With the new macro lens it appears I'll need a new tripod. While my old Manfrotto has served me well, it may be past it's prime for macro work.
The overriding concern is cold, -40 F\C, weather capability. From the research I have done, carbon fibre doesn't seem to be an option as many don't perform well under such conditions.
While the old Manfrotto takes these temperatures in stride, my recent experience with new models by this manufacturer is that the plastic bits snap at -20C.
Any suggestions, particularly from people North of 60 , welcomed.
A couple of things immediately come to mind. First is budget - since your looked at carbon fiber tripods, I am assuming that you are more concerned with quality than price, within reason. What will you be putting on the tripod in terms of maximum gear? Any 600 mm lenses for it to handle? Also, height requirements. Is the tripod basically going to be a macro tripod and spend a lot of time with its legs splayed outward and at the lowest possible height, and/or are you 6'6"? At those temperatures, are you will to consider aluminum or the large chunks of metal known as Gitzos?
No 600 mm, haven't the budget alas. If it wasn't for the experiences I have had with Manfotto this previous winter I might go for their 055XPro with the horizontal rail, but am leery of the plastic. I would like something light but sturdy enough to hold my Nikon and the Sigma 180.
The current tripod has the lever locks for the legs and I suspect I should go this route again as the threaded locks might prove difficult in the cold. Metal legs, preferably aluminum, seem to be the recommended material.
Several reviews I have read say the carbon fibre becomes difficult to operate with a couple suggesting this material will shatter at very cold temperatures. It may not be true, but when we tried to return the Manfotto gear, new, the retailer informed us that using it at such cold temperatures was considered 'abuse.' Don't wish to find this out with the expense of a carbon fibre.
Any of the standard tripod designs would work. But I guarantee I can quickly run rings around anyone trying to set up any standard tripod designs for light cameras in all manner of awkward positions, levels, and surfaces versus what I use. It is especially flexible for closeup work down low. Its been around a long time and few that have used it would disagree with my comments. It isn't all that easy to use and for those who have not come up to speed with its dangers, there are several ways one could damage their expensive cameras. Not a tool for a klutz. Its quite a contraption to look at. Originally a wartime design for British machine guns. Benbo is it and it is the main support for my little G10.
Discussion
3 repliesThe overriding concern is cold, -40 F\C, weather capability. From the research I have done, carbon fibre doesn't seem to be an option as many don't perform well under such conditions.
While the old Manfrotto takes these temperatures in stride, my recent experience with new models by this manufacturer is that the plastic bits snap at -20C.
Any suggestions, particularly from people North of 60
No 600 mm, haven't the budget alas. If it wasn't for the experiences I have had with Manfotto this previous winter I might go for their 055XPro with the horizontal rail, but am leery of the plastic. I would like something light but sturdy enough to hold my Nikon and the Sigma 180.
The current tripod has the lever locks for the legs and I suspect I should go this route again as the threaded locks might prove difficult in the cold. Metal legs, preferably aluminum, seem to be the recommended material.
Several reviews I have read say the carbon fibre becomes difficult to operate with a couple suggesting this material will shatter at very cold temperatures. It may not be true, but when we tried to return the Manfotto gear, new, the retailer informed us that using it at such cold temperatures was considered 'abuse.' Don't wish to find this out with the expense of a carbon fibre.
David Senesac
http://www.davidsenesac.com