Fesiol 3402N CF + Feisol CB-50H ball head review
arjunrc
Registered Users Posts: 159 Major grins
Thought this review may be useful to the readers here:
Feisol Carbon Fiber 3402n Tripod Review
================================================
I recently purchased a feisol 3402N 4 section CF tripod. There are very
few detailed feisol reviews though the general reaction from people have
mostly been very positive. I found a review of the 3401 feisol, the larger
sibling to the 3402n. I however, wanted a tripod that could fold smaller
and was stable and bought the feisol 3402n. I also bought the Feisol CB-50H
ball head with pan control.
Purchase Details
================
I bought it directly from the website - shipped from taiwan. Very fast
service - I had my stuff in a week, via USPS. However, when I read that
they scan the tracking label and email it to you - I received no such thing.
Infact, when I emailed them inbetween asking for status, I did not hear back.
So, my experience differs from what I read. Do note however, that the shipment
was received in perfect condition and fast.
Cost:
3402N - $165
CB-50H ballhead - $179
QP144750 QR plate - $29
Center column - $44
Shipping - $37
TOTAL $454
They have a US distributor at http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/ if you
want to speak with people before buying. Buying the same package
from them will cost you $474 (their item cost is more, but
the tripod includes the center column and shipping is free).
PART I - 3402N TRIPOD REVIEW
=============================
The carrying bag:
The feisol case is large enough to fit the folded tripod with ball head
mounted as well as my Bogen 676B monopod. It carries well on my body.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653026
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653027
The tripod:
Max load 7kg (15.4lbs)
The tripod build is very solid and very comfy to grip. Its extremely light,
yet stable. The all black brushed CF look makes you feel like you are a pro;-)
The folded tripod packs into a compact 1.5 feet or so, very easy
to pack into carry on luggage (one of my needs). Here is my well tested
and scientific lagavulin length check of the tripod:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653028
The build of the tripod feels very solid despite its light weight
(yay for CF). Here is a look from the top. A regular 3/8" thread mount.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653029
Here is the tripod fully extended. It's very fast to setup once you
get to know the trick of the half-twist and bottom-up approach (more
on this later). The fully extended tripod + ball head + center column
raised stands at about 5'5" (or so). If you are taller than this and don't
like bending to take photos, get the 3301n and not the 3402n
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653030
Here is a look at the tripod at its lowest with the CB-50H ball head
mounted. The center column has a nice sturdy metal hoop to add extra weight.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653034
Now here is the trick for a super fast setup. It takes a few minutes
to master how to set up this tripod. I initially spent many minutes twisting
and locking in vain till I figured out the right way.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653032
When you are opening or folding the tripod, start from the _lowest_ twist lock and work your way up. All you need to do is half-twist the lock anti-clockwise and leave it.
Do the same for the middle lock and then the upper. Then just let the leg
'fall out' - the CF makes a wonderful swooshing noise as it rolls down.
Once the leg is fully out, to lock it it place, work from top to bottom on
the locks. So thumb rule - when releasing (open or fold), work from bottom
to top. When locking (in folded or open position) work from top to bottom.
Once you get this, it is really very fast to set this up (enjoy the cool
CF swoosh sound)
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653033
Here is a closer look at the leg attachments. As you see, it is built rather
solid and the metal clips holding the legs allow for independant leg movement
and lock. In addition, note the metal screws on the side. They control
the ease with which you want the legs to move. Feisol provides tools to loosen the friction if you think the initial leg movement is too tight for you. It was perfect for me.
Here is a look at the tripod at its lowest position with my 70-2004L and 20D
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653034
And here is a fully expanded tripod with the same. The tripod is remarkably
stable at full height and its center column fully extended.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653035
The center column is reverse mountable. You can unscrew the hook and put
your tripod head below for a more daring pose such as:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653036
The center column also has a twist lock for further expansion down (I guess
for increased stability ?)
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653037
A closer look at the metal hook for added weight:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653038
Conclusion:
============
For all those who want the stability, light weight and cool look of a CF
tripod, seriously consider the Feisol. At $165 for the legs, its 1/4th the
price of many others. I haven't used other more expensive CFs but this one
looks like a great peice of well made equipment
PART II - CB-50H BALL HEAD REVIEW
=================================
Max load: 19kg (41 lbs)
The feisol CB-50H ball head, at $179 is more expensive than the 3402n tripod
legs (at $165) :-) Even so, I needed a good ball head that would also have
a panning feature, since I take a lot of panoramas. This head seemed perfect.
Here is a look:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653039
The knobs need to be 'set up'. The smaller friction knob needs to be set
only once - it defines how smoothly your ballhead will move when loose.
When you only need the ball-head, use the largest knob. When you need horizontal axis rotation but nothing else, use the middle knob. This takes some getting used to, to set up the relationships between the knobs. Once you get how each knob behaves, you are in business.
As you see, the ball head also has that nice brushed CF look and looks very
professional.
Here is a look at the mount point for the ballhead.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653040
You need to unscrew the knob to slide in the camera with the QR plate. Feisol
provides a safety button which according to feisol, you should press to mount
the camera. However, in my experience, that safety button is useless, you can
mount the camera without pressing the side button, as the weight of the camera anyway pushes the top button down making the side button redundant. If you have a lighter camera (I have the 20D) it may be useful.
Be careful with this knob. If you unscrew it too much it will pop off completely !
The first time it happened I got psyched - easy to screw back in, but unnerving.
Another look at the ball head with the mount point slid down.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653041
I bought the QP-17750 QR plate along with the ball head. It is worth mentioning that based on specs, the QR plate the CB-50H plate mount is not standard.
So you may not be able to use standard QR plates with this ball head.
See http://www.feisol.com/english/cb50h.htm for specs.
Here is the QR plate on my 20D
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653042
Conclusion:
============
The ball head looks very cool and is easy to use. It may take you
some time to figure out how each of the 3 knobs behave relative to each
other though. However, this is a one time learning :-)
The pan lock is very useful for those who want to shoot panoramas along
with ball head convenience.
I did not like the fact however, that the mount plate knob can unscrew
completely. Feisol should have put in some bolt at the other end that made
sure the knob did not come off if you unscrewed it totally.
Also, if you are concerned about the non-standard plate mount/size, make
sure you verify the specs and if it's for you.
PART III - The bogen monopod (676B) addition to my tripod
==========================================================
Setting up a tripod in all situations is not what I want to do.
I often need to step down to 1/40 with my 70-200 4L and my hands
are just not stable enough to carry the weight of that lens. Infact,
I get unpredictable results if I step down to anything below 1/250.
So I bought the bogen 676B monopod - a superb lightweight monopod
that is easy to carry and expands really fast.
The thread mount for the bogen was 1/4", so I bought the Bogen 3367
1/4" - 3/8" converter plate - looks like this:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653043
Here is the tripod and the monopod together
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653044
And here is the same duo, with the ball head on the monopod
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653045
Conclusion
============
Is the monopod worth it ? A picture is better than a thousand words.
Here is a look at a shot, handheld at 1/20 with my 70-200 4L
and with a monopod to show you the benefit of a monopod.
Its an animated GIF, so please wait for the anim to lead
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54494496
Feisol Carbon Fiber 3402n Tripod Review
================================================
I recently purchased a feisol 3402N 4 section CF tripod. There are very
few detailed feisol reviews though the general reaction from people have
mostly been very positive. I found a review of the 3401 feisol, the larger
sibling to the 3402n. I however, wanted a tripod that could fold smaller
and was stable and bought the feisol 3402n. I also bought the Feisol CB-50H
ball head with pan control.
Purchase Details
================
I bought it directly from the website - shipped from taiwan. Very fast
service - I had my stuff in a week, via USPS. However, when I read that
they scan the tracking label and email it to you - I received no such thing.
Infact, when I emailed them inbetween asking for status, I did not hear back.
So, my experience differs from what I read. Do note however, that the shipment
was received in perfect condition and fast.
Cost:
3402N - $165
CB-50H ballhead - $179
QP144750 QR plate - $29
Center column - $44
Shipping - $37
TOTAL $454
They have a US distributor at http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/ if you
want to speak with people before buying. Buying the same package
from them will cost you $474 (their item cost is more, but
the tripod includes the center column and shipping is free).
PART I - 3402N TRIPOD REVIEW
=============================
The carrying bag:
The feisol case is large enough to fit the folded tripod with ball head
mounted as well as my Bogen 676B monopod. It carries well on my body.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653026
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653027
The tripod:
Max load 7kg (15.4lbs)
The tripod build is very solid and very comfy to grip. Its extremely light,
yet stable. The all black brushed CF look makes you feel like you are a pro;-)
The folded tripod packs into a compact 1.5 feet or so, very easy
to pack into carry on luggage (one of my needs). Here is my well tested
and scientific lagavulin length check of the tripod:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653028
The build of the tripod feels very solid despite its light weight
(yay for CF). Here is a look from the top. A regular 3/8" thread mount.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653029
Here is the tripod fully extended. It's very fast to setup once you
get to know the trick of the half-twist and bottom-up approach (more
on this later). The fully extended tripod + ball head + center column
raised stands at about 5'5" (or so). If you are taller than this and don't
like bending to take photos, get the 3301n and not the 3402n
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653030
Here is a look at the tripod at its lowest with the CB-50H ball head
mounted. The center column has a nice sturdy metal hoop to add extra weight.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653034
Now here is the trick for a super fast setup. It takes a few minutes
to master how to set up this tripod. I initially spent many minutes twisting
and locking in vain till I figured out the right way.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653032
When you are opening or folding the tripod, start from the _lowest_ twist lock and work your way up. All you need to do is half-twist the lock anti-clockwise and leave it.
Do the same for the middle lock and then the upper. Then just let the leg
'fall out' - the CF makes a wonderful swooshing noise as it rolls down.
Once the leg is fully out, to lock it it place, work from top to bottom on
the locks. So thumb rule - when releasing (open or fold), work from bottom
to top. When locking (in folded or open position) work from top to bottom.
Once you get this, it is really very fast to set this up (enjoy the cool
CF swoosh sound)
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653033
Here is a closer look at the leg attachments. As you see, it is built rather
solid and the metal clips holding the legs allow for independant leg movement
and lock. In addition, note the metal screws on the side. They control
the ease with which you want the legs to move. Feisol provides tools to loosen the friction if you think the initial leg movement is too tight for you. It was perfect for me.
Here is a look at the tripod at its lowest position with my 70-2004L and 20D
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653034
And here is a fully expanded tripod with the same. The tripod is remarkably
stable at full height and its center column fully extended.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653035
The center column is reverse mountable. You can unscrew the hook and put
your tripod head below for a more daring pose such as:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653036
The center column also has a twist lock for further expansion down (I guess
for increased stability ?)
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653037
A closer look at the metal hook for added weight:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653038
Conclusion:
============
For all those who want the stability, light weight and cool look of a CF
tripod, seriously consider the Feisol. At $165 for the legs, its 1/4th the
price of many others. I haven't used other more expensive CFs but this one
looks like a great peice of well made equipment
PART II - CB-50H BALL HEAD REVIEW
=================================
Max load: 19kg (41 lbs)
The feisol CB-50H ball head, at $179 is more expensive than the 3402n tripod
legs (at $165) :-) Even so, I needed a good ball head that would also have
a panning feature, since I take a lot of panoramas. This head seemed perfect.
Here is a look:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653039
The knobs need to be 'set up'. The smaller friction knob needs to be set
only once - it defines how smoothly your ballhead will move when loose.
When you only need the ball-head, use the largest knob. When you need horizontal axis rotation but nothing else, use the middle knob. This takes some getting used to, to set up the relationships between the knobs. Once you get how each knob behaves, you are in business.
As you see, the ball head also has that nice brushed CF look and looks very
professional.
Here is a look at the mount point for the ballhead.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653040
You need to unscrew the knob to slide in the camera with the QR plate. Feisol
provides a safety button which according to feisol, you should press to mount
the camera. However, in my experience, that safety button is useless, you can
mount the camera without pressing the side button, as the weight of the camera anyway pushes the top button down making the side button redundant. If you have a lighter camera (I have the 20D) it may be useful.
Be careful with this knob. If you unscrew it too much it will pop off completely !
The first time it happened I got psyched - easy to screw back in, but unnerving.
Another look at the ball head with the mount point slid down.
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653041
I bought the QP-17750 QR plate along with the ball head. It is worth mentioning that based on specs, the QR plate the CB-50H plate mount is not standard.
So you may not be able to use standard QR plates with this ball head.
See http://www.feisol.com/english/cb50h.htm for specs.
Here is the QR plate on my 20D
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653042
Conclusion:
============
The ball head looks very cool and is easy to use. It may take you
some time to figure out how each of the 3 knobs behave relative to each
other though. However, this is a one time learning :-)
The pan lock is very useful for those who want to shoot panoramas along
with ball head convenience.
I did not like the fact however, that the mount plate knob can unscrew
completely. Feisol should have put in some bolt at the other end that made
sure the knob did not come off if you unscrewed it totally.
Also, if you are concerned about the non-standard plate mount/size, make
sure you verify the specs and if it's for you.
PART III - The bogen monopod (676B) addition to my tripod
==========================================================
Setting up a tripod in all situations is not what I want to do.
I often need to step down to 1/40 with my 70-200 4L and my hands
are just not stable enough to carry the weight of that lens. Infact,
I get unpredictable results if I step down to anything below 1/250.
So I bought the bogen 676B monopod - a superb lightweight monopod
that is easy to carry and expands really fast.
The thread mount for the bogen was 1/4", so I bought the Bogen 3367
1/4" - 3/8" converter plate - looks like this:
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653043
Here is the tripod and the monopod together
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653044
And here is the same duo, with the ball head on the monopod
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653045
Conclusion
============
Is the monopod worth it ? A picture is better than a thousand words.
Here is a look at a shot, handheld at 1/20 with my 70-200 4L
and with a monopod to show you the benefit of a monopod.
Its an animated GIF, so please wait for the anim to lead
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54494496
0
Comments
Very nice review! Is that the "new and improved" monopod too?
Thanks! No, this is not the Feisol monopod, if that is what you mean.
This is the Bogen 676B monopod ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=314122&is=REG&addedTroughType=search )
regds
arjun
I'd like to add this to our reviews library:
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/Reviews%20You%20Can%20Use
OK?
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
Done
Thansk Arjun!
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
1. I most likely have installed my center column the other way around. The twist lock extension should not be at the bottom but at the top. Feisol is to blame for this - they had screwed the hook onto the wrong side :-)
2. When I said the CB-50H clamp lock can 'pop off' if unscrewed too much, I was incorrect.
When you unscrew the clamp, it does not fall off easily. What happens is that one side of the clamp that moves in/out as you loosen/tighten the knob aligns itself to the rest of the clamp resting on two springs. The moving part of the clamp (attached to the knob) is not attached, but is simply resting on the springs. So, if you unscrew too much, the clamp attached to the knob goes too far out and goes out of alignment with the rest of the clamp. You then need to re-align it. It is still attached to the clamp, but out of alignment. It is possible, however, to completely unscrew the long knob screw.
regds
arjun
But I really must commend you on your excellent taste in scotch.
Link to my Smugmug site
Thanks for taking the time to write such a comprehensive review. When I was looking at tripods last year, I read Feisol reviews which claimed that the CF tripods were actually just a thin CF layer laminate instead of solid CF. Any evidence that this is true when looking at your model?
The ballhead looks sweet. Have you had a chance to do a side by side comparison with some of the more expensive (double in price) ballheads out there? I'd be interested in your observations.
http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
from what I have read, the optional center column may be CF laminate. When I tap the legs, it has a dull "thunk" sound similar to other CF legs of more expensive pods (as itshould be). When I tap the center column, its a sharper "tink" which seems to be consistent with the impression that the center column may actually not be pure CF.
Incidentally, now that I installed the center column on the right way, it has a very nice 'hydraulic' action on the centre post as you expand it to full length and down from the column twist lock - it makes a hissing noise as it gently retracts up and down so that the ball head and camera above moves smoothly up and down.
Unfortunately, I have zero experiences with other ball heads - this is my first :-)
- I hated the distiller's edition. I'd much rather have a laphroaig (ofcourse there is always Oban too).
regds
arjun
I went to Feisol's website. I love the "test shots" of the ball head showing it's strength . . . important stuff to be sure, but the shots are a little amusing too - not the most sophisticated of test equipment!
http://www.feisol.com/english/cb50t1.JPG
http://www.feisol.com/english/enconnect-n.htm
Some of the translations to english are amusing too:
Feisol is committed to using cutting edge
technology and innovative carbon fiber to develop
variety of tripods where the beautiful color was also
given for more energetic code to help meet the
expectations of the customer.
Huh??
But hey, if the stuff is decent and at a good price point, I'm already a fan!
I knew, of course, that trees and plants had roots, stems, bark, branches and foliage that reached up toward the light. But I was coming to realize that the real magician was light itself.
Edward Steichen
Yes, the Feisol site is rather amusing, though informative
They also supply tools along with the tripod like so:
and here is the tripod with the center column the right side up
(I still can't believe feisol suppled the centre column with the pod head on the reverse
Thank you very much!
Awesome Review
Thanks for taking the time to do this review...just don't get any better then this
Thanks
Fred
http://www.facebook.com/Riverbendphotos
Pardon the dumb question, but could you not also mount the QR plate to the bottom of your camera 90 degrees from the way you show in your photo?
http://www.pbase.com/arjunrc/image/54653042.jpg
Great review. That's another positive one for Feisol. I've seen a couple of good ones at FM on the new version 3301.
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/