I'm just about to pull the trigger on a Feisol 3342 Tournament Series tripod and a Photo Clam PC-44NS. I'll be using the setup with a D3s, mostly with the 24-70 as the largest lens, but occasionally with the 70-200. I'm waiting on a total shipped quote before I decide if I'm going to get the anti-rotation legs or not.
Before I do this, any objections? I considered Markins but I hear so many great things about the Photo Clam that it seems like you save a lot of money for not too much loss.
Unless you are very tall you may want to consider getting the less expensive GT-3401 with no center column. Folded length is shorter too. 52" height + ballhead + camera = approx 60".
The anti-rotation legs are very nice, as you can quickly set up and dismantle the legs by locking and unlocking the leg sections at the same time.
Feisol tripods are very well made and they offer you a 3-year warranty which is very reassuring.
I'm not particularly tall, but I tried a 52" tripod and it was just low enough to be awkward. I measured the height of the 3342+head+camera and the viewfinder is just a little above eye level when at max height. I'm also certain that I want a three-section tripod, not a four-section. I want a really stable tripod, and I also find the little bit of extra length useful for uneven ground. In addition, I really like that the 3342 has machined instead of cast metal, reversible legs, and supposedly lighter carbon. I won't be getting a center column, as I know they're the biggest stability killer there is.
Honestly, price isn't a huge object, at least not at what the 3342 costs. I can't afford a Gitzo, otherwise I'd already have bought one, but anything in Feisol's lineup is OK. I probably will get the anti-rotation legs.
I'd been concerned about a 28mm tripod for my setup, but I think I'll be OK with a three-section 'pod.
I believe 28mm is a Series 2 tripod, so you should be fine unless you are shooting with a super-tele like a 400/2.8L or a 500/4L.
Personally I would prefer the VF to be lower rather than higher than eye level. I like to be able to see the top of the camera when I am fiddling with the buttons/controls, etc.
Check out the CT-3301. I believe it's also 28mm with 3 leg sections. Height is 54.7" which may work even better for you.
I looked at the CT-3301, but didn't mind spending extra for the higher standards of the 3342. The extra height, as I say, will be nice when shooting on uneven ground, and it's only an inch of difference between the two. The reverse folding legs will be very useful to me as it makes up for the extra length of the three-section legs.
I just went ahead and ordered the 3342, with a PC44NS and plates for my D3s and 70-200. It came out to $734 which was right around my target budget, and I think this will be a setup I can use for quite a while. I was actually more concerned about the head than the legs, but Photo Clam's pricing is going up, so I think I'll be able to get a good price selling mine if I decide to replace it with a Markins later on.
FWIW my main tripod is a Gitzo GT-2540 and Z1 ballhead with RRS lever release clamp. I personally think the Z1 is the best ballhead that money can buy. It's unbelievably smooth and so easy to lock.
+1 on the Arca-Swiss Z1. Incredible ballhead! I've used a Photo Clam, not the PC-44NS but a 33NS and I thought it was very good. The only thing I didn't like about it was the placement of the controls; I like the drop slot at the front and the ball locking knob on the left so the PC didn't suit me. I thought it was very well built for the money though. @Maximstensel Good luck with yours!
I have almost the same set-up: 3442 and the PC-44NS. Have had no issues with it at all. Mostly been used with 1Ds and 5D with lenses up to 70-200. I do not have anti-rotation legs, I don't think I've would ever miss it if it hadn't been for having tried it on Gitzo. Nice feature, but don't take much extra time to set-up without it. The only think I wish was different on the ball head is the lock for the quick release. I tried my brother-in-laws RRS ballhead and fell completely in love with the snap lock...
All in all it is a nice set-up that will fulfill the needs of most of us.
I have a PC-44NS and a Feisol 3441T and am very satisfied with both. I've used the system with my D700 and Sigma 400 f/5.6 with no issues. It is very easy to find the sweet spot for the ballhead with the relatively light 400mm and there are no problems with my 70-200 f/2.8 either.
Awesome, sounds like I'll be getting a pretty nice setup then. To the guys who have similar models to mine, did they come with a bag? I didn't see anything about it on the 3342/3442 page but I saw that other Feisol models do.
Oh, by the way, if anybody's on the fence about this right now, get in touch with reallybigcameras soon. Apparently Photo Clam has a new distributor, and when he's out of his current stock, prices are going up, some by quite a bit. The PC-44NS, for example, will be going up to $299.
