Can someone recommend a TRIPOD for me?

Question

Hi, shopping for a tripod for my EX-Z77 and FS-11 (both lightweight).

Must be....

- able to fit in my 17" briefcase (so under 17.0" in min size)- still a "full size" tripod with the middle brace leg

- pan type head (prefer fluid)

The best I've come across is the Manfrotto 715 ($90) but everyone seems to sell it with the ball head, requiring an another purchase of the panhead ($60). I was hoping to spend a bit less.

Any recommendations? Remember - under 17" when compacted, still full-sized design, pan head.

Thanks.

ps - please don't suggest ultra compact tripods, ball head tripods, or tripods which would not fit in a 17.0" briefcase :)

Answer 1

For example:

Nikon Slik 822 Tripod

Have a look here:

http://www.dealtime.com/xPP-tripods--10_...

The link should give a good overview on what's available, you have different search options.

Due to the construction of most of the tripods (3 sections per leg) a tripod folding under 17" can't be more than 50" in overall height.