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Archive 2009 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #1 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Hi everyone!

I am looking for a tripod that fits these specs more or less:

-Doesn't get jammed by water (not rain, I mean like swamp, lake, etc.)

-Has independent leg spread (should have the feature where you can flip the center column 90 degrees for super low shots)

-No more than $400

-Carbon Fiber

I just want to get a rugged tripod that will work well all around for nature photography. I would appreciate your opinions a lot.

Nov 03, 2009 at 07:22 AM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

you had a good idea there until you reached the punch line of $400. my one and only gitzo GT2540ex) meets all those criteria except the pricing. enduro and manfrotto have similar designs to it but still fall a little shortin some catagories. their prices may more to your acceptance level with compromise. the gitzo unfortunatel is the no compromise one with the no compromise price

Nov 03, 2009 at 08:26 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #3 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Thanks for the suggestion. I have heard that Induro is basically identical to Gitzo, just cheaper. I know the specs are quite demanding for the price range, but I want something that will last me a long time and will meet my needs as my collection of lenses, etc., grows.

I really wouldn't use it in muck, like I mentioned, a whole lot. I just would rather have a tripod that is too rugged, instead of not rugged enough, while of course keeping the price not too high. I was looking at the Induro CX213, among a couple other tripods, too. I would appreciate any more opinions.

Nov 03, 2009 at 08:59 PM

jonshonda
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p.1 #4 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

A good example of what your looking for is like asking for a Honda Accord with Rolls Royce components, and expecting to pay for a standard Accord. You are asking for the Superman of tripods, but not willing to pay for it. Just save your money, and get something that will last a lifetime.

Nov 03, 2009 at 09:19 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #5 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

What I was getting at is that if Induro is basically the same as Gitzo, then why pay the extra money for the name? I want to know how much you pay for the name of certain brands. What particular models will last a lifetime (or near to it) under moderate use outdoors?

My expectations are pretty high for the price range, so I guess it would be a good idea to save the extra (thanks, jonshonda).

Nov 03, 2009 at 09:34 PM

sjms
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p.1 #6 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Dpic_arctic wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion. I have heard that Induro is basically identical to Gitzo, just cheaper. I know the specs are quite demanding for the price range, but I want something that will last me a long time and will meet my needs as my collection of lenses, etc., grows.

I really wouldn't use it in muck, like I mentioned, a whole lot. I just would rather have a tripod that is too rugged, instead of not rugged enough, while of course keeping the price not too high. I was looking at the Induro CX213, among a couple other tripods, too. I would appreciate any more opinions.

the induro is not nearly quite as acrobatic as the gitzo. the leg angles though independently adjustable are limited to certain angles whereas the gitzo is infinitely adjustable within the complete leg arc. this can and does make a difference for some in its use. support capacity is also more substantial on the gitzo vs its competitor. it is also available in 3 or 4 leg section models.

though again i will say the induro is price competitive at just under the $400 target price

Nov 03, 2009 at 09:49 PM

Todd Warnke
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p.1 #7 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I'm a Gitzo guy, but if by swamp you really mean swamp, I'd go with a Manfrotto for the flip-locks. I used to have a 055 Manfrotto and it was very rugged, carbon fibre and right at $400. Great 'pod.

Peace,

Todd

Nov 03, 2009 at 09:58 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #8 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I was wondering about the leg angles on Gitzos. I would almost buy the Gitzo just for the unlimited leg angles, since Manfrotto only offers 4 leg angles.

Since the area in which I lived contains a substantial amount of swamps, I probably would be doing bird and other wildlife photography in damp conditions, maybe even in small ponds. I wish they made a Gitzo with clip-locks...

Anymore info would be helpful.

Nov 03, 2009 at 11:45 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #9 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Dpic_arctic wrote:
I have heard that Induro is basically identical to Gitzo, just cheaper.

This is false.

Dpic_arctic wrote:What particular models will last a lifetime (or near to it) under moderate use outdoors?

For starters, the Gitzo actually has a lifetime warranty. Benro/Induro doesn't appear to have that level of confidence in their generic product.

Nov 03, 2009 at 11:45 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #10 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I guess I have to take customer reviews with a grain of salt. The person who wrote that review about Induro vs. Gitzo may never have owned a Gitzo, for all I know.

A little off topic, but since I'm new here and figuring things out, I have a technical question. How do you insert something that someone else said in an earlier post, for example, "Dpic_arctic wrote:
I have heard that Induro is basically identical to Gitzo, just cheaper.

This is false."

Edit: I figured it out, nevermind the second paragraph.

Edited on Nov 04, 2009 at 12:21 AM · View previous versions

Nov 03, 2009 at 11:56 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #11 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

There's a "quote" button at the bottom right of each post -- and then you can edit within the quotation.

My main complaints about Induro (Dynamvobenduro, if you will):

- they shamelessly steal from, and imply they're identical to, well-established brands;

- their products are simultaneously released under multiple brands, though the premium Induro version appears in most cases identical to the "house brand" generic versions sold as Amvona, Flashpoint, and by a host of generic Chinese sellers on ebay;

- in at least some cases, these cosmetic-only copies are deeply flawed and shoddily built. This is well-documented in the case of their ballheads.

Though some of their products might be fine for some uses at the right price, they seem to me to be 100% untrustworthy. At minimum, their business practices show pretty poor ethics. I'd far sooner recommend an inexpensive but reliable brand like Manfrotto (which I've used for decades) as a lower-budget alternative to Gitzo.

Nov 04, 2009 at 12:20 AM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #12 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I agree with you about "Dynamvobenduro". I was looking at the Gitzo GT-2531 Mountaineer series tripod, but it doesn't look like the legs adjust to any angle you want. It looks like it only has 3 angles. Is this true?

Nov 04, 2009 at 12:27 AM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #13 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

That's essentially right -- the mountaineers have fixed angles only. Most of them now have a fourth angle, which is just short of 90 degrees -- this allows a low-level position that still leaves enough room for the hook assembly.

While the mountaineers don't have continuously adjustable angles, I don't find it a limitation. The fixed positions may be sturdier. Only the explorer (EX) models have the continuously adjustable angles.

The other thing to keep in mind is that while the mountaineers don't have a cantilevered column for low shots, you can remove the column altogether. Many people keep their mountaineers this way all the time, since it's sturdier (and a bit lighter).

After working through a number of tripods (many years of Manfrottos, and then a couple of Gitzos through some strategic shopping) I ended up biting the bullet and moving up to the GT3541LS, which is the lightest and most compact series 3 (it's a systematic, with no central column). It wasn't a painless purchase, believe me -- took some serious scrimping and second-guessing. But I find the difference with a 300/4 or in deep macro to be clearly worth it. If that kind of use isn't in your future plans, a good quality series 2 (either mountaineer or explorer) is a great tool.

Though used Gitzos can be good deals, the fact that you'll be using it in water means that you should probably stick with relatively current models with the "g-lock" leg locks. Many of the earlier models used a fiber sleeve that could sometimes swell and bind up until they dried out. The g-locks are also the nicest to use.

Nov 04, 2009 at 03:21 AM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #14 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Thanks for being so helpful, Smiert. I took a look at your posts, and it looks like you're the FM tripod man

!

Smiert Spionam wrote: But I find the difference with a 300/4 or in deep macro to be clearly worth it. If that kind of use isn't in your future plans, a good quality series 2 (either mountaineer or explorer) is a great tool.

I actually am looking at a 300mm f/4 in the future, probably my next lens, as well as a macro, eventually. I took a look at B&H at the Explorer tripods...ouch. They'd better be good for their price. I am debating probably between the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, and a certain Gitzo, which I have not decided on yet (maybe the GT2531EX). Still...the clip locks on the Manfrotto are tempting. I'm sure I'll be happy if I get either, because I am using an aluminum Walmart tripod deal that flinches if touch it. It is driving me nuts-Not only about its instability, but that it is short and it doesn't offer individual leg spread.

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:25 AM

sjms
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p.1 #15 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Smiert Spionam wrote:
Dpic_arctic wrote:
I have heard that Induro is basically identical to Gitzo, just cheaper.

This is false.

Dpic_arctic wrote:What particular models will last a lifetime (or near to it) under moderate use outdoors?

For starters, the Gitzo actually has a lifetime warranty. Benro/Induro doesn't appear to have that level of confidence in their generic product.

lets make the lifetime warrantee from gitzo a little clearer. they can at anytime refer to any damage as abuse and have done so. also they have another out that they have used call normal wear. normal wear is not warranteed either. immersion into water is considered abuse unless you purchase a tripod specifically designed for said action. of course he have that new wonderful stainless O ring'd little CF beast to amuse and divert funds into their coffers.

sorry SS but their lifetime warrantee has more holes in it then a cheese grater.

Nov 04, 2009 at 09:12 AM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #16 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Thanks for clearing that up about the lifetime warranty, sjms. At least Gitzo probably is more rugged than any other brand. It's just that their twist locks probably won't do as well in water as clip-locks.

Nov 04, 2009 at 02:49 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #17 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I can't say about the warranty, never having had to use it (itself a good thing, in my book). There are very few companies that have an ironclad "return it if it breaks for any reason" policy -- the only ones I can think of are small custom shops. RRS is probably the closest to that in this forum, though they've probably got exceptions, too. Mostly, I see a lifetime guarantee as a gesture of the manufacturer's own confidence in the product.

I'm certainly more confident of Gitzo's support than Benro's, in any case. To compare the two is nearly absurd.

The other factor here is the availability of spare parts for the times when you break something and it is your own fault. Gitzo parts may be expensive, but at least I know how to get them.

Dpic, if you know this thing is going to do significant time in the water, there's a lot to be said for having a tough less-expensive tripod on hand. Even if you end up with another nicer one down the line, that sounds like a good job for a 055-series Manfrotto.

Nov 04, 2009 at 09:12 PM

runamuck
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p.1 #18 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I bought my Dynatrans for 50 bucks each. That was 4 1/2 years ago. Since one could become cannabalized for parts, I have a lifetime supply of tripods for 100 bucks. That included ballheads, too. Who needs hole filled warranties when you pick up a complete set of spare parts for 50 bucks?

Nov 04, 2009 at 11:20 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #19 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

The 055 Manfrotto sounds the best for me now, and maybe in a few years I could get a Gitzo EX tripod. It would be nice to have both, but it wouldn't be cheap. I would not be using it a whole lot in water, I just want a rugged tripod that will tolerate the few times I DO use it in water.

Nov 04, 2009 at 11:26 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.1 #20 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Just wanted to say a quick "thank you" to all those who participated in this thread, especially "Smiert Spionam" and "sjms". You have answered a lot of questions that I've had for a while. The members here on FM are very helpful and polite. I appreciate that.

Nov 06, 2009 at 07:24 AM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #21 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

You bet -- glad to help. There are a lot of potential solutions, all with strengths and weaknesses, which is a good thing. Best of luck!

Nov 06, 2009 at 03:13 PM

sjms
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p.1 #22 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

all the best on your quest

Nov 06, 2009 at 11:26 PM

ishootsports3
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p.1 #23 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Induro is not gitzo, i had an eduro monopod and the bottom leg log froze on me. Its been off to the manufacturer for a few weeks now... bought a manfrotto replacement, much better product

Nov 07, 2009 at 02:26 AM

Chris Noyes
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p.1 #24 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

And I've had my Induro CX-214 for 3 years now. Outstanding product. It's traveled quite well, and experienced a wide range of environmental conditions. I purchased it to support nothing more than a 70-200 or my 300 mmm f4, and I'm quite impressed with the image quality and handling it provides. It's not up to the task of mounting my 300 f2.8, but that's not a concern for me.

I'll be the first person to report back when it fails, but, I have no regrets with my purchase, and yes, I compared against Gitzo before choosing. I suppose only time will tell whether Induro is a worthy tripod brand.

I'd be happy to pass along the name of a well-known and established professional that has been using an Induro for a couple of years now . . . and I'm not referring to Michael Reichman at Luminous Landscape

Nov 07, 2009 at 04:15 AM

HerbChong
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p.1 #25 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

they do better than clip locks.

Herb...

Dpic_arctic wrote:
At least Gitzo probably is more rugged than any other brand. It's just that their twist locks probably won't do as well in water as clip-locks.

Nov 07, 2009 at 05:43 AM


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