Jim - certainly your site is helpful. If I study for a thousand years I don't think I would be capable of taking photos like that. I always have to keep in perspecitive that aside from education photography is an art, and I was not blessed with artistic talent. I am compromising by trying to learn with all of the helpful suggestions that you all have give me.

bookmarked.

In addition to taking pics of various spots, I would like to have my picture in front of the landmarks and historical sights. In such a situation, only a tripod can help you. Most often, you may not have some one click your picture. And more often than not, even if you get one to shoot your picture, the composition of the picture might not be to your taste. You really cannot expect an expert to take your pciture. So go ahead and carry a light weight, compact tripod. Cheers.

Can I just say that if you do use a tripod/monopod you should turn the IS off - otherwise you will end up with awful photos. This only applies of course if the IS works on the sensor not on upping the ISO, which some compacts do and claim to be IS!

Regarding quick releases on tripods:
Do those of you who use these, leave the quick release plates on your cameras all the time?
(I am not necessarily talking about only for travel)

I have a collapsable walking stick that doubles as a monopod. You remove the round knob on top, exposing a screw for your camera. (Fortunately the pole collapses for packing, not when I'm using it.)

This was especially useful on a trip to the Southwest US, Grand Canyon/Zion/Bryce.

Yes robjame I leave the QR plate on all the time. It doesn't get in the way, and when it's on the camera it isn't getting lost!
I have Markins tripod head with a compatible plate intended for my camera.

If I'm taking my tripod with me, I leave it on the camera. If not, I take it off and leave it on the tripod.

Thanks het and shelli. I am going sans tripod for this trip (I know, I know) except for a mini.
I intend to buy when we are back home and have pretty well settled on a Gitzo 3530 and a Really Right Stuff ballhead(BH55). I am considering getting the L mouint quick release. I want to be done with it and not wish I had purchased something else. Any other advice?
Mimar - that seems ideal for that sort of trip. I have already decided to take camera and 3 lenses so better not push it - every time I add another item of photographic equipment, my wife adds another pair of shoes. We are not "carry-on luggage only" travellers.

The RRS L QR is an excellent choice! I probably would not leave it on the camera if you are not using the tripod though as it is a tad bulky.
When I get my K10D I shall be getting the RRS L plate:)

hey grosenb, if you are still around and reading...how do you like your Slik Sprint pro? I just ordered that tripod from B&H and am looking forward to trying it out. Do I understand you got the ballhead? is it stable enough, doesn't slip?

het - <<would not leave it on the camera if you are not using the tripod though as it is a tad bulky>>
So this does away with the plate? Kind of wrecks the idea of a QR?
The K10D is one of the few purchases where I didn't wish I had bought something different. IS in the camera makes so much more sense than in the lens, IMO.

Rob the L-plate is the QR. Having looked at the photos on the RRS site it is a really neat design which wouldn't get in the way at all - it even has a cut out for the door. It won't fit is you have a grip though.

If you have a grip for your camera, you'll have to get the L-bracket that's made for the camera with the grip. I buy Kirk L-brackets which should be compatible with your RRS head and any other Arca-Swiss head. Kirk usually makes one version of its L-bracket for a given body with the grip and without, so you can use either one. I have both for my Nikon D200.

China cat, I just saw your message. The tripod worked out fine for my purposes. I liked the fact that it fit into my carryon luggage and it was lightweight.

I did not bring my ballhead because it is way too heavy for this tripod. I used the quick release plate which worked without any problems.

My camera is heavy(Canon 5D with lens)so I made sure every time I did a vertical shot the camera was secure...which it was. I don't know what kind of camera and lens you are using but this is the limit I would recommend. Otherwise it can tip over.

I got some great shots of the Coloseum and Arno river at night.

Enjoy.

Gail

I just took mine out this past weekend. I have a Canon Digital Rebel, with a 28-135 (well most of the time, that's my normal lens). I got the Slik with the ball head, which doesn't have quick release. I think I'm going to be sorry about that, it really is a pain. And while the tripod seemed stable enough for my camera, I found I had to be pretty careful when I had it on uneven ground (I was using it in the woods, with late afternoon light). it got tippy once.

China, The size and weight of this tripod makes it an excellent choice for travel.

But as you noted, it is not the sturdiest of tripods. As long as you know that set up your shots with care.

Post some pics when you return from your trip!

Gail

Does anyone know anything about Amvona tripods and ballheads. They aren't sold through stores but a lot of serious photographers recommend them. The price is unbeatable.
http://tinyurl.com/374h87

Robjame, I wouldn't put my cheapest digicam on one of those Amvona tripods, let alone my precious DSLR. They look like they'd blow over in a light breeze. Think of it this way - after all the money you spent on your DSLR and lens(es), do you really want to rely on a cheap piece of junk to support it? Spend the money on something from a reputable manufacturer to protect your investment.

If you're interested in off brands, check out Benro carbon fiber tripods. I think they are Chinese knockoffs of Gitzos and such. Some people like them, some don't. The boards on DPreview.com should yield some info on them.

Millie

I also have the Canon SD800IS. It's a great little camera. I still took a tripod to Italy though, and from now on would not travel without one - mine is a tiny little thing though, a Manfrotto 709. It's small, lightweight and sturdy. Since it is has a low center of gravity I wouldn't have a problem putting my Canon 30D on it as long as the tabletop was secure.

I've taken handheld photos with the 800IS at 1/10 of a second with ISO 80. That print was surprisingly acceptable on the computer monitor - even enlarged - but likely wouldn't be a "fabulous" print (haven't tested it out). My trick though is to set the timer on the camera so that while I am holding it, there is no shake from pressing the shutter - the camera takes it, itself. This is key (key!) whenever you are going to use slow shutter speeds - even with a tripod.

Here are two photos I took, using the little tripod and my little Canon SD800IS (with 2-3 seconds exposure time):

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=dono7l&s=2

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=24e5ra1&s=2

How did your photos turn out?