Help with tripods

joeinmiami

Hello everyone!

I am more or less an advanced amateur, I would like to get me a carbon fiber tripod with ball head that will hold my Bigma, Nikon 80 and a 1.5 telex-tender. The total weigh is about 9 pounds.

Since I do not use a tripod that often, Can I get away with a carbon fiber from Sunpak or Flashpoint?

I find hard to spend a large amount of $$$ for a Giztmo or Manfrotto for an item that expend most of the time in a closed, I know they are good but.....

Thanks in advance for any answers

Joe :dunno

Art Scott

Look at the specs.....make sure it extends to almost the height you want to shoot at without any extension of the center column and make sure it is rated for at least 5lbs more than your current equipment........I will recommend Giottos...........I shoot with a Manfrotto 322RC2 it is a handle type ball head and love it...it took a bit to learn how to use it properly but now I love it........Giottos because I like versatility of being able to position my center column in varying angles and still have great stability with a sandbag hooked to the other end of the center column when shooting macros and things of that nature.

eoren1

Here's a recent review I did including my thought process of buying the components:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=174051

GadgetRick

Although I'm a HUGE fan of carbon fiber (CF) I don't own a tripod made with it (although I do have a monopod). Why? Stability. The heavier the tripod is, the more stable it can be. I've got a Manfroto and it's not light (although not overly heavy) and it's like a rock, doesn't budge. This is what you want in a tripod.

Of course, there are LOTS of people around here who use CF tripods with no problems so can't say whether I'm right or wrong.

BradfordBenn

The one thing I have been considering is if I am going to walk with the tripod. In that scenario weight might be the more important factor. Since I do a lot of my photography while walking I have been using light tripods or even a Gorillapod. So think about where you are going to use it as that could be just as important as anything else.

eoren1

As far as stability goes, I saw some decent studies comparing CF legs to aluminum that showed the CF extinguished shake faster.
Also, there's always that hook on the center column to hang something like your camera bag from and add more than enough weight to offset any wind.

lightyear

Tripods
There are lots of opinions, but very few really well done research articles on tripods. As we all know, there ae many excellent performance analyses of lenses, strobes, cameras, etc. the few really solidly researched articles I have read have indicated:
Heavier tripods are basically more stable than lighter tripods, but people are discouraged by carrying heavy tripods more than short distances.
Carbon fiber tripods transmit vibration less, and stop vibrating sooner than metal tripods. They are about 1/3 lighter than equivalent size aluminum tripods. Carbon fiber leg constructions have continued to improve as to stiffness,durability.
Wooden tripods (e.g., Berlebach) are more stable, vibrate least of all, and are heavier than aluminum or carbon fiber.
The leg lock system (twist versus flip locks)are different. I prefer flip locks because they are faster, do not jam up with grit, are easier to clean, but fewer tripods have them.
Some tripod spiders( the top where the legs insert and where ball head is mounted)are better designed then others ( varying leg angles, magnesium vs. aluminum, etc.) and are part of the decision tree.
I do not know why none of the major publications (Outdoor photography, Popular Photography)donot have an article with real measured data on all of the above, but suspect that those makers whose product is less well made than others would not advertise.
Stan

FlyNavy

I have used the new Sunpak Pro 523PX for the past 3 months and am very impressed. Mine came with both the pistol grip and the standard pan head. I have no complaints.

red_zone

I just picked up a slik Pro II, small and (relatively) lightweitght. Online prices start at $85 which is pretty reasonable. I'll check back in after taking it backpacking this weekend.

TopCat

Take a close look at Induro...

DsrtVW

I second the look at the Induro Brand I had one until I left it behind my van and drove off without it. I replaced it with a Manfrotto only because I like the flip leg locks better faster deployment and break down. I went with aluminum due to price and weight is not a factor for me. I want stability.

RightLight

Feisol Tripod

eoren1 wrote: »

Here's a recent review I did including my thought process of buying the components:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=174051

Now that you have had more time to work with your Feisol tripod and ballhead would you purchase the same equipment again? I have an CF Induro C313 tripod with an induro panhead 3D-L-34 that I purchased in 2008. The panhead had to be repaired within a year it would not lock tight and the camera slipped vertically. I had this repaired. Now the panhead attachment to the tripod is totally wobbly. I'm not sure if I should send it back for repairs (probably not under warranty) or get a new set up. I really like the tripod. I have a 4x5 camera too so I want the most sturdy equipment for the least amount of weight (and $)!

eoren1

Rightlight -
I've had some issues and updated the thread.
E

WillCAD

FlyNavy wrote: »

I have used the new Sunpak Pro 523PX for the past 3 months and am very impressed. Mine came with both the pistol grip and the standard pan head. I have no complaints.

I have the same tripod and I love it, but it's only rated for 6.1lbs. The OP stated he needs one rated for at least 9lbs, so it won't work for him.

I do wonder, however if that rating if for the tripod, or just for the pistol-grip ball head. If it's for the head, then he could get the tripod without the ball head and add a more robust Manfroto or other brand ball head.

JimKarczewski

For me, height was EVERYTHING. I ended up spending $1100 on a CF Tripod & Self Leveling head because I was sick of always having to bend over to look through my viewfinder. Yes, I'm freakishly tall (6'9") and very, VERY few tripods are made for people over 6'0" it seems. It's the ONLY reason I didn't end up going with a Feisol, Flashpoint, or any of the lower end (but seemingly well performing) tripods. I rarely use my tripod, but when I do, I want something I'm extremely comfortable with... And now that I have it, compared to my old 12+ lb Calumet, it's made hiking with it a pleasure, not a pain!