Carbon Fibre tripods

James Blonde

James Blonde

Messages
405
Name
Scott
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm looking to get a lighter weight tripod than my current Manfrotto 190XPROB with a 327RC2 head for landscape work. It's solid as a rock, but a bit weighty over time, particularly when attached to the side of my camera rucksack. I've also got a Hama traveller mini pro which I've added an RC2 plate to, which isn't bad for light work but the ball head struggles with the weight in portrait and the legs have a huge amount of flex. The problem really is that I've used it more because it's more portable, but is rubbish in a breeze!

I'd probably aim to keep my current joystick head.

I was initially looking at the 190CXPRO4, which is a fair bit lighter than my PROB, but stocks seem low and prices variable (£189 - £250, with prices at the higher end locally), so I'm guessing it's discontinued. Not a problem really as long as I find stock and can talk them down in price!

However I'd also noticed some of the Giottos carbon tripods with Y shaped centre columns, which look a LOT more portable, but I've had no experience with Giottos. Some reviews weren't so favourable.

I'm also looking to trade in, probably both tripods and a Sigma 70-300 DG I've not used forever. I'd hate to talk them down in price and then lose out on the trade in!

Any thoughts on both tripods / makes?
 
I have a 3 Legged Thing 'Brian'... Not cheap but as good a tripod as I've ever owned! Light as a feather and very adaptable. :)
 
is that the same as the bieke 777c on ebay ^^, even some of the pictures look identical
 
zeameth said:
is that the same as the bieke 777c on ebay ^^, even some of the pictures look identical
Click to expand...
There seems to be a whole collection of very similar looking carbon tripods coming out of china I suspect it is the same factory but different labels.

I think the 777c is a slight variation because the centre column telescopes rather than sliding through the top of the legs.

If you go with the DIAT from ebay be aware that all the uk stockings are the same company and it's just a front for a Chinese importer all contact is with china. I ordered one that was listed as in stock and three days later was told it wasn't in stock and refunded the next day. The company left all three listings in place even though new stock is two months away in china. So be careful!
 
I know this is about tripods but I use a carbon fibre monopod. great in the winter since it doesn't freeze your hands as much as an aluminium one when covering events. makes a big difference on the weight front when using for up to 10hrs a day.
 
I can't say I've had much luck with monopods, but to be honest, I do enough long exposure photography for it not to be worth pursuing anyway!

With regards to the other ones, I'd love to try before I bought - at least in terms of seeing the things and comparing them to a PROB for stability and rigidity. Do they have any stockists, or is it a case of buy and send back if it's no good?

and any experience of the ones I mentioned?
 
Double posting I know, but I'm finding it interesting at the lack of response about what are the more established mainstream tripod providers like Manfrotto and Giottos!
 
Hi Scott. I, like many people went through a lot of tripods when I initially got into photography. I had some good ones that were fantastic at first and one of my favourites was a Velbon Sherpa (I think it was the 531 carbon fibre), that I sill have and use in the sea as it's nuts have gone rusty.

I came to realise over the years that I should have invested early on in a good light carbon fibre tripod. I bought a Gitzo about three years ago an wouldn't be without it now. It is light which means I use it all the time and it is sturdy and strong as an ox. Last year I also bought a Gitzo traveller which is also brilliant and can fit in a case or a rucksack. I use both with Markins head and they are fantastic.

If you can afford it get the best that you can afford it will save you time and money in the longer term. Giottos are good value. I've tried one and quite liked it but wouldn't swop with the Gitzo's.

Chris
 
Scott, I think Mifsuds in Brixham usually have a large selection of Manfrottos in stock so you can have a play and see what you thing about their rigidity. I have an old 190 Pro and a newer 190 XPro CF and there's nothing really to split them in terms of rigidity, just weight. I also have a smaller Giottos Vitruvian CF for taking on holiday and that's good and solid too (and lighter than the Manfrottos).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top