Todd Warnke
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 p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Newbie questions: 4-section long tripod vs. 3-section tripod | |
As has already been said, a center column is almost always a poor choice, but especially so for astro where you are typically not looking for height. As for 3 vs 4 sections, in the last 10-15 years tripod design and especially manufacturing has, for practical purposes, leveled the floor between the two. That said, it does matter if you are looking at an especially light, travel styled tripod, as in my experience they are all pretty unstable regardless of the number of sections.
I have 3 tripods, my "normal" one, a Really Right Stuff 24L, which is perfect for landscape use as it can setup both low and very high. It does not, however, travel in planes well, as it's just under 24" long when folded and so does not fit easily into checked luggage (though it can, but it's a bit awkward and wastes space). My second tripod is an older RRS 23 model. It's no shorter folded, but is lighter and my wife uses it. The third tripod is an older Gitzo 2430 with the center column removed. It's just over two pounds, folds to under 20 inches, and with an RRS BH-40 makes for a light, fairly stable, travel setup.
Why the history? Because in the end I've found no one tripod can answer every need. For astro, unless you are hiking miles into a site, stable matters more than light. And unless you are travelling in a plane to get to your location, folded length also doesn't matter. So, grab a used 3 series Gitzo or RRS or FLM and know that you have a stable setup. The only thing I wouldn't recommend is an older aluminum tripod. Not because it wouldn't be stable, because it would be very stable. But because metal can get very cold when you are out on long night shots.
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