... and apparently that's not easy to find unless one has 400$ to plunk on a c/f one.

Isn't there some sort of decent yet reasonable tripod (without head) that measures under 16" once folded?

Manfrotto has some but they come with a welded head ... or some ridiculous 4-800$ carbon fiber tripods. I just want a basic solid tripod that fits in my backpack ... nothing more.

 

How heavy a camera do you need the head to support?

 

I can live with something that will only support a couple lbs so long as it's decent height once opened up. Can't have a tabletop 2ft high kinda thing.

I will use it for an SLR (with no heavy lenses) and a tiny P&S (video).

 

Look into Feisol. They're basically the Taiwanese Gitzo. I bought a CT3441 or something like that awhile ago and it's super small and light and still reasonably strong. They build a ton of decent CF tripods for ~$250-300. Might be worth looking into.

FEISOL USA / North America - Tripods Monopods Ball Heads

Oh, by the way... The one I have goes up to ~6'5" when fully extended and I want to say it's right around 16-17" when fully collapsed.

 

Check this, 14.2" folded and supports 4lbs.

 

... d'a Tuuner should be able to help you ...

 

Thanks ss7! That appears to be exactly what I need! I'll just make sure my head fits the thread it come with and I'll be all set. Awesome!

Schwabe, I said I did not want something 2" tall when extended.

 

CRAP! My current head is 1/4-20 and not 3/8-16 ... dammit, I really want use my fluid head!