Feisol tripod question

[Greg D]

I'm considering the Feisol CT-3441s tripod.  It looks on paper to be just about what I want (a "travelling" tripod similar to Gitzo 1541T) and I have read many positive comments here and elsewhere about Feisol's quality in general.  Anyone used this particular model?  Does it have any fatal flaws?  (The gear I'll use is a Canon XSI/450d or 40d with 24-105L or 70-300 f4 being the heaviest lenses, with a small RRS head and a rail to center the weight.)
Any positive or negative comments (or suggestions for alternatives) appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg

[usathyan]

I'm considering the Feisol CT-3441s tripod.  It looks on paper to be just about what I want (a "travelling" tripod similar to Gitzo 1541T) and I have read many positive comments here and elsewhere about Feisol's quality in general.  Anyone used this particular model?  Does it have any fatal flaws?  (The gear I'll use is a Canon XSI/450d or 40d with 24-105L or 70-300 f4 being the heaviest lenses, with a small RRS head and a rail to center the weight.)
Any positive or negative comments (or suggestions for alternatives) appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg

I have one - and am pretty happy with it. I use it with a Markins Q3 and my only complaint is that with this ball head, you cannot fold the tripod into its most compact form. When i travel - i remove the head so that i can fold it down to its smallest size.

[stever]

i'm very happy with the construction and operation of mine

i usually use the short center column, and also remove the head for packing

i have the Markins ballhead but find that i generally prefer the 4th Generation Mongoose lightweight (weighs very little more than the little Markins) - not only good for long lenses, but great for panoramas (need an RRS L-plate on the camera) and can be used for video

[250swb]

Its the tripod I use with my Leica and I'm very happy with it.

I have the Feisol ball head that goes with it, making it the CT-3441SB, and its a great combination. The ball head is very smooth in operation and the QR plate easy to use. The tripod does take a fraction longer to extend because of the four section legs, but once opened up I tend to carry it extended for long periods, so it isn't any bother. The tripod with head is so light I can just hook a leg through the shoulder strap on my Billingham Hadley Pro (a smallish shoulder bag) and leave it dangling until needed and I hardly know its there. Overall the engineering is top rate.

Steve

[Greg D]

Thanks all for the info.  That goes along with what I've heard about Feisol in general.  Just ordered one...............

Greg