Question by PM

AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
edited June 26, 2008 in Accessories
Andy wrote:
I and your volunteer helpers get a zillion private messages asking for help.

We won't answer them in private message. I've asked everyone to post new threads with the PMs, and answer the questions in the open forum.

WHY?

A question by ONE (you) can be answered by MANY (me, and all of the fine helpers on Dgrin). The answer by ONE can benefit MANY (you and the others that are new, or haven't yet asked the question, or maybe they find the thread by searching.

You do yourself a disservice, too - I'm not the only one that can answer - and I have been known to be incorrect ...once or twice

So, please - no private message :)

Thank you for 100% cooperation and understanding.
PM wrote:
Hey Andy,

I know you have the GT-2530, but have you any opinions on Gitzo's aluminum tripods? I am comparing the GT-2330 to a Feisol CT-3342 carbon fiber pod, about the same price and at the max cost of what I can ask for as a birthday gift.

Thanks,
Sorry, haven't used the Aluminum Gitzos.
Andy

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Comments

  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,939 moderator
    edited June 23, 2008
    I have ALU and CF 'pods.

    Keep in mind that weight is important when choosing a tripod. In the case of
    the ALU, it is much heavier and because of that, somewhat more stable.

    The Gitzos have a hook on the center column that allows you to hang something like a camera bag from them to increase the weight. The down side is of course, the weight. You have to carry that from time to time :D

    If you have to chose, either would be a fine choice.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • davidweaverdavidweaver Registered Users Posts: 681 Major grins
    edited June 26, 2008
    ian408 wrote:
    I have ALU and CF 'pods.

    Keep in mind that weight is important when choosing a tripod. In the case of
    the ALU, it is much heavier and because of that, somewhat more stable.

    The Gitzos have a hook on the center column that allows you to hang something like a camera bag from them to increase the weight. The down side is of course, the weight. You have to carry that from time to time :D

    If you have to chose, either would be a fine choice.

    I wont go back to aluminum for a few reasons and there are some good reasons for going with aluminum.

    I like: It's lighter. It's strong. It's light and I already heave too much gear around. Sure I could use something smaller than a RRS BH-55 but I like my CF gitzos.

    It is not so friggin' cold at 9000 feet in Bryce Canyon at 530am. The metal ones are COLD when it's cold out. I think I gave myself some frostbite once just setting up an aluminum tripod in 20 degree weather.

    CF is more expensive. But I'll take the features I like over the aluminum model, especially in the field.

    Pros for metal:
    More robust. Less damage from abrasion than CF. Heavier - pluses for a heavier tripod. I don't have to baby it when I clean it. I wouldn't take a power washer to a CF model. The aluminum ones would do a bit better half submerged in the Virgin River too. i've also read that really extreme conditions like the arctic cause issues for CF tripods. No experience here...yet.
    Cheaper too. Nicer on the budget. I'd get them for studio work in a second.

    Hope that helps!
    David
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