3 or 4 section Tripod ?

[WelshTony]

I'm about to buy a Manfrotto tripod, but am undecided between the 190CXPRO3 and the 190CXPRO4

The PRO4 obviously colapses down to a shorter length due to the 4 section legs, but is slightly heavier than the PRO3, but are there advantages either way ? :shrug:

Is the 3 section more solid than the 4 section?

The main use will be when I'm out walking in the countryside (South Downs, Brecon, Pembroke, Snowdonia etc.)

Any feedback welcome.

 

[Dudie]

I tried out both of these with the main intention of strapping them to my hillwalking rucksack and carting them up the peaks Snowdonia. Despite the apparent appeal of the Pro4's shorter collapsed length it matters not one jot when it is strapped to your back. The Pro3 on the other hand is considerably sturdier when extended, and less of a faff to extend too (important with gloved/cold hands). I went with the Pro3 as I couldn't actually see any real world benefit with the Pro4 for my usage.

 

[CT]

I don't think youi'll see a major difference whichever way you go, but I have 2 Gitzo tripods - one 3 section and one 4 section. Both do the job admirably well in practice.

The three section is much quicker to extend, and those bottom legs on 4 section tripods tend to be very thin and spindly, but using them isn't an option if you want to extend to standing height. The three section option is the sturdier, particularly if you're likely to be using heavy lenses at any stage.

 

[mho]

I would like to add it depends upon which make and model your using, as a 4 section, 5 series Gitzo has a bigger diameter bottom leg sections as a 3 section, 3 series Gitzo.

Top leg section size

16mm (5/8") Series 00
20mm (3/4") Series 0
24mm (7/8") Series 1
28mm (1 1/8") Series 2
32mm (1 1/4") Series 3
37mm (1 1/2") Series 4
41mm (1 5/8") Series 5

I've never used a Manfrotto so cannot specifically comment on your predicament.