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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
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