Carbon tripod suggestions

Hello fom Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I found this forum some time ago but I rarely post although I read the forum
on a regular basis and mostly the Photography Gear forum.

I have a 50D with a Sigma 50-500 (Bigma) and I intend to buy a carbon tripod to
replace my Manfrotto 055XPROB so I use it more often when hiking when using
this combo (50D + Bigma).

I'm not a pro and I don't make a living of photography, I just want to improve the
resources that I have that can lead me to better pictures. So I don't think I'll buy a 500/4L IS
in the future, maybe I could replace the Bigma with the newer 50-500/OS or 150-500/OS or Canon's
replacement of 100-400/L IS if and when it become available.

I'm considering any of these Gitzos: GT2541, GT-2531, GT-1541, GT-1531. With the max. weight being
8Kg or 12Kg I think any of them is adequate for my setup.

Recommendations ? Other brands/model ?

I'll be in Orlando, FL from April 22 until April 30. If anyone could recommend some camera stores
where I can find Gitzo tripods I appreciate.

Thank you.

Also look at the Induro C414. I don't know where you can compare Gitzo and Induro in Orlando. Here in Denver, Denver Pro Photo carries both lines.

Dave

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fabiobernardino

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I'll be in Orlando, FL from April 22 until April 30. If anyone could recommend some camera stores
where I can find Gitzo tripods I appreciate.

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Pretty much our only high end camera store. I just called them for you and they said they have some Gitzos in stock. When in town stay away from the camera stores in the tourist areas. They are known to be less than reputable.

http://shop.cphfun.com/wecs.php?stor...t=cameras.html

i drive all the way to orlando just to go to colonial!! that place and the people there are awesome!!!

I've used this combination for my 500mm f/4 two years now, no problems and love it.

Benro C-358n6 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Head

How about Feisol, these are very good

I have the Manfrotto 055CX3 and very happy with it.

I replaced the same tripod with a Feisol CT-3031 for use with everything up to a 300 F4. It is just as nice in quality as my heavier Gitzo GT3530LS, which I only use with my 500/4 and Wimberley. The Feisol is extremely affordable and I ordered it straight from the Feisol website. Also, it is light as a feather. The shipping was high but the price was still dramatically less than a similar-sized Gitzo.

I don't have your lens but often use the 100-400/50D in conjunction with a Sidekick and Gitzo GT2541. I like that model of tripod because of the weight and it gets the job done; AFAIC it's a perfect combination (for me). That said, when shooting a super telephoto I do use a heavier tripod (Gitzo GT3530LS) along with a Wimberley II.

Note, much of the "what tripod should I buy" decision depends strictly on how you shoot ... i.e. your preferred technique.

When shooting with the 50D/100-400/Sidekick a heavier (i.e. more robust) tripod would not benefit me at all because of my chosen shooting technique ... to facilitate quick composition I always set the pitch, pan, and lens tripod collar controls loose to accomodate rapid movement along the vertical, horizontal, and rotation from landscape to portrait.

OTOH, somebody that chooses to tighten down all adjustments and uses a remote shutter release to take the majority of their shots would clearly prefer a much heavier tripod over the Gitzo GT2541.

Regards,

Joe Kurkjian

http://www.pbase.com/jkurkjia

Hi. Thank you for all the replies. I'm compiling a worksheet to make it easier to compare the models. Probably in a day or 2 I'll finisih it.

I shall post a more complete answer in the next few days.

The Gitzo GT2531 is one of my choices.
Joe Kurkjian, did you consider it over the 2541 ? Specs almost the same, 2541 has a smaller folded length. That's the only advantage I see over the 2531. Does it make a difference in everyday use ?

I have a Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead and a Jobu Design BWG-J2 Jobu Jr gimbal head.
I'm looking for a lightweight tripod so I can use it more often when hiking with my 50-500 (mainly) and other lens.

Some other comments.
I'm considering all other brands with carbon legs.
Induro - in another post someone said that had a bad experience with them. I think the head detached from the leg.
Feisol - I read some good reviews; as I'll be in USA for this time, I can consider them if i can find them somewhere. In case something goes wrong, it's a headache to return the product to China and get a replacement.
Manfrotto 055CX3 - one of the first options, but as I have the 055xprob and there is not enough pressure in one of the locks (lever), and they didn't answer my email about it, I'm considering tripods with a twist lock type.
Benro is an option. But it seems that they are the same as Induro. Same compnay, different brands ? At least I think that's what I was told when I checked one distributor here in Brazil. I may be wrong about one of the brands. The Travel Angel seems a good option to go on trips.

If someone else will be in Orlando during this time and would like to meet to have lunch, dinner or a cup of coffee (I'm a big fan!) let me know. Also if you need something from Rio let me know. My suitcase will go with very few itens. Send me a Private message so this topic stays about carbon tripods.

Regards,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fabiobernardino

Some other comments.
I'm considering all other brands with carbon legs.
Induro - in another post someone said that had a bad experience with them. I think the head detached from the leg.
Feisol - I read some good reviews; as I'll be in USA for this time, I can consider them if i can find them somewhere. In case something goes wrong, it's a headache to return the product to China and get a replacement.
Manfrotto 055CX3 - one of the first options, but as I have the 055xprob and there is not enough pressure in one of the locks (lever), and they didn't answer my email about it, I'm considering tripods with a twist lock type.
Benro is an option. But it seems that they are the same as Induro. Same compnay, different brands ? At least I think that's what I was told when I checked one distributor here in Brazil. I may be wrong about one of the brands. The Travel Angel seems a good option to go on trips.

If someone else will be in Orlando during this time and would like to meet to have lunch, dinner or a cup of coffee (I'm a big fan!) let me know. Also if you need something from Rio let me know. My suitcase will go with very few itens. Send me a Private message so this topic stays about carbon tripods.

Regards,

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Did you tighten the adjusting screw for the locking lever on the Manfrotto leg? They usually come with a little tool to tighten the screws. I have to adjust mine ever few months as the levers get a little loose.

Fabio:

Danny has a great point.
I had a Gitzo 2541; I returned it to the dealer as I found it did not meet my needs. With a Nikon D300 and a Nikkor 200-400 and a Wimberely 2. I was not happy with the stability of it Dealer recommended the 3541. That was out of my price range. Just my feedback. I am not against Gitzo and they are probably the one of best out there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fabiobernardino

The Gitzo GT2531 is one of my choices.
Joe Kurkjian, did you consider it over the 2541 ? Specs almost the same, 2541 has a smaller folded length. That's the only advantage I see over the 2531. Does it make a difference in everyday use ?
.

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The advantage of a four-segment tripod is the shorter folded length, which can be a big advantage if you travel with it and want to put it in a suitcase. A three-segment tripod will actually be slightly more rigid and quicker to set up at full extension. Hence, the three-segment is preferred, IF packing for travel is not an issue. (I have four-segment, for travel).

Dave

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danny J Brown

Did you tighten the adjusting screw for the locking lever on the Manfrotto leg? They usually come with a little tool to tighten the screws. I have to adjust mine ever few months as the levers get a little loose.

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Yes. But if I have to have a spare tool to tighten it sometimes, I think it seems a better idea to have a twist type lock. I avoided this kind of system when I bought my first tripod because as i windsurf i had a friend who had a piece of equipment (boom) with this system and it was stucked all the time because of sand and salt water.
It seems that regarding tripod locking systems, this problem is solved.

It took a little longer but I finished my homework. Printed Gitzo 2009 pdf catalog and read everything beyond other websites. By the way I'm 177cm tall (5'8'' ?).

It seems (at least to Gitzo) that max load capacity no longer is the main factor to determine your tripod. According to them torsional rigidity is the main factor. And using the Gitzo tripod configurator:
http://configurator.gitzo.com:20080/...S/default.html
the recommended models are GT3541LS and GT3531S.
I would consider them if I was a full-time pro protographer working with a 500mm; but I want a more compact and lighter setup that I'd use more often.

So now I'm considering 2 tripods instead of one. I'll list them and stand out the main points. I hope that others find this topic helpful. I'll list B&H prices as of 2009-04-06 as a reference.

1541T - light, compact, good for air travel, weak for heavier lens $508
Benro Travel Angel C-268M8 - very similar to the above , 290gr heavier $369
Velbon El Carmagne 640A - Similar to the above, 5cm longer folded length, 6 kg max load, cheaper $230
GT-2531 - good height for me, 3 sections, folded length too long, good performace/price $549
GT-2541 - max height 5cm lower than above, folded length 9 cm lower although still long, 4 sections a disadvantage ? $600

Warranty
Benro - 1 year
Gitzo - lifetime
Velbon - limited lifetime

My options are:
1) 2 setup - Velbon 640Afor travel (air), GT-2531 for hiking
2) GT-2541 and keep my 055xpro
3) Benro Travel Angel C-268M8

I'll also add a Giottos MH-1302-655or MH1000-652 ballhead for hiking.

Recommendations ?

Fabio, thanks for the follow up with your current thinking.

Of the finalists you've listed, I'd go with the 2541 to take advantage of the shorter fold for packing and still have a relatively strong tripod for your Bigma. If you're not going to get the EF 500mm f/4L IS, then I think you'll be unhappy with the other lens choices you've listed vs. your Bigma. With the Bigma you'd really, ideally move up to the 3xxx series, as suggested by Gitzo, but, lacking that, get the strongest tripod that you're willing to carry.

Dave