I would like a good tripod for some occasional landscape work. I can't justify a Gitzo, now or probably ever. I've looked at the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, and it looks pretty good at a price that's quite a bit more affordable (for me). Anyone have one, and if so, how do you like it? I have a D700 and a 17-35 that I use most of the time for landscape work.
The head is whole 'nuther discussion. It's always something … <sigh>
IMO start looking for a range of tripods ~10 or so and start looking for a good deal on a used tripod. If you get a good one it will last you a lifetime.
I just bought the 055CXPRO4 its quite well made stable and has a good hight.
The price is right too and I think the horizontal CP is a bonus I also like the lever locks.
As to the head be very careful the Manfrotto / Bogen 468 I got with the legs where a disaster, I since returned them see my other post.
The problem with ballheads is the huge number available and some have a cult following not deserved. B&H has 230 on offer better for you to actually go to your nearest outlet and try one.
Manfrottos are tough, have been around for decades, and have a proven track record. A very solid value. For something lighter, Feisol offers some innovative designs of their own, unlike the knock-off Gitzo copies from China.
Manfred W. fEU wrote:
I just bought the 055CXPRO4 its quite well made stable and has a good hight.
The price is right too and I think the horizontal CP is a bonus I also like the lever locks.
As to the head be very careful the Manfrotto / Bogen 468 I got with the legs where a disaster, I since returned them see my other post.
The problem with ballheads is the huge number available and some have a cult following not deserved. B&H has 230 on offer better for you to actually go to your nearest outlet and try one.
I've used Manfrotto for years and was thinking about getting a 055CXPRO4 (or PRO3). I'm intending to use it with my 1D4 & 400/2.8 IS on a Wimberley II. Do you think it's up to that sort of weight?
I would get over to a very good camera store and see what there is to be offered.
Personally, I prefer the lock system that Manfrotto has and there are other tripods which use the same system for securing the legs. I cannot stand the twist and turn leg lock.
Feisol makes some nice tripods.
The big thing to look at is the warrantee/guarantee. What does it cover? How much to replace a broken carbon fiber leg if it so happens??
PierreB wrote:
I've used Manfrotto for years and was thinking about getting a 055CXPRO4 (or PRO3). I'm intending to use it with my 1D4 & 400/2.8 IS on a Wimberley II. Do you think it's up to that sort of weight?
It probably won't fall over, but it's nowhere near enough tripod for that focal length. A full Wimberley with 400/2.8 ought to have at least a Gitzo series 3, and bigger than that will be even better.
Smiert Spionam wrote:
It probably won't fall over, but it's nowhere near enough tripod for that focal length. A full Wimberley with 400/2.8 ought to have at least a Gitzo series 3, and bigger than that will be even better.
Thanks for the info. I've never really got on with the Gitzo's but I guess now could be the time to take another look at them.
There are bigger Manfrottos, too ,though they get bulky and heavy quickly -- not quite the utility player that the 055 is. Some people have had good luck with the big Feisols -- they're like a Gitzo series 4. Big, but quite light for that level of support. Poke around, and you should see some comments. 3372/3472 sounds right -- but a little reading will find the right model(s).
PierreB wrote:
I've used Manfrotto for years and was thinking about getting a 055CXPRO4 (or PRO3). I'm intending to use it with my 1D4 & 400/2.8 IS on a Wimberley II. Do you think it's up to that sort of weight?
It will hold, but will probably feel a bit "springy". I use Velbon 740 and Gitzo GT3540LS with my 400 2.8 IS - both are strong, both are easy to setup (non-rotating leg sections). Velbon has more versatility with its retractable spikes. Still, I prefer Gitzo for its flat top plate.
That said, I'm going to upgrade one of them to Gitzo GT5541LS - while both above tripods work very well, the 5541 is just rock solid, especially when using a 2x tele. I used my friend's Nikon D3 with live view zoomed in and 600mm f/4 on my GT3540LS/ WimberleyII and his GT5540LS/WimberleyII - the difference was incredible. On mine, the zoomed in image was jumping all over the place. On his - the image barely moved. Granted, IS would probably eliminate most of it, but still...
sjms wrote:
the Feisol CT3372 is a very good challenge to the gitzo domain in its quality and functionality.
I agree with the Feisol 3372. I got one of these that rivals my gitzo for a lot lesser price!
