So I finally went out and bought myself a lighter carbon fiber tripod. Being a student and working part-time, money is at a premium, and hence I couldn't afford the higher priced CF tripods.
So after doing my "internet research" for close to four months, I finally settled for the Feisol CT-3442 Tournament class tripod, which comes very close to the Gitzo GT1540, but is lighter than it.
Along with the tripod, I bought the center column kit, and I decided to not buy a ballhead, but use my existing Manfrotto 486RC2 from the older bomb-proof Manfrotto 055CL tripod that I had.
First of all, I must say the guys at the US distributor (yes, they now have a North American distributor), are very helpful, and will make it a point to return replies to almost every stupid question you could come up with.
I received my tripod last week, and I am shocked to find out that it is so LIGHT!!! Feels like a feather in my hand compared to the 055CL. The build quality is really impeccable, the finish really sweet.
I tried it out on the weekend, and I am really happy I bought this tripod. The tripod folds in very nicely over my center column and the ballhead still inside it, so that is a big plus - I don't have to dismantle it everytime.
I would strongly reccommend this tripod to anybody who wants a lightweight but strong and affordable CF tripod, to hold a 5D with a 24-105 on it (and possibly 70-300mm).
I don't buy the logic that it's a "cheap ripoff", and one should only stick to Gitzos and the like - because by that logic, we should all only buy Mercedes-Benz and not other "cheap ripoffs", because MB invented the internal combustion four wheel passenger car as we know today.
Cheers! Here's a photo with the camera planted on the Feisol.
THANKS FOR THE HEADS-UP ON THIS TOOL, AS I CHECKED OUT THEIR SITE I CAN USE MUCH OF THEIR OFFERING TO SUPPORT MY KITS. I REALLY LIKE THEIR CART OFFERING AS I AM PLANING A MAY TRIP TO NEWPORT BEACH, CAL AND IT SHALL COME IN HANDY.
I've also been very pleased with my Feisols, and found the customer service excellent.
Sandy r
Posted by Anil Rao on February 18, 2008 at 3:01 PM
> I don't buy the logic that it's a "cheap ripoff", and one should only stick to Gitzos and the
> like - because by that logic, we should all only buy Mercedes-Benz and not other "cheap
> ripoffs", because MB invented the internal combustion four wheel passenger car as we
> know today.
I don't know much about Feisol or Gitzo tripods. However, when it comes to cars, Mercedes-Benz doesn't cut it for me. There are several cheaper alternatives I prefer which can beat MB in performance, reliability, luxury and looks.
Discussion
3 repliesSo after doing my "internet research" for close to four months, I finally settled for the Feisol CT-3442 Tournament class tripod, which comes very close to the Gitzo GT1540, but is lighter than it.
Along with the tripod, I bought the center column kit, and I decided to not buy a ballhead, but use my existing Manfrotto 486RC2 from the older bomb-proof Manfrotto 055CL tripod that I had.
First of all, I must say the guys at the US distributor (yes, they now have a North American distributor), are very helpful, and will make it a point to return replies to almost every stupid question you could come up with.
I received my tripod last week, and I am shocked to find out that it is so LIGHT!!! Feels like a feather in my hand compared to the 055CL. The build quality is really impeccable, the finish really sweet.
I tried it out on the weekend, and I am really happy I bought this tripod. The tripod folds in very nicely over my center column and the ballhead still inside it, so that is a big plus - I don't have to dismantle it everytime.
I would strongly reccommend this tripod to anybody who wants a lightweight but strong and affordable CF tripod, to hold a 5D with a 24-105 on it (and possibly 70-300mm).
I don't buy the logic that it's a "cheap ripoff", and one should only stick to Gitzos and the like - because by that logic, we should all only buy Mercedes-Benz and not other "cheap ripoffs", because MB invented the internal combustion four wheel passenger car as we know today.
Cheers! Here's a photo with the camera planted on the Feisol.
Sandy r
> like - because by that logic, we should all only buy Mercedes-Benz and not other "cheap
> ripoffs", because MB invented the internal combustion four wheel passenger car as we
> know today.
I don't know much about Feisol or Gitzo tripods. However, when it comes to cars, Mercedes-Benz doesn't cut it for me. There are several cheaper alternatives I prefer which can beat MB in performance, reliability, luxury and looks.