Gitzo Aluminium or chinese copy in CF?

Craikeybaby

Craikeybaby

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Lewis
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I'm looking for a new tripod, to replace my RedSnapper 283. For stability I particularly want a tripod that can be used without a centre column at about 150cm. Weight isn't overly important, but obviously lighter is better. I don't want the folded tripod to be much longer than what I have already (62cm), so I'm looking at 4 section tripods.

My search has come up with:
Gitzo GT2341L and Feisol CT-3472. Can anyone recommend any other tripods that would fit the bill? For instance Benro seem to get good reviews, but I can't find anything in their range that fits the bill. Obviously a Gitzo CF would be my first choice, but then I wouldn't be able to afford a head too.

The max load on the Gitzo is lower, but matches my equipment and the tripod itself is 200g heavier. Surprisingly the Feisol is more expensive, by quite a bit when the Gitzo scrappage scheme is factored in.

Does anyone have experience/an opinion on either of these tripods?
 
I've just ordered the Feisol CT-3472, can't give any actual opinions of it yet of course but it seemed to fit the bill for what you (and I) are looking for - leg size 38mm max to 22+ min so a sturdy looking unit.
I looked at Gitzo, Benro and a few others but Feisol had the spec, the UK support and the price - Gitzo GT2341L is aluminium and I wanted carbon fibre.
 
I've just noticed your thread and look forward to hearing how you get on with the Feisol. The Benro C3770T mentioned in your thread also seems interesting, but there doesn't seem to be any presence in the UK. Obviously I'd prefer carbon fibre, but not adverse to Aluminium.

One thing I forgot to mention in my initial post, what do Gitzo tripods come with, bag/rubber feet etc?
 
Thanks, I feared as much!
 
Does the CT-3472 come with the rapid leg system, its their version of the Gitzo ALR?

Had an older Gitzo that didn't have it and being able to twist all three locks together is a lot quicker and considerably easier too
 
Feisol have re-designed the leg section screw locks to operate without leg rotation, enabling all three sections to be loosened and extended quicker and easier.
Click to expand...

That's it, when I was looking at the CT-3442 it came in a Rapid and Non Rapid version, the former was about forty or so quid dearer

Just had a quick look on the Feisol UK site and they dont show the CT-3472 Rapid http://www.feisoluk.com/Tripods-Rapid-Tripods/c24_52/index.html but Feisol Europe do http://www.feisoleurope.com/rapid-tripods-elite-tripods-c-1_10.html

Seriously worth having and might be worth enquiring, just my two pennyworth, but made a difference to me

Back to the OP now after poking my nose in, go for the non Gitzo CF if I were you, only heard good things about Feisol. Would have bought one myself, but when I was buying they were out of stock with lead time of about a month
 
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Manfrotto - been usinng my 075 for over 25 years, Never been back. I can stand up on it and the legs still support me. The 055 size would probably do you for what it seems you want. I have an 055 carbon with swift lock legs. I use it for flight work where weight and size is important. I would have aluminium over carbon every time from choice, having one of each - carbon resonates due to its light weight. Aluminium is much steadier and sturdier - and less brittle if you are going to be working in cold climates. Don't knock a carbon tripod in very cold temperatures, it will shatter, or maybe just crack if you are lucky.

Chinese - pah! I spit in your chicken and sweetcorn soup.
 
I looked at the Manfrotto range earlier on today, they don't meet my requirements at all, the taller 55 series are really heavy, over 1Kg more than others I have been looking at and I can't find anything about being able to use them without the centre column.
 
I have a Benro of about three years vintage. Exact copy of the Gitzo equivalent. Ethics of copies apart it is almost indistinguishable from the original. This alos applies to the internals as I frequently dismantle it for cleaning (coastal photos...). It is from the pre 'non rotating legs' era and therefore suffers as did the original Gitzo from having to open and close legs in sequence. The quality of construction is flawless and has lasted with no issues. I think Benro have also implemeneted a version of the non rotating legs currently. Never seen the Feisol in the flesh. All that said, when and if the Benro fails, I'm pretty sure I'll end up with a genuine Gitzo. Until that time, it works a treat. I'd be keen to hear how you get on.
Plenty of Benro via Ebay and comes with a nice bag and ring spanner.
 
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I'll have to look into this leg lock thing a bit more, especially as I am going to 4 section legs, which will mean more to unscrew.

Of the Feisol rapid is available and more money, it's pushing even nearer to Gitzo CF prices (taking their scrappage scheme into account).
 
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