Which Feisol tripod, 3401 or 3442, or something else?

[NigelC]

Have found a used Kirk BH3 ballhead in (hopefully) good condition and looking to get Feisol legs, but not sure if 3401 or 3442 would be best. Current portable tripod is Velbon Sherpa Pro CF530, which is significantly over 50cm folded, is 3 section, weighs about 1.4kg. My must haves are; a)will fit in checked luggage; b) has a hook for hanging something heavy off it; c) can get very low when legs retracted; d) is stable with Kirk BH3 with   5d2 up to 70/210 F4/100 IS macro with Tripod ring D (when it arrives) (and ideally 300/4 with tripod ring). Actually the Velbon isn't all that bad but plate on top of centre column only 4cm wide so not great platform for larger head. Concern over 3442 is whether legs, when folded back on themselves, will clear BH3 ballhead? 

[NigelC]

Now pretty thoroughly confused - 3401 is Standard series, 3442 is "Tournament", but also available in "Rapid" series - also Traveller series!

[stever]

the tournament is heavier and bulkier, the 3441 traveler (which i have) legs fold back for travel which makes very compact but you have to remove the ballhead (i pull the ballhead and column out for packing) - you also need the accessory short column to get low

[nma]

the tournament is heavier and bulkier, the 3441 traveler (which i have) legs fold back for travel which makes very compact but you have to remove the ballhead (i pull the ballhead and column out for packing) - you also need the accessory short column to get low

Huh!?

The 3442 folds down pretty short, certainly enough to go in checked luggage (17 or 18", as I  recall). Weighs 2.1 lb. Now is that bulky?
True, the legs do fold back and the BH3 head may not fit. You have to remove it. 3442 is more stable.

[NigelC]

Huh!?

The 3442 folds down pretty short, certainly enough to go in checked luggage (17 or 18", as I  recall). Weighs 2.1 lb. Now is that bulky?
True, the legs do fold back and the BH3 head may not fit. You have to remove it. 3442 is more stable.

Do you think 3401 would be more stable again than 3442? Do the Feisol top plates have set screws to clamp the head base more effectively?

[NigelC]

Think pretty well decided on 3442, but can't decide whether worth paying £50 extra for rapid version which has non-rotating legs - the description of how it works - twist collar to loosen, extend/retract and then twist to tighten sound like how my cheapo velbon works anyway - how does standard 3442 work?

[stever]

from my experience with rotating legs, locking would be quicker and more positive if they didn't rotate

[nma]

Think pretty well decided on 3442, but can't decide whether worth paying £50 extra for rapid version which has non-rotating legs - the description of how it works - twist collar to loosen, extend/retract and then twist to tighten sound like how my cheapo velbon works anyway - how does standard 3442 work?

Just for clarity, I have the 3442 Rapid. When setting up the tripod from closed to open the process is as follows: You grab the legs and rotate them so that the ball head and/or center column is exposed. Then, you can open all three twist collars at the same time, certainly a convenience. Works fine. It is up to you decide if the price for that feature is fair.  I believe the standard 3442 works best if you open the locks one at a time, starting from bottom to top. The process is reversed when closing the tripod. 

Also, I have the Photoclam ballhead and an Acratech Ultimate. When folding the closed legs back to pack the tripod in the furnished carry bag, you need to be very careful with the Ultimate or it won't fit. The Photclam is a much better fit for the bag. I am guessing that the BH3 will not fit and must be removed.

[NigelC]

Ended up ordering 3442 Rapid - actually only £40 more (£299 as opposed to £259 for non rapid)

[SBP]

Ended up ordering 3442 Rapid - actually only £40 more (£299 as opposed to £259 for non rapid)

from where?

[NigelC]

from where?

Feisol UK website - fantastic customer service BTW, fill in a service ticket by e-mail and the rang me back on my mobile. Also added a levelling base to my order and they changed the standard tripod bag so that the base would fit in as well. Looking forward to it arriving as has been on back order.