Best tripod not named Gitzo

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Archive 2009 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

vr8ce
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p.1 #1 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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>

Nov 08, 2009 at 10:20 PM

howardm4
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p.1 #2 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

I use a Feisol Tournament (carbon fibre)

Nov 08, 2009 at 10:30 PM

slothy
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p.1 #3 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

i have a feisol 3472 and like it, but never used/owned a gitzo so i cant compare.

Nov 08, 2009 at 11:12 PM

sjms
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p.1 #4 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

the Feisol CT3372 is a very good challenge to the gitzo domain in its quality and functionality.

Nov 09, 2009 at 12:35 AM

godfather
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p.1 #5 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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.

Nov 09, 2009 at 12:35 AM

Oasisbill
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p.1 #6 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

sjms wrote:
the Feisol CT3372 is a very good challenge to the gitzo domain in its quality and functionality.

+1. I have one of these. It's a great thing and made very well.

Nov 09, 2009 at 12:37 AM

Manfred W. fEU
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p.1 #7 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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.

Nov 09, 2009 at 01:38 AM

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p.1 #8 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

Best? Foba. but if you think Gitzo is expensive wait till you see Foba prices.

I'd also look at the newest Induro CF tripods, the ones they just introduced.

Nov 09, 2009 at 01:54 AM

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p.1 #9 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

Prior to using a Gitzo, I was using a Feisol CT-3342. Very light and stable for tripod of its size. It is also priced very competitively @ $299 new.

Nov 09, 2009 at 04:57 AM

Avi B
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p.1 #10 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

Gitzo?

Nov 09, 2009 at 05:43 AM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #11 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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.

Nov 09, 2009 at 02:34 PM

PierreB
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p.1 #12 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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?

Nov 09, 2009 at 03:33 PM

martines34
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p.1 #13 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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??

I have the 055 and am happy with it.

Nov 09, 2009 at 03:43 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #14 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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.

Nov 09, 2009 at 04:34 PM

PierreB
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p.1 #15 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

Smiert Spionam wrote:
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.

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.

Nov 09, 2009 at 04:50 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #16 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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).

Edited on Nov 10, 2009 at 03:10 PM · View previous versions

Nov 09, 2009 at 04:59 PM

DisrupTer911
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p.1 #17 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

I like my Induro CX-213. Durable, stable, gets pretty tall and very low. works well for my shooting.

Nov 09, 2009 at 07:48 PM

sparrks
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p.1 #18 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

This one a bit OTT, very sturdy and not Gitzo http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38&_nkw=kessler+tripod

Fixed link

Edited on Nov 10, 2009 at 06:22 PM · View previous versions

Nov 09, 2009 at 11:03 PM

Manfred W. fEU
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p.1 #19 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

PierreB wrote:
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 did some tests with my 280&2x extender for this weight it would be best not to extend the CP the legs are fine. My new BH can handle much more then this.

2012 © Manfred W. fEU

Nov 09, 2009 at 11:14 PM

mt-m
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p.1 #20 · Best tripod not named Gitzo

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...

Nov 10, 2009 at 12:07 PM

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