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Gitzo, RRS, and now, ProMediaGear tripods!
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Mar 26, 2018 14:56:58   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
mikegreenwald wrote:
True, and also true with very long lenses.


Absolutely!

I use a full range of lenses, and lots with macro and 600mm or 600mm with a 1.4 TC - completely familiar with what is and isn't stable.

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Mar 26, 2018 15:49:15   #
photoMark Loc: South Texas
 
Gene51 wrote:
Seems robustly built - but no less expensive that RRS or Gitzo. As opposed to some "old" thinking, there is nothing wrong with 4 section legs. I use 2 different carbon tripods with 4 section lens and even the 2.1 lb one with the 28mm dia top tube is considerably more stable than my old and gone 2 section, 14 lb aluminum Bogen 3051. There is not much to support that a properly designed 3 section leg is functionally more stable than a 4 section leg. At this level of quality and price, this is what you'd expect. Gitzo rates their tripod by the top tube thickness, as do other quality tripod manufacturers (ProMedia, Induro, RRS and others) and I have yet to see a Gitzo series 3, 4 or 5 stability rated by the number of sections in the leg. Their series 3 is conservatively rated to be stable with a 300mm lens, regardless of whether it has 3, 4 or 5 sections.

I second the thought on the cast vs machined apex - any flaw in the casting, like a tiny bubble in a critical area, would mean disaster, which is why I use Feisol, also machined from aluminum alloy. With those nice hefty looking hinge points between the apex and the legs - and the 10X carbon fiber, it sure does look like a very good tripod for up to a 400 or 500mm lens, or longer if you use an unlocked gimbal to track active subjects.

I've never seen one in person, but based on what I have read and your excellent assessment, I may start recommending it as an alternative to the other three pricey options. And their gimbal head options look to be of equal quality and stability as their legs.
Seems robustly built - but no less expensive that ... (show quote)


Thank you, Gene!

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Mar 26, 2018 18:02:03   #
Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA
 
mikegreenwald wrote:
If you do much traveling with your equipment, you'd quickly learn to love the four section legs.


Or if you are 6’ 4” tall and don’t want a center column. Pretty much limited to four leg sections. Better tripods with adequate leg diameter (such as RRS) mitigate the problem of an additional leg joint. Mine will outperform 3 leg section tripods of lesser quality.

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Mar 26, 2018 19:20:16   #
photoMark Loc: South Texas
 
camerapapi wrote:
I am sure you have a very good and stable tripod. I saw the price for their tripods and they are as high as those from Gitzo. We all know what a Gitzo tripod is.
When I was in the market for a carbon fiber tripod I went with a reasonably inexpensive brand called Desmond. The tripod has served me well, it is light and very steady and I paid $200 for it. It has a Cullman ballhead on it. I can use heavy gear with it with no sweat.
My tripod does not come with spikes like yours which is a superior tripod compared to mine. I can order spikes and have it on the legs in a blink of an eye if so I desire. I have not seen the need yet.
I noticed that the tripod is made here in the USA and that is great to me. Practically everything we buy today comes from China, not saying that their manufacture of tripods is not good. We get what we pay for.
Congratulations. I believe from what I have read in their website that you have a great tripod and it should be an important accessory for your photography.
I am sure you have a very good and stable tripod. ... (show quote)




Thank you! I also like the fact they are made in the USA; being able to call and talk with owners/designers is a big plus, too!

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Mar 26, 2018 21:07:49   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Photographer Jim wrote:
Or if you are 6’ 4” tall and don’t want a center column. Pretty much limited to four leg sections. Better tripods with adequate leg diameter (such as RRS) mitigate the problem of an additional leg joint. Mine will outperform 3 leg section tripods of lesser quality.


The penalty for 4 sections (assuming the bottom section size is equal to the 3 section bottom size) is having to have a larger(more weight) top (3)sections, and extra (3) connections ( more weight) - this is called weight inefficiency for the 4 section......for some of us, the ability to go higher and collapse smaller mitigates this ? ! And for some of us, weight is the biggest factor.

..

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Mar 27, 2018 02:24:25   #
Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA
 
imagemeister wrote:
The penalty for 4 sections (assuming the bottom section size is equal to the 3 section bottom size) is having to have a larger(more weight) top (3)sections, and extra (3) connections ( more weight) - this is called weight inefficiency for the 4 section......for some of us, the ability to go higher and collapse smaller mitigates this ? ! And for some of us, weight is the biggest factor.

..


When one needs a tripod that stands 68” without a center column, one expects that if well made, it will undoubtedly have to weigh more, if for no other reason than it is bigger. (Although it is interesting to note that Gitzo’s largest 3 section -61” - tripod actually weighed more than my 68” 4 section). If you are talking prohibitive extra weight added by an extra set of twist leg locks, we’re really only talking a few ounces at most. While that might make a difference to a long haul backpacker, it is not going to be noticed by most others.

My point was simply this. ALL things exactly equal, 3 sections is better than 4. But, as all photographers are not equal, some compromises need to be made to meet the needs of some in a practical way. For those of us who are taller than most, 3 section tripods are a pain and not all that useful. Luckily, if properly engineered, a 4 section tripod can be every bit as stable while still providing a manageable piece of equipment. Both RRS and Gitzo thankfully make such products.

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Mar 27, 2018 11:15:08   #
photoMark Loc: South Texas
 
speters wrote:
I've been using PMG gear ( L-brackets, flash brackets, ball heads, etc.) for many years and I'm a happy camper, all their stuff is well thought out and of high quality! Have fun with your new toy, I'm sure you will enjoy it for a long time!


Thanks! I like the looks of a lot of their products, so I'll probably be purchasing more from them!

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Mar 27, 2018 12:41:17   #
photoMark Loc: South Texas
 
RichardSM wrote:
You have made a very good decision on ProMediaGear, don’t let these naysayers on this post get you down. Enjoy many years of use with this fine equipment.


Thanks, Richard! That stuff doesn't bother me; I welcome all viewpoints! I know this is a great piece of gear, and will do everything I need it to do!

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Mar 27, 2018 15:27:14   #
RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas
 
photoMark wrote:
Thanks, Richard! That stuff doesn't bother me; I welcome all viewpoints! I know this is a great piece of gear, and will do everything I need it to do!


Good for you!

I’m a user of Benro tripods and have been for a few years and love them for the quality and stability, I’ve had folks run them down too, they may be made in China I and that’s okay for me.

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Mar 27, 2018 20:34:25   #
photoMark Loc: South Texas
 
RichardSM wrote:
Good for you!

I’m a user of Benro tripods and have been for a few years and love them for the quality and stability, I’ve had folks run them down too, they may be made in China I and that’s okay for me.


I'm a Benro fan, too! I have one of their travel tripods, two monopods, and three ball heads; the ball head on these tripod pics is a Benro!

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Mar 27, 2018 23:08:39   #
RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas
 
photoMark wrote:
I'm a Benro fan, too! I have one of their travel tripods, two monopods, and three ball heads; the ball head on these tripod pics is a Benro!


I’m glad you are a user of Benro products wonderful equipment.

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