StrangerHart Loc: Whitetop, VA

Seriously considering upgrading to a carbon fiber tripod. Care not one whet for the center post, so it will be removed immediately if not sooner. Will be used primarily for DSLR with medium weight zooms(70-200, 100-400)
Needs to be:
a)relatively light, I do a lot of hiking/traveling
b)minimum support of +- 9#
c)positive adjustments
d)ability to get very low
e)height of 60+"
f)preferably less than $5C.

Also looking for a plate to convert from a manfrotto to arca swiss.

Would appreciate opinions based on first hand experience.

Skidmore Loc: Kentucky

Feisol ct-3371. Got a top end rrs. Use feisol more than not. Seems to meet all your requirements. Can't understand why I don't hear about this one more

StrangerHart Loc: Whitetop, VA

Thanks for the info. Completely new item to me. Can I assume you are well pleased with yours?
Had been looking at manfrotto, gitzo and slik just because there seems to be a ton of them out there.

I'll certainly check it out.

Skidmore Loc: Kentucky

I couldn't be happier. As I said I have a top of the line really right stuff and I use my feisol just about exclusively. It is all I could ask for at any price. As with you I shoot a lot a low angles and this one gets as low as you can get. Again I can't understand why more people don't know about this. Advertising I guess. If you do get one let me know what you think. I don't usually comment on cameras and equipment but to me this is the biggest no brainer I have ever purchased. And I have probably spent 20k on my stuff. Please don't tell my wife

bjprovo Loc: Northeast CT

I have the Feisol 3471. It is tall enough to not need a center post (I am 6' 2" ) and has large strong legs. They have a more expensive model that is even lighter but this one cost me $414 with no center post.

StrangerHart Loc: Whitetop, VA

Thanks again for the solid info. Just checked it out on B&H and read a couple of reviews, but nothing like hearing it firsthand. Your info has it in the top three at this point.

Oh, and not to worry about the missus. it's not that we keep these things secret, it's just that we're careful about the company we're in when we discuss them.

StrangerHart Loc: Whitetop, VA

Many thanks for the info.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

A bit more than what you were hoping to spend, but a Gitzo Series 2 Systematic would meet your needs very well.

The GT2542LS leg set, for example:

Weighs 3.9 lbs.
Min. height 3.7 inches Max. height 59.1 inches
Length folded: 23.7 inches
Note: a head adds about 4" to min. & max. heights, as well as to folded length.

The "LS" is the "Long" or taller version.

There is also an "S" or "Standard" version:

Weighs 3.8 lbs.
Min. height 3.6"
Max. height 51.2"
Folded length 21.9"
...and costs a little less.

Both do not come with a center column (one is available separately), have 4-section legs, and are rated to support 55 lbs. Unfortunately both sell for over $900, without any head.

Gitzo Series 3 Systematic are a little larger, heavier and slightly more expensive. There are more choices of Series 3 models: either 3-section or 4-section legs, standard, long or extra-long sizes. There are more accessories available for the Series 3 models, too. Several other manufacturers closely copy Gitzo Series 3 Systematics (ahem... rrs).

Would you consider used? In the past couple years I've bought two older (but "like new" and perfectly usable) Gitzo Series 3 Systematics for under $400, including shipping. One also included a $250 accessory center column, the other also included a $190 accessory leveling platform. One is a GT1325 Mark II (3-section legs) and the other is a GT1348 Mark II (4-section legs). The older Series 3 are rated to 35 lbs. capacity. Quite good, although not as high rating as the latest models. It's not hard to find these excellent older Gitzo tripods for under $500... Might even find one that includes a good head, too.

There are lots of other good tripods around, I'm sure some other folks will have some recommendations. I'm just most familiar with Gitzo.

Not all center columns are removable. For example, Gitzo Reporter and Mountaineer models both have permanently installed center columns.

To convert a Manfrotto head to be Arca-Swiss compatible, I used one of these: http://www.kirkphoto.com/Universal-Quick-Release-Clamps.html. I think it was the 2" model. It is not an adapter. It completely replaces whatever type of platform is on the tripod head (check that yours has a removable platform... not all do).

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Have a look here at the NT-363CT, fits all your requirements specified.
http://www.cameracottage.com/tripods

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I use a Feisol CT3472, which is just as stable and a little bit lighter. Got it 8 yrs ago after returning a Gitzo Series 3 Carbon, which was not as stable. The Gitzo is a great tripod, but not for a long lens, like a 400mm or longer.

Eurolux Loc: NYC

You can try looking at Woot website (owned by Amazon). Right now selling new Vanguard tripods, some carbon fiber and various heads. Most are models set to be discontinued, but are still brand new with warranty. Oddly, these are found in the electronics category on the site.

I just bought a nice carbon fiber monopod and two heads for about $150. This website sells lots of other photo gear from time to time. Worth looking.

Good luck!

bruswen Loc: Eugene OR

After 8 years of hard use with a Manfrotto 055cx tripod, I recently went shopping for a new set of legs. I ended up with a 3 Legged Thing Frank X5. Nice set of legs, well made, quality construction, very stiff, very light, can be used with or without a center column. Paired them with an FLM ballhead. Total package is under 4 pounds and can easily handle my heaviest gear (Nikon D610 w/80-400mm AF-D lens) Note: all 3 Legged Thing tripods invert the legs for storage/transport, it makes for a small package but limits the heads you can use with them. Also, it appears that 3 Legged Thing is discontinuing the practice of selling their legs separately from their heads, but you can still find the legs for sale by themselves currently. As you listed hiking as an activity I will mention that 3 Legged Thing has another model the X2 Eddie that is even lighter and folds more compact that might be of interest to you.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Really Right Stuff buy it once and it wil be the last tripod you ever buy

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Beware of CF tripods costing less than $300 - $400 - unless you are shooting landscapes with short to normal focal lengths.

jwkeith

I highly recommend the Induro tripod. My CT214 has served me well and I am hard on equipment. I did replace the longer standard center column with a short one that they have available to get way down low. Coupled with an Induro BHD-2 arca style ballhead, I have been a happy camper.