Posted by Jim DeWitt on February 24, 2009 at 3:35 PM
My Manfrotto 190 is starting to die. It required way too much maintenance in Ecuador. And the clamp for the azimuth slips when I carry the camera and big lens on my shoulder. I'm shopping for a new tripod and head. I'd like something lighter, as long as I'm shopping.
I typically use an Olympus E-3 with a dual battery pack, a 2.0 teleconverter and a Zuiko 300mm f2.8 lens. The camera and lens, by themselves, check in at about 15 pounds. I'm fairly tall, and I'm looking for a taller tripod. The Manfrotto, at full extension, still makes me hunch over.
The rig needs to be sturdy enough to ride on my shoulder most of the day. That includes clamps on the head the will lock the camera into position and not slip.
I'm looking for recommendations for both a tripod and a head. Your suggestions? Thanks in advance...
Posted by Lon Overacker on February 24, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Jim,
Of course there are dozens of manufacturers out there and I'm sure you'll get some good recommendations.
I just recently bought a new tripod - the first in 20 years. My Bogen 3221 was just getting worn out and I was tired of having to tighten the lever locks all the time. I researched for quite a while with height, weight and carbon fiber as my criteria. I'm also tall at 6'4".
Price was also a major factor and that took Gitzo out of the picture. I was also debating between lever locks and twist locks.
In the large format circles, one manufacturer kept coming up as highly recommended. The company is called Feisol. It is a Chinese company and some consider the tripods "Gitzo knock-offs."
I purchased the CT-3301 which is the standard, actually their entry-level tripod. It met all my requirements in terms of height, weight and load capacity. And at $215 US, it is a tremendous deal.
I'm only making this recommendation because I got to use the tripod for the first time this past weekend in Yosemite. I am very happy with the tripod and would highly recommend it.
I was skeptical about twist locks having been used to lever locks for so many years, but I can say that I found this tripod to be much easier and quicker to setup/take down.
I ordered the short center column and short spikes for the legs. I replaced the leg end caps with some rubber furntiture leg caps, drilled a hole in the rubber caps in order to screw the spikes in to the legs and the setup worked great in the snow and ice. If by chance you or anyone else wants to get one, I can be more specific and send pics.
Kerry Thalman is the US distributor. He is very responsive. You can get more information and order from www.reallybigcameras.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note.
Regards,
Lon
Posted by John Mumaw on February 24, 2009 at 7:08 PM
I am also a big fan of Feisol tripods and of Kerry Thalman over at Really Big Cameras. Feisol tripods are actually made in Taiwan.
Not sure if this particular tripod is up your alley, but I bought the Feisol CT-3442 carbon fiber tripod for two reasons...ultra light weight and the legs fold back over the head for a packed length of 19 inches. I didn't choose to buy a center column, but the option is there. The link above will lead you to other Feisol tripods and specs.
I also bought a Photo Clam ballhead from Kerry for light weight and the ability to allow my tripod to fold back over itself completely. These ballheads are virtual clones of the highly respected (and much more expensive!) Markins ballheads. They work well with L-type of quick release plates.
Total weight of my kit is 2 lbs.10oz, and I haven't had any problems with it using a Canon 40D and a 24-105 lens. Works beautifully, and is quite solid considering the light weight. Check the load capacities on those ballheads.
Again, I purchased this particular kit for strapping onto a pack and hiking. There are no clamps like you describe on this kit.
Kerry is a great guy to do business with, and will answer any question you may have promptly and thoroughly.
There is simply no reason any longer to spend vast sums of money in order to own a high quality tripod and head, IMO.
Posted by Ed Dubois on February 24, 2009 at 8:09 PM
As a bird photographer (ie using big heavy lenses) I've been very happy with the Gitzo carbon fiber (1325 - now replaced by ???) and the Arca Swiss B1 ballhead. Both have given me many years (about 10) of trouble free service. Both are spendy but the quality means they seem to last and last.
Posted by Wim Reyns on February 24, 2009 at 8:29 PM
I've been using the arca-swiss Z1 ballhead for a little over 2 year now, so far it's been a joy to work with.
Posted by David Prichard on February 24, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Has anybody any experience with the Feisol in extreme cold conditions? I'm looking to replace my old Manfrotto. The newer versions of the Manfotto\Bogen line don't seem to like anything below -20C, the plastic becomes brittle and snaps. I'd like to get something inexpensive, but not cheap.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 24, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Has anybody any experience with the Feisol in extreme cold conditions?
Certainly not me, but you might ask Kerry T. at sales@reallybigcameras.com to see if he's had any feedback re: cold weather durability from any of his customers.
Posted by Andy Morrison on February 24, 2009 at 9:25 PM
I recently purchased a Gitzo basalt series tripod and think it's a great compromise between weight and price. The 2932 that I got may not meet your particular height needs but it's only a pound more than the carbon version and about $300 cheaper. And at 3.5 pounds it's light enough for me. I have to see how it is with a 600/4 on it before getting rid of my trusty Gitzo 340. I use an Arca Swiss B-1 on it which I love. I just recently got this tripod so I've only used it a few times but I'm pretty excited about it so far.
Posted by Bill Chambers on February 24, 2009 at 11:04 PM
After 25+ years of using a trusty Bogen 3021 set of legs I bought a new Gitzo after they came out with the new leg bushings that don't swell up in saltwater and have been very pleased with it. I got the GT5540LS which is probably a bit overkill, but I wanted it to be the last tripod I ever buy. As for the head I would highly recommend the Really Right Stuff BH-55. Absolutely superb in quality and smooth as silk. I also have the RRS BH-40 on my lightweight legs and it's nice as well (but nowhere near as nice as the BH-55).
Posted by David Taylor on February 25, 2009 at 2:28 AM
Hey Jim - looks like you are getting some good recommendations. My business partner owns a Feisol and he seems very happy with it. He has used it in the cold as well, last winter shooting aurora. I think it was February near Glennallen, so you know it was "chilly"
I own a Gitzo carbon fiber several years ago. It has been simply amazing to work with. It just works, no matter what. I don't think the twist/grip leg locks are quite as easy to use as the flip levers on the Bogen, but they seem much more secure - and I'll trade a little ease of use for security. My Bogen used to collapse all the time under weight. Never has happened with the Gitzo, even under a much greater weight. I haven't seen any long term reviews of the Feisol (or similar) tripods - this is the only thing that worries me. I subscribe to the school of thought that you get what you pay for, and when you rely on your tools as much as we do, you might as well buy right the first time. Otherwise, replacements over time will just end up costing you more than if you bought right, up front.
I also own a Kirk BH-1. Again, I've owned this head for over 5 years. It too has functioned flawlessly. Although I don't know the weight allowances, I have heard great things about Acratech ball heads. Sturdy, well built, and fairly priced. If my BH-1 ever does fail me, Acratech will likely be on my shortlist. Hope this helps.
Posted by Bart Heirweg on February 25, 2009 at 4:08 AM
I don't know why everybody loves the Feisol tripods. I owned one and replaced it recently with a Gitzo 3541LS.
I had a lot of problems with the Feisol. The center part that holds the leg broke twice in less than a year, so the legs didn't lock anymore. Also the tension on the leg loosens a lot, every now and then I have to thighten the screws again. The legs tend to turn when you want to extend the tripod, so you loose a lot of time setting the tripod up. One of the leg foams started to split without any reason,... If you look around on the web, you will find a lot of other photographers with the same issues. The Feisol tripos are ok if you use it now and then, but once you start using it every day, it just breaks down, that is why I purchased a Gitzo.
Together with my RRS BH55 balhead this is a fantastic setup, I would definitly recommend.
Posted by Arnab Banerjee on February 26, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Jim
Please consider Markins ballheads - I just love mine. They are small, light but extremely durable and capable.
Posted by Kent Staubus on February 28, 2009 at 11:04 AM
I've been using the Gitzo 1325 for about six years now, along with an AcraTech ballhead. Both perform fine at 42 below zero, and I've had them out at least a couple of times each year when it was 24F below zero or colder. They have stood up to years of harsh conditions and "accidnets" without any issues at all. I usually smash one lens or camera every year though. Wish the cameras were as tough as the tripod they were sitting on I don't normally carry my camera attached to the tripod, but if I did I would buy a head that used a lever lock instead of a screw.
Kent in SD
Posted by Ed Dubois on February 28, 2009 at 3:29 PM
On the ballhead front there are some things to consider. First is can you set the tension so that the head doesn't flop when you back off the tightening or use a larger lens? Also, the overall weight of the head is something to consider because you're going to be carrying it all the time. Note that some manufacturer's list the weight without a clamp which is a bit misleading. Third, does it have a smooth panning control? Fourth, are the control knobs placed and shaped so you can use them easily and without adjusting the wrong one without looking? And finally what is the weight bearing capacity?
I used to have an Acratech which was beautifully made but didn't have a tension control. When I used a larger lens on it (70-200 f2.8) and loosened the knob to adjust things the ball tended to flop over which put my gear at risk. Two close friends used the Kirk BH-1 head (which looks to me to be a knock-off of the Arca Swiss) and both had problems with it being too hard to lock down when used with a Wimberly Sidekick and a big lens (400 f4 DO and/or 500 f4). Both switched to Arca swiss and have had no problems since. A third friend used the RRS BH-55 head and said it was great.
Discussion
13 repliesI typically use an Olympus E-3 with a dual battery pack, a 2.0 teleconverter and a Zuiko 300mm f2.8 lens. The camera and lens, by themselves, check in at about 15 pounds. I'm fairly tall, and I'm looking for a taller tripod. The Manfrotto, at full extension, still makes me hunch over.
The rig needs to be sturdy enough to ride on my shoulder most of the day. That includes clamps on the head the will lock the camera into position and not slip.
I'm looking for recommendations for both a tripod and a head. Your suggestions? Thanks in advance...
Of course there are dozens of manufacturers out there and I'm sure you'll get some good recommendations.
I just recently bought a new tripod - the first in 20 years. My Bogen 3221 was just getting worn out and I was tired of having to tighten the lever locks all the time. I researched for quite a while with height, weight and carbon fiber as my criteria. I'm also tall at 6'4".
Price was also a major factor and that took Gitzo out of the picture. I was also debating between lever locks and twist locks.
In the large format circles, one manufacturer kept coming up as highly recommended. The company is called Feisol. It is a Chinese company and some consider the tripods "Gitzo knock-offs."
I purchased the CT-3301 which is the standard, actually their entry-level tripod. It met all my requirements in terms of height, weight and load capacity. And at $215 US, it is a tremendous deal.
I'm only making this recommendation because I got to use the tripod for the first time this past weekend in Yosemite. I am very happy with the tripod and would highly recommend it.
I was skeptical about twist locks having been used to lever locks for so many years, but I can say that I found this tripod to be much easier and quicker to setup/take down.
I ordered the short center column and short spikes for the legs. I replaced the leg end caps with some rubber furntiture leg caps, drilled a hole in the rubber caps in order to screw the spikes in to the legs and the setup worked great in the snow and ice. If by chance you or anyone else wants to get one, I can be more specific and send pics.
Kerry Thalman is the US distributor. He is very responsive. You can get more information and order from www.reallybigcameras.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note.
Regards,
Lon
Not sure if this particular tripod is up your alley, but I bought the Feisol CT-3442 carbon fiber tripod for two reasons...ultra light weight and the legs fold back over the head for a packed length of 19 inches. I didn't choose to buy a center column, but the option is there. The link above will lead you to other Feisol tripods and specs.
I also bought a Photo Clam ballhead from Kerry for light weight and the ability to allow my tripod to fold back over itself completely. These ballheads are virtual clones of the highly respected (and much more expensive!) Markins ballheads. They work well with L-type of quick release plates.
Total weight of my kit is 2 lbs.10oz, and I haven't had any problems with it using a Canon 40D and a 24-105 lens. Works beautifully, and is quite solid considering the light weight. Check the load capacities on those ballheads.
Again, I purchased this particular kit for strapping onto a pack and hiking. There are no clamps like you describe on this kit.
Kerry is a great guy to do business with, and will answer any question you may have promptly and thoroughly.
There is simply no reason any longer to spend vast sums of money in order to own a high quality tripod and head, IMO.
Certainly not me, but you might ask Kerry T. at sales@reallybigcameras.com to see if he's had any feedback re: cold weather durability from any of his customers.
I own a Gitzo carbon fiber several years ago. It has been simply amazing to work with. It just works, no matter what. I don't think the twist/grip leg locks are quite as easy to use as the flip levers on the Bogen, but they seem much more secure - and I'll trade a little ease of use for security. My Bogen used to collapse all the time under weight. Never has happened with the Gitzo, even under a much greater weight. I haven't seen any long term reviews of the Feisol (or similar) tripods - this is the only thing that worries me. I subscribe to the school of thought that you get what you pay for, and when you rely on your tools as much as we do, you might as well buy right the first time. Otherwise, replacements over time will just end up costing you more than if you bought right, up front.
I also own a Kirk BH-1. Again, I've owned this head for over 5 years. It too has functioned flawlessly. Although I don't know the weight allowances, I have heard great things about Acratech ball heads. Sturdy, well built, and fairly priced. If my BH-1 ever does fail me, Acratech will likely be on my shortlist. Hope this helps.
I had a lot of problems with the Feisol. The center part that holds the leg broke twice in less than a year, so the legs didn't lock anymore. Also the tension on the leg loosens a lot, every now and then I have to thighten the screws again. The legs tend to turn when you want to extend the tripod, so you loose a lot of time setting the tripod up. One of the leg foams started to split without any reason,... If you look around on the web, you will find a lot of other photographers with the same issues. The Feisol tripos are ok if you use it now and then, but once you start using it every day, it just breaks down, that is why I purchased a Gitzo.
Together with my RRS BH55 balhead this is a fantastic setup, I would definitly recommend.
Please consider Markins ballheads - I just love mine. They are small, light but extremely durable and capable.
Kent in SD
I used to have an Acratech which was beautifully made but didn't have a tension control. When I used a larger lens on it (70-200 f2.8) and loosened the knob to adjust things the ball tended to flop over which put my gear at risk. Two close friends used the Kirk BH-1 head (which looks to me to be a knock-off of the Arca Swiss) and both had problems with it being too hard to lock down when used with a Wimberly Sidekick and a big lens (400 f4 DO and/or 500 f4). Both switched to Arca swiss and have had no problems since. A third friend used the RRS BH-55 head and said it was great.