Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: SBP on July 07, 2011, 07:27:53 pm
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Thinking about pulling the trigger on a Gitzo 3541 as it will cover any range I could need it for and I like the size and weight of it. I really dont want a tripod more than 4lb.
I'm not an equipment buff so im not quite sure what else is out there right now that is comparable.
Any help is appreciated.
Gene
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I was in the same situation some time ago and was reluctant to spend almost 1000 on a set of legs. Tried almost every option and....... ended up buying a Gitzo 3541LS :) on a rebate from BH. On my first trek with this tripod and after viewing the freshly developed 4x5s I forgot about how much I paid for it. Fantastic tripod. Just yesterday used it for a pretty large digital pano in strong wind, tack sharp.
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Benro makes wonderful CF tripods - here is one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270765410719&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
without center column...they make a series of 3-section tripods sans center column - so if this model is too big/small - keep looking - they have others.
Also, I found 4-section tripods a hassle to set up - recommend the 3-section ones instead.
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I was in the same situation some time ago and was reluctant to spend almost 1000 on a set of legs. Tried almost every option and....... ended up buying a Gitzo 3541LS :) on a rebate from BH. On my first trek with this tripod and after viewing the freshly developed 4x5s I forgot about how much I paid for it. Fantastic tripod. Just yesterday used it for a pretty large digital pano in strong wind, tack sharp.
The replies I was afraid of! LOL
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Benro makes wonderful CF tripods - here is one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270765410719&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
without center column...they make a series of 3-section tripods sans center column - so if this model is too big/small - keep looking - they have others.
Also, I found 4-section tripods a hassle to set up - recommend the 3-section ones instead.
The 3 section seem to be less compact when folded. I travel a lot. Weight is a huge concern also. I want to be close to 3.5lb as possible as we backpack a lot.
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Lighter, 4-section:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Genuine-Benro-C-258-M8-Carbon-Tripod-Leg-Fast-Ship-/310330091390?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item48411d677e
and if you replace the center column with a short-stem you can save a few more ounces.
Look: I have owned a number of tripods by RRS, Gitzo (both aluminum and CF) and Benro. I think high-end Benros are every bit as good as the Gitzos (and RRS)...with some added extras (free padded case; spiked feet; better twist locks; padding on one leg).
You should also look at the options on these two pages:
http://stores.ebay.com/DCs-Photography-Store/_i.html?_fsub=2203154018
See also:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CVTUGU
if you are interested in that one (sold out at Amazon), contact me and I will sell you one.
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I thought I was crazy when I bought my 3541 XLS. But I wanted to save weight because of my hip problems. I use it without a center column. Camera is a Mamiya Universal. I never regretted it. Great tripod.
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Another option is to buy used, you can save quite a bit that way.
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Hi,
I have the GT3541LS, too, but I'm not so impressed. That's my main tripod allright but impressed I am not. I also have Velbon Sherpa Pro and I'd suggest that tripod is OK, too. What I don't like with Gitzo? Workmanship. Leg locks are awful and the gummi rings turn loose.
On the plus side, I like the center column less design and the tripod is quite stable.
BR Erik
The replies I was afraid of! LOL
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Not cheaper by any means---but I recommend looking at the new Really Right Stuff CF tripods. I bought a RRS TVC-24 CF tripod and was very impressed with the engineering and build quality. This is the only tripod that I would make a generalization and say equals Gitzo and sometimes rivals Gitzo (weight; center head/collar lock; leg spread click-locks). I wanted a lighter weight option than my Gitzo 5541LS, and the TVC-24 was perfect. It is at least as good as my Gitzo CF, and has a couple engineered details that make it even better. But the RRS tripods also have that same Gitzo price!
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Too bad RRS is so dang expensive!!!
Thanks for the Benro recommendation, I will look into them.
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Lighter, 4-section:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Genuine-Benro-C-258-M8-Carbon-Tripod-Leg-Fast-Ship-/310330091390?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item48411d677e
Is this the same one on BH but it has flip locks? I definately want the twist locks
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744087-REG/Benro_C2580F_Classic_C2580F_4_Section_Carbon.html
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Hi,
My view is that flip locks are better than twist locks if well made.
Best regards
Erik
Is this the same one on BH but it has flip locks? I definately want the twist locks
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744087-REG/Benro_C2580F_Classic_C2580F_4_Section_Carbon.html
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Thinking about pulling the trigger on a Gitzo 3541 as it will cover any range I could need it for and I like the size and weight of it. I really dont want a tripod more than 4lb.
I'm not an equipment buff so im not quite sure what else is out there right now that is comparable.
Any help is appreciated.
Gene
Take a look at the Feisol 3442 CF leg-set. It weighs 2.1 lb and yet is quite stable and well made. Its folded length and capacity make it very appealing when hiking. !/2 the price, possibly 90% of the functionality
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Hi,
My view is that flip locks are better than twist locks if well made.
Best regards
Erik
I agree. I have both the 5540LS and the 3540LS (predecessors of the 5541LS and 3541LS) but still love a prior Velbon Carmagne 640 (CF tripod with Mag-alloy instead of Aluminum in the metal areas) that came with flip-locks, a lot more.
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I have a flip lock now and it sucks.
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Whatever you get I'd recommend trying it out in a shop. There are all sorts of things to hate about a tripod that are not obvious until you pick it up.
FWIW I have an old Velbon carbon fibre Sherpa Pro with twist locks. With an Acratech ballhead and RRS plate it weighs 4.2lb and is 22 in long. I would much rather have something a bit higher, but haven't found anything as rigid yet that is also light weight. Also it's far too light for windy weather. To get round that I have a steel hook screwed in where the centre column used to be, and loop a bungee cord around the hook and down around my foot. It doesn't move at all, but then neither can I while using it. ::)
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Thanks guys.
Ive definately come to the conclusion I need a tripod that is XL, so 70" or better since im 6'2. I hate bending over a ton just to take a pic and it's a lower back killer if you are panning or shooting animals etc.
So im trying to be under 4lb, over 6 foot, no column.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270765410719&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.com/BENRO-C4770T-Carbon-Tripod-work-w-o-center-column-/310329763186?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item4841186572
the second one is heavier thna you are looking for - but supports more weight; both are three-section
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270765410719&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.com/BENRO-C4770T-Carbon-Tripod-work-w-o-center-column-/310329763186?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item4841186572
the second one is heavier thna you are looking for - but supports more weight; both are three-section
What would be the purpose of removing the center plate?
I know nothing about Benro, I will do some research on it. thanks!
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Thanks guys.
Ive definately come to the conclusion I need a tripod that is XL, so 70" or better since im 6'2. I hate bending over a ton just to take a pic and it's a lower back killer if you are panning or shooting animals etc.
So im trying to be under 4lb, over 6 foot, no column.
Hello,
I wrote to you earlier in the thread, suggesting you consider the Feisol 3442 CF tripod. I am 6' 1" tall and I can use it in comfort without the center column. The max height without the center column is 54 in, add to that the height of the ball head and the camera body to get the working height. Keep in mind that your eyes are NOT on top of your head! Using the center column makes the maximum height 67 in., but the stability is much less with it fully extended. I am not sure that you will find a tripod with your specs of "under 4lb, over 6 foot, no column." If you do, I doubt it will be affordable or practical for hiking or travel. The 3442 weighs only 2.3 lb, it is one to consider.
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Hello,
I wrote to you earlier in the thread, suggesting you consider the Feisol 3442 CF tripod. I am 6' 1" tall and I can use it in comfort without the center column. The max height without the center column is 54 in, add to that the height of the ball head and the camera body to get the working height. Keep in mind that your eyes are NOT on top of your head! Using the center column makes the maximum height 67 in., but the stability is much less with it fully extended. I am not sure that you will find a tripod with your specs of "under 4lb, over 6 foot, no column." If you do, I doubt it will be affordable or practical for hiking or travel. The 3442 weighs only 2.3 lb, it is one to consider.
The only issue I have seen on the Feisol is that you can't carry it by a single leg because it will open. I saw this in a Youtube review.