theehmann

I just purchased and received my Gitzo tripod and although the weight is unbelievably light, I am sending it back because I found adjusting the legs to be challenging to me. When trying to get comfortable with it, at times the legs would just come all the way out and I had trouble putting them back in as well as adjusting them. I'm sure that most people don't have that problem but being "old" I want something to be very user friendly- especially for the $ I paid. Does anyone have any recommendations for another light weight carbon tripod that is easier for me to navigate in terms of adjusting the height? Thanks for any suggestions.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

There are good lever lock Manfrotto tripods that are incredibly easy to adjust and use and light.

theehmann

I have an older model Manfrotto which is so easy to adjust. I believe I'll order that brand again in a carbon model. Thank you very much.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I really love mine.
I got the 4 section one (190) and it fits in a small bag with a shoulder strap and is totally unnoticeable when I carry it.
Easily holds steady a 7D with the 100-400mm MII.
Also incredibly versatile.

theehmann

Perfect. Thank you again.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I use three Gitzo... older models that didn't have the anti-rotation leg feature of the newer models. Yet somehow I manage to loosen and tighten them.

The majority of tripods today use a twist type leg lock, similar to the Gitzo. And for tripods that will be carried and used in the field, personally I think that's the best type of leg lock. Other types(levers or thumbscrews are the primary ones) are more prone to wear, getting out of adjustment, jamming with dirt or failing and protrude to catch on things like branches, cuffs and sleeves. The twist type are resistant to dirt and water getting in, self-adjusting for any wear and they vert rarely fail. Not to mention, if needed I can still buy parts to repair 25 year old Gitzo models... while other brands have come and gone and replacement parts are unavailable.

The "trick" to using the twist type leg locks is to always work from the smallest to largest... loosening/extending/retightening the smallest diameter first.... then the next up in size... then the next (if needed... two of my three Gitzo have only 3-section legs... one is an extra tall that has four section, though I very rarely need to extend the smallest segment). Then when folding up the tripod, use a reversed procedure, working from largest diameter to smallest. That's worked for me fine for 20+ years, even with the older tripods that don't have the leg anti-rotation feature.

One tripod that's currently enjoying popularity, uses level locks and is quite compact is the Peak Design, available in carbon fiber or aluminum and is only available with an integrated head (Arca-Swiss quick release compatible). For me it's got a somewhat limited load rating (20 lb.) That's not surprising seeing it has 5-section legs. When there are a lot of sections, the lowest ones get pretty spindly in order to fit in the next size up. I avoid 5- and 6-section (or more!) tripods.

The Peak Design also is a bit short for my liking. Including the head in it's lowest position, it's just over 51"... and raising the head to it's max only adds about 9" to that. I'm not very tall (5' 9"), but my smaller Gitzo tripods put the camera mounting platform at 65" without any center column (6" of that is the head and a leveling platform below it). Approx. two more inches from the base of the camera to the viewfinder eyeport of the camera positions it comfortably for me, 2 or 3" above my eyeline. I can shoot without stooping at all, even when aiming the camera upward. And that's when using with the ballhead. I also use gimbals on them, which position the camera slightly higher still. And, again, for max stability those two tripods don't even have a center column. (My extra tall Gitzo does have a center column, though I rarely use it because even without it goes 7 ior 8" higher than my other gitzos, to at least 72"... and another 8 or 12" with the center column. I need a step stool to shoot with it at full extension!)

But if the Peak Design "fits you", it might be a good call: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1495136-REG/peak_design_tt_cb_5_150_cf_1_carbon_fiber_travel_tripod.html/specs

Aside from the Gitzo, one of which is my main, go to tripod... I also have several old Bogen/Manfrotto (same company as Gitzo, actually... also Sachtler, Joby, OConnor tripods... LowePro bags and more). The Manfrotto (or Bogen) heads I've got have all had to be modified to use Arca-compatible quick release. And two of those tripods have required some repair (leg locks on both, plus the head loosened up on one). My oldest is a Bogen from sometime before 1980... and is a real beast of a tripod. Close to 20 lb., I used it for a long time with large and medium format film cameras, as well as my SLR gear. I just got tired of hauling it around and bought my first Gitzo 20 some years ago (the other two are similar age, but were used when I bought them more recently). I still have a couple Manfrotto monopods and 4 or 5 "basic" aluminum Manfrotto/Bogen tripods (older models similar to today's MK055X Pro) that I've picked up for $10 to $15 used. The used Gitzo were a bit more money (though about 1/3 the price of buying new). But, hey, I can never pass up a bargain and you can never have too many tripods!

theehmann

Thanks you so very much for this helpful information. Much appreciated.

Walkabout08

My Feisol tripod is lightweight and a good value IMO.

theehmann

Thank you for your response.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

I have the same setup only the carbon fiber model. Works great!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Carbon fiber was over my budget but glad it works well.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

Keep checking craigslist or market place on Facebook. That’s where I found mine at half the price of a new one and was in new condition. Good luck in your search.

theehmann

Good tip. Thank you.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I am happy with what I currently have, but thanks.
It works amazingly well.

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

What type of tripod head, weight of your equipment and what you mainly use it photographing would greatly help with suggestions from UHH members.