which carbon fiber tripod to buy?
May 27, 2018 16:05:12 #
I might end up buying a new carbon fiber tripod. I did a search and most of the topics on this are fairly old.
I currently own a carbon fiber Manfrotto MA055CX3, which I like well enough and have had for about eight years. Have had some issues with the clip-type leg fasteners (hard to open and yes I've oiled them and also replaced at least one) and with a leg slipping, a gasket thing and I'm having trouble figuring out how to put the new gaskets in and I think one set has slipped inside a leg. Am going to send to Manfrotto after my upcoming trip. I have noticed that many tripods now have the leg fasteners that you twist to open, but these would seem to me to be slower to set up? I can unclip my leg fasteners quickly and simply flip the tripod so that all legs are showing and then clip the fasteners into place. Any comments on a good, sturdy carbon fiber tripod that can hold a D800 and a Nikon 200-500 lens sturdy would be appreciated.
I currently own a carbon fiber Manfrotto MA055CX3, which I like well enough and have had for about eight years. Have had some issues with the clip-type leg fasteners (hard to open and yes I've oiled them and also replaced at least one) and with a leg slipping, a gasket thing and I'm having trouble figuring out how to put the new gaskets in and I think one set has slipped inside a leg. Am going to send to Manfrotto after my upcoming trip. I have noticed that many tripods now have the leg fasteners that you twist to open, but these would seem to me to be slower to set up? I can unclip my leg fasteners quickly and simply flip the tripod so that all legs are showing and then clip the fasteners into place. Any comments on a good, sturdy carbon fiber tripod that can hold a D800 and a Nikon 200-500 lens sturdy would be appreciated.
May 27, 2018 16:24:48 #
jscorbin
Loc: Woodinville, WA
I prefer the twist type of leg lock. I can unscrew or tighten 2 or 3 locks on one leg at a time. See also Steve Perry's https://backcountrygallery.com/my-tripods-for-wildlife-and-landscape-photography/.
May 27, 2018 16:36:24 #
The twist type leg locks are not necessarily slower to use, and certainly not slower to the point that we’d be talking more than a second, possibly two. The ones on my RRS tripod can be opened all at once with a quarter turn. Extend the leg segments and give each a quarter turn to retighten each. Same for breakdown. Loosen a segment, slide it up, repeat on next segment. Once all are in place, a quick quarter turn will lock the group. The RRS leg clamps are also VERY easy to take apart, clean, and reassemble. Compared to flip clamp types, they are trouble free.
I always hesitate recommending RRS tripods to others because they are definitely more expensive than most. However, if you use a tripod often (I use mine on 95% of my shots) they can’t be beat for quality, dependability, and stability.
I always hesitate recommending RRS tripods to others because they are definitely more expensive than most. However, if you use a tripod often (I use mine on 95% of my shots) they can’t be beat for quality, dependability, and stability.
May 27, 2018 17:33:48 #
via the lens wrote:
It all depends upon what you want to pay.I might end up buying a new carbon fiber tripod. ... (show quote)
RRS Most Costly
Gitzo
Surui Affordable.
May 27, 2018 18:25:43 #
Photographer Jim wrote:
The twist type leg locks are not necessarily slowe... (show quote)
Yeah. I can’t recall what it is called, but there are twist-locks that limit the turn-to-lock aspect. I’m also a huge proponent of the twist lock over the clip lock. I used to make parts for surveying tripods which are fairly heavy-duty. These were for a Leitz dealership (yes they were known for their surveying gear). They had brass ferrels. My point is that the Ferrell is really the only part that will fail. I’ve had several Manfrotto flip-locks fail. You couldn’t pay me to use one of those again.
May 27, 2018 19:51:36 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
It all depends upon what you want to pay.
RRS Most Costly
Gitzo
Surui Affordable.
RRS Most Costly
Gitzo
Surui Affordable.
Add Induro to the list.
One thing I have observed, in all the Photography workshops I've taken, you see more Really Right Stuff tripods than anything else. They may be pricey, but excellence has it's cost.
May 28, 2018 00:21:10 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Yeah. I can’t recall what it is called, but there... (show quote)
Anti-rotation legs. (?)
May 28, 2018 04:18:12 #
Google FOTOPRO TS-83C .., This has replaced all my Tripod’s .. it’s what a lot of the National Geographic on location pros use ..No center column
Yes it is $800 plus ..US Dollars, but .. ,order it from Canada ...as they quote in Canadian Dollars ..shipped to the US .., ..about $548 US landed..
They make many varieties .., but I decided on the TS-83C .., as I did not want a center colum....RealyRight Stuff was a close second.. but as the FotoPro was identical and $300 less when buying from Canada vs USA .., I went with it ..
Good luck ..
Yes it is $800 plus ..US Dollars, but .. ,order it from Canada ...as they quote in Canadian Dollars ..shipped to the US .., ..about $548 US landed..
They make many varieties .., but I decided on the TS-83C .., as I did not want a center colum....RealyRight Stuff was a close second.. but as the FotoPro was identical and $300 less when buying from Canada vs USA .., I went with it ..
Good luck ..
May 28, 2018 05:36:57 #
via the lens wrote:
I might end up buying a new carbon fiber tripod. ... (show quote)
I would go with either Vanguard - good quality and reasonably priced or Sirui - fabulous quality but a little expensive. Even the Sirui packaging is excellent. Both come with good quality shoulder bags. I can't fault either manufacturer. Both of mine have twist lock but I have never had an issue with either.
May 28, 2018 06:30:29 #
Look into Feisol. I am constantly impressed with my 3472LV. Twist lock legs may actually be faster once you have some experience using them.
May 28, 2018 06:58:26 #
via the lens wrote:
I might end up buying a new carbon fiber tripod. ... (show quote)
I have a carbon fibre Induro CX213 with a MOVO gimbal mount and it easily holds my 200-500/D850.
May 28, 2018 06:59:07 #
May 28, 2018 07:11:58 #
A friend of mine bought an Algonquin tripod, and that thing is impressive. There is a video on you tube where a guy is standing on top of it. He shoots a D500 with battery grip and a Nikon 500mm F/4 prime on a gimble head and it is rock solid.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1086836-REG/jobu_design_tcf_36_algonquin_carbon_fiber_tripod.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1086836-REG/jobu_design_tcf_36_algonquin_carbon_fiber_tripod.html
May 28, 2018 07:24:14 #
If you want the absolute best go Gitzo otherwise there are many other tripod brands at more reasonable prices that can do the job.
I use a Desmond 432 given to me as a present by my son. I have no complaints.
I use a Desmond 432 given to me as a present by my son. I have no complaints.
May 28, 2018 07:29:37 #
I own 2 carbon fiber tripods (1) Induro CT314 Tripod and have Induro GHB2 Tripod Gimbal Head w/ Quick Release - 485-002 on it (2) Benro Mach3 9X and have the Manfrotto Heavy Tele Lens Support on it. Both tripods and heads support over 40lb and are twist lock style. My heaviest lens is 7.5lb so with camera and some accessories I would say I have no more than 10lb on the tripod. I set one tripod up with the Nikon 200-400mm f4 and the other tripod with the Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens.
via the lens wrote:
I might end up buying a new carbon fiber tripod. ... (show quote)
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