Posted by Bob Falcone on August 23, 2013 at 3:53 PM
I'm considering replacing my aging Feisol tripod, but am on a rather strict budget, and the Induro CT213 caught my eye. Reviews look good, and it's on sale until the end of the month.
Anyone have any experience with Induro in general and the CT213 in particular?
Thanks!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on August 23, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Bob, you might call Bret Edge as he is using an Induro CT213. He has a post on his blog.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on August 23, 2013 at 5:00 PM
The Induro line certainly hits a sweet spot in cost/size vs. weight/stability/quality. The sale makes it even better.
I needed a lighter travel tripod to complement my Gitzo, so I got the Induro CT114. I'm very happy with the purchase.
Fits perfectly in an standard carryon bag.
Only one slight concern with the build. The leg angle adjustment locks on the CT114 are not metal. They appear solid, but I don't know how the material stands up over time and stress? Might even get brittle in low temps ? Bret Edge noted that the locks are metal on his CT213, so this is only a "feature" on the smaller models.
Check out Bret's blog. He did a recent overview on all the Induro models.
Bob - I've been using the CT213 for about 9 months and I'm very happy with it. I used a Gitzo for years and I'm finding the Induro to be every bit as good at a much more reasonable price. Their customer service is excellent, too. The same can not be said for Gitzo. I've only got a few weeks with the CT114 but thus far it has been a great option for a smaller, lighter weight tripod. Let me know if you have specific questions about any of the models.
Posted by Bob Falcone on August 23, 2013 at 5:47 PM
Thanks Doug, Bill and Bret! Just read the blog post and it's pretty much convinced me to order one!
Posted by John Kyler on August 23, 2013 at 11:30 PM
Your killing me. after this post and the review by Bret... What choice do I have but to go get one. CT213 should be mine tomorrow.
Posted by Tom Stermitz on August 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Faced with a similar price decision I bought the C213 a couple years ago. You give up a little in terms of weight, but the cost benefit is obvious. Mine has performed fine, but my usage has been pretty light.
One thing I appreciate is all the little additional details that are included, like a case, and different set of feet.
The 213 is a bit heavy for hiking, but solid enough for bigger cameras and lenses. Frankly, my gear has changed toward light systems, which I mostly use hand-held. For my DSLR and telephoto the 200 series is pretty good; for a travel with a smaller camera I'd go for the 100 series.
I also would spend more on a good ball head. I have a lovely, small Gitzo 1302, which works fine for my smaller cameras, but is under-powered for a DSLR with telephoto. I think you are better off with a higher-end ball-head so you have zero creep. Remember on a traveller-type tripod that folds back on itself, you have to make sure the ball head base doesn't hit the folded legs.
Posted by Bob Falcone on August 24, 2013 at 12:35 AM
Good info, Tom. I ordered a 213 today, and will couple it with the Kirk BH-3 head I'm using now. I don't do a lot of backpacking (mostly long day hikes) so the weight isn't a huge issue for me.
Posted by Bob Falcone on August 27, 2013 at 8:02 PM
My CT213 arrived today, and first impressions are quite good. I'll get plenty of use out of it this weekend at the Balloon Classic (if this good weather holds out).
Posted by John Kyler on August 30, 2013 at 11:38 PM
Thanks for the post. And thanks for Bret's review. I picked up the CT214 today. Next is field testing. But appears very well built. And much lighter than my others.
Discussion
9 repliesAnyone have any experience with Induro in general and the CT213 in particular?
Thanks!
I needed a lighter travel tripod to complement my Gitzo, so I got the Induro CT114. I'm very happy with the purchase.
Fits perfectly in an standard carryon bag.
Only one slight concern with the build. The leg angle adjustment locks on the CT114 are not metal. They appear solid, but I don't know how the material stands up over time and stress? Might even get brittle in low temps ? Bret Edge noted that the locks are metal on his CT213, so this is only a "feature" on the smaller models.
Check out Bret's blog. He did a recent overview on all the Induro models.
Overview of Induro Tripods
One thing I appreciate is all the little additional details that are included, like a case, and different set of feet.
The 213 is a bit heavy for hiking, but solid enough for bigger cameras and lenses. Frankly, my gear has changed toward light systems, which I mostly use hand-held. For my DSLR and telephoto the 200 series is pretty good; for a travel with a smaller camera I'd go for the 100 series.
I also would spend more on a good ball head. I have a lovely, small Gitzo 1302, which works fine for my smaller cameras, but is under-powered for a DSLR with telephoto. I think you are better off with a higher-end ball-head so you have zero creep. Remember on a traveller-type tripod that folds back on itself, you have to make sure the ball head base doesn't hit the folded legs.