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Archive 2013 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?

  
 
KaBudokan
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


I've been planning on a new tripod purchase for a while. This will be my only tripod, so general-purpose stability is important. I do a decent amount of hiking though, so ideally I'd like something fairly lightweight and portable. Weight isn't as critical as the folded size of the tripod, as I'd like to have flexibility on how to carry the tripod.

I'll be using a recently purchased Acratech GP-S ballhead.

I'm shooting with a D600, and my main lenses are the Tokina 16-28, Nikon 24-70, and a Sigma 70-200 2.8 (hopefully a Nikon, soon... lol). I don't foresee using anything longer than the 70-200 with the tripod.

I'm 6' tall.

I was originally thinking about the Feisol 3442 as my main choice. It's rated for 22 lbs and the height seems good, and the reviews are favorable overall. The Feisol's legs will fold back over the head, so the overall folded length is about the same as the Gitzo with the head attached. I'm not a big fan of center columns, so this is a benefit.

I've also been considering the Gitzo 1542t. Currently the Gitzo is $499 - about $100 more than the Feisol. At that price point, it's not a big deal for me to go with the Gitzo, if it's a better choice. (At $650+ I wouldn't be considering it.) Gitzo obviously has the build quality and reputation behind it. It's definitely shorter w/o the center column. It's well reviewed. It can fold a bit shorter than the Feisol if I remove the ballhead. It's rated for 15.43 lbs - lower than the Feisol, but I don't know if Feisol is one of those companies that overrates their load capacities. There are plenty of reviews that mention using a pro body with a 70-200 successfully.

Just wondering if there's any definitive reason to go with one over the other, since the price right now is close enough to not be a factor? The Gitzo's on sale for a few more days.

Thanks for any feedback.



Dec 30, 2013 at 12:57 AM
ksubrama
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


FWIW, I went through the same confusion a month back and I decided to go with Induro CT214. They are as highly rated as the feisols and are very well built. I am loving it so far. Induro is also running a 25% off promotion that expires at the end of jan, I believe. CT214 costs me $300 and had a similar spec compared to feisol CT3442.

CT314 is the taller version of the same tripod.



Dec 30, 2013 at 09:06 AM
KaBudokan
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


Yeah - the Induro tripods look great. My only thing is that they're a bit longer than the Feisol, and the legs don't reverse, so the overall length is longer. The 214 is 2" longer and doesn't reverse, so I'm figuring the overall length with a head attached is 5" longer or so.


Dec 30, 2013 at 09:34 AM
jcolwell
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


I have the GT-0540 and Feisol 3341s. Here's a few photos of the 3341s with RRS BH-30 head.

The 3341s is a very nice tripod. It's slightly taller at the platform than the GT-1542T (128 mm vs. 117 mm). The 3441s double centre post gives it a larger height advantage over the GT152T with the post up (178 mm vs. 149 mm).
























Dec 30, 2013 at 10:32 AM
nma
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


So far as Gitzo, I don't know what I am missing. And everyone likes to validate their purchase. That said, the Feisol 3442 has served me well for several years and I use it all the time. No complaints. You should consider if your ball head will fit on the 3442, allowing the legs to fold back over it? Not all do. One other thing, Feisol has an excellent track record in supporting their products; whereas, there are many bad reports from those seeking Gitzo service.


Dec 31, 2013 at 08:02 PM
jcolwell
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


nma wrote:
...You should consider if your ball head will fit on the 3442, allowing the legs to fold back over it? Not all do.


+1



Dec 31, 2013 at 08:31 PM
KaBudokan
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1134542

Looks like the gp-s will work fine. I had pretty much decided the Feisol probably looks like the right tripod for me - was just seeing if anyone had a good reason to persuade me. Thanks for all the feedback.



Dec 31, 2013 at 09:55 PM
3iron
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


Been really happy with my Fiesol.


Jan 01, 2014 at 12:25 PM
SSISteve
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Feisol 3442 or Gitzo GT-1542T ?


I have the 3442 and it is the perfect lightweight travel tripod. It packs down so small and would be the one to take for hiking, etc. I'm 6'1 and it would be nice if it was a little taller but it is so easy to travel with.




Jan 03, 2014 at 11:47 PM





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