Posted by Mark Seaver on March 17, 2013 at 1:58 PM
I had a Slik 724Cf tripod for 5 years that I liked very well, but sadly found out that it wasn't sturdy enough to support my 5D + 400mm f/5.6 + 1.4 TE, so I replaced it with an 824CF. I quickly found out that Slik's new anti-rotation system is junk, with problems starting after 2-3 months of use (I use the tripod for probably 80% of my shots). I have taken apart the legs and "repaired" the ARS system several times, but squaring off the edges of the thin teflon ARS inserts only works for a few weeks. (In my experience Teflon is way too soft for banging against locking pins.) I've had enough of it needing two hands to extend and close the legs and am looking for a new tripod capable of holding my camera/lens combo. I've read several of the previous tripod threads and see recommendations for Feisol and more recently Sirui. In my initial investigations the Feisol CT-3441T and the Sirui N-1204 look like possible alternatives to the Gitzo GT-2541 at significant savings. Thoughts and experiences are appreciated.
Mark, I bought the Feisol 3301 unit awhile back now just after they had released the RAL system and the later metal sealed twist locks. I was leery about buying a tripod with twist lock legs as I'd used my old Bogen 3221 with lever locks for years and never had issues with them.
However, after talking to Lon extensively about his unit I contacted Kerry at Really Big Cameras and made the purchase. I can only tell you from my perspective since I purchased it I've used it at least once or twice a week in the field so far without any problems at all. I use both MF & LF cameras on the tripod. Both cameras have no issues with vibration and such. I do use mirror lock up on the MF camera to minimize that, but the pod is pretty darn ridged.
I was glad to have bought after the release of the upgrades including the non rotating legs or RAL system and the later metal sealed twist locks too. But I've not heard of any real issues with the earlier models to date, but maybe others have had and will report on that. I know the RAL system was a $$$ upgrade, but worth it IMO......Good luck.
Discussion
1 repliesHowever, after talking to Lon extensively about his unit I contacted Kerry at Really Big Cameras and made the purchase. I can only tell you from my perspective since I purchased it I've used it at least once or twice a week in the field so far without any problems at all. I use both MF & LF cameras on the tripod. Both cameras have no issues with vibration and such. I do use mirror lock up on the MF camera to minimize that, but the pod is pretty darn ridged.
I was glad to have bought after the release of the upgrades including the non rotating legs or RAL system and the later metal sealed twist locks too. But I've not heard of any real issues with the earlier models to date, but maybe others have had and will report on that. I know the RAL system was a $$$ upgrade, but worth it IMO......Good luck.