Best Pro Line Ballhead Tripods

i needed a nice, light tripod that would hold my digital slr, and this dolica one seems to do the job.

if hiking, you could grab an available rock or two and suspend it from the hook via any means which is handy--a sock, for example.

in the field it is easily backpackable,and provides a firm solid support for my heavy camera stuff.

just keep in mind its limitations and that you may well end up buying a bigger/sturdier second tripod for longer lenses, but this one will still come in handy for lightweight/travel/backpacking use.