I have a Bogen 3221WN and a Gitzo 3540L. I like the size and stability of the Gitzo but I really (really really) prefer the flip locks on the Bogen. So much so that I'm tempted to sell the Gitzo and keep the Bogen.

Anyone else like the flip-locks better? Are there any sturdy cf tripods with flip-locks that you would recommend?

I have a 500 f4 IS that I plan on using on the tripod. I'm not sure if the Bogen 3221WN would be sufficient to use, along with my BH-55LR and sidekick. Does anyone use a similar set up?

Any opinions?

Thanks,

Dennis

Are you joking

Have never heard of anybody that like to sell their gitzo 3540 and use the bogen 3221WN instead. Especially not when you have a 500/4 lens on it.
I think the G-lock is really really good. And the ALR together with G-lock is the best.

I suppose it is a case of each to their own!

However I am with Lars on this, I really like the G/Lock and ALR on my 5560 SGT.

Bogen CF pods use the same fliplocks, I think. I suppose you could try the 500 on the 3221, the new 055xprob is rated about the same as is the 055mf3 (in CF).

I'm not sure the 055s in aluminum or magfiber are necessarily up to that load.

For those of you who have used rubber twist-locks for awhile, has the rubber ever fallen apart or crack after a period of time?

.
Dennis: I just upgraded my 3021 to a 3541LS (the 3021 flipflocks clipped me enough to draw quite a bit of blood and Bogen refused to respond to any of my email about whether I could replace the fliplocks w/ the newer versions)-:
Same reaction...dang, the twist locks are bloody slow. I think that's why Art Wolfe just throws it over his shoulder on his shows. With the flip locks, I flip as many as I need to bring the 3021 to the right height, life the tripod head so it's at the right height, then lock the fliplocks. To put it away, I turn it upside down, flip open the locks, let the locks slide back in and lock everything back.
With the 3541LS, you have to twist the G lock of each leg, then yank out the leg by hand to the right length, then twist it. The G locks feel a *lot* stronger (probably one reason it's rated so much better than the 055MF3) but are so slowwwww to set up...
I think if the legs dropped free like the 3021's does, I'd be happier...

dennisgibson wrote:
I have a Bogen 3221WN and a Gitzo 3540L. I like the size and stability of the Gitzo but I really (really really) prefer the flip locks on the Bogen. So much so that I'm tempted to sell the Gitzo and keep the Bogen.

Anyone else like the flip-locks better? Are there any sturdy cf tripods with flip-locks that you would recommend?

I have a 500 f4 IS that I plan on using on the tripod. I'm not sure if the Bogen 3221WN would be sufficient to use, along with my BH-55LR and sidekick. Does anyone use a similar set up?

Any opinions?

Thanks,

Dennis

The Manfrotto 055MF3/4 are the cf equivalents to the 3221. They have the fliplocks you like.. Let me know when you want to trade your Gitzo for the 055MF. I'll gladly trade you straight up.

I used to be a flipper. However, now with the new Gitzo ALR and g-locks, I'm a twister. It is no going back.

Jim

With the Gitzo ALR and g-locks, it is possible to release all three twist locks on one leg with a single hand motion to deploy the legs of your tripod, especially if you do not have them too tight. You just grip all three with your hand and twist. That makes them act more like flip locks for speed of use. You can also do the upside down trick to retract your legs, and then do the single hand motion to secure the legs in the retracted position. A four segment leg will not work, and I doubt the big heavy Gitzos would work for this trick, but for the mid range an smaller Gitzos, it is no problem.

I much prefer even the old Gitzo twist locks that required two hands over the Manfrotto flip locks. I hate getting pinched, and really hated it when one flip lock got out of adjustment and started sliding when you put a load on the tripod. I always knew I could tighten a twistlock leg to make it stay in place. With the new g-locks, they have a special locking system that is much stiffer when locked than a flip lock is, thus the better load rating.

Roland: do you have an older Gitzo or do the legs just loosen up over time? The 3541 I have has g-locks so tight that you have to pull the legs out or push them in (i.e., they don't drop down by themselves)...


Edited by kenyee on Aug 07, 2008 at 02:05 AM GMT

Roland W wrote:
A four segment leg will not work, and I doubt the big heavy Gitzos would work for this trick, but for the mid range an smaller Gitzos, it is no problem.

I have a GT2540 and the one hand loosening method works just great. And my hands are just average sized.

Peace,

Todd

I sold all my Manfrotto crap just to get a 3540LS, the best tripod I held in my hands so far, of course my 5540 mono plays in the same league

Stunnaz wrote:
For those of you who have used rubber twist-locks for awhile, has the rubber ever fallen apart or crack after a period of time?

All Gitzo, two tripods and a monopod...the monopod is an old alum one, no G-locks. The rubber wears down a bit but no problems. Lots for use for about 5 years on that, almost all of it in tough outside situations...I guess if it ever does, just replace them I guess.

Not that it really matters considering I'm a hack with a camera but I'm a much bigger fan of the flip levers also.

That said I've come to the fact that one day I'm going to buy a 500 from you(lol) and I'm going to most likely wind up with a Gitzo under it.

So....... how much you looking to get for the tripod? What'dya say we meet at Wendys again? lol.

jhom wrote:

The Manfrotto 055MF3/4 are the cf equivalents to the 3221. They have the fliplocks you like.. Let me know when you want to trade your Gitzo for the 055MF. I'll gladly trade you straight up.

I used to be a flipper. However, now with the new Gitzo ALR and g-locks, I'm a twister. It is no going back.

Jim


All true. But both the 3221 and the 055MF3/4 are way too small for a 500mm f/4.

J.

Collet/rotational mechanisms are always better and stronger than flip levers. Levers are more convenient. It's always seems to be like that. The latest anti-rotation collet locks from Gitzo help make it easier. You simply get used to it and used to the improved performance, too

Jeffrey wrote:
Collet/rotational mechanisms are always better and stronger than flip levers. Levers are more convenient. It's always seems to be like that. The latest anti-rotation collet locks from Gitzo help make it easier. You simply get used to it and used to the improved performance, too

The new G-locs only require something like a qtr to half turn to lock. It isn't like you are spinning them forever to tighten them down.

J.

Hi Lars,

what is ALR? I only have older Gitzo's 2200 explorer and 1540GT so not uptodate with the latest

Henrik

tived wrote:
Hi Lars,

what is ALR? I only have older Gitzo's 2200 explorer and 1540GT so not uptodate with the latest

Henrik

Anti Leg Rotation, your tripod has it

I did a 'shoot out' on another forum, with my Bogen 3221 and flip locks vs. a Gitzo with the G-locks. Time to set up fully, and to take down...virtual tie, timewise! A long flip lock loyalist, I hated the old Gitzos from decades ago. I sold my Bogen and bought a Gitzo 2530 because I wanted the lighter carbon fiber and finally the leg locking was no longer the pain it was with the old twist locking!

The new g-locs, the new CF layup, and ALR is pretty much an unbeatable combination right now.

J.