Tripod: Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum
Jul 18, 2013 09:29:36 #
Personally, I would not put much faith in this "test" - but thanks for sharing ... from prices, I suspect profit margins are much higher on CF !
Jul 18, 2013 09:42:10 #
So is this a good argument for NOT turning Off the Image Stabilization or Vibration Reduction, whichever your camera manufacturer calls it, when shooting from a tripod as most of the books say to do?
Jul 18, 2013 09:44:48 #
All things Manfrotto are "coffee nervous" in a dilettante way. That vibration data simply confirms what I already and painfully know.
What would be interesting: test an olde Gitzo Tele Studex Giant with that technology. Although it is made of aluminum, it will fare very well against all things carbon.
What would be interesting: test an olde Gitzo Tele Studex Giant with that technology. Although it is made of aluminum, it will fare very well against all things carbon.
Jul 18, 2013 09:45:13 #
JCam wrote:
So is this a good argument for NOT turning Off the Image Stabilization or Vibration Reduction, whichever your camera manufacturer calls it, when shooting from a tripod as most of the books say to do?
I wouldn't go that far. The VR is going to attempt to compensate for camera shake while the image is being framed. The graphs show the vibration after the shutter has been activated. By that time, VR is out of the picture, as it were.
Jul 18, 2013 09:54:08 #
RichieC
Loc: Adirondacks
Frankly, I know the comparison could be improved a bit, but knowing that a decent aluminum tri-pod will vibrate from a fan is valuable in itself. I would have lost that bet.
I chose a carbon fiber tri-pod because of the weight. I am post-enjoying the added benefit this shows. With the hook, I can make it weigh as much as I want...
I chose a carbon fiber tri-pod because of the weight. I am post-enjoying the added benefit this shows. With the hook, I can make it weigh as much as I want...
Jul 18, 2013 10:07:20 #
I'm no expert.. but when I see the difference in deflection of aircraft wings between those made of aluminium alloy and those made with carbon fibre... I think I'll stick with my aluminium tripod thank you.
Jul 18, 2013 10:48:13 #
The graphs are misleading simply because the frequency in cycles per second is not shown, which would have the greatest effect on displacement of the camera and therefore sharpness of the exposure. A truly valid comparison would be to put the tripods on a vibration table and measure the transmission of vibratory input. Another test is to measure the effect of wind force generated by a fan. In all cases, a displacement meter has to be mounted on the tripod head. That is if really valid data is desired!
Jul 18, 2013 11:27:35 #
Teacher
Loc: Alabama
From my extensive experience riding bikes, the same questions keep popping up. Which bike transmits less road shock to the rider,aluminum, carbon fiber or steel alloy. I can tell right off from my perspective that aluminum puts all the vibrations thru the rider and is used mainly because it is light weight, cheaper and can be worked easier. It also doesn't flex much which means all of your energy is transmitted to the pedals to move the bike forward making it efficient. Carbon fiber bike are more flexy, relatively speaking, but do a good job of absorbing road shock and feels smoother riding. Materials are more expensive and the labor to build the shapes and forms of the frame are costly as well. Steels have come a long way and some very smooth and efficient riding bikes are manufactured. But, I think the best material is titanium
alloyed with aluminum. Very light, smooth, absorbs shock. It is expensive, but will never rust or corrode. Titanium tripod??
alloyed with aluminum. Very light, smooth, absorbs shock. It is expensive, but will never rust or corrode. Titanium tripod??
Jul 18, 2013 11:31:54 #
bobmartin wrote:
I'm no expert.. but when I see the difference in deflection of aircraft wings between those made of aluminium alloy and those made with carbon fibre... I think I'll stick with my aluminium tripod thank you.
I've never tried flying with my carbon fiber tripod...
Jul 18, 2013 11:55:34 #
Teacher wrote:
Carbon fiber bike are more flexy, relatively speaking, but do a good job of absorbing road shock and feels smoother riding.
So what we need is a carbon fiber bike that can be used as a tripod. :D
Jul 18, 2013 12:54:49 #
jerryc41 wrote:
So what we need is a carbon fiber bike that can be used as a tripod. :D
Maybe a flying carbon fiber bike/tripod??? :shock:
Jul 18, 2013 13:01:21 #
robert-photos wrote:
Too bad the comparison wasn't for the same manufacturer and his carbon vs. aluminum models (same sized).
To me the comparisons don't show the difference between carbon and aluminum but between two different models and manufacturers.
To me the comparisons don't show the difference between carbon and aluminum but between two different models and manufacturers.
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Jul 18, 2013 13:25:42 #
Teacher
Loc: Alabama
Seriously, if you attach a GO-Pro on the handle bar of an aluminum bike, your video is shaky. Much better on a CF bike. Jerry, come to think of it, the main frame of a bike is made up of three tubes. Cut them out, connect them to a hinged plate.....you may be right!
jerryc41 wrote:
So what we need is a carbon fiber bike that can be used as a tripod. :D
Jul 18, 2013 13:31:44 #
Why do you suppose that the manufacturers haven't used wood for the legs on some tripods?
Jul 18, 2013 13:47:42 #
Teacher
Loc: Alabama
Probably because they can't make the legs adjustable and it would have to be heavy. If fact, if weight was no problem then those big duel legged tripods would be very steady as others have mentioned.
riverlass wrote:
Why do you suppose that the manufacturers haven't used wood for the legs on some tripods?
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