carbon fiber tripod durability?
Jul 30, 2019 21:11:34 #
rb61 wrote:
Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?
Thanks
Thanks
The only issue with CF is that it is prone to catastrophic failure if its limits are exceeded, but that would be nearly impossible unless you jumped on it. Much less probe to chemical corrosion than aluminum.
Jul 30, 2019 21:14:11 #
Would that not also be true of aluminum...if it’s limits are exceeded... It depends on the quality of the CF. But it holds up very well in aerospace and drag racing...
kymarto wrote:
The only issue with CF is that it is prone to catastrophic failure if it's limits are exceeded, but that would be nearly impossible unless you stood on it and jumoed. Much less probe to chemical corrosion than aluminum.
Jul 30, 2019 21:39:03 #
rb61 wrote:
Is durability generally considered an issue when compared to the same tripod made from an aluminum alloy?
Thanks
Thanks
For what it's worth, I have aluminum tripod over 40 years old that works just like new.
Jul 30, 2019 22:53:43 #
CO wrote:
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.
Carbon fiber can rack, and the cracks are very difficult to find.
Jul 30, 2019 23:24:06 #
Jwshelton
Loc: Denver,CO
Gitzo carbon fiber bought in 2006.
Been to Africa and Antarctica, New Zealand and Peru.
Never an issue!
Been to Africa and Antarctica, New Zealand and Peru.
Never an issue!
Jul 31, 2019 00:00:58 #
I own carbon fiber and aluminum both work fine and are durable. The only issue I have found with carbon fiber is using in snow when it is cruted over or packed down. The carbon fiber tens to bend or skew when driven into the snow. The aluminum drives right into the snow with no issues.
Jul 31, 2019 00:07:05 #
Gene51 wrote:
My bicycle is made of carbon fiber. I weigh 200 lb... (show quote)
Well, let's see, I'm going back in time a little, but I have a particular ALUM Tripod, it has had Minox cameras laid on it to steady up a time exposure, to and including Some Serious Video Cameras used on it, in some of the meanest back country were getting the picture outweighs the consideration of what is better, and what last longer. Scrap the idea of what is better and go with what gets the picture.
Jul 31, 2019 05:53:51 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
gcii.jwh wrote:
Well, let's see, I'm going back in time a little, but I have a particular ALUM Tripod, it has had Minox cameras laid on it to steady up a time exposure, to and including Some Serious Video Cameras used on it, in some of the meanest back country were getting the picture outweighs the consideration of what is better, and what last longer. Scrap the idea of what is better and go with what gets the picture.
Used and maintained with common sense, any decent aluminum, carbon fiber or wood tripod should last a lifetime.Jul 31, 2019 06:32:44 #
Aluminum has to be thick and heavy to be as strong as carbon fiber. Anything metal gets destroyed in Hawaii by the salt, but properly coated shouldn't be a problem in the desert or at least away from salt. I use carbon fiber shields on my dirt bikes and they do break when smashed against lava rocks with 500 pounds behind it. My tripods only suffered scratches being banged around during use, and when I use it with the legs in the ocean I just take it apart and hose it out, I have a 2 and a 5 series Gitzos.
Jul 31, 2019 10:16:59 #
repleo wrote:
The guy in the camera store warned me not to leave a carbon fiber tripod in a hot car. I used to hear the same thing about graphite shaft golf clubs. I don't know if it is true, but I heeded the warnings even though I would love a carbon fiber tripod and graphite clubs.
I heard that canard years ago. I use a Manfrotto CF and love it. I also own a number of Bogen/Manfrotto and Gitzo aluminum. Love the aluminum for my heavier cameras.
PS - I used to build my own golf clubs. I've used most of the various shaft types for them. The shafts are all held in with two-part epoxy. I used my kitchen oven set at 150 degrees to cure the epoxy, so a hot car at 120 degrees will not affect either the shaft or the epoxy. It takes at least 400 degrees to break the bond.
Jul 31, 2019 17:38:29 #
aberthet
Loc: San Clemente, CA
Satman wrote:
I had a 62 Corvette, over 50 years later still no rust, and still shines nice,,
Satman. Your ’62 Corvette body was made of Fiberglass and not Carbon Fiber. In the 60’s Carbon Fiber production was in its infancy. A full car body made of Carbon Fiber would have been extremely expensive and only used on race cars. I think that starting in mid-2000, some Carbon fiber body parts were used on some Corvettes, one being the hood.
Jul 31, 2019 18:41:15 #
The weak spot, whether an aluminum or carbon fiber tripod, will be the carbon fiber "levers" that lock the legs in position. Usually two or three on each leg, depending on the telescoping length. I've had several crack on my tripod; the manufacturer is advising my camera store as to whether or not it can be repaired. One solution is to go with the twist type locks instead of carbon fiber levers, assuming the twist locks are made of metal. Hope this helps. JimR
Aug 1, 2019 00:25:47 #
rb61
Loc: Maple Grove, MN
Thanks to all who posted. My main interest was weight reduction. My 40 year old aluminum weighs about 5 pounds and I am looking at a 62" CF that weighs less than half.
I was unaware of the vibration reduction benefit.
I was unaware of the vibration reduction benefit.
Aug 1, 2019 02:17:20 #
Durability also depends on how the joints are constructed, not just overall material of the tripod.
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