I'm a bit overwhelmed by the number of CF tripods and the nonsensical item numbers that they all have.
I'm looking for:
1. Under 3lb with center column.
2. Folds down really compact for luggage.
3. Easily detachable and invertible center column to get really low.
4. Thicker legs.
I have used an old Feisol and it was great, but very basic. I've used a cheap Amazon CF tripod that was light but the thin leg diameter meant that it would flex a lot, especially rotationally. I'm assuming the 1lb Gitzo mountaineer is going to be the same.
15Bit wrote:
Feisol do a number of CF tripods. I went with the 3442 as the centre column is optional. It is very light, tall, and folds down well.
My old Feisol also had an "optional" center column, except converting it back and forth took tools and quite a while, something that I just didn't end up doing. So it became a purely center column tripod.
What about the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod?
I have the aluminum version and it is sturdy as hell. I like the fast and easy configuration of the center column too. 3lb as well including the center column. Only downside is that it doesn't compact quite as small (20" versus 18" for some other brands).
I use a Gitzo GT-0540 CF with 1D-series cameras and 70-200/2.8, or so, lenses.
1. Yes, it weighs 1.7 lb (0.76 kg), with centre column
2. Yes, folds down really compact for luggage, 48cm (19"), without head
3. Yes, easily detachable and invertible center column to get really low
4. No, it does not have thicker legs.
I'm in my 3rd year of use with a Benro C2680T. So far it has been durable and reliable.
1. Weighs 2.77 lbs.
2. Folded length 16.7 in.
3. Center column is reversed easily.
4. Has 4 leg sections: Max. leg diameter 28.7mm, min. leg diameter 16.5mm. Takes Benro, Gitzo or RRS spikes.
May 14, 2013 at 04:27 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Obligatory "I have a Gitzo Traveler and love it!!!" post.
Being more serious, it really is the best thing I've personally run across that fits your criteria, but I have to admit to never having touched the Feisol stuff so my experience in this department might be of limited worth. The only issue I've ever had while traveling with it was that all camera tripods had to be in checked baggage when leaving Taiwan for some odd reason, though I would have run into this issue regardless of the tripod I was using (I tend to travel with only carry-on luggage as less stuff ends up "lost in transit").
+1 On the Gitzo Traveller. Gitzo 1542T to be specific.
Extremely Lightweight - 2.2 lb
Maximum Height of 58.7"
Folds to Only 16.7"
G-Lock Leg Locks for Rigidity
Reversible/Removable Center Column
15.4 lb Load Capacity
No problem supporting a Nikon D4 + 300mm f2.8
May 15, 2013 at 08:59 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
DorkSterr wrote:
+1 On the Gitzo Traveller. Gitzo 1542T to be specific.
Extremely Lightweight - 2.2 lb
Maximum Height of 58.7"
Folds to Only 16.7"
G-Lock Leg Locks for Rigidity
Reversible/Removable Center Column
15.4 lb Load Capacity
No problem supporting a Nikon D4 + 300mm f2.8
Not according to Gitzo This traveller tripod, or any other series 1 tripods are not really stable, or made to be used with such long/heavy lenses.
The load capacity figures have nothing to do with what the tripod really can support, and being stable at the same time.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
Not according to Gitzo This traveller tripod, or any other series 1 tripods are not really stable, or made to be used with such long/heavy lenses.
The load capacity figures have nothing to do with what the tripod really can support, and being stable at the same time.
Lars nailed it. Same with all the other manufacturers-- with the degree of stability/weight in specs differing to reality based on how much the manufacturer exaggerates.
Nobody's CF, 0 or 1 series tripod is going to be uber stable with long lenses, no matter how light those lenses are. Stabilizing by adding weight to the hook can help, but only to an extent. Tripods, like all things photographic, are a compromise. You want really light, you're not going to get really stable (wind, long lenses, etc). You want really stable, you're not going to get really light. You even can't buy yourself out of this predicament.
One method of making a travel tripod more stable with telephotos is to use it near ground level: fully extend the legs and lock at the widest click stop so it's 8 to 12 inches above ground; sand bag it and use a cable release. Of course you'll need to sit or lie on the ground but it works well to reduce wind vibration.
justruss wrote:
Lars nailed it. Same with all the other manufacturers-- with the degree of stability/weight in specs differing to reality based on how much the manufacturer exaggerates.
Nobody's CF, 0 or 1 series tripod is going to be uber stable with long lenses, no matter how light those lenses are. Stabilizing by adding weight to the hook can help, but only to an extent. Tripods, like all things photographic, are a compromise. You want really light, you're not going to get really stable (wind, long lenses, etc). You want really stable, you're not going to get really light. You even can't buy yourself out of this predicament. ...Show more →
The heaviest body/lens combination I use on mine is a D600 with a 70-200mm f/4 and the wind either has to be abnormally calm or the center column needs to be all the way down. I will say that I'm quite surprised that it holds this as well as it does and that it is deceptively stable for the size, but I won't say that it's "objectively stable" when compared with other, larger tripods. For instance my Manfrotto 055 is much more stable, though it's positively gigantic when compared with the tiny Gitzo. As mentioned, it's all a compromise I suppose.
It seems that we all tout what we own. Me too. The Feisol 3442 is what you want. Light. Mine is set up without center column for max stability. Folded, it will fit in a standard roll on suitcase. The legs are inverted when folded and the tripod head fits between the legs if it is narrow enough. This is a desirable feature for travel; check whether your ball head will fit. The 3442 has a milled aluminum spyder, increasing the stability of the tripod. . It is a rock with lenses up to and perhaps beyond cannon 70-200 L zoom. The 3442 is much better designed and built than earlier Feisol models. I am tall and the 3442 is comfortable to use without the center column.
My light setup is a Gitzo 2540L and Markins Q3. Just over 3 pounds, but very a stable, silky smooth combination. Easy to handle too. The Q3 is remarkably sturdy, and not just for it's size. The 254X line is more than capable of holding 70-200 and even does well with my 80-400.
nma wrote:
The 3442 has a milled aluminum spyder, increasing the stability of the tripod. . It is a rock with lenses up to and perhaps beyond cannon 70-200 L zoom. The 3442 is much better designed and built than earlier Feisol models.
You're right about them improving the quality. There seems to be no comparison with earlier models. The one thing that they don't seem to have fixed is the depth of the top joint collar that the first leg section is fastened into. That still seems to be really short in comparison to a Benro or Gitzo tripod. Here's an example of what can happen. Maybe they've found a really super adhesive and are confident that it's sufficient, but it does worry me a bit still.
peter_n wrote:
You're right about them improving the quality. There seems to be no comparison with earlier models. The one thing that they don't seem to have fixed is the depth of the top joint collar that the first leg section is fastened into. That still seems to be really short in comparison to a Benro or Gitzo tripod. Here's an example of what can happen. Maybe they've found a really super adhesive and are confident that it's sufficient, but it does worry me a bit still.
Peter,
thanks for your contributions to the discussion
We just don't know if your concern about the top joint is theoretical or a deal-breaker. We do know that mine has not failed in 3 years use. We do know that Feisol service is exemplary, with kudos posted on the web. We do know that Gitzo service is sadly lacking, with nightmare reports on the web. What do we know about Benro service and reliability?
How would you suggest that a prospective buyer evaluate these issues? What weight would you give them? I don't mean these questions in the argumentative way that they come across. If each of us authoritatively states our position, without a more dispassionate analytic comparison of the alternatives, we are not providing maximum help to the OP.
This traveller tripod, or any other series 1 tripods are not really stable, or made to be used with such long/heavy lenses.