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Archive 2009 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Dpic_arctic
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p.2 #1 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Thanks everyone.

they do better than clip locks.

In what conditions have you used twist locks, Herb?

Nov 07, 2009 at 09:39 PM

sjms
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p.2 #2 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Chris Noyes wrote:
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

definition of "professional"- i will be compensated for what i say and do.

you work out the rest of what it really means.

Nov 07, 2009 at 10:20 PM

ishootsports3
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p.2 #3 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

oh i forgot to mention, that twist lock on the enduro failed after a game in the rain...

Nov 07, 2009 at 11:05 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.2 #4 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I thought this thread was dying, but it seems like it came back to life today!

Thanks everyone for your continued feedback.

Nov 08, 2009 at 12:13 AM

1fspeed
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p.2 #5 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I might be in the minority, but I think the carbon fiber tripod thing is pointless. When you consider he weight of the camera, lens, and the camera bag over your shoulder, you spent $2-300 extra to shave 3-5% of the total weight. In addition, I haven't seen any image comparisons to that prove carbon fibers superior dampening (as a material it is better, but can you see it in the resulting photo?)

Rugged being a consideration - when CF fails, is does so rather spectacularly. Consider shooting on a rock shore, tripod legs straddling some boulders, you slip, lean on the tripod a bit too hard. The CF leg shatters, the AL leg kinks and bends. Your on a $20,000 Antarctica trip with a two legged CF tripod or a Al tripod with a crooked leg, but otherwise fully functional.

I happily carry the Aluminum tripod.

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:34 AM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #6 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

1fspeed wrote:
I might be in the minority, but I think the carbon fiber tripod thing is pointless. When you consider he weight of the camera, lens, and the camera bag over your shoulder, you spent $2-300 extra to shave 3-5% of the total weight. In addition, I haven't seen any image comparisons to that prove carbon fibers superior dampening (as a material it is better, but can you see it in the resulting photo?)

Rugged being a consideration - when CF fails, is does so rather spectacularly. Consider shooting on a rock shore, tripod legs straddling some boulders, you slip, lean on the tripod a bit too hard. The CF leg shatters, the AL leg kinks and bends. Your on a $20,000 Antarctica trip with a two legged CF tripod or a Al tripod with a crooked leg, but otherwise fully functional.

I happily carry the Aluminum tripod.

Yes CF weight less, but it's also stronger than aluminum. So all those scenario's you wrote about, will more likely happen with a alu tripod than with a CF.
There is a reason all the riders in Tour de France have stopped using alu and use CF instead

and that's because they need a very strong bike when going up and down in the alps

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:53 AM

ishootsports3
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p.2 #7 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
Yes CF weight less, but it's also stronger than aluminum. So all those scenario's you wrote about, will more likely happen with a alu tripod than with a CF.
There is a reason all the riders in Tour de France have stopped using alu and use CF instead

and that's because they need a very strong bike when going up and down in the alps

they do have spares however, and it is not unheard of for people to break frames, mountain biking has only just gone carbon and below the pro level its primarily alu, all this said im not sure its really an issue as it relates to tripods

Nov 08, 2009 at 01:53 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #8 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

ishootsports3 wrote:
Lars Johnsson wrote:
Yes CF weight less, but it's also stronger than aluminum. So all those scenario's you wrote about, will more likely happen with a alu tripod than with a CF.
There is a reason all the riders in Tour de France have stopped using alu and use CF instead

and that's because they need a very strong bike when going up and down in the alps

they do have spares however, and it is not unheard of for people to break frames, mountain biking has only just gone carbon and below the pro level its primarily alu, all this said im not sure its really an issue as it relates to tripods

(It doesn't matter but)
every serious amateur also have CF in my country. And many that only practise also. And they did have as many spares when they used alu before

and they also did break even more parts of the bike before.
Or do you really belive that the Tour de France riders had better bikes 20 years ago

Nov 08, 2009 at 02:11 PM

1fspeed
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p.2 #9 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

You guys missed my point, CF is stronger in AL, but when it breaks, it fails completely as in it shatters. For me thats the important difference. Bikes are a reasonable analogy. I've gone down in a amateur road race, the bike was a titanium frame with CF fork. Fork seemed to take a lateral impact in the pile up, the CF had shattered and the fork leg could we bent side to side with little force. It would have severed completely if I had attempted to ride it.

Lars,
I think TDF riders are all on carbon machines because they are lighter, not stronger. Weight is paramount in any mountain stage. 10 years ago a TDF Mtn stage bike weighed 20lbs, now they're under 14. As long as the carbon is not damaged they are incredibly strong for their weight. Trek recommends replacing CF parts/frames if damage in suspected, but not visible. You won't find similar recommendations about steel, Al, or Ti frames.

Bikes aside, CF tripods don't make sense to me, but that's me. Lots of people have them and love them.

Nov 08, 2009 at 04:27 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #10 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

1fspeed wrote:
You guys missed my point, CF is stronger in AL, but when it breaks, it fails completely as in it shatters. For me thats the important difference. Bikes are a reasonable analogy. I've gone down in a amateur road race, the bike was a titanium frame with CF fork. Fork seemed to take a lateral impact in the pile up, the CF had shattered and the fork leg could we bent side to side with little force. It would have severed completely if I had attempted to ride it.

Lars,
I think TDF riders are all on carbon machines because they are lighter, not stronger. Weight is paramount in any mountain stage. 10 years ago a TDF Mtn stage bike weighed 20lbs, now they're under 14. As long as the carbon is not damaged they are incredibly strong for their weight. Trek recommends replacing CF parts/frames if damage in suspected, but not visible. You won't find similar recommendations about steel, Al, or Ti frames.

Bikes aside, CF tripods don't make sense to me, but that's me. Lots of people have them and love them.

They have made rules for pro's in Tour de France and other races. So they are not allowed to make the bikes very light. If they didn't have those rules they would (especially in the high mountains) make the bikes a lot lighter.

Nov 08, 2009 at 04:40 PM

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p.2 #11 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Current limit is around 13lbs if I'm not mistaken, and their is discussion about lowering it further. Pros could go "a lot" lighter as you suggest, but they would likely be totally custom bike built specifically for racing with limited life spans. I say this because as much as I'd love some $5000 Zipp carbon road wheels, I know I' destroy them in a summer of riding, but if I'm time trialing against the worlds best, all they have to do is last a few races. Different requirements.

Nov 08, 2009 at 04:57 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #12 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I would belive that the good pro's already are using custom built bikes. And they also have very different bikes from one stage in the race to another.
I also do understand that CF is weaker when getting a high shock. (like hitting it with a metal bar) But also CF is a lot stronger when you try to stretch it or trying to bend it. And what's the possibilities of your tripod getting hit with something for that "high shock". It's more about stretch & bend when it comes to tripods

Nov 08, 2009 at 05:05 PM

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p.2 #13 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Lance rides stock, at least that's what Trek marketing would have us believe.

Your probably right about tripods. I just like the Al ones.
Be well
Ryan

Nov 08, 2009 at 05:40 PM

Chris Noyes
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p.2 #14 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

sjms wrote:
Chris Noyes wrote:
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

definition of "professional"- i will be compensated for what i say and do.

you work out the rest of what it really means.

I have no intention to spar with you about my post you felt compelled to comment on in a rather snide way. One of the Mentor photographers on a recent photo outing I attended at Arches National Park (Mentor Series Photo Workshops, sponsored by Popular Photography Magazine) was using an Induro. This photographer does quite a bit of this type of freelance work in addition to his very successful commercial work. This individual has been making is living through his photography work for over 25 years.

Let me know when Popular Photography invites you to be one of their mentors.

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:44 PM

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p.2 #15 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Chris Noyes wrote:
sjms wrote:
Chris Noyes wrote:
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

definition of "professional"- i will be compensated for what i say and do.

you work out the rest of what it really means.

I have no intention to spar with you about my post you felt compelled to comment on in a rather snide way. One of the Mentor photographers on a recent photo outing I attended at Arches National Park (Mentor Series Photo Workshops, sponsored by Popular Photography Magazine) was using an Induro. This photographer does quite a bit of this type of freelance work in addition to his very successful commercial work. This individual has been making is living through his photography work for over 25 years.

Let me know when Popular Photography invites you to be one of their mentors.

I'm curious...what were the other mentors using?

Jim

Nov 08, 2009 at 07:00 PM

Chris Noyes
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p.2 #16 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

There were 4 mentors on this trip. One used Gitzo, one used Induro, one used something so old, all identifiers were worn off (it was bare metal with lots of scratches but built like a tank, and I never heard of the brand before -- can't remember now). He used an equally old head, and surprisingly, it wasn't a ballhead. The fourth used a Bogen.

Nov 08, 2009 at 07:10 PM

Dpic_arctic
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p.2 #17 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I have done quite a lot of research of CF vs. aluminum. First of all, because I live in Alaska, I would be doing a fairly large amount of photography in the negatives (farenheit). Aluminum would get too cold. CF would fix this. I could get pads on the aluminum tripod which would eliminate the temperature problem, but that just adds more weight and bulk to an already heavy tripod. CF is lighter than aluminum, so I could get a heavy duty tripod that doesn't weigh as much as an inferior aluminum tripod. CF also absorbs vibrations better than AL.

The Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 is 3.6 lbs. It can support 17.6 pounds. The Manfrotto 055XPROB is 5 lbs, and it can only support 15.4 lbs. Because CF is lighter than AL, it will enable faster setups and easier carrying on long hikes, etc.

The list goes on...

Nov 09, 2009 at 12:11 AM

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p.2 #18 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Chris Noyes wrote:
sjms wrote:
Chris Noyes wrote:
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

definition of "professional"- i will be compensated for what i say and do.

you work out the rest of what it really means.

I have no intention to spar with you about my post you felt compelled to comment on in a rather snide way. One of the Mentor photographers on a recent photo outing I attended at Arches National Park (Mentor Series Photo Workshops, sponsored by Popular Photography Magazine) was using an Induro. This photographer does quite a bit of this type of freelance work in addition to his very successful commercial work. This individual has been making is living through his photography work for over 25 years.

Let me know when Popular Photography invites you to be one of their mentors.

i in no way made a snide reply. its reality. you might as well realize that the truth in the marketplace is that whether you are willing to accept the fact that people are compensated to use gear. they do not necessarily have to openly promote it but just be seen with it. we all look to see what the next shooter is using. its in the nature of the beast. look at the way you can rattle off who had what and where. as to the PP Mentor program i carry enough paid work to support my bad habits and then some w/o out the need for compromise.

Nov 09, 2009 at 12:55 AM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #19 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Chris Noyes wrote:
sjms wrote:
Chris Noyes wrote:
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

definition of "professional"- i will be compensated for what i say and do.

you work out the rest of what it really means.

I have no intention to spar with you about my post you felt compelled to comment on in a rather snide way. One of the Mentor photographers on a recent photo outing I attended at Arches National Park (Mentor Series Photo Workshops, sponsored by Popular Photography Magazine) was using an Induro. This photographer does quite a bit of this type of freelance work in addition to his very successful commercial work. This individual has been making is living through his photography work for over 25 years.

Let me know when Popular Photography invites you to be one of their mentors.

It's a bit funny

Because last week you wrote nearly the same thing about ballheads. Then you had been on those workshops/photo outings also. And they gave support that your Manfrotto 488 RC2 ballhead with Manfrotto clamps where as good as the best from RRS & Markins with Arca-Swiss clamps

Nov 09, 2009 at 05:53 AM

ishootsports3
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p.2 #20 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Lars Johnsson wrote:

(It doesn't matter but)
every serious amateur also have CF in my country. And many that only practise also. And they did have as many spares when they used alu before

and they also did break even more parts of the bike before.
Or do you really belive that the Tour de France riders had better bikes 20 years ago

i ride a full carbon road bike, and love it. Im mearly saying it has some issues then again aluminum has fatigue issues of its own. PS, most pro bikes are stock and fitting is customized with stem post and so on. all this said as far as tripods are concerned i really dont see it being an issue

Nov 09, 2009 at 08:42 PM

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p.2 #21 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

ishootsports3 wrote:
Lars Johnsson wrote:

(It doesn't matter but)
every serious amateur also have CF in my country. And many that only practise also. And they did have as many spares when they used alu before

and they also did break even more parts of the bike before.
Or do you really belive that the Tour de France riders had better bikes 20 years ago

i ride a full carbon road bike, and love it. Im mearly saying it has some issues then again aluminum has fatigue issues of its own. PS, most pro bikes are stock and fitting is customized with stem post and so on. all this said as far as tripods are concerned i really dont see it being an issue

I thought we were talking about tripods...

Nov 09, 2009 at 09:34 PM

Chris Noyes
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p.2 #22 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
Chris Noyes wrote:
sjms wrote:
Chris Noyes wrote:
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

definition of "professional"- i will be compensated for what i say and do.

you work out the rest of what it really means.

I have no intention to spar with you about my post you felt compelled to comment on in a rather snide way. One of the Mentor photographers on a recent photo outing I attended at Arches National Park (Mentor Series Photo Workshops, sponsored by Popular Photography Magazine) was using an Induro. This photographer does quite a bit of this type of freelance work in addition to his very successful commercial work. This individual has been making is living through his photography work for over 25 years.

Let me know when Popular Photography invites you to be one of their mentors.

It's a bit funny

Because last week you wrote nearly the same thing about ballheads. Then you had been on those workshops/photo outings also. And they gave support that your Manfrotto 488 RC2 ballhead with Manfrotto clamps where as good as the best from RRS & Markins with Arca-Swiss clamps

You crack me up Lars! I never made any such assertion that comes close to what you just stated. I find amusing that you and others of your ilk like to twist, belittle or fabricate words of others to suit your petty needs.

In the ballhead thread, it was you that stated the manfrotto ballhead was in "a different league" than the Arca-Swiss camp, and that somehow it was "inferior". I simply called you out on your condescending remark and asked you fill in the missing details. However, someone else was polite enough to do that for you.

Also, I never stated that the Arca-Swiss products were inferior in any way, shape, or form as you claim. In fact, I did agree that there are features of the Arca-Swiss system some might find useful. Personally, I haven't had the need, nor desire to pursue those features because they aren't affecting my image quality. I could go on about this, but this is way off topic for this thread.

Nov 10, 2009 at 01:06 AM

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p.2 #23 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

jonshonda wrote:
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.

That is good advice if you can save and wait awhile. When I started into photography a few years ago, I saw what a Gitzo cost and said "now way." Well after several carbon Manfrottos, I will be ordering a Gitzo. I would have saved money if I had gone "first class" to start with.

Steve

Nov 10, 2009 at 06:51 AM

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p.2 #24 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

I'm ten years into a Gitzo 1228CF it's been all over USA/Central America/Europe, I live on the coast so it's been in salt water, salt marsh you name it and still going strong..it cost over $500 back in 99. I just grab it nearly every day and don't think about it, I'm on my second head.

Nov 10, 2009 at 01:36 PM

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p.2 #25 · Rugged Tripod Recommendation?

SHVv wrote:
jonshonda wrote:
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.

That is good advice if you can save and wait awhile. When I started into photography a few years ago, I saw what a Gitzo cost and said "now way." Well after several carbon Manfrottos, I will be ordering a Gitzo. I would have saved money if I had gone "first class" to start with.

Steve

depending on what model and what your willing to spend you might find that there is a tripod that is more then a notch or two above above certain models of the gitzo line and well within the price range. it is stronger and ligher in that same class too.

Nov 10, 2009 at 02:35 PM


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