Well, first my apologies for missing the request to report back. Second, my report...
I've now used the tripod very extensively in a wide variety of circumstances - strapped to the back of my Lowepro Rover AW on day hikes all over California, tossed into the back of my car, carried over my shoulder. I've used it all around the Sierra Nevada, in Death Valley for about a week, up and down the California coast, and in many other situations. I guess I might describe the use as "moderately heavy."
It has held up quite well and I have exactly zero complaints about it. Everything still works as it did when it was new, and all in all I'm quite pleased.
In my attempt to come up with a problem two to mention...
1. Last year I noticed one day that the center column hook was missing. I have no idea how if fell out - could have just been loose, could have been something I did - I just don't know because I didn't notice the loss until afterwards. I contacted MAS, the American distributor, and they sent me a replacement hook that I screwed in (tightly, this time!) and I haven't had a problem since.
2. One of the legs became began to swing out with just a bit less resistance than the other two earlier this year. I used the included wrench to tighten the nuts on this leg and it works fine now.
3. When I purchased mine there was only one center column option - a long column. In most cases this is exactly what I want since I frequently find myself shooting on uneven ground - occasionally _very_ uneven ground - and I need the extension in some cases. However, there is now a shorter center column available for those who want to save a small amount of weight or be able to more easily work with the tripod down very low to the ground.
I should mention that I've never had the problem with the loose tripod feet that Michael mentioned in his original Antarctica report on the C413 - though he also mentioned IIRC that he may have just not tightened them enough.
Other than these things, not a problem.
Yes, I'd buy another one.
Dan
Hi Dan,
I just saw your post from last year and appreciate it because I am in the thros of similar decision-making between the Induro C114 and the Gitzo GT-1540.
I was just about to order the C114 and saw a review on Amazon from a gentleman who gave the C114 four out of five stars and was generally positive. However, in the end he returned the C114 and bought the GT-1540 because of a quality problem with the rubber sleeves on two of the leg locks on the copy of the tripod that he happened to get. He figured that it was a bad omen and ducked for cover in the GT-1540.
Could you possibly provide us with an update as to your experience with the C313 after the passage of these nine months since your last post? It is not unusual for a start-up line to have a few quality problems in the beginning. But I would probably run for Gitzo myself if were to hear reports of the Induros falling apart after a few months of use, etc. Could you also indicate whether you have used the C313 heavily, moderately, lightly, or not at all since your last post?
Many thanks,
Bruce
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