre build makes the 190CX Pro4 very durable while the patented Q90º centre column system adds to its versatility. Over all weight without head is a light 1.29kg, making it perfect for backpacks or tripod bags. Not much, if anything, to say on the negative side. Priced from £204.90 without head, Manfrotto 484RC2 quick release ball head, £39.95, www.morrisphoto.co.uk.

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Gitzo1550T

When it comes to tripods there are few that can rival Gitzo. From the materials used to build them to their design these pods are arguably among the best on the market, and for photographers on the move the 1550T is an excellent choice.

The tale of the tape has it weighing in at a miniscule 1kg (without head) with a maximum extension of 146cm and a minimum of 22cm. Able to carry anything up to a 200mm lens it is perfect for the travel snapper who demands a top quality shooting platform.

The patented 180-degree folding mechanism gives the 1550T one of the shortest closed profiles available at 35.50cm, perfect for carry-on luggage. It is one of the few carbon fibre pods that includes a ball head. There is very little to complain about here, save one: the price. Ranging anywhere from £368 to £479 it is worth shopping around. Robert White has it for £368.00, www.robertwhite.co.uk.

Feisol Traveller CT-3441SB

If there is a credible rival to Gitzo when it comes to top-flight travel tripods, then it is Feisol. One could even argue that the CT-3441SB even has the edge over Gitzo’s 1550T, if for no other reason than price.

At about 30% cheaper but delivering a very similar package, Feisol’s model will catch the eye of most snappers looking for a good product at a good price. The CT-3441SB is light, 0.88kg without the head and 1.3kg with head, it is 100% carbon fibre for strength and folds down to a short 43cm for travelling.

Its carrying capacity is 10kg with a maximum extension of 180cm. In the package Feisol includes a quick release ball head, foam leg covers and quiver-style carrying bag. Over all it is a nice piece of kit worth the £305 price tag. www.feisoluk.com.

Summing up, tripods may be inconvenient at times – running through the hustle and bustle of the souqs in Fes for instance – but without one getting breathtaking images – the sun breaking behind the sandstone giants in Monument Valley – is near impossible. They are a necessary piece of equipment that every serious photographer, pro or amateur, should have with them, and with the wide array, build and prices of tripods on the market today there is no reason why any trip should be made without one.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

Doug McKinlay teaches weekend travel photography courses in London, either on a one-to-one basis or in small groups of two to five. Courses are non-classroom based and designed to get photographers – beginners or advanced – out in the field and familiar with working in a constantly changing environment. For available dates and fees call 07932 856 905

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