So I posted a topic about my planned trip to California in April:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-san-diego.cfm

Everyone was very helpful. Now what I need to find out is if anyone has purchased a tripod for his/her cameras for a trip like this. I would like to get one that collapses as small as possible, but I'm sure the table-top tripod won't work. There are multiple "42 inch colapsable" models that go down to less than 12 in, which is a good size.

Does anyone have a suggestion for one of these, and more imprtantly is 42 inches enough to take pics of me and my gf while capturing the scenery in the background?

I just want to avoid the whole "holding one arm out to take the picture"-move...

Thanks in advance!

I just got back from a three week trip to Europe. I made an effort to downsize my luggage into two carry-ons: a camera bag and a large carry-on bag. The only way I was able to do this was to purchase a small tripod.

The tripod I chose was a Benro Travel Angel tripod. There are only two or thee models but they vary in whether they are aluminum (heavier) or carbon (more expensive) and vary in the type of head they have; the smaller heads won't support large cameras. I have a Canon 5D digital SLR and this is the model I got:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Aluminum.html

It worked out quite well, but I don't put huge heavy lenses on my 5D. If you don't have a digital SLR - just a little point and shoot - you can probably get one with a cheaper head that supports less weight.

I wasn't completely crazy about the Benro - a pain to use compared to my Bogen, but I'm a serious photographer and wasn't using my tripod to take self-portraits. I'll take the Benro on future trips, though.

Let us know what type of camera and lenses that you'll be using... that will drive your tripod options...

My favorite lightweight one is:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._2_Tripod.html

I purchased a Slik sprint pro tripod with a ball head that is just under $100. It's light, packs in my 21inch roller bag, and comes with a carry bag that slips on my shoulder.

my only complaint is it supports 4.4 lbs, which is a little bit light for my SLR (its okay with my lighter lenses, but not sturdy enough for the long ones) It works great with a compact digital.

It was easy to use, I love the click-lock legs on the Slik tripods. I didn't get a quick release plate, but with a lightweight tripod, its not hard to get the camera off.

On the other hand, if you have a pretty lightweight camera, and you want something really small, consider a gorilla pod. Its table top size, but you can attach it on a fence, or a tree branch for pictures.

Well we both have point and shoot digitals, mine's a kodak, her's is a cannon I think, would prefer one that would attach to both....

With just point and shoots, I'd consider a gorilla pod before I spent $100+ on a tripod. As mentioned, you can just stick it in your pocket then hook it up to a tree branch, fence post, tabletop, whatever. They're cheap, easy and conventient...

I got whatever they sell in Target, it works just fine with a digital compact. So far it hasn't fallen apart and I could get it opened up pretty quickly. I kept it screwed into the camera and it collapsed and opened fairly easily.

Ask someone to take your picture. Otherwise go to Target.

you won't have a problem with the attachment...cameras have a standard mount for a tripod, so that's not a question. The only reason people asked is because of the weight. Compact digitals are both quite light, so most anything will do.

However, those cheap tripods from Target and the like are really not very stable. If you are just going to take daylight pictures, you are probably fine. But maybe you want to shoot some night shots at slow shutter speeds? In which case get something a little more stable is a good idea. You really don't want something that is going to shake when a person walks past it, or blow over in a light breeze.

Never happened and I was in Torres del Paine!!

I just ordered a Zeikos 50" ZE-TR26A and the gorilla pod that can support up to 10 oz... I figure since they were both so cheap I'll just try them both and decide which to bring...