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Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

oguruma
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

I currently have an older Bogen aluminum tripod. It's been okay, but it's about at the end of its useful life.

I'd like to replace it with a quality carbon fiber tripod. I do sometimes backpack in several miles, so a high strength:weight ratio is good.... I'll use it to shoot my rifles off of as well as photography.

I don't mind spending a good chunk of change on it if it's high quality.

What are some brands I should look at? RRS? Leophoto?

Jun 28, 2024 at 05:52 PM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

well, RRS is well known in the SOAR community. and leofoto tends to, how shall i say, liberate a lot of design characteristics from them. it shortens their design cycle and their cost factor due to their point of origin cost to manufacture is more inviting. I've been using RRS from 1991 for their plates and their first leg set (the TVC33) since 10/2009. as my needs have changed over time so has the hardware. but my appetite for the gear is tempered by my actual usage/need. they are tools. there is a whole world of wanna be stuff out there too.

https://rrssoar.com/tripods/

TVC24m2 w/opt TA-2U-LB
TFC/TQC14
(2) BH40 heads w/ARC-LR clamps
Platypod Pro w/BH30 head w/B2-40-LR clamp

Edited on Jun 29, 2024 at 08:50 AM · View previous versions

Jun 28, 2024 at 06:06 PM

Abbott Schindl
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

In addition to RRS, you could look at Gitzo (my preferred brand). I've been using them for ~15 years and they've been terrific.

BTW: B&H has been putting Gitzo (and Manfrotto tripods on sale lately. I'd be tempted, but I've already got a Systematic, Mountaineer, Traveler, and a monopod and don't need yet another tripod.

One thing: although I highly recommend Gitzo tripods, I'm not fond of their heads. I much prefer FLM (the previous design, not the current redesigned ones) much more, and even my Sirui beats the Gitzo units I've had.

I hope you're prepared to do a bit of research, because I'm sure you're going to see recommendations for Leofoto, Benro, Sirui, Manfrotto, 3-Legged Thing, and a number of other popular brands

Jun 28, 2024 at 07:18 PM

Aztatlan
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

Hard to go past RRS.

My RRS tripod + ballhead combo has been going strong for a decade and showing no signs of any need to replace/upgrade. I fully expect to get another decade or two out of them.

Jun 29, 2024 at 07:51 AM

pendennis
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

Year before last, I sold off all my aluminum tripods and have accumulated several CF tripods to replace them.

My favorite has been an Enduro CT-303, 3 section, twist-lock. Enduro was bought out, and I don't know what its replacement is. I also have a 3 Legged Thing Watson, that's a kind of hidden gem. It's sturdy and well-made. I also have a Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber that's been a real solid performer.

Jun 29, 2024 at 09:27 AM

GeofFX
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

Not long ago I upgraded my main tripod to a Leofoto LM-364 C which is a carbon fiber tripod. It’s well made, and I don’t regret a thing. I also purchased a few accessories to go with it, such as an optional center column and their BH55 ball head. I know they are copying the RRS line, but it was inevitable that with the quality that RRS produces there would be copycat designs and I don’t mind admitting that I prefer to spend less for the same performance when I have the opportunity. So far it has done the job quite well, including at a location-portrait on a boulder/rock river embankment where all 3 legs were deployed at different lengths and angles against the surrounding rocks to make the shot possible. It easily stabilizes a D5 with a 500mm f4 lens. Most of the time I use it, it’s overkill for the job at hand, but it’s lightweight for its size and I don’t mind at all. Leofoto has recently added a lifetime warranty to their tripods as well.

Jun 29, 2024 at 09:50 AM

sjms
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

pendennis wrote:
Year before last, I sold off all my aluminum tripods and have accumulated several CF tripods to replace them.

My favorite has been an Enduro CT-303, 3 section, twist-lock. Enduro was bought out, and I don't know what its replacement is. I also have a 3 Legged Thing Watson, that's a kind of hidden gem. It's sturdy and well-made. I also have a Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber that's been a real solid performer.

the Induro name brand (product of the Macgroup designer/distributer) was discontinued and Benro the manufacturer ceased said manufacturing. parts are available through Macgroup.

Jun 29, 2024 at 12:27 PM

Robin Smith
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

How does a tripod approach the end of its useful life? Tripods last forever, particularly metal ones. I assume you mean you no longer want to lug it around? I still have a 3021 Bogen. It’ll die after I do.

Jun 30, 2024 at 09:25 PM

pendennis
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

Robin Smith wrote:
How does a tripod approach the end of its useful life? Tripods last forever, particularly metal ones. I assume you mean you no longer want to lug it around? I still have a 3021 Bogen. It’ll die after I do.

I changed primarily because I got rid of my medium and large format equipment, and the aging process has started to creep up. I owned a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021, 3031, 3036, 3051, 3047, and a 475B. With the appropriate heads, they worked well for my 4x5, 6x7, 6x6, and 6x4.5. I also didn't hesitate to use the bigger tripods on 35mm.

My first CF was a Manfrotto 055. I found a Gitzo GT1540G Mountaineer at an estate sale, and it's been a great addition. I guess my best buy was a British-made Calumet CK8144 CF used, from Blue Moon Photographic. It's rock-solid.

Jun 30, 2024 at 10:29 PM

sjms
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

Robin Smith wrote:
How does a tripod approach the end of its useful life? Tripods last forever, particularly metal ones. I assume you mean you no longer want to lug it around? I still have a 3021 Bogen. It’ll die after I do.

i have a 3021 too. but it isnt used for photographic work anymore more. sighting work these days and use as a platform base. in short it has other uses.

Jul 01, 2024 at 07:42 AM

Bobarino
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

oguruma wrote:
I currently have an older Bogen aluminum tripod. It's been okay, but it's about at the end of its useful life.

I'd like to replace it with a quality carbon fiber tripod. I do sometimes backpack in several miles, so a high strength:weight ratio is good.... I'll use it to shoot my rifles off of as well as photography.

I don't mind spending a good chunk of change on it if it's high quality.

What are some brands I should look at? RRS? Leophoto?

The stiffest tripod in my collection (by far), is the Gitzo 5-series 3-section GT5532S (currently sold as GT-5533S), Here's what TheCenterColumn.com had to say about it.
----------------------------------------------------------
Gitzo GT5533LS Series 5 Test Data
The Gitzo GT5533LS Series 5 is expected to be the most stable tripod in Gitzo’s lineup, and it doesn’t fail to deliver. The stiffness is absolutely absurd. It damps extremely well too. That combination results in the most stable tripod I have ever tested. Its not even particularly close.
-----------------------------------------------------------

Jul 01, 2024 at 11:42 AM

elkhornsun
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

Best in terms of a lightweight tripod is the Feisol CT-3441S Traveler carbon fiber tripod that weighs only 2.5 lb and supports a 44 lb load. The only way to go lighter it to go with a shorter tripod, i.e. 30 inch working height roughly. Cost is $500 and this includes a high quality carry and storage case.

Jul 01, 2024 at 07:09 PM

sjms
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

we must not forget that freebie bag now

Jul 01, 2024 at 08:23 PM

Bobarino
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

The only tripod-specific bag I've shopped for and bought was the Gitzo GC-4101, and I bought that one for my 4-series Travel Systematic with a Jobu Design BWHD3 gimbal head mounted. Fortunately, it was a heckuva lot cheaper back then. I just wanted something to organize and store all the "bitty-bits" such as spare shims,,, hex keys and plates on a road trip.

I also lucked out when I bought a used (mint condition) Gitzo 1-series Mountaineer, which included the legs,, the GH1382QD head, and the Gitzo fitted bag

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1024799-REG/gitzo_gc1101_tripod_bag.html

I've got five very different models of Gitzo tripods, and having a few bags helps me prevent mixing up the accessories from one model with another. They're also great for security when travelling by car sinve I can simply put the case on the back seat, and pass the seat-belt through the handles.

Jul 02, 2024 at 11:36 AM

sjms
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

i will never let anyone complain about what paid for mine especially since i had a bit of input into it.

Jul 02, 2024 at 11:48 AM

Surfnsun
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

A Gitzo Series 3 tripod and a RRS head. I bought mine used years ago and have ZERO issues.

Jul 02, 2024 at 01:36 PM

Mirob
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

I have ha Gitzo in the past, and just got an FLM.

Jul 02, 2024 at 08:06 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

You don't specify how much weight you want to support. The safe choices are

1/ RRS - top notch products at an eye watering price point. If you are all about performance and don't care about value do not stop, do not pass go, head straight for their website, but bring your Amex Platinum Card.

2/ Gitzo - my assessment is that they are the aging beauty of the tripod world. Once the Miss Universe of tripods, they have maintained RRS level pricing without some of the niceties

3/ FLM - a solid brand with good performance and good value. Well supported out of Canada (FLM USA is basically a needless appendage)

4/ Leofoto - rock bottom prices with excellent performance. Highest value of the bunch but some questions around IP practices wrt RRS. I personally see them innovating enough over RRS and no longer doing straight up copies to consider them not a RRS ripoff and have been happy with their products.

5/ Fesiol - many here love them, for me they are neither here nor there. Not aggressively priced like Leofoto, not as high performing as FLM.

This is a useful site if you are into measurbation
https://thecentercolumn.com/

Jul 03, 2024 at 10:12 AM

sjms
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

with all the camera hardware that is purchased and sold just referencing the B&S thread i'm nowhere near having an issue about a tripod or two bearing the RRS name. the term value is in itself what they are. you know, buy once use a real long time. i see attention span issues all around me when it comes to so called "accessories" and other items. in my work i have access to to a fair bit of hardware when needed within a few days' notice. but i do prefer to reserve that for things i'm not going to ever really purchase. the last RRS tripod i purchased was in 2018 after selling one that was no longer needed (usage change due to work change). that make 2 on hand. so that purchase was a lower cost. last ballhead was done here and it was not to be passed up for its value. i get returns on my investments. so, value-wise it works out just fine. my closets and other storage locations are not full of stuff related. oh, i very much care about value. i like to maintain a positive monetary flow.

Jul 03, 2024 at 11:38 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod options?

The problem with "buy once use forever" philosophy is that you rob yourself of the technological advances. A Gitzo from 20 years ago would be considered a terrible piece of kit these days, with 3-ply legs, finger biting leg locks, and rotating legs.

My personal take is that buying top of the line for anything with a meaningful improvement curve is a poor value proposition. Others will disagree and find RRS a better value. That is OK.

Jul 03, 2024 at 02:25 PM

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