Anyone here used a Jobu Design Algonquin Carbon Fiber Tripod? Link
Looking for user experience, good or bad.
My intended use is indoor macro shots. I need stability because the shots will be high magnification (1:1 or more) on a high mega pixel (D810) camera. I also need it to be large (wide base) because my geared tripod head and macro rails will make the whole rig quite top heavy.
I occasionally do landscape and group (eg soccer team) shots. Not my primary search criteria.
Their about 30 minutes from downtown Toronto by car in Mississauga. Give them a call and ask if you can give it a look over at their home.
From their website:
"You may come visit us in person if in the GTA, but we request to have 24-48 hours notice before your arrival. We do not have a store-front: you are coming to a busy, noisy, working factory. We do not necessarily have inventory on hand for demonstration and require time to prepare sample items for your visit."
I have had one for a while now. Rock-solid, yet, for its strength and capacity, very light. Very finely-crafted, much more workmanship and finesse than any of my Gitzo's. Biggest drawback: its folded length is *long*. Otherwise, highly recommended.
There is an extended thread discussing this tripod on this forum.
In addition, I have had some great interactions with the Jobu folk: not only very fast email turn-around time and very responsive both over email and phone, but very nice and generous with after sales service and support as well. This is, to me, as important as the product itself.
I completely second Steve's recommendation: if you can, visit Jobu and check out the tripod and the people behind it in person.
I just received my Algonquin tripod today. I found it surprisingly light and beautifully built. I'm more than pleased with it. Mounted my 600mm f/4 v1 on a Jobu black widow gimbal on it - rock solid in 20 mph wind. Not sure where the myth of the Jobu vibrating came from...I certainly didn't experience it.
By the way, this picture convinced me to buy it instead of a 5-series gitzo. The price is right also.
