Tripod Leg Locks
Jan 22, 2017 21:11:49 #
What are the pros/cons to flip locks versus twist locks on the tripod legs?
Jan 22, 2017 21:17:21 #
Personally, nothing. If the Tripod is designed correctly and is high quality, twist and flip locks work the same. Both slip if not fastened correctly.
Jan 22, 2017 21:21:51 #
I think twist locks are easier and faster to do. I have them on my Gitzo tripod.Like it very much.
Golden Rule wrote:
What are the pros/cons to flip locks versus twist locks on the tripod legs?
Jan 22, 2017 21:22:53 #
I've been researching tripods for the last 6 weeks or so to replace an old, cheap tripod. This tripod has flip locks and it can take a bit of time to get the legs extended and locked into place but once they are locked in place it is done. I wasn't sure if the twist locks are faster but perhaps a bit fussy to deal with?
Jan 22, 2017 21:23:19 #
I found that twist loocks are very hard to tighten when your hands are wet so my pereference is flip locks (I have used both).
Jan 22, 2017 21:27:50 #
I have used both and greatly prefer the twist lock. The flip locks are not as easy to operate single-handed. With the twist locks I can cover both sections, twist to open and use my overlapped grip to stop the sliding of the lower section and twist to lock. Much easier for me. Because the twist locks employ a ferrel they are less likely to become worn and slip. I've had trouble with flip locks wearing out.
Jan 22, 2017 21:30:20 #
romanticf16
Loc: Commerce Twp, MI
Golden Rule wrote:
I've been researching tripods for the last 6 weeks or so to replace an old, cheap tripod. This tripod has flip locks and it can take a bit of time to get the legs extended and locked into place but once they are locked in place it is done. I wasn't sure if the twist locks are faster and but perhaps a bit fussy to deal with?
Cheap tripods may use cardboard bushings which deterarate if they get wet. Good ones use nylon bushings and can be immersed in water.
Jan 22, 2017 21:40:07 #
romanticf16 wrote:
Cheap tripods may use cardboard bushings which deterarate if they get wet. Good ones use nylon bushings and can be immersed in water.
I'm not going to break the bank for a new tripod but I've finally narrowed the selection to a carbon fiber Benro with the B3 ballhead at just under $500.
Jan 22, 2017 22:07:25 #
I have had trouble with ball heads supporting heavy telephoto lens. Prefer pan/tilt heads.
Jan 22, 2017 22:20:25 #
Model number? I've decided on a Feisol which is around the same amount....
Jan 22, 2017 22:31:41 #
Golden Rule wrote:
I'm not going to break the bank for a new tripod but I've finally narrowed the selection to a carbon fiber Benro with the B3 ballhead at just under $500.
If you aren't terribly hung up on a name (and consequently the price tag to go with it) there are choices out there.
Several months ago I bought a Vanguard Alta Pro 263CP with a PH32 head and so far I have been very pleased with it.
In English, it's a three legged carbon fiber tripod with a 3-way pan/tilt head. The legs will spread out to about 80 degrees which is lower than my worn out knees will tolerate. The center post comes out and can be turned upside down for weird views of the world and the collar at the top pivots to that you can do straight down shots over table tops and such which worked great for some recent product pictures that I did.
Are you ready for the best part? The grand total came to $266.00, just a skosh more than half of your budget for the Benro.
if cost is not a concern then check out Really Right Stuff. My point is, there are options that don't require taking out a second mortgage for your hobby. Good luck with your search.
Jan 22, 2017 22:38:03 #
Golden Rule wrote:
I'm not going to break the bank for a new tripod but I've finally narrowed the selection to a carbon fiber Benro with the B3 ballhead at just under $500.
I have 2 Benro's, aluminum and carbon and I like them both very much. I use the aluminum one indoors most of the time as it's taller and gives me the ability to do over head shots. Twist locks on both have never given me a problem.
Jan 22, 2017 22:40:16 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Model number? I've decided on a Feisol which is around the same amount....
I've had the Feisol CT3372, I prefer the 3-section,for several months now and use it with larger lenses quite satisfactorily. I also have a Manfrotto CX Pro 3 with flip locks and kind of like the way I've never mistakenly not locked them properly. The Feisol is really the way to go for me with larger lenses. The BH-55 and Wimberley WH-200 are great fits.
Jan 22, 2017 23:04:13 #
Flip locks are quicker: Clack-swoosh-clack, clack-swoosh-clack, clack-swoosh-clack. Done!
Meanwhile, the photographer with the twist lock tripod has just barely completed the first leg.
Meanwhile, the photographer with the twist lock tripod has just barely completed the first leg.
Jan 22, 2017 23:09:16 #
rook2c4 wrote:
Flip locks are quicker: Clack-swoosh-clack, clack-swoosh-clack, clack-swoosh-clack. Done!
Meanwhile, the photographer with the twist lock tripod has just barely completed the first leg.
Meanwhile, the photographer with the twist lock tripod has just barely completed the first leg.
Not for me. but I've never been in that big of a rush, anyway. Flip locks, from an engineering stand point, are more likely to fail. But to each his own-- which is why we have the choice.
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