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Archive 2016 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...

  
 
freetime101
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


Hi All,

I initially intended to start this thread as a question, but by the time I got around to it I've found my answer - still, I thought I'd post my thoughts for anybody else with the same question

TLDR? Skip to the bottom...

Basically, I'm looking for a tripod with a multi-angle centre column which can support a DLSR and L lens. The heaviest lens I will (probably) put on this is a 70-200 2.8 but my current heaviest setup is a 40D with a 24-105L. So, what are my options? Well after a thorough web search of current models I've found the following:

Manfrotto 190 / 055 : very popular tripods but I found the latest version (the XPRO) has a complicated mechanism to tilt the centre column; I think there are lot of small parts to break. I also thought the leg locks were clunky and the column can only be used vertically or horizontally, so not truly multi-angle. Still a great tripod thought and widely available.

Gitzo Explorer : looks good online but way out of budget so didn't bother looking in real life.

Benbo 1 / 2 : with only 2 leg sections they're not exactly portable so I didn't bother looking in real life.

Giottos YTL Silk Road : looks great online but I can't actually find them in the UK (other than eBay but I like to see things in real life).

Vanguard Alta Pro : looks great, nearly bought one for £149 including a ballhead but when tested in store I thought the Benro was better made - I'm torn between the two.

Benro GoPlus : looks great, I think I'm set on the FGP28A though I haven't seen it in real life. They're difficult to find in the North East (UK) but I saw the FGP18A in London and was pleased with the build quality but it's a bit small for my needs both in terms of height and stability so I think the FGP28A may be a better fit. Carbon Fibre is not really in budget unless it proves to be amazingly better.

So what am I asking? Well:

TLDR? Read this bit :

How do manufacturers get their load ratings? The Vanguard Alta Pro is rated to 7kg but felt a lot sturdier than the Benro FGP18A which is rated to 10kg. I hope the Benro FGP28A (rated to 14kg) is more stable as I'm unable to see this in real life but think it will be the best for me.
I know you shouldn't look too closely at the load ratings as you wouldn't actually put 7, 10 or 14kg on these tripods and expect them to be stable, but when looking online I have to start somewhere. What load rating should I be looking at to support a 40D and 24-105L lens?

Has anyone used the Benro FGP28A or FGP28C? How well do they handle heavy kit? How do they compare to the Vanguard Alta Pro in use?

And finally, other than weight, does carbon fibre offer anything magical over aluminium? The Benro FGP28A is £159 and 1920g vs the FGP28C which is £319 and 1620g - I'd be paying £160 to save 300g... Also, if CF gets scratched/dented does it lose it's strength? I'm not rough with my gear but I do need to use it... It's pointless saving 300g if I need to keep it in a padded case...

Thanks All



Aug 26, 2016 at 05:05 AM
freetime101
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


Ok so on reading this back maybe it was a question...


Aug 26, 2016 at 05:08 AM
Macrogirl
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


I have heard the Uni-loc tripods are very adjustable, and made in the UK. I have the 190 XProB 4 section tripod and am more than happy with it. It's steady and well-made - I do mostly macro in the studio (410 geared head, macro slide, 5dMkII and 100mm 2.8 USM, just to give you an idea of the load) but would consider taking this outdoors in addition to my Berlebach Mini. The centre column mechanism doesn't seem too difficult or fiddly - have you tried it irl? It's also reasonably light.


Aug 26, 2016 at 04:32 PM
danski0224
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


Carbon fiber supposedly dampens vibrations better than aluminum in tripods.

It can scratch. It won't dent, because it'll break if it's hit that hard. If the scratches are deep enough, the part can fail. In actual use, that may not be a major concern.

The small, cheap and light tripods are just that. You'd have to try one out.

I have had much better luck with a long dovetail rail on a ballhead, and affixing the camera with a couple of small clamps (and maybe a riser piece so the camera body clears if a lens foot is used) than with an articulating tripod. I am inclined to try a small ballhead at the end of the rail instead of a fixed clamp.



Aug 26, 2016 at 05:47 PM
freetime101
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


Macrogirl wrote:
I have heard the Uni-loc tripods are very adjustable, and made in the UK. I have the 190 XProB 4 section tripod and am more than happy with it. It's steady and well-made - I do mostly macro in the studio (410 geared head, macro slide, 5dMkII and 100mm 2.8 USM, just to give you an idea of the load) but would consider taking this outdoors in addition to my Berlebach Mini. The centre column mechanism doesn't seem too difficult or fiddly - have you tried it irl? It's also reasonably light.


I had a look at the 055 in store which seems like a slightly bigger version of the 190, I managed to get the centre column stuck - apparently it only goes down in one orientation... entirely my fault but I found it a but fiddly. I also thought the red sections which rise up to allow the column to flip horizontal were cool, but a but overcomplicated. Definitely a sturdy tripod though!

The Uni-loc's look interesting, similar to the Benbo. The Berleback is a thing of beauty - wouldn't fancy hiking with it though!



Aug 27, 2016 at 01:50 PM
freetime101
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


danski0224 wrote:
Carbon fiber supposedly dampens vibrations better than aluminum in tripods.

It can scratch. It won't dent, because it'll break if it's hit that hard. If the scratches are deep enough, the part can fail. In actual use, that may not be a major concern.

The small, cheap and light tripods are just that. You'd have to try one out.

I have had much better luck with a long dovetail rail on a ballhead, and affixing the camera with a couple of small clamps (and maybe a riser piece so the camera body clears if a lens foot is used) than with an
...Show more

Thanks, in practice is the vibration damping noticeable? Would a smaller CF tripod support the same as a larger Aluminium one?

I agree that there are better subject specific options, i.e. a rail for macro, columnless for getting low etc but I'm aiming for this to be a jack of all trades - appreciate that the trade off is it will be a master of none so I may then buy something better for a given discipline.

Thanks for the replies



Aug 27, 2016 at 01:59 PM
danski0224
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


I'm not qualified to answer the vibration dampening question.

Your given budget range will dictate your choices.



Aug 27, 2016 at 02:11 PM
EB-1
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


Center columns in general are not good for stability.

EBH



Aug 27, 2016 at 03:16 PM
freetime101
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...




EB-1 wrote:
Center columns in general are not good for stability.

EBH


Agreed, sadly the models without centre columns are expensive! RRS, Gitzo systematic etc



Aug 27, 2016 at 04:40 PM
danski0224
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


Sometimes, it is true that you get what you pay for.

For the most part, that is true with camera tripods. There is no real comparison between a $300 carbon fiber tripod and a $1,000.00+ carbon fiber tripod offered by the traditional parties. That doesn't mean that there is no place for the lower cost product, but it will not perform as well as the upper end product.

It is true that a center column will decrease stability compared to a tripod without one. Sometimes, it is a useful item when used appropriately. Mine is most often extended to be used as a carrying handle.

Unfortunately, there is no middle ground of tripods (unlike ballheads). The only choices are the low end and the high end.



Aug 27, 2016 at 05:08 PM
Macrogirl
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


I know, the Berlebach is just such a beautiful object, I had to have it. But it does weigh a lot, even though it's the mini version...


Aug 27, 2016 at 06:00 PM
sjms
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


I have 3 CF tripods at this point. none of them are kept in padded bags. one did come with a padded bag but it is, for me, much too bulky to travel with. I do use an unpadded bag in travel/carry.

if you scratch one you scratch it. mine have been around the block a few times. in general you'll need to try pretty hard to take a chunk out of one enough to really weaken it. believe me you'll know when that happens.

the baseline "magic" qualitie(s) of CF is primarily higher rigidity/weight ratio. and that where it all started. absorption of vibration is "somewhat" better but if you look at other factors involved with the setup you might see that it may be lower on the issue scale.

CF in itself can do many things when designed to do them. it can be extremely rigid or have spring like flex (in fact it was used on the Vette for just that a few years back). of course we are leaning towards that rigid factor.

so we have these rigid tubes now we need to connect them together and allow them to be pretty rigid when extended and then collapse for travel. so we now need to look at the connector/locks.

at the top the collector of all this technology we have a platform. various designs and materials are used along with build quality. in really good quality tripod the issues of the centerpost is waning as these have been given more thought. I use mine quite often and have it on 2 out of the 3 legsets I have. the use of a variable angle CP does require a little more thought in design and introduces more of those pesky variables. I used a Gitzo CF explorer (2 generations) for about 5 years and like any other specialized it required more thought to use then a regular vertical type model. it is not a quick setup tool. but if used properly will give you better access to some things.

back to vibration (aka: movement) and tripods. it seems that when a tripod is in use people tend to forget about the BIG variable sitting in top of it. it varies from being the mouse to being the elephant in the room. the size and profile of your setup and the environment. environment: any outside influence not from the rig itself. that includes in or out of doors.

Edited on Aug 28, 2016 at 08:33 AM · View previous versions



Aug 27, 2016 at 06:41 PM
Michael White
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


I have the 055 carbon fiber tripod the parts that allow you to change the angle of the center collum are plastic but I guess they are rated for the use you intend but remember to add the weight of the head in you weight calculations. I'm not expecting to use the center collum extended except for macro which isn't something I normally shoot. I never raise the center collum unless absolutely necessary to reduce movement in the camera. I try to buy my tripods tall enough without using the center collum.


Aug 28, 2016 at 02:53 AM
sjms
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


from what I've seen of the 055 the only major parts that are polymer seems to be the rotational ball hinge (as a bearing surface for sliding and positioning) and central rotational column sleeve (as a bearing surface). most polymer parts are used as sliding/bearing material on tripods today. now the biggest limitation of the 055 here is that the CP has only 2 angular positions. 0 deg vertical and 90 deg horizontal. by changing the the leg lengths angles below the 90 horizontal can be attained but might/will require counterweighting/sand bagging. anytime I used the Gitzo explorer I counterweighted the perpendicular arm.

parts:

https://cdn.manfrotto.com/media/catalog/product/sparepart/MT055CXPRO4_01092014.pdf







Aug 28, 2016 at 08:16 AM
Robin Smith
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


The only choices are the low end and the high end.

I think this is a false dichotomy. Gitzo and RRS are good but overpriced and then there are cheap tripods, what's in the middle are probably most sensible for most people.



Aug 29, 2016 at 02:02 PM
sjms
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


That all depends on what you're willing to accept as what that "middle" compromise is.


and just how does one define the term "overpriced"?

in this particular scenario only 1 of the 2 manufacturers over a model that is in the realm of the discussion.




Aug 29, 2016 at 03:03 PM
Michael White
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


How about the one advertised in the photo rags all the time I recall them having a very adjustable tripod but it wasn't cheap at the $500 plus range IIRC.


Aug 29, 2016 at 06:05 PM
sjms
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


remember Amvona? that name and product still lurks in the darkness of ebay even today.


Aug 29, 2016 at 06:28 PM
c.d.embrey
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


I have an aluminum Giottos that I bought back in 2006. It has a 25 pound weight raring. I got it for my Wimberely II head and my 4x5 technical camera, I have NO problem with using a FF camera with the center column all the way to the top. I'm 6'3" so I have no problem dealing with the weight YMMV

With a Canon xxD and a EOS 400 DO lens/Wimberley II, I could raise the center column half way.



Aug 29, 2016 at 09:43 PM
freetime101
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Tripods with a multi-angle centre column...


Thanks all, some really informative responses - definitely food for thought.

I think I'll stick with aluminium for now with a view to getting a more specialised tripod in the future - this one is going to be a jack of all trades to determine what I'll actually use it for. One of the things I want is to get low which means either a horizontal centre post or no centre post, hence looking at these models.



Aug 30, 2016 at 08:22 AM
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