carbon fiber tripod durability? Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy? Thanks...

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carbon fiber tripod durability?

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Jul 29, 2019 18:54:08 #

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?

Thanks

Jul 29, 2019 18:56:00 #

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I've never heard that - both of mine have held up well.

Jul 29, 2019 19:08:33 #

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

From the recent pages of DPReview:

https://www.dpreview.com/videos/0032094670/dpreview-tv-travel-tripod-shootout

Jul 29, 2019 20:46:45 #

I think carbon fiber could crack if there's a sharp blow. I have two carbon fiber tripods. I've never had an issue. I'll never get another aluminum tripod. Carbon fiber is lighter and dampens vibration better.

Jul 29, 2019 21:28:53 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

rb61 wrote:

Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?

Thanks

Carbon fiber is MUCH more durable than any aluminum product. I actually had a customer who unintentionally drove her Ford Expedition over her Nest carbon fiber tripod with no more damage than scratches. She still uses it as is today, almost 3 years later.

Jul 29, 2019 21:29:28 #

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

rb61 wrote:

Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?

Thanks

My bicycle is made of carbon fiber. I weigh 200 lbs. I rode it on the streets of NYC for 16 years. CF doesn't crack. If it did it wouldn't be used for bicycle frames.

My two CF tripods - one is 12 yrs old, the other is 5 years old. No cracks there either.

An aluminum alloy tripod would not be the same tripod. It would weigh more, have a lower load capacity, made with thin-walled legs that are subject to impact damage (dents), subject to corrosion from corrosive substances, is less stable, and it doesn't dampen vibrations nearly as well as CF. No, definitely NOT the same tripod at all if it is made from a different material.

CF tripods are much more durable.

Jul 29, 2019 21:31:53 #

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

rb61 wrote:

Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?

Thanks

I've had my carbon fiber tripod for almost 7 years. I haven't had a problem yet.

Jul 30, 2019 00:03:05 #

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I've had my aluminum alloy tripod for @15 years. Beat all to hell but still sturdy, reliable, strong and working. And I've been known to go waist deep in water with it more than once, NOT salt water.

Jul 30, 2019 07:08:44 #

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

I bought 2 Nest tripods from Carter (Carter's Camera Corner) and they are fantastic. I also have 2 aluminum tripods and i aluminbum monopods. I'll take the Nest cartbon fiber anyday.

Jul 30, 2019 07:12:38 #

SpikeW Loc: Butler PA

Not sure but if it is the same carbon fiber in my fly rod it will last for a long time and you will love it.

Jul 30, 2019 07:14:10 #

Bill_de Loc: US

My Gitzo 1548 is over 15 years old, probably closer to 20. It has been through a lot, but most notably it used to spend a lot of time in salt water. Shore birds are easily spooked when you approach by land. They usually ignore you if you approach by water. It has also been propped up between rocks, which accounts for a few scratches, but not a single crack.

I still have one very old aluminum tripod that has served me well, but it is old technology.

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Jul 30, 2019 07:18:34 #

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

rb61 wrote:

Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?

Thanks

A lot depends on how hard the tripod is used and the care it gets by the owner. Sort of the same for automobiles, bikes, strollers and camera's.

Jul 30, 2019 07:21:54 #

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

They use CF wheelie bars on Drag Racing cars, but not aluminum... That says a lot...

rb61 wrote:

Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?

Thanks

Jul 30, 2019 07:27:58 #

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Enjoying this thread, thank you. There is a slight glimmer of desire here to ditch my 40 year old Manfrotto tripod, it seems to have quadrupled in weight lately. My first impression is the completely different bracing on a few CF tripods. Haven't actually handled one but just spreading the legs seems so simple compared to having to deal with all the knobs and levers to adjust both the leg length and "spread angle". Then there are the struts to contend with under the Manfrotto. Maybe I need to read a few reviews then go to the store for an up close and personal look/see.

Jul 30, 2019 08:18:14 #

Satman Loc: Indy

I had a 62 Corvette, over 50 years later still no rust, and still shines nice,,

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