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Suggestions for a new tripod- anything but Gitzo.
I am in the market for a new tripod.
I had a Gitzo 3532 but the leg rotted out after 18 months ( see pics) and Gitzo will not honor the 5 year warranty because of " exposure to water and improper maintenance". I do believe that all nature photographers photograph in the rain and snow and at the beach but this is considered improper use....
The invoice says all 3 top section legs had problems and they wanted to charge me $727.00 to repair an $850.00 tripod. Complete lunacy.
It also took 3 1/2 weeks to get any response from Gitzo- unacceptable turnaround time for just a response on repair cost and assessment despite 2 calls and 3 emails from me. The CSR said delay was because the head office is overseas.
So, do I go for another expensive tripod like a Really Right Stuff that is made in the USA , which means immediate response to any problems, or just buy a cheap tripod and replace it every couple of years?
Would love to hear your thoughts and advice,
Gail
Interestingly the cheaper Gitzo tripod 1830 that I use for "in the water work " (95% of the time) is 3 years old and works fine. No corrosion issues and I have had that tripod in 3 feet of ocean! It is only meant to support a smaller lens so I need a heftier tripod. I am so ticked at Gitzo right now that I refuse to buy anything else from them.