Feisol Anyone?

I am looking to buy a carbon fiber tripod - possibly a Feisol due to is low price.

I know some of you own a Feisol, and I was curious how it has held up, if anyone has had any quality issues, or problems with the leg-locks.

Thanks for any feedback.

I certainly looked at them but ended up with the Velbon instead. I've been happy with the Velbon for 3 years, but may need to tear it down to repair a leg that is rotating.

I looked into several tripods for almost a year before I finally bought one. I was wanting a light but strong tripod I could use with my bigger lens (400 - 600 mm). I also wanted something that I could put into my carry on bag when I travel as I'm always flying. I bought a Feisol CT-3441S which is a traveling tripod, weighs only 2.2 lbs, but still supports 22 lbs.

I'd have to say this was one of the best investments I'm made. I've had my for about 6 months and have had no issues at all.

I have the CT-3442 and have had mixed reviews with mine. While I love the packed down size and weight of the pod, I've had issues with the leg locks. It all started when I used the tripod in Florida when shooting birds. I did a lot of shooting in the salt water and the salt really seemed to do a number on it despite several cleanings. I don't think the dirt of the desert southwest has helped the situation either. Collapsing and extracting the legs have become a chore, particularly in cold weather. A more minor issue involves the design of their feet. They are simply rubber caps that fit via friction and are very prone to falling off. They have the ability to accept screw in feet, but Feisol doesn't make any for it. When I sent an email to them and complained of the situation, they were very helpful in that they sent me a half dozen rubber cap replacements (most of which I've already lost), but they told me there were no immediate plans to develop screw in feet at that time.

That's my two cents.

John Mumaw uses the same tripod and he has had better luck with his, so it could just be my particular situation.

I use Velbon and have been very happy with it, having fallen on top of it a few times!

I have the CT-3442 and love it, like Guy says the caps do tend to fall off easy but I just checked the site where I bought mine from and they do have the screw in spike feet. Took me a bit to get use to the twists versus the flip lock style I have on my manfrotto but I got use to it. If you decide to purchase one I highly recommend ordering it from Kerry Thalmann who is the owner of Really Big Cameras http://reallybigcameras.com
Anytime I've had an issue or needed a part he would respond very quickly and mail it out the next day FREE. He also has discounts via ebay, I ordered mine when Microsoft was doing the live rebate stuff. Now I think he's doing the Bing rebates

I also use the Feisol CT-3442 tripod and I love it! Note that I haven't immersed it in salt water, which can do a number to just about any tripod (so I've heard anyway). It's super light (2.3 lbs.) and with the right head, the legs can fold back up over the head making a total length of 19.5".
This is one tripod I don't mind packing around at all.
The only issue I've had with it involves the rubber 'feet' which came off too easily. A dab of white glue fixed that problem right up. Using white glue allows me to take 'em off if need be.
If you've never used twist leg locks, it takes a bit of getting used to. It's second nature now for me to set it up.
I've had them in water, snow and sand with no adverse effects in two years of usage. I highly recommend this 'pod for hiking/backpacking, and I especially recommend purchasing from Kerry Thalmann over at Really Big Cameras in Oregon. I've never had that level of customer support before for any item I've bought online.
I also bought a PhotoClam ballhead (which is a Markins knock-off) from there so that I would be able to get that compact tripod length, and it's been an excellent ballhead!

I've got a Feisol 3301, and also love mine.
When I first got it, there were some issues with it being a little unsteady (wobbly?) with the center post extended..the post itself was wobbly. They came out with a completely new top piece with a new center post design that was very secure, and the option to install a head without a center post. I elected to go the second route, and secured the head (a Kirk BH-2) with a large eye-bolt so I can hang my back pack from it for even better stability.
In any case, the tripod is light and steady. I've gotten very used to the twist-lock legs and I have never had a problem with the rubber feet coming off. I've used it in freshwater, on rock, skree, sand, etc, and it has served me well.

I have a large, heavy, and very sturdy Manfrotto tripod, but I wanted something light and easy for travel that would hold the heaviest gear I have (my heaviest lens is the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L). After looking around a lot, I bought the Feisol 3441S, and I have been very happy with it. It is super-light, portable, and plenty sturdy. I have hiked with it and brought it overseas a few times (Morocco, France, Ireland) since I bought it 8 months ago. It is well made and feels as good to me as the similar (and much more expensive) Gitzo.

I would second John's recommendation on Really Big Cameras -- customer service was great.

I use the 3471 and I'm very happy with it. It saved me a ton of money and works well. Sure it's not perfect but I don't think there are any perfect options. I've used and abused mine for about 4 years. Its always in streams, dirt, sand, etc. I've banged it a thousand times, dragged it through thick brush, dropped it nearly 300 feet down a cliff, etc. It still works wonderfully. I think it was this summer that one of the feet came off, probably stuck between rocks. I put it back on and it hasn't come off again. I'm not a huge fan of the twist locking legs as they take a bit more time. They are however much better than the snap locks on my previous tripod which often broke in extreme cold.

After comparing my Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod to a friend's Feisol Tournament series 3442 this summer, I've been counting the days til I can own one. It's stupid light, and sturdier than my Manfrotto. Go for it, Rene.

I think that you will find that using a small dab of clear silicone will work better then the glue used to hold the feet on. Clear silicone is reversible.

We, as photographers, must be vigilant not to use spikes on museum and public floors. It is one major reason we are banned from using tripods in museums and other public places. Another reason of course is that we tend to block the traffic flow.

Rene I would pass on the Feisol CT-3441S because it would only go upto the height of your waist, for me on the other hand it would be good.

As I mentioned, I use the 3471 and it is the tallest one they make. I think it would be about the right size for Rene.

Thank you for the great feedback everyone! Overall it sounds like the Feisols are a good deal!

Erik / Jody - I am actually looking at the 3371 (combined with a Acratech GV2 ballhead), which is supposedly taller than the 3471. It is also taller and lighter than my current Manfrotto/Bogen tripod which I have been using without any problems for over 8 years now.

For the folks loosing their foot caps, you might want to put some hairspray in the rubber part and then put it back on to the leg. This an old cycling trick, and used to keep rubber grips from rotating and slipping off the handlebars. Who knows, it might work for tripods...

Thanks again and Happy New year to everyone.

Best,
René

I destroyed my Feisol 3301 in every way possible. However, Feisol did send me a brand new one for all of the trouble. One day at the Sand Dunes killed the twist locks. I also managed to crack the entire metal base when shooting/climbing in sub zero temps (too cold?). My 3301 was from 3 years ago. Hopefully they have improved quality since then. Their customer service/warranty was great for me.

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