I posted this thread in the 'Gear Review' forum, but it didn't gain as much attention as I had hoped--so I decided to post over here.
Anyways, here is my dilemma. I've got 800bucks ready for a new tripod/ballhead, but before I pull the trigger, I want to make sure that I get the best one for my money.
Currently, I have narrowed it down to the Gitzo 2541EX. John Mumaw pointed out that the Manfrotto 190CX Pro3 tripod seems to be pretty similar at half the cost.
So....can anyone offer any advice on these two units?
I will be shooting with a Canon DSLR with no lens exceeding 70mm. It will included 90% WA, with occasional macro.
I can't offer advice on those tripods, but you may want to check out a geared head as well as a ball head. Bogen-Manfrotto 410 (I think the model is, the "junior" one). The geared head is much better for macro, and you may find its precision valuable for landscape work, too.
Posted by Robert Fisher on October 21, 2008 at 8:23 AM
A number of people also like Feisol, www.feisol.net. They're well made, lightweight, sturdy and strong.
Posted by Kent Staubus on October 21, 2008 at 10:10 AM
One thing you want to be careful about is not getting a tripod that is too short. Those quickly become a pain. I ended up buying a Gitzo 1325 several years ago and love it. It has no center column and is very sturdy. It goes up plenty high enough for me with a few inches to spare. It has since been replaced by Gitzo with an even lighter one. You are on the right track buying a quality tripod. It's something you will use and keep for a long time.
Kent in SD
Posted by Arnab Banerjee on October 21, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Have you looked at Markins ballhead? I think that they probably have the best heads right now at a reasonable price - I have one and I love it.
For tripod, I am not sure whether you are looking for a std. tripod (for roadside shooting) or a lighter backpacking tripod. Two requirements are very different - and I have ended up having 2 different tripods for 2 different needs. I prefer Monfrotto tripods as they are not only cheaper and comparable quality, but the leg locking system works better for me. I hate the Gitzo-type rotating locking system - it's a very personal preference
Posted by Roger Rouch on October 21, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I can't comment on the Gitzo but have an older version of the Manfrotto. It's taken TONS of abuse and is still in great condition. And I really like the leg lock system. I like the Acratech ball head which seems bomb proof. If I were shopping for a tripod set up in today's market, I think I'd be looking to shave a pound or two off my current set up and comparing weights more critically than brands.
No mention of it so far, but my biggest concern after weight capacity is height. You'll HATE your new tripod if it's too short, no matter what other neat features it has. Spend a few hours stooping behind a short one, and you'll be looking up the sales procedures on eBay.
The right height for me allows me to set up the camera at eye level even on rough or sloping ground. Lots of experimenting to get to this point, but my solid recommendation is legs the same height as you. Add in the height of the head and the height of the camera, then spread the legs and.....
The viewfinder is going to be taller than you. Just right. That's the leeway you need for irregular ground. Your pick which section of the legs to shorten for normal shooting, but I like to make my adjustments using the upper joint. Purely a convenience thing, but it allows me to adjust height without all the stooping and guessing. Any modern tripod I've used that has the right load capacity for my gear isn't going to lose stability for having the lower leg section fully extended. But it most certainly will lose stability if you have to raise the center column to bring the viewfinder up to eye level.
Posted by Kelly Rowe on October 21, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I have both Bogen/Manfrotto tripods and Gitzo tripods. I'm 6'3" tall and wound up getting Gitzo 1348s to mount my Wimberley gimbal heads to get enough height, so that is a consideration to pay attention to. Personally I find the adjustment mechanisms on the Gitzo to be a PITA compared to the simple levers on the Manfrottos.
Hmmm. More than coincidence? I'm 6'4" and settled on the 1349 when it first came out. Only difference from the 1348 is an interchangeable center column. I agree about the locks. They're better if you keep them clean and well-lubed, but still.......
Posted by John W. Wall on October 21, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Your Manfrotto extends to only 4 feet in height w/o center column extended. That would be a dealbreaker for me. The Gitzo is only 8" taller, and its expense would be a dealbreaker for me. In other words, if it were me I'd keep looking.
Posted by Steve Sieren on October 21, 2008 at 2:42 PM
I've been using the Gitzo GT2542L for a little while. I can remove the center column and it still goes above my eye level(extremely important). I also use a CF Manfrotto the center column detaches but is still clipped to the tripod which helps in not losing it and staying focusd on what your doing. Don't know the model # it's worn off long ago. It's broken but still does a good job at the beach so I don't ruin my Gitzo as fast. I love both of the tripods but they have their specific needs.
If you can wait the CX Manfrotto has a new version of the same model in waiting. It will be tall enough. The CX model seems to be also more aimed at including the column to be used as an arm for macro. Good Luck! I can look up the old model if need be but you'll have to email me.
Bought a Feisol and sent it back it's not tall enough w/ out the center column. Sorry no harm intend Feisol. Great tripod besides that.
The Bogen rep always says you can make them shorter but you can't make them taller.
Posted by Bill Chambers on October 21, 2008 at 2:51 PM
I'm not familar with the tripods you mentioned but both Manfrotto and Gitzo make good pods. I would be leary of Feisol, Induro, Benro, and other knock-offs as their quality seems sketchy at best. I use a larger gitzo and have been very pleased with eberything except the price .
As for heads, I can highly recommend the RRS BH-40. Not as hefty as the BH-55, but for your described usage the BH-40 should be more than enough. Of course, Markins, Kirk, Acratech, etc. are fine brands as well.
can't speak for Feisol but as far as Benro and Induro tripods are concerned, I have one of each and I have been very happy with both of them. Their quality has greatly improved from their initial offerings. BTW, Induro tripods are actually manufactured by Benro for the MAC Group in the USA. I have a Benro carbon fibre that I take everywhere when hiking and an larger Induro Alloy tripod that I use when I want more support and I don't have to carry it far. For ballheads, I stick with RRS and Acratech.
Cheers,
André
(just a happy customer, don't have any other involvement with Benro or Induro )
Posted by John Mumaw on October 21, 2008 at 7:26 PM
I would be leary of Feisol, Induro, Benro, and other knock-offs as their quality seems sketchy at best.
Nonsense.
Anyway, here's another review of the Manfrotto tripod for you to check out.
I use the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead and couldn't be happier. Great design, ultra strong, light weight. It doesn't have a problem with dirt and sand and puts up with a lot of abuse. I did a lot of research before I purchased this ballhead and believe that this is one of the best out there. After several years of very hard use I managed to find a way to damage it a couple of weeks ago. I contacted the company and instead of repairing it they sent me a free replacement! It is a great company to work with and I highly recommend their ballheads.
I am also a Feisol user. Their carbon fiber tripods are much cheaper than others and yet still very well made. They have one which is quite tall as well. I like my Feisol a lot but my main complain is that it doesn't handle water very well and due to air pressure within the legs it can be difficult at times to open or close the legs. Apart from this minor inconvenience it is a good tripod for the money.
Discussion
14 repliesAnyways, here is my dilemma. I've got 800bucks ready for a new tripod/ballhead, but before I pull the trigger, I want to make sure that I get the best one for my money.
Currently, I have narrowed it down to the Gitzo 2541EX. John Mumaw pointed out that the Manfrotto 190CX Pro3 tripod seems to be pretty similar at half the cost.
So....can anyone offer any advice on these two units?
I will be shooting with a Canon DSLR with no lens exceeding 70mm. It will included 90% WA, with occasional macro.
Any advice/comments are much appreciated.
Kent in SD
For tripod, I am not sure whether you are looking for a std. tripod (for roadside shooting) or a lighter backpacking tripod. Two requirements are very different - and I have ended up having 2 different tripods for 2 different needs. I prefer Monfrotto tripods as they are not only cheaper and comparable quality, but the leg locking system works better for me. I hate the Gitzo-type rotating locking system - it's a very personal preference
The right height for me allows me to set up the camera at eye level even on rough or sloping ground. Lots of experimenting to get to this point, but my solid recommendation is legs the same height as you. Add in the height of the head and the height of the camera, then spread the legs and.....
The viewfinder is going to be taller than you. Just right. That's the leeway you need for irregular ground. Your pick which section of the legs to shorten for normal shooting, but I like to make my adjustments using the upper joint. Purely a convenience thing, but it allows me to adjust height without all the stooping and guessing. Any modern tripod I've used that has the right load capacity for my gear isn't going to lose stability for having the lower leg section fully extended. But it most certainly will lose stability if you have to raise the center column to bring the viewfinder up to eye level.
If you can wait the CX Manfrotto has a new version of the same model in waiting. It will be tall enough. The CX model seems to be also more aimed at including the column to be used as an arm for macro. Good Luck! I can look up the old model if need be but you'll have to email me.
Bought a Feisol and sent it back it's not tall enough w/ out the center column. Sorry no harm intend Feisol. Great tripod besides that.
The Bogen rep always says you can make them shorter but you can't make them taller.
As for heads, I can highly recommend the RRS BH-40. Not as hefty as the BH-55, but for your described usage the BH-40 should be more than enough. Of course, Markins, Kirk, Acratech, etc. are fine brands as well.
can't speak for Feisol but as far as Benro and Induro tripods are concerned, I have one of each and I have been very happy with both of them. Their quality has greatly improved from their initial offerings. BTW, Induro tripods are actually manufactured by Benro for the MAC Group in the USA. I have a Benro carbon fibre that I take everywhere when hiking and an larger Induro Alloy tripod that I use when I want more support and I don't have to carry it far. For ballheads, I stick with RRS and Acratech.
Cheers,
André
(just a happy customer, don't have any other involvement with Benro or Induro
Nonsense.
Anyway, here's another review of the Manfrotto tripod for you to check out.
I am also a Feisol user. Their carbon fiber tripods are much cheaper than others and yet still very well made. They have one which is quite tall as well. I like my Feisol a lot but my main complain is that it doesn't handle water very well and due to air pressure within the legs it can be difficult at times to open or close the legs. Apart from this minor inconvenience it is a good tripod for the money.