Let's face it, everyone who knows me knows that I pay particular attention to the choosing my equipment.
When it comes to preparing for this trip, I think I've reached new heights... to exasperate my family!
Having said that, they're not wrong. In hindsight, I think I'm scaring myself. (I was still looking at tripod comparisons a few hours before Christmas Eve... >_< ).
All I have to do now is take responsibility. But the main reason I'm taking such pains with this task is so that I can forget about my equipment once I'm there. (no, you misunderstood, I have no intention of leaving my gear in Nepal...). and not become disabled or maladjusted.
So I've decided to publish a new category, explaining point by point why I chose this or that piece. Perhaps sharing this "geekery" will help others.
Today, it's TREPIED ! (this is friend Ruben who convinced me to finally take one)
Before choosing a model, it was the choice of brand that was decisive. Having no preconceived ideas, I went on the websites of all the tripod brands I knew (Manfrotto, Gitzo, Benro, etc.) and it was quite clear that Gitzo offered the best lightness/weight/support ratio.
(the price goes with it, we agree T_T )
Next, my criteria were: supports at least 8kg, weighs no more than 1.5kg all-in, takes up a minimum of space when stored, impeccable finish, easy-to-handle ball-and-socket joint.
At first, I had my eye on the " Traveler "and in particular the GT1541T with mind-blowing performance (8kg supported for 0.97kg!!!). But the thinness of the legs scared me, and 8kg supported is a bit risky for the Hasselblad equipped with the 40mm. (especially during a long break, with a very windy night as we know it in the mountains)..
So I went for the range above, a little heavier but a lot stronger: the GT2541 (12kg supported for 1.36kg). Finally, with a sturdy base like that, I'd have no problem using it in the studio.
And as for the ball joint, I'm sick of the classic shapes that I find impractical. Great, Gitzo also offers well-made, "simpler" ball joints. So I went for the GH1781QR (whose design I also find striking).. The model above would have been safer, but it doubles the weight =/
The little mathematicians that you are, immediately noticed that I had exceeded my weight criterion with my 1.71 kg... well done... Shit...
I'm going to remove the center column now, no need, that way I'll save at least 100 grams!
EN 
FR
I think you've made the best possible choice. My manfrotto is way too heavy, but I'll make do.
Of course, Manfrotto is a heavyweight, and even their "travel" tripods struggle to get under 2kg.
On the other hand, Gitzo is hard to find in France =/
A little practical advice, as you're going to be shooting in the cold, remember to take a quick-release clip for each camera, as I can't see you changing the fixture in the cold from one camera to another.
this product is super practical: http://www.digit-photo.com/trepied_rotule_ball_3D_niveau-aFA0070/MANFROTTO_394_Adaptateur_Plateau_Rapide_Niveaux-rMAN394.html
I find Benro more effective and less expensive than Gitzo though:
I have the travel angel C-269 M8 +with B-1 ball joint 1.56, kg for 12kg supported, 375mm all folded and 1647mm max height.
without the ball joint it's 1.26kg...
on photoaddict.fr
They even make hybrid versions that combine tripod and monopod.
but this is 200g heavier and the kit is 45mm larger...
but if your choice is already made T_T
"Let's face it, anyone who knows me knows that I pay particular attention to the choice of my equipment.
When it came to preparing for this trip, I think I reached new heights... to the point of exasperating my family!"
ah ah, we're made for each other :-)
NB/ I'm at the "ultimate" stage ... I wonder if these carbon tripods are potentially hazardous to health (as they are composed of hundreds of thousands of fibers just a few µm in size ... not unlike asbestos).