As evidenced by my previous post, I'm thinking about a new tripod. The old Gitzo 1325 has served me well. It's just the right height, but I've never liked the leg joints. The later model Gitzos have improved leg joints, so that's good. There is a current model Gitzo that is the equivalent to the old 1325 but I can't remember its model designation. It's pricey, though.
I'm wondering if there are other brands which as good as (or better than?) Gitzo? I need absolutely rock solid stabilty, ease of use (good leg locks) and durability. I'm looking for something comparable to the 1325 but with better leg joints. Less expensive than Gitzo would be a plus, too.
Buck, this subject comes up quite a bit and there are no doubt many units to choose from. After having the old steady Bogen 3321 unit for years I changed it out about 3 years back now for a Feisol 3301 with the long center column.
It was very shortly after Feisol had retooled for two very positive changes to their units. That being the Non-rotating legs and the later model steel sleeved leg twist locks.
I've used my unit weekly, I'm retired, alternating between a very heavy Mamiya RB67 camera and a Wista DXIII 4x5 camera. I've never had one issue using it to date and the deployment is very fast. I bought this unit on the recommendation from both Lon Overacker and Kerry Thalmann having met them both here at NPN years ago. Kerry is the main contact at Really Big Cameras and I'd recommend reviewing their site for your needs.
My 1325 fell apart a couple years ago. I opted for an Induro CT314 as the replacement. Cheaper than Gitzo and it came with a ten year warranty (which is why I ultimately chose it over Sirui). One minor downside is that it came with a center column, which my 1325 didn't have. This means extra weight. However, the column has come in handy, especially when shooting at steep angles in the jungle (Edit: you can purchase a separate shorter column, as David mentions below).
Overall I'm pleased with it. The leg locks seem solid and easier to manipulate than the Gitzo. I am noticing that one of the leg joints has loosened a bit and the end caps on the legs seem to come unscrewed occasionally, but I see these as minor issues since I have that warranty if anything really gets out of control.
I was in the exact same position three years ago with the Gitzo 1325 and settled on the Induro CT314 as a replacement. I have been very satisfied and would highly recommend it. I did buy the short center column replacement but even with that extra its cheaper than the comparable Gitzo.
Buck, I bought a Feisol 3441T plus a short column so I could get it down on the ground for macro work. I've only had it for a year, but I put some or all of the three leg sections under water regularly. It comes apart easily for cleaning and so far the leg locks work easily and effectively. My heaviest lens is the Canon 400mm f5.6, which it holds easily.
Nobody so far has mentioned the Really Right Stuff carbon fiber tripods. It's, at least, worth reading about them on their website. RRS produces some of the finest made products, which include their tripods. They are not cheap, but I believe they are less than a Gitzo, and, IMO, the finest quality you can buy.
In addition to tripods, RRS offers just about any tripod accessories and mounting items you could possibly think of - heads, brackets, mounts, pano stuff, flash stuff, etc, etc. It's a photographer's candy store! They also produce one of the neatest promotional magazines for their products. Get on their mailing list to receive one. They come out a couple of times per year.
RRS really knows what they're doing. Here's a link to their homepage. Go under "Shop" to find particular products. The TVC Series 3 carbon fiber tripods is a good place to start.
I add a vote for the Feisol CT-3342. It's very light, very steady & you can add features such as a center column if needed. I've had it for 3 years & still have not found one better. The legs do come apart easily for cleaning. I recommend that at the earliest sign of the legs sticking. I've had it deep in mountain streams, on the beach with sand & salt water, etc. & it just keeps on ticking. I've shot bears in Alaska with a Canon 5DII & 500mm lens & it did a super job. It has a max load of 22 lbs.
For years the only tripod I've used is the 1325 - no experience with any other. It has 3 leg sections (2 joints per leg) and no center column. From what I've read, the new leg joint designs are much improved. but with the old style on the 1325, the fewer joints the better. I am prejudiced for a 3-section tripod rather than a 4-section, and no center column. My research includes tripods with 4 sections (3 joints per leg) and with center columns. So, I have two questions:
With the modern joint design, is there much difference operationally between tripods with three leg sections vs four leg sections?
Is a tripod with a center column as good as, or better than, one without?
I'm leaning towards the Gitzo GT2532, the Feisol CT-3472 or 3372, and the Induro CT304. I looked at the RRS tripods, Michael. They are similarly priced with the Gitzos, which are only in the running against the Feisols and Induros because of the rebates. The Feisol CT-3372 seems the closest to the old 1325. Feisol claims that these tripods can be used in saltwater environments, which is a major plus in their favor. The Gitzo Ocean series with that feature cost hundreds of dollars more.
EDIT: Just in case anybody cares, on my little table the leg diameters for the 1325 are wrong. I thought they seemed small - I misread the caliper. They are 32,28,24 - about the same as the GT3532.
The main downside to a center column is the added weight. The main advantage is extending to a higher plane... useful in the rare case you find yourself shooting at extreme angles, either at subjects high above you (common in the tropics), or if the tripod is standing further down on a hillside and you want the camera at eye level. There are other factors to consider too. If you shoot low to the ground (macros), it's obviously more difficult to get low with a large center column jutting out.
I would advise that you take warranty length into account. Tripods can be very expensive to fix if something happens beyond the warranty period. It cost me $200 to replace a single leg on my Gitzo.
I'm very much leaning towards one of the Feisols, which don't have a center column, but apparently one can be added if so desired.
The only advantage I can see of having four leg sections is a shorter collapsed length. The downside is having three extra joints, one on each leg. I think I've just about talked myself into the Feisol CT-3372.
Just to throw another option in the mix, take a look at the Manfrotto 055CXPro3. It's a three-section CF with lever locks, rather than twist locks. It holds my 4x5 and Nikon D-7100 rock solid.
•Supports 17.64 lb
•Max. Height: 68.9"
•Min. Height: 4.53"
•Folded Length: 25.6"
•3 Leg Sections
•Q90 Transverse Column System (you can install the center post horizontally)
•Independent Leg Angle Selector
•Weight: 3.64 lb
•B&H Current price is $375
I've been using this 'pod for a couple of years with no issues at all. If you're using big lenses, it may be a little light for that, though. It's worth checking out.
The email of your reply came at the same time as B&H's confirmation of my order of the Feisol CT3372. Of the Tripods I looked at, it most closely matched the old Gitzo I'm accustomed to, and which suited me. I do use a long lens, though a lot less lately than I used to.
I didn't want to get a tripod with less capacity than my old one, which is 12kg, 26.4 lbs. I must say though, that the price of your Manfroto is certainly appealing.
Buck, I'm sure you will be very happy with the Feisol unit. I've used my 3301 with long center coulmn for around 3 years now on a weekly basis without one issue. Although I've used it in water, most of my work is dry desert terrain. I do find the three joint deployment with twist locks and non-rotating legs very quick and easy.
Enjoy the new pod.
Hi
may I borrow the thread and also ask for advice from the experienced LF shooters. I have been using a Velbon CF 545 so far. That one appears to be similar to the Manfrotto 190.
Weight 1.3kg
max load 4kg
Height without extending the centre column is 120cm.
I am 190cm...
This was my first tripod I used with the 5D and medium sized lenses. Then, switching to LF, I kept it. Without extening the center column, it was fairly stable, but with the column extended, things got unsatisfactorily, particularly in windy conditions. I have gotten some unsharp results, and I assume this is partly due to the tripod. I either should have waited longer for vibrations to fade out (after setting the timer, shutter, pulling out the dark slide), or they perhaps never faded in slight winds, particularly with the centre column up, which happens in about 30-50% of the cases.
I bet it is time for a new one, and I have been considering the Manfrottos 190 and 055, both in their carbon fibre versions with two extendable leg segments. The only reason why I consider a 190 again is because it is as light as my Velbon 545, but my feeling is that it is a bit sturdier, as the max load is 5kg, according to specs, and it uses two segments, while the Velbon CF 545 has three extenable segments. The 190 might offer just that little bit of extra stability the Velbon lacks, for the same weight to carry up into the mountains.
Simple question after a long winded intro: For a landscape LF shooter, is the Manfrotto 190 a good choice or would you say it is just underengineered for LF. Should I go for the 055, which appears certainly stable enough and the CF version with 1.6kg is still not too heavy.
Is this a "no brainer" anyway?
Thanks for your advices!
- Dietrich
Edit: I just checked the Feisol CT-3301 and that, actually, looks quite perfect, regarding size, weight and max. load bearing.
I think either the Manfroto 055 (CF) or the Feisol 3301 would be the way to go. I have the 055 (CF) and it works just fine for my Chamonix.
I rarely extend the center column, and if I do, usually only a couple of inches. I think it's good practice to allow vibrations from pulling the darkslide and setting the shutter to damp out after checking that all the locks are snug. A flexible cable release will really help prevent transmitting the vibration due to actuating the release.
Wind is a different story. Even a slight breeze can make the bellows vibrate, so it's a good idea to use your body as a wind break. When it's windy, I either don't expose the film, or I wait for it to stop and then give extra time for any camera/tripod vibrations to damp out.
Hi Preston, thanks for your reply and for sharing your experience. It helps to not consider the Manfrotto 190 anymore.
I think getting a tripod that is higher than my current Velbon (or the Manfrotto190), and then using it mostly without the center column extended is a good choice to improve stability over my current set up. I will do some more research, but I got a good direction now.
Didi, just thought I'd mention both Lon and I wound up buying the Feisol 3301 units that Preston mentions in his comment. We both use the long center column too as we're both fairly tall. And of course like Preston we're both LF users too. I also use a very heavy Mamiya RB67 on my unit and find it works just fine for my needs for either application.
Quite frankly I was really afraid to move away from lever lock legs on my Manfratto 3321 to twist lock legs on the Feisol, but once I did I'd never go back. I really like the Feisol quick deployment in the field.
The are all of simlar weight, have similar load bearing and have similar (and sufficient) height (with column down). They say good things about all three.
Gitzo is of course the most expensive, but I am considering the discontinued model, which is still in stock and costs about 200$ less. The psychology aspect of owning a "mercedes" of tripods is quite attractive I must admit, and I am afraid I can't get over it...
Thanks so far, your advice really helped to clarify the specs I should look for.
Used the new Feisol CT-3372 for the first time this morning. It wasn't a rigorous workout, just enough to get a feel for it. It seems as stable as my old Gitzo 1325 and it is noticeably lighter. The leg joints are much better than the 1325 and the leg angle mechanisms are an improved design as well. Not having used the newer Gitzos, I can't make a comparison but the Feisol is definitely better than the 1325. The Feisol doesn't have a bubble level. This is an annoying deficiency.
Only time will tell how durable the Feisol is and if it really is suitable for saltwater use as claimed. The Gitzo 1325 is high maintenance (and ultimately it failed) and definitely not well suited for use in saltwater.
If you're still using a tripod with the old style twist locks, and if your having trouble with the locks slipping, I posted a fix in my blog a while ago which let put off the replacement for about three years or so: The Gitzo Scotch Tape Fix
Discussion
20 repliesI'm wondering if there are other brands which as good as (or better than?) Gitzo? I need absolutely rock solid stabilty, ease of use (good leg locks) and durability. I'm looking for something comparable to the 1325 but with better leg joints. Less expensive than Gitzo would be a plus, too.
It was very shortly after Feisol had retooled for two very positive changes to their units. That being the Non-rotating legs and the later model steel sleeved leg twist locks.
I've used my unit weekly, I'm retired, alternating between a very heavy Mamiya RB67 camera and a Wista DXIII 4x5 camera. I've never had one issue using it to date and the deployment is very fast. I bought this unit on the recommendation from both Lon Overacker and Kerry Thalmann having met them both here at NPN years ago. Kerry is the main contact at Really Big Cameras and I'd recommend reviewing their site for your needs.
http://reallybigcameras.com/
Overall I'm pleased with it. The leg locks seem solid and easier to manipulate than the Gitzo. I am noticing that one of the leg joints has loosened a bit and the end caps on the legs seem to come unscrewed occasionally, but I see these as minor issues since I have that warranty if anything really gets out of control.
Max
I would take a look at the Induro line of Carbon Fiber Tripods. Very solid units at a price that is tolerable (not cheap), but a much better value.
The CT3xx series are about the same load bearing as your Gitzo 1325.
http://www.indurogear.com/products/tripods
In addition to tripods, RRS offers just about any tripod accessories and mounting items you could possibly think of - heads, brackets, mounts, pano stuff, flash stuff, etc, etc. It's a photographer's candy store! They also produce one of the neatest promotional magazines for their products. Get on their mailing list to receive one. They come out a couple of times per year.
RRS really knows what they're doing. Here's a link to their homepage. Go under "Shop" to find particular products. The TVC Series 3 carbon fiber tripods is a good place to start.
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com
For years the only tripod I've used is the 1325 - no experience with any other. It has 3 leg sections (2 joints per leg) and no center column. From what I've read, the new leg joint designs are much improved. but with the old style on the 1325, the fewer joints the better. I am prejudiced for a 3-section tripod rather than a 4-section, and no center column. My research includes tripods with 4 sections (3 joints per leg) and with center columns. So, I have two questions:
With the modern joint design, is there much difference operationally between tripods with three leg sections vs four leg sections?
Is a tripod with a center column as good as, or better than, one without?
I'm leaning towards the Gitzo GT2532, the Feisol CT-3472 or 3372, and the Induro CT304. I looked at the RRS tripods, Michael. They are similarly priced with the Gitzos, which are only in the running against the Feisols and Induros because of the rebates. The Feisol CT-3372 seems the closest to the old 1325. Feisol claims that these tripods can be used in saltwater environments, which is a major plus in their favor. The Gitzo Ocean series with that feature cost hundreds of dollars more.
EDIT: Just in case anybody cares, on my little table the leg diameters for the 1325 are wrong. I thought they seemed small - I misread the caliper. They are 32,28,24 - about the same as the GT3532.
I would advise that you take warranty length into account. Tripods can be very expensive to fix if something happens beyond the warranty period. It cost me $200 to replace a single leg on my Gitzo.
Max
That's kind of how I figured it. Pros and cons.
I'm very much leaning towards one of the Feisols, which don't have a center column, but apparently one can be added if so desired.
The only advantage I can see of having four leg sections is a shorter collapsed length. The downside is having three extra joints, one on each leg. I think I've just about talked myself into the Feisol CT-3372.
Just to throw another option in the mix, take a look at the Manfrotto 055CXPro3. It's a three-section CF with lever locks, rather than twist locks. It holds my 4x5 and Nikon D-7100 rock solid.
•Supports 17.64 lb
•Max. Height: 68.9"
•Min. Height: 4.53"
•Folded Length: 25.6"
•3 Leg Sections
•Q90 Transverse Column System (you can install the center post horizontally)
•Independent Leg Angle Selector
•Weight: 3.64 lb
•B&H Current price is $375
I've been using this 'pod for a couple of years with no issues at all. If you're using big lenses, it may be a little light for that, though. It's worth checking out.
--P
The email of your reply came at the same time as B&H's confirmation of my order of the Feisol CT3372. Of the Tripods I looked at, it most closely matched the old Gitzo I'm accustomed to, and which suited me. I do use a long lens, though a lot less lately than I used to.
I didn't want to get a tripod with less capacity than my old one, which is 12kg, 26.4 lbs. I must say though, that the price of your Manfroto is certainly appealing.
--P
Enjoy the new pod.
may I borrow the thread and also ask for advice from the experienced LF shooters. I have been using a Velbon CF 545 so far. That one appears to be similar to the Manfrotto 190.
Weight 1.3kg
max load 4kg
Height without extending the centre column is 120cm.
I am 190cm...
This was my first tripod I used with the 5D and medium sized lenses. Then, switching to LF, I kept it. Without extening the center column, it was fairly stable, but with the column extended, things got unsatisfactorily, particularly in windy conditions. I have gotten some unsharp results, and I assume this is partly due to the tripod. I either should have waited longer for vibrations to fade out (after setting the timer, shutter, pulling out the dark slide), or they perhaps never faded in slight winds, particularly with the centre column up, which happens in about 30-50% of the cases.
I bet it is time for a new one, and I have been considering the Manfrottos 190 and 055, both in their carbon fibre versions with two extendable leg segments. The only reason why I consider a 190 again is because it is as light as my Velbon 545, but my feeling is that it is a bit sturdier, as the max load is 5kg, according to specs, and it uses two segments, while the Velbon CF 545 has three extenable segments. The 190 might offer just that little bit of extra stability the Velbon lacks, for the same weight to carry up into the mountains.
Simple question after a long winded intro: For a landscape LF shooter, is the Manfrotto 190 a good choice or would you say it is just underengineered for LF. Should I go for the 055, which appears certainly stable enough and the CF version with 1.6kg is still not too heavy.
Is this a "no brainer" anyway?
Thanks for your advices!
- Dietrich
Edit: I just checked the Feisol CT-3301 and that, actually, looks quite perfect, regarding size, weight and max. load bearing.
I think either the Manfroto 055 (CF) or the Feisol 3301 would be the way to go. I have the 055 (CF) and it works just fine for my Chamonix.
I rarely extend the center column, and if I do, usually only a couple of inches. I think it's good practice to allow vibrations from pulling the darkslide and setting the shutter to damp out after checking that all the locks are snug. A flexible cable release will really help prevent transmitting the vibration due to actuating the release.
Wind is a different story. Even a slight breeze can make the bellows vibrate, so it's a good idea to use your body as a wind break. When it's windy, I either don't expose the film, or I wait for it to stop and then give extra time for any camera/tripod vibrations to damp out.
--P
I think getting a tripod that is higher than my current Velbon (or the Manfrotto190), and then using it mostly without the center column extended is a good choice to improve stability over my current set up. I will do some more research, but I got a good direction now.
Thanks so far!
Dietrich
Quite frankly I was really afraid to move away from lever lock legs on my Manfratto 3321 to twist lock legs on the Feisol, but once I did I'd never go back. I really like the Feisol quick deployment in the field.
I did some further research and contemplation and I narrowed it down to three, quite similar, Tripods
Feisol CT-3301
Inturo CT213
Gitzo GT2531 Mountaineer
The are all of simlar weight, have similar load bearing and have similar (and sufficient) height (with column down). They say good things about all three.
Gitzo is of course the most expensive, but I am considering the discontinued model, which is still in stock and costs about 200$ less. The psychology aspect of owning a "mercedes" of tripods is quite attractive I must admit, and I am afraid I can't get over it...
Thanks so far, your advice really helped to clarify the specs I should look for.
Dietrich
Only time will tell how durable the Feisol is and if it really is suitable for saltwater use as claimed. The Gitzo 1325 is high maintenance (and ultimately it failed) and definitely not well suited for use in saltwater.
If you're still using a tripod with the old style twist locks, and if your having trouble with the locks slipping, I posted a fix in my blog a while ago which let put off the replacement for about three years or so: The Gitzo Scotch Tape Fix