I have just a couple of questions regarding leg sections & leg-lock styles.
I imagine that the main difference between 3 & 4 section tripod legs is the following:
4-section legs will close more compact (better for travel)
3-section legs (built to the same spec as a 4-section) will be sturdier when fully extended.
Is that pretty much it...am I missing anything? In general, how more solid would a 3-section leg be vs a 4-section in actual use?
I know there are differences from brand to brand but in general, is there any particular reason to go with twist locks vs flip locks? Is it mostly just user preference?
I went with twist-locks for the following reasons as long as it had the function that it allowed you to open and close any section w/o endless rotation:
1- silent operation.
2- lighter weight
3- less risk of pinching fingers
4- less hardware to take care of, such as re-tightening or calibration
I have the RRS TVC-33, Gitzo GT 3530LS, both 3 sections, and the Gitzo G1228LVL, a 4 section and my light weight travel/hiking tripod. I think your assessment is about spot on.
One or the other 3 sections are always used with my 200-400 or 500/4. I think the TVC-33 is about as good a unit you can buy with the 3530 close behind. I suspect the twist locks hold better over time than the flip style or they would be on the higher end tripods.
One thing I can say for sure, I have never read the reviews regarding tripods since purchasing the TVC-33, the GT-3530 was a gift so it will always be available for use and is a very good unit. My 1228 is getting quite old and has traveled the world with me, over loaded many times. If you buy the right tripod(s) the purchase is one time.
How often does one hear how unhappy they are with the RRS TVC-33 or comparable Gitzo? They are built to work and last a long time.
I think your comparison of 3 and 4-section legs is about right. I've compared 3 and 4-section tripods in stores and have always bought the 4-section version. Modern quality tripods are very stable and there's very little perceptible difference between them. I buy tripods that are overkill for my equipment so I can buy the long version of a 4-section tripod that is more compact when folded than a 3-section. I can also use it as a 3-section and use the 4th section to get the base level on uneven ground on occasion.
WRT the locks, as the above poster points out all the high-end manufacturers use twist locks. They have practical advantages, less maintenance and they're rigid. Some twist locks have a gravity locking effect where a higher vertical load produces a stronger locking effect. Lock choice is partly user preference, but if you look at it from a performance perspective the twist locks are a good choice.
I decided on a TVC-24L. I like the extra leg length when I need it. I like the lighter weight and shorter closed length than the TVC-33 (or 34L). Rated at 40 lb load capacity, it is way over kill for anything I am likely to put on it. I also own a Manfrotto with lever style locks, I will never go there again.
