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carbon fiber or aluminum
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Sep 19, 2017 15:39:36   #
innershield Loc: phoenix, az
 
The tripod I am looking at, an Induro carbon fiber model that costs exactly twice as much as the aluminum model with a .8 lb weight savings. Is it worth it. I am not a professional

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Sep 19, 2017 15:43:23   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
How often do you use a tripod? How far do you normally have to carry it?

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Sep 19, 2017 15:43:43   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
innershield wrote:
The tripod I am looking at, an Induro carbon fiber model that costs exactly twice as much as the aluminum model with a .8 lb weight savings. Is it worth it. I am not a professional


Model and prices? $10 vs $20 isn't a big deal, but $100 vs $200 is significant.

EDIT: It looks like their web site konked out. Induro aluminum tripods are hard to find - impossible for me.

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Sep 19, 2017 15:45:07   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
innershield wrote:
The tripod I am looking at, an Induro carbon fiber model that costs exactly twice as much as the aluminum model with a .8 lb weight savings. Is it worth it. I am not a professional


It's worth it if you don't want .8 more pounds, otherwise no, it's not worth it!
If you're gonna carry it in your car, your car won't care!!! LoL
If you're gonna packpack it, you'll need to take that into account!
Good luck
SS

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Sep 19, 2017 16:25:48   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
I was looking at tripods in my local camera store recently. I was looking for something between my light travel tripod and my hulking 30 year old 'parking lot' tripod. I was all gung-ho to go for a carbon fiber model (partly for the weight and i suppose partly because they seem to be the 'in' thing). The sales manager advised that carbon fiber is not as robust as aluminum. He cautioned me that CF tripods shouldn't be left in a hot car for long periods - I leave my tripod in the car all the time. Also that they can become brittle in cold weather. I figured he must be reasonably honest since it was going to result in a smaller sale for him.

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Sep 19, 2017 16:28:18   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
innershield wrote:
The tripod I am looking at, an Induro carbon fiber model that costs exactly twice as much as the aluminum model with a .8 lb weight savings. Is it worth it. I am not a professional


It depends on which two you are looking at. The weight savings may not be the only difference. Torsional rigidity is generally better in carbon tripods with the same tube diameters as the aluminum ones. I am pretty sure Induro has abandoned aluminum, as has Gitzo, and several other manufacturers. The price of carbon fiber has come down, and with their better performance, and lighter weight, the carbon tripods represent a better value.

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Sep 19, 2017 20:40:03   #
jim quist Loc: Missouri
 
Which one has the weight to be steady for your camera and under the conditions you will be using it? I only have heavy one's because I want a good sturdy one whenever I use it.

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Sep 19, 2017 20:51:28   #
jcboy3
 
innershield wrote:
The tripod I am looking at, an Induro carbon fiber model that costs exactly twice as much as the aluminum model with a .8 lb weight savings. Is it worth it. I am not a professional


Carbon fiber is lighter. This is good when you are carrying a lot of gear.

Carbon fiber is quieter when you bang things against them (which is good for wildlife).

In good tripods, carbon fiber is stiffer and dampens vibration better.

If you shoot in cold climates; carbon fiber does not feel as cold as aluminum.

I have 4 carbon fiber, 3 aluminum, and 1 ash tripod (a Berlenbach). I use the carbon fiber the most, but one of my aluminum tripods is the one I use with my jib crane. I have two matching carbon fiber tripods which I use for my slider. The weight savings on two tripods is significant enough.

On the other hand, cost savings can be significant, and if it means you won't have to skimp on the ball head, then I would get the aluminum. Unless the features I mention are important enough to you.

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Sep 19, 2017 23:56:34   #
innershield Loc: phoenix, az
 
I have an aluminum tripod that's pretty sturdy but the trigger head would not support a 150-600 tamron for sky shots. Got a Wimberley for that and now I would like a sturdy tripod for long exposure images. I like the damping of carbon and the benro head. Kinda pricey for an enthusiast but I think I will grow into it. Thanks for input

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Sep 20, 2017 07:08:08   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
I have used both AL and CF tripods. I prefer CF lighter just as sturdy and not as cold in the winter

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Sep 20, 2017 07:17:36   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
innershield wrote:
The tripod I am looking at, an Induro carbon fiber model that costs exactly twice as much as the aluminum model with a .8 lb weight savings. Is it worth it. I am not a professional


All of my Induro's are aluminum, cause I abuse them, they hold up just fine. The weight difference is not worth the price for me. I am 68 and my tripod weights no more than my equipment. I set mine up in streams and rivers and I need the extra Stability offered by the aluminum tripod. I commonly shoot in open spaces that are also subject to wind, another advantage for aluminum tripods. If you are going to get a carbon fiber one consider the Benro series, these get you a lot for your money but are not as stable as aluminum unless you carry extra weight to hang from the center post.

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Sep 20, 2017 07:41:08   #
doclrb
 
Good Morning. I may be opening a can of worms, but it is possible to find lower cost carbon tripods manufactured overseas. Read the reviews carefully after identifying the false planted reviews and one can do well. I'm quite happy with my Davis & Sanford and other brands are available as well.

Les

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Sep 20, 2017 08:07:05   #
Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
 
Carbon Fiber all the way unless you have a pack mule

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Sep 20, 2017 08:09:37   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
doclrb wrote:
Good Morning. I may be opening a can of worms, but it is possible to find lower cost carbon tripods manufactured overseas. Read the reviews carefully after identifying the false planted reviews and one can do well. I'm quite happy with my Davis & Sanford and other brands are available as well.

Les


Just remember most of the tripod brand are made overseas

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Sep 20, 2017 08:09:48   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
I'm wondering where the OP found an aluminum Induro. I couldn't find any new ones online.

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