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sjms
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p.2 #1 · Feisol tripods?

antilogic wrote:
sjms wrote:
i have even modded my 3371 to accept Gitzo spikes vs the not so good feisol ones. thanks to another FM friend here it turned out perfect.

Any info on getting modded spikes? Those look nice! I'll probably end up with a Feisol due to half the cost + considerably smaller.

the mod was done to the tripod itself not the spikes and the was machining involved. using 7mm SS threaded bolts cut, drilled, and tapped to make them into bushing inserts. i then red loctited them into place. this then made a new thread that took the gitzo. had to have it done this way as there weren't any commercial SS bushings around to do it simply. the newer 3342/3442 uses a different spike assy which is much better then that of the 3371. unfortunately of course they arent interchangeable.

these are things you would not do if you had a "lifetime warranty" as it would void it without a doubt.

Edited on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:26 PM

Apr 10, 2008 at 12:23 PM

runamuck
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p.2 #2 · Feisol tripods?

intero wrote:
I looked at Gitzo when I bought my Feisol. Just couldn't justify TWICE the price. My old 3402 is still kicking at cost $180 or so new. I did update the center column and support when they did (I think that was $39), and man, what a difference. It's been perfect and I've used the crap out of it. Sure there's some drag in the legs, but nothing that makes me regret all the cash I saved - not even for a second.

-Tom

I paid 50 bucks plus 15 for shipping on my Dynatran 858. The "Gitzo uber alles" people told me I was stupid, and probably used a Pheonix 1000MM lens since I caared so little about image quality. Unfortunately for them, the 900 dollars I saved over a Gitzo and RRS or equivalent financed my Bigma.

That "lousy" Dynatran is easily equal to Manfrotto's 3021 legset. I know. I've used them side by side. The included pistol grip ballhead works even better than the Manfrotto 3265 ballhead it's copied from.

I'm quite sure Gitzo makes a very good tripod. Is it twelve times as good as my Dynatran? Get serious. Meanwhile, my Bigma takes a lot more pictures than a Gitzo ever will.

Apr 11, 2008 at 01:41 AM

antilogic
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p.2 #3 · Feisol tripods?

howardm4 wrote:
I have the 3342 and it's a great set of legs.

very light and robust

What ballhead do you like on that 3342?

Apr 11, 2008 at 06:30 AM

howardm4
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p.2 #4 · Feisol tripods?

I ended up w/ the Acratech leveling base, Markins M10 head & RRS B2LR lever clamp.

whole setup is 4lb 1oz and viewfinder reaches eye height (70") when fully extended.

Apr 11, 2008 at 10:59 AM

sjms
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p.2 #5 · Feisol tripods?

runamuck wrote:
intero wrote:
I looked at Gitzo when I bought my Feisol. Just couldn't justify TWICE the price. My old 3402 is still kicking at cost $180 or so new. I did update the center column and support when they did (I think that was $39), and man, what a difference. It's been perfect and I've used the crap out of it. Sure there's some drag in the legs, but nothing that makes me regret all the cash I saved - not even for a second.

-Tom

I paid 50 bucks plus 15 for shipping on my Dynatran 858. The "Gitzo uber alles" people told me I was stupid, and probably used a Pheonix 1000MM lens since I caared so little about image quality. Unfortunately for them, the 900 dollars I saved over a Gitzo and RRS or equivalent financed my Bigma.

That "lousy" Dynatran is easily equal to Manfrotto's 3021 legset. I know. I've used them side by side. The included pistol grip ballhead works even better than the Manfrotto 3265 ballhead it's copied from.

I'm quite sure Gitzo makes a very good tripod. Is it twelve times as good as my Dynatran? Get serious. Meanwhile, my Bigma takes a lot more pictures than a Gitzo ever will.

keep preaching the from the book of amvona. they have shown so far that if they (amvona that is) practically give it away most still won't come. i do admire your spirit though.

Edited on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:49 PM

Apr 11, 2008 at 12:34 PM

nma
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p.2 #6 · Feisol tripods?

Here (below) are the first couple of posts from thread http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/611501/0

This thread documents the difficulty that these Gitzo customers had when they needed service. This is what we call anecdotal evidence, but that is what these fora are good for. Read it and draw your own conclusions. I have had excellent service from Feisol and my 3401. If you are a pro who needs the ultimate, you might be better off with a Gitzo, but I doubt it.

And BTW this thread goes on and on, this is just a sample.
_____ topic/611501/0 starts here ____________
Total Posts: 978
Country: United States

[Post icon] Gitzo might be the best but........
Rate:
1 2 3 4 5

Gitzo might be the best tripods around but if you need parts your pretty much screwed trying to email them not to mention poor phone service and long distance charges
How could these people miss this for months
Hello,
Unfortunately, we just found out that there was a problem with Gitzo website. In the last month, all the e-mails received through the on line form at WWW.GITZO.COM have not been forwarded to the Bogen helpdesk. The system has now been repaired.
We apologize for this inconvenience. Parts are available for almost anything we sell here at Bogen Imaging. We don't yet have an on-line parts purchasing option, so until then we request that you call our Parts Department at (201)818-9500 x 244 during our business hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM eastern standard time, or by email at parts@bogenimaging.com.

Regards,
Kevin V. Lackey
Technical Operations Supervisor
kevin.lackey@bogenimaging.com

Feb 01, 2008 at 05:15 PM
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jhom
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[Post icon] Gitzo might be the best but........

Exactly my experience. I sent them an email for a part. No answer. I assume it was part of their crappy customer service. The excuse that the online form was defective may be true. But, it has been impossible to get someone to answer the phone. EVERYTIME I called, I would get voice mail. So, I don't think I would just blame a faulty email link. I think it is PISS POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Jim

Apr 11, 2008 at 01:29 PM

mufutau
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p.2 #7 · Feisol tripods?

I agreed with you. I cannot afford the expensive Tripod, so I opted for the same Amvona Dynatran AT-858 about 3years ago and it's still going strong, I also purchased a SLIK PRO 700DX for only $130 and that also is a good Tripod. All I see is people posting some links about buying over $1000 tripods, but since I cannot justify that cost I am staying with those tripods listed above and I have never had equipments fall off yet by wind or anything else.

Mufutau

runamuck wrote:
I paid 50 bucks plus 15 for shipping on my Dynatran 858. The "Gitzo uber alles" people told me I was stupid, and probably used a Pheonix 1000MM lens since I caared so little about image quality. Unfortunately for them, the 900 dollars I saved over a Gitzo and RRS or equivalent financed my Bigma.

That "lousy" Dynatran is easily equal to Manfrotto's 3021 legset. I know. I've used them side by side. The included pistol grip ballhead works even better than the Manfrotto 3265 ballhead it's copied from.

I'm quite sure Gitzo makes a very good tripod. Is it twelve times as good as my Dynatran? Get serious. Meanwhile, my Bigma takes a lot more pictures than a Gitzo ever will.

Apr 11, 2008 at 03:53 PM

SCOR
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p.2 #8 · Feisol tripods?

Just an update from me. I have always had Gitzo tripods and no doubt they are great. I've had the 1325 as well as the 5 series equivalent (can't remember the number). I presently own the 2530 and the 3540LS. I wanted something very compact and light for trips where I could not easily bring either of the the two pods. Gitzo really did not offer exactly the specs I was looking for. Moreover, I really did not want to drop another $600 on a third Gitzo.

So, I took a shot at Feisol. I ended up purchasing the 3442, which arrived last night. It is a very well made product. Extremely light and compact. It's hard to put my finger on exactly how it differs form the gitzo quality-wise. Other than the way the leg locks work, they seem to be very similar in quality, although I have obviously not been able to give the Feisol the test of time.

The reason I'm posting this is that if you can't afford or justify a Gitzo, or you're just not interested in paying the money, I feel that you loose very little in quality with the Feisol. There is not question the Gitzo is a nicer more refined product overall, but that probably does not matter in the real world to a lot of people. I would analogize to the difference between a Honda and BMW. No question the Honda will get you from point A to point B and its a very nice car, but it's not a BMW. To many people, it does not matter because the Honda gets the job done just as well.

By the way, I purchased from reallybigcameras.com and they shipped the same day and it arrived in CA in 2 days. Awesome service.

Apr 11, 2008 at 05:37 PM

sparrks
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p.2 #9 · Feisol tripods?

Currently owning a couple of Gitzo and Feisol tripods + a manfrotto. I would like to comment on the G1540T (Gitzo) vs the 3441 (Feisol equivalent.)

The gitzo is a bit shorter when closed, a little lighter and looks extremely flimsy!

The Feisol is obviously a bit longer, and heavier, but looks a lot sturdier in comparison.

When both fully extended (with columns removed) are of almost identical sturdiness, with perhaps the gitzo - 46" 1.17m - having the upper hand. (but the feisol is a fair bit taller 52" 1.33m).

The gitzo has better leglocks and ALR the feisol leg locks are ok but need more locking pressure (my feisol was an early version, i know they have changed the construction of the legs, don't know about the leg locks)

I use both of my Traveller tripods for hiking on windswept moors and hill-tops and while i like the size and weight when carrying the gitzo with the ALR i prefer the extra height of the feisol.

For the conditions i use the tripods in, the major drawback with the gitzo is it has only 2 leg positions, instead of the usual 3, meaning its either tall or ground level.
With the feisol i usually use 3 leg sections in the mid leg position for max height to stability ratio, not possable on the gitzo.

Cost The Gitzo UK price £369 The Feisol £210 incl short center column purchased later for £15 from Taiwan Free P&P

The Gitzo is good but way overpriced.

If only Feisol would produce their traveller with better leg locks (larger) and ALR I would sell both my current traveller pods & buy the new one!

Paul

Apr 11, 2008 at 08:18 PM

runamuck
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p.2 #10 · Feisol tripods?

sjms wrote:
runamuck wrote:
intero wrote:
I looked at Gitzo when I bought my Feisol. Just couldn't justify TWICE the price. My old 3402 is still kicking at cost $180 or so new. I did update the center column and support when they did (I think that was $39), and man, what a difference. It's been perfect and I've used the crap out of it. Sure there's some drag in the legs, but nothing that makes me regret all the cash I saved - not even for a second.

-Tom

I paid 50 bucks plus 15 for shipping on my Dynatran 858. The "Gitzo uber alles" people told me I was stupid, and probably used a Pheonix 1000MM lens since I caared so little about image quality. Unfortunately for them, the 900 dollars I saved over a Gitzo and RRS or equivalent financed my Bigma.

That "lousy" Dynatran is easily equal to Manfrotto's 3021 legset. I know. I've used them side by side. The included pistol grip ballhead works even better than the Manfrotto 3265 ballhead it's copied from.

I'm quite sure Gitzo makes a very good tripod. Is it twelve times as good as my Dynatran? Get serious. Meanwhile, my Bigma takes a lot more pictures than a Gitzo ever will.

keep preaching the from the book of amvona. they have shown so far that if they (amvona that is) practically give it away most still won't come. i do admire your spirit though.

Someone was buying them. They were auctioning several a day at one time on ebay. Now, they finally got smart and upped the profit margin. They sell for 140 bucks on "buy it now." With the included ballhead, ti's still a fair bit cheaper than the Manfrotto 3021.

Apr 11, 2008 at 11:43 PM

sjms
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p.2 #11 · Feisol tripods?

as a GM exec once said "there is an a$%hole for every car seat". and there is a closet and or basement for every amvona tripod bought. you generally do start from the bottom of the learning curve then work your way up. for some they need to physically find out what not to get next time. yep tripods of all types sell every day all around the world for all different prices. i travel around probably more then most around here and i gotta say i do trip over more gitzos then dynatrans on this globe.

Edited on Apr 12, 2008 at 08:47 PM

Apr 12, 2008 at 08:45 PM

jamesf99
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p.2 #12 · Feisol tripods?

bobbytan wrote:

I switched from Gitzo to Feisol to Benro .... and I am now back to Gitzo!

Wow, that sounds like a downhill slide....

Glad to hear you're on top again...

OT - I think that old post and the review on some guys site titled "Benro rhymes with NO" was the beginning of the end for those guys in my mind, but there were several other stakes in their heart too. Benro/Induro, same thing regardless of what the people trying to sell it to you will say....

Apr 13, 2008 at 11:53 AM

bobbytan
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p.2 #13 · Feisol tripods?

The Feisol that I had was several years ago. Apparently they are bettter now. Gitzos have improved too and the G-lock is great. I got a $60 discount from Samy's in LA so it turned out to be cheaper than B&H or Adorama, even with their free shipping. I am checking out both the Markins and Kirk tripod base - the Kirk one has a spirit level which is nice.

Apr 13, 2008 at 01:12 PM

Jonathan H
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p.2 #14 · Feisol tripods?

FWIW, I shoot about 80 days a year with my Dynatran legs. Got the legs and that (terrible) pistol grip head for $45 shipped. Sold the head for $40 and picked up a BH-3.

I've got a 1 series with a 70-200 2.8 or a 24-70 on top most of the time. Often with a 580EX and/or a PW as well. Hasn't failed me once and done everything I've ever asked it to. I think I had to re-tighten a screw about 6 months ago.

Tell me my tripod is crap all you want.... I paid $5 for it. I'm laughing all the way to the bank. Photography is a business. I shoot to maximize my bottom line.

Maybe one day when it gets really old and rickety, I'll sell it for $10 on the B&S, double my money, and get a set of Manfrotto legs... which are good for a 6'2" fella who doesn't like to stoop down?

Edited on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:58 AM

Apr 15, 2008 at 06:56 AM

sjms
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p.2 #15 · Feisol tripods?

now if you really are in business you missed a really good opportunity to your bottom line but. laughing all the way to the bank? no you missed it just a little in the capital expenditures dept. your right it is a business and there are many things that affect your bottom line.

Edited on Apr 15, 2008 at 12:41 PM

Apr 15, 2008 at 12:38 PM

Fitmiss
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p.2 #16 · Feisol tripods?

sjms wrote:
i advise the feisol 3342 at $309 over the 3441 at $299.
advantages
1- machined alloy components of a higher grade of Aluminum alloy over forged parts. a better grade and finish of CF tubing
2- interchangable centerpost if wanted or leveling half ball base or just plain old flat plate
3- Max Height
without column
54.3"
4- Folded Length
48cm / 18.9 in
5- Wgt
2.31lbs
6- capacity 22lbs

it is a considerably more robust model and worth the extra few ounces and inches

That's definitely a possibility but I think you meant the 3442.

Some people have commented that the trade off with the Feisol have to do with the way the legs lock vs. lets say the Manfrotto tripods. Can someone elaborate? Out of curiosity, which mechanism does the Gitzo use on the legs?

Thanks everyone for all the valuable information.

Oct 02, 2008 at 04:24 PM

howardm4
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p.2 #17 · Feisol tripods?

the 3442 is the 4 leg version of the Tournament series. The 3342 is the 3 leg-tube version.
I have the 3342.

the Feisol's use the standard rotating collar but the legs are free to rotate. the new Gitzo's have the collar but legs will not rotate (the ALR feature). Many of the Manfrotto's have small lever locks.

Oct 02, 2008 at 07:17 PM

Fitmiss
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p.2 #18 · Feisol tripods?

howardm4 wrote:
the 3442 is the 4 leg version of the Tournament series. The 3342 is the 3 leg-tube version.
I have the 3342.

the Feisol's use the standard rotating collar but the legs are free to rotate. the new Gitzo's have the collar but legs will not rotate (the ALR feature). Many of the Manfrotto's have small lever locks.

The reason I am looking at the 3442 is that it folds up smaller and thus is my compromise between an everyday and travel tripod. I can only buy one at this time.

Is the 3442 a good choice or is there another suggestion based on what I've stated as my needs for a tripod?

Oct 02, 2008 at 09:06 PM

mach250
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p.2 #19 · Feisol tripods?

sjms wrote:
i advise the feisol 3342 at $309 over the 3441 at $299.
advantages
1- machined alloy components of a higher grade of Aluminum alloy over forged parts. a better grade and finish of CF tubing
2- interchangable centerpost if wanted or leveling half ball base or just plain old flat plate
3- Max Height
without column
54.3"
4- Folded Length
48cm / 18.9 in
5- Wgt
2.31lbs
6- capacity 22lbs

it is a considerably more robust model and worth the extra few ounces and inches

Am I seeing something wrong? Your specs are totally different from this website

http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-class-threesection-tripod-ct3342-with-tripod-p-30.html

Oct 03, 2008 at 12:22 AM

surfing girl
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p.2 #20 · Feisol tripods?

I just bought the Feisol 3442 with leveling base specifically for mostly landscape work. I ordered it last week and it arrived on Tuesday. It's pretty sturdy, I am short and use a right angle viewfinder, so I can set it up using only the top 3 sections extended. This configuration is very sturdy. I haven't used it in the field yet but plan to this coming week.

I have a Feisol monopod and like it a lot. I use RRS level clamps on all my pods. I also have a Majestic studio pod and head for indoor use (as it weighs a ton!).

Oct 03, 2008 at 12:39 AM

surfing girl
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p.2 #21 · Feisol tripods?

The 3342 is the 3 section version, the specs are for the 3442, the 4 section leg version.

Oct 03, 2008 at 12:39 AM

Fitmiss
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p.2 #22 · Feisol tripods?

mach250 wrote:
sjms wrote:
i advise the feisol 3342 at $309 over the 3441 at $299.
advantages
1- machined alloy components of a higher grade of Aluminum alloy over forged parts. a better grade and finish of CF tubing
2- interchangable centerpost if wanted or leveling half ball base or just plain old flat plate
3- Max Height
without column
54.3"
4- Folded Length
48cm / 18.9 in
5- Wgt
2.31lbs
6- capacity 22lbs

it is a considerably more robust model and worth the extra few ounces and inches

Am I seeing something wrong? Your specs are totally different from this website

http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-class-threesection-tripod-ct3342-with-tripod-p-30.html

I believe the above specs are for the 3442. See the specs of Feisol tripods here: http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tripods

Oct 03, 2008 at 01:00 AM

Fitmiss
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p.2 #23 · Feisol tripods?

surfing girl wrote:
I just bought the Feisol 3442 with leveling base specifically for mostly landscape work. I ordered it last week and it arrived on Tuesday. It's pretty sturdy, I am short and use a right angle viewfinder, so I can set it up using only the top 3 sections extended. This configuration is very sturdy. I haven't used it in the field yet but plan to this coming week.

I have a Feisol monopod and like it a lot. I use RRS level clamps on all my pods. I also have a Majestic studio pod and head for indoor use (as it weighs a ton!).

Like me you are short. Do you have the center column? What do you think of this tripod for travel? Does it fold up small enough? I know there is the travel version but I don't travel that much and others have said that the 3442 is a bit sturdier for "everyday" use. As I posted, I think the 3442 is my compromise.

I am planning on purchasing a Markins Q3 ball head. What are level clamps?

My equipment is as follows:
Canon DSLR XSI
Kit Lens (18-55)
I'm planning on getting the Canon 17-55 eventually and some type of zoom lens like a 55-200 or 300

Thanks for any feedback.

Oct 03, 2008 at 01:16 PM

homersapien
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p.2 #24 · Feisol tripods?

Fitmiss wrote:
What do you think of this tripod for travel? Does it fold up small enough?

I travel, hike, climb with mine. Folds up small enough to fit in most of my packs. Definitely small enough that i can strap it to the outside of the pack, and forget it is there. For me, it's just about the right compromise between size and strength. I use a Kirk BH-3, and it is small enough that I can reverse fold the legs over the ballhead.

Fitmiss wrote:What are level clamps?

RRS level clamps allow you to swivel the camera on the level. With a normal tripod/ballhead setup, unless the baseplate on the tripod is perfectly level, the swivel won't be exactly level. Useful, but also pricey.

You can also use a level base. It's a device that sits between the baseplate on the tripod and a ballhead. It levels the ballhead. This is especially important if you want to do panos; it allows the head to rotate on the level. The advantage here is that you don't have to have a separate clamp for each ballhead.

Acratech makes a nice one.

Oct 03, 2008 at 03:44 PM

howardm4
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p.2 #25 · Feisol tripods?

+1 for the Acratech sitting under a ballhead (Markins) for easy leveling.

Oct 03, 2008 at 03:55 PM


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