Need a new tripod

I've been using a manfrotto carbon fiber. It get down to ground level and tops out at around 65 inches. I can change it pretty quick to get it at ground level. Does anyone recommend any models that do this?

What's your budget?
65 inches....with or without using a center post?

Are you unsatisfied with your current tripod?

Yeah, same questions as John. What problems or issues do you have with your current model.

I recently switched from a Manfrotto metal tripod to a Feisol carbon fibre and am as happy as a pig in poop with it, but if you've already got a lightweight cf model that does what you need.....

Thanks guys. My budget would be up to $800. I've been looking at the gitzo gt2542L bit not sure whether I like the I like the twist locks because I'm used to quick lever knobs. I want a center column but need it to be quick to go to ground level.

I have a slik light weight cf that I hardly ever use and the manfrotto I've been using a couple of years in always in need of repairs and new parts. Just cracked one of the leg columns and one of the quick knobs. I love the thing but I just have to replace items all the time. So much that I have extra parts at home just to be prepared for it. It has taken a beating by falling small cliffs and the surf and sand at the beach. Think I might need 2 one for the beach and one for everthing else. I spoke to a bogen rep and he said they would be coming out w/ a taller CX version that currently have.

The twist leg locks (G lock system) of the newer Gitzo tripods are very quick and intuitive.
I was used to quick lever locks myself, but after a day of using this G lock system, I forgot all about those quick lever locks.
1/4 of a turn tightens or loosens the legs, and you can't overtighten them. They're also sealed against dust and sand.

You might consider the Feisol ct3442, an excellent tripod at a pretty good price. Specs are posted at that link.

Thanks John, I'll take a look.

Does that tripod w/ center column get down to ground level pretty quick??

A dumb question - what gear are you putting on top of the tripod? In particular, what is your longest lens?

Gitzo is a standard recommendation when price is no object. However, if you are looking at value as an important feature, then Feisol is an alternative that merits serious consideration. Dollar for dollar, they seem to outperform or at least equal the corresponding Gitzo. Sorry Gitzo bigots - I was a former Gitzo user until I purchased my CT 3472 to use with a 500 mm lens. I traded out of a 3 series tripod which cost me $150 more than the Feisol, but worked for me from a weight and size perspective. According to their conservative specs, the 3 Series should not be used with anything longer than 300 mm, however I was getting reasonable results with my 500. The surprise came when I started using the Feisol and found that I could get better images with much less attention to technique - mirror lock up, careful tripod setup, draping a damper over the lens etc.

The Feisol is modular - you can easily substitute a panning head (which includes a bubble level) or a carbon fiber center column, or the standard flat base that includes a bottom hook. I find the hook useful as a tripod stabilizer. I often hang a camera bag or a bungee that I step on to add a bit of tension.

Going from tall to flat is very easy - the spring loaded leg angle locks work like a charm. wih the flat head you can get to less than 6 1/2 inches.

There are some downsides, which are not important to me but may be important to you. The leg locks are not as nice as the Gitzo - they do allow the leg sections to rotate. They do a reasonable job about keeping dirt and grit out, and they are very easy to take apart to clean. The finish on the carbon fiber legs is not as nice as the Gitzo, so they are prone to cosmetic scratching. You can see them but you cannot feel them and they do not affect the operation of the tripod.

Having had both - I found myself wishing I had a stiffer tripod with the Gtizo, but was unwilling to step up to a 5 series because of the extra 2 lbs weight and the $300 cost. Now that I have the Feisol, I have no regrets at all.

From what I can see, Feisol has incorporated the same design and physical characteristics in the CT3442, and it only weighs 2.31 lbs.

If you decide on Feisol, I would strongly consider purchasing directly from Feisol http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm

Their customer service is exceptional, and delivery time is both short and reasonable in cost.

I have the Feisol Traveler. I too used to use a Manfrotto with the thumb levers. The twist locks took no getting used to at all. Simple, quick and easy. The legs to spread out to go to ground level very quickly and easily. The nice thing about the Traveler and the Tournament Class (the one John linked to), don't know about their regular pods, is that the legs fold up backwards around the head which can save you a few inches in closed length and make the whole thing a little more compact when on the move. They're light and strong. The friction control on the CB-30C ballhead works very well and with the friction lock, the head has a built in panning capability. Their heads use a Kirk-style QR plate design and are very secure. The Traveler can be had as a complete package - tripod, centre column and head - for $400. Not bad. I bought mine from the Feisol's U.S. distributor, www.feisol.net. No problem at all. Shipped the next day and Michael (their U.S. rep) is very helpful in answering questions and pleasant to deal with.

Thanks guys. You should be Feisol rep's. I sent them an email so just waiting to hear on them.

On tripod heads, the Markins M10 if you are not using a heavy lens, otherwise the Arca Swiss Z1 or the Markins M20 would be the ones to go with - There are other reasonably good heads, but these are extremely popular both in the pro and advanced amateur communities. The newer Feisols with the machined platform as opposed to the cast one will allow the legs to be folded up - some ball heads may intefere with the legs when folded up in this matter.

Got a Feisol CT-3402. After only two hikes all three rubber protectors on the legs were gone. So if you're a lot outdoors you might consider to buy the screw-in-spikes as well.

Cheers ... Andreas.

I purchased the Feisol and hope I turn out to be satisfied. I lose my rubber feet on the Manfrotto often enough to always order extra everytime. After your comment Andreas I told the Feisol rep to put some extra feet in the order but I already ordered the long spikes for the beach.

A little OT, but I was always lossing the rubber feet on my Manfrotto CF and finally put them on with a little rubber silicone. So far, so good.

I was visiting my local camera store yesterday and the Bogen rep was there as well. He had 2 new tripods on display that haven't reached the market yet.

Both were the carbon fiber versions of the 55 and extremely light but I believe he said they would hold 22 pounds.

The differences were: 3 vs. 4 segments. I believe that both had the center column.

The pricing will be in the $400 range.

Sharon Lane
Arlington/Blooming Grove, Texas

Thanks guys, I returned the Fiesol because you can't take out the center column without losing parts in the field. I would love it without the center column if it would go a few inches higher. Besides that it's pretty impressive.

I ended up going with the damn expensive Gitzo CF Hope I don't break it.

Sorry to bring back old topics... But does anyone know anything about the Feisol ballhead? I'm looking to get a new tripod and the Feisol looks good, but I don't know if I should get a different ballhead. I've looked into some of the better ballheads that I've heard about (really right stuff, arca swiss, gitzo) but I really can't afford those right now. I don't want to spend more than $500 on the entire setup. Some of the Manfrotto ballheads are priced decently, but I've heard that they aren't that smooth, although maybe they'd be my best option in my price range? Any insight?

It might be too late but I got the CB-50 ballhead from Fiesol and I really like it. I haven't had anything bigger than my 55-250 lens on it but it is rock solid for me when clamped down and does not creep when I tighten it. It is smooth to adjust. I have no complaints but I don't have experience with the more expensive heads either so perhaps I am just easily satisfied.