CWW Loc: North Jersey

Looking for opinions for the Feisol Traveler c/f tripod with the CB-40b ball head. I shoot with a Sony A7711 and 24-70 Zeiss lense. Being a retired guy. This my last shot at spending $500+ for a tripod that will last. Any and all opinions / referrals are appreciated. Thanks!

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

The Tournament is the better of the two - CT 3442. You should be able to get it without the anti-rotation legs for around $320, but I think you'll need to order it directly from Feisol.com. It does not come with a center column, but it is 5" taller than the 3441 without the column. The CB-50D is the better ball head, and if you get both, you'll still be within budget and it will still fold back on itself for easy carrying in a carry-on overhead compartment bag. I have a CT 3442 and a CT 3472 that I use with a 600mm F4 and couldn't be happier. The smaller legs are nice and light, and stable enough for what you are intending to use on it. My CT 3472 is 11 yrs old, and other than a few cosmetic scuff marks it works as well as it did when it was new. I don't have the anti rotation legs on either tripod and I don't miss them.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

It would seem perfectly adequate for what you are putting on it - and especially if you are traveling or hiking. The 4 section legs will sacrifice some stability tho - but that is what makes it fold up small.

For speed and ease of use on lighter camera/lenses, I especially like a grip action ball heads like this KingJoy (an excellent copy of the Manfro #322) - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grip-Control-Handle-Tripod-Monopod-Ball-Head-Quick-Release-Plate-Fuild-Head-R3J4/291910524517?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

You can use an Arca/Swiss to Manfro RC2 adapter like this if necessary - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quick-Release-QR-Clamp-Adapter-Convertor-for-Manfrotto-to-Arca-Swiss-Compatible-/192249549257?hash=item2cc2f751c9:g:tWYAAOSwT5xZTOaO

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks Gene, your reply is most helpful. I'll have to check the height without the center colum as I am 6' tall. Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Thanks for the informed reply. I'll check the links that you provided. Most appreciated....

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

I am 6' too - no stooping. I don't know of a lighter,more stable tripod. I don't see any difference in stability between the 3342 and the 3442 - they both dampen vibrations equally well.

CWW Loc: North Jersey

Checking the two models on Amazon. I'm sold on Feisol. Thanks again.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Check with MTSHooter on our site or Carter's Camera Cottage

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

I've never seen a tripod that weighs under 2.5 lbs with a 55lb load rating - not that load ratings have anything to do with stability - but it speaks to it's robust design and build quality. With Amazon, if you don't like it you still have the ability to return it.

DJO

You mention that one of the tripods does not come with center column. Can it be purchased as an accessory? This is just a personal preference, but I would never buy a tripod that did not have a center column. Any alteration to the height of your camera/ lens becomes cumbersome and time consuming. Even if you don't think a change will be necessary during a particular session, initial setup will be longer.