So now that I've got my new Canon 500mm I do need a new tripod. I've narrowed it down to either the Feisol Elite Tripod CT-3472 Rapid (http://www.feisol.net/feisol-elite-tripod-ct3472-rapid-p-58.html) or the Feisol Tournament Tripod CT-3442 Rapid (http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-tripod-ct3442-rapid-p-31.html) Other than the height difference (which really doesn't matter to me, I'm a bit less than 5'1") is the Tournament going to be sturdy enough to support the lens? I know it's rated to 10kg which should be enough but I've been to understand that isn't all of the story. Thanks!
To answer your question, the Tournament is going to be way too light. The real measure of a tripod for this lens is not load capacity but stiffness and dampening. You will see Gitzo spec'd in terms of largest tube diameter and lens focal length. Load capacity is more an issue for heavy rigs, such as view cameras.
I use a CT3472 original style, not rapid. I bought this after returning a Gitzo 3541LS because I was not getting acceptable results with my 500 mm lens. I have absolutely no regrets and it has performed flawlessly for the past 2 yrs. I would avoid the center column option for use with long lenses.
You need to get a decent head. If you are looking not compromise on performance and want to keep a few $$$ in your pocket, the Manfrotto 3421 gimbal will work as well as the more expensive cantilevered designs from other manufacturers, at a fraction of the price.
You could use a ball head, in which case nothing less than an Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 or a Markins M20. These are both excellent and up to the task. I have not tried their ballhead, which does look interesting, nor have I seen their gimbal, which looks like it is extremely well-engineered. My main concern is how closely Feisol follows the Arca plate spec and interchangeability with those from Arca, Markins, Wimberley etc.
Posted by John W. Wall on August 9, 2010 at 5:49 PM
I've got the Tournament and would second the advice that it's too small for a big lens. My biggest lens is 300/4 with 1.7X on a BH-3 ballhead, and that seems about right.
A note about my experience with the Feisol. I've never owned a CF tripod before, but I'm not too happy with the toughness of mine. I don't beat it up, but I do use it a lot, and it's not exactly a joy to use. I've lost all the rubber feet twice (and haven't replaced the second set). One of the legs comes off sometimes, and I have to jam it back up into the socket. The legs can be sticky/difficult to extend. I always keep a hex wrench to tighten up the leg-swivels, something that needs to be done every other outing or so.
Thanks Gene and John. Unfortunately I guess I have to avoid the tournament, I was hoping to go as a light as possible but there is such a thing as too light, and I'm getting a bit nervous about some of the things I've read about the twist locks on the Feisols and the legs like you posted John. I may look at a manfrotto next. The good news is I don't need a center column because I'm short! so a little less weight there.
Posted by Darren Huski on August 11, 2010 at 6:23 PM
The 3471 is also a really good Feisol model. A little heavier than 3472 but cheapertoo. This would be heavy enough for the 500.
Hali, I have been using the CT 3472 for two solid years, nearly every weekend and out in the field - with rain, snow, dust and all sorts of less-than-ideal conditions - and have yet to experience an issue with either the leg locks, swivels or rubber feet. When I first got the tripod I tightened the swivels and have never touched them since. In any event, if you experience this with a tripod there is an easy solution - Locktite Blue formula. It is designed to hold a screw tight, but can be removed if necessary. So far I have not had to resort to that.
I am not sure how the Tournament differs from mine, but I have beaten mine up and the only complaint is cosmetic - the finish on the legs and the anodizing on the platform are somewhat prone to surface scratching - which in no way impedes the function of the tripod.
Another vote for the Feisol CT3472 - two years of heavy duty use with a BH-55, Sidekick and EF 500 f/4 / EF 300 f/2.8 on a pro body and no problems at all. The legs look a bit scratched now but I am lazy and never clean it even after using it in sand, mud and in sea water or dust, so that's my fault entirely
Posted by Edwin kats on September 19, 2010 at 5:48 PM
Which Feisol Tripod?
None, do yourself a favor. Save up some more money and buy a Gitzo.
I used to own a Feisol and I will never never do so again.
After 1 year of heavy use they will fall apart. The Feisol service is great. They will send you spare parts free of charge but I rather have a proper tripod which will do the job in any circumstances.
Edwin Kats
Posted by Brian Jackson on September 20, 2010 at 11:41 AM
None, do yourself a favor. Save up some more money and buy a Gitzo.
I used to own a Feisol and I will never never do so again.
After 1 year of heavy use they will fall apart. The Feisol service is great. They will send you spare parts free of charge but I rather have a proper tripod which will do the job in any circumstances.
Edwin Kats
I'd say the opposite. I use to have a gitzo and sold it for a Feisol. Been much happier ever since. I beat the crap out of it and travel through airports at least twice a month. Been using it with my sidekick and 200-400 and 600 and just couldn't be much happier. Had mine for about two years now.
Discussion
8 repliesI use a CT3472 original style, not rapid. I bought this after returning a Gitzo 3541LS because I was not getting acceptable results with my 500 mm lens. I have absolutely no regrets and it has performed flawlessly for the past 2 yrs. I would avoid the center column option for use with long lenses.
You need to get a decent head. If you are looking not compromise on performance and want to keep a few $$$ in your pocket, the Manfrotto 3421 gimbal will work as well as the more expensive cantilevered designs from other manufacturers, at a fraction of the price.
You could use a ball head, in which case nothing less than an Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 or a Markins M20. These are both excellent and up to the task. I have not tried their ballhead, which does look interesting, nor have I seen their gimbal, which looks like it is extremely well-engineered. My main concern is how closely Feisol follows the Arca plate spec and interchangeability with those from Arca, Markins, Wimberley etc.
A note about my experience with the Feisol. I've never owned a CF tripod before, but I'm not too happy with the toughness of mine. I don't beat it up, but I do use it a lot, and it's not exactly a joy to use. I've lost all the rubber feet twice (and haven't replaced the second set). One of the legs comes off sometimes, and I have to jam it back up into the socket. The legs can be sticky/difficult to extend. I always keep a hex wrench to tighten up the leg-swivels, something that needs to be done every other outing or so.
I am not sure how the Tournament differs from mine, but I have beaten mine up and the only complaint is cosmetic - the finish on the legs and the anodizing on the platform are somewhat prone to surface scratching - which in no way impedes the function of the tripod.
None, do yourself a favor. Save up some more money and buy a Gitzo.
I used to own a Feisol and I will never never do so again.
After 1 year of heavy use they will fall apart. The Feisol service is great. They will send you spare parts free of charge but I rather have a proper tripod which will do the job in any circumstances.
Edwin Kats
I'd say the opposite. I use to have a gitzo and sold it for a Feisol. Been much happier ever since. I beat the crap out of it and travel through airports at least twice a month. Been using it with my sidekick and 200-400 and 600 and just couldn't be much happier. Had mine for about two years now.