Recommend a light carbon fibre tripod

I use a 3 Legged Thing Adrian (Aluminium) and it's fantastic, I can only assume that their carbon fibre offerings are just as good.
 
I've just bought a redsnapper carbon tripod... well made, light, strong and nice carry bag too

If you look lower down on the forum, there's also a code to get a discount (not sure if it's still on though)
 
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tommmy.star said:
I am currently after a small and light carbon fibre tripod.
Had a look at Manfrotto 732CY M-Y Carbon Fibre Tripod with A3RC1 but it just felt a bit to flimsy.

Tripod will be mainly used with 5DIII and 16-35.

Budget ~£200/250 excl head.
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For that amount of money, I don't think there is anything better than Feisol CT-3441S or Feisol CT-3442 (depending if you want rather traveller or systematic design). Add a decent ballhead (like Markins clone - PhotoClam) and you'll never need anything better (unless want to use super telephoto lenses).

http://www.globaltechcommerce.co.uk/feisoluk/5-tripods
 
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I'm also in the market for a new lightweight tripod and have been looking at the 3 Legged Things which include a ballhead. Quite tempted, but not going to rush into anything at the moment. Watching this thread with interest :)
 
mpe said:
For that amount of money, I don't think there is anything better than Feisol CT-3441S or Feisol CT-3442 (depending if you want rather traveller or systematic design). Add a decent ballhead (like Markins clone - PhotoClam) and you'll never need anything better (unless want to use super telephoto lenses).

http://www.globaltechcommerce.co.uk/feisoluk/5-tripods
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Wow, these ARE really light and short. Do you happen to own either of them?
The only thing that sort of puts me off is the way you extend the legs. I much prefer the 'clip' method. Also, how secure is the plate? Can't work it out from the description or images. Does it lock once on the ball head and then you tighten it up?
 
3LT 'Keith'... Absolutely proper carbon fibre goodness! :D

(Can you tell I'm a fan?) ;)

The 'Airhed 0' is also very strong and worth the extra cash!
 
tommmy.star said:
Wow, these ARE really light and short. Do you happen to own either of them?
The only thing that sort of puts me off is the way you extend the legs. I much prefer the 'clip' method. Also, how secure is the plate? Can't work it out from the description or images. Does it lock once on the ball head and then you tighten it up?
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I have CT-3442 (it is £250 equivalent of £600 GT25442LS from Gitzo systematic line of tripods. Obviously not exactly at the same level, but very close). If you google it, you'll find many happy owners.

I believe that these Feisol tripods are one level above these mass produced Chinese generic designs, just below Gitzo.

I have always had twist-lock locks and never had any issues. I think non-rotating twist-lock designs are better and easier to use than flip levers. In fact, almost all top tripod manufacturers use twist locks these days.

As for the top plate. On the CT-3442 the plate is very secure. It is secured by three screws, You can remove it and replace it with levelling base or other accessories. The plate is much wider than plates on other tripods of this class and the spider it is machined from solid aluminium rather than cast. The best feature is that there is no central column assembly (although you can add one) which is normally weakest part of any tripod and often can't be removed on traveller-style tripods. I think systematic top tripod design with wide base and no central column is the most stable tripod design ever.

I am occasionally using my feisol with big lenses like 200 f/2, 300 f/2.8 + converters and never had any issues. It is fantastic how much this small tripod can handle.
 
it really depends on where you intend to use the tripod. For example in a studio a heavy tripod would possibly be the tripod of choice such as the Manfrotto 055XPROB

For outdoor work a completely different scenerio which requires a tripod suitable for that purpose especially if being carried from place to place. Then again for wet conditions one that isn't going to rust and fall apart.

The other consideration is how sturdy if fully extended, something often overlooked, but necessary as a case may arise when this is the only option. on top of that how steady would it be in a windy situation.

Having decided on which one can it take the camera weight with say a heavy lens -grip and flashgun ? I always make sure the tripod and head can take a few more pounds that I would put on it. Nothing worse than a drooping lens because the head can't hold it in position.

Same with tripod heads, which type -pistol grip- fluid 3 handle or what.

So what i am trying to say is getting the right support for a camera is just as important as choosing a camera.

Having just weighed my Nikon D800 with grip 24-70 nikon lens and SB900 speedlight plus batteries it works out to near as dammit 7lbs, and that is not the heaviest lens by a long chalk
 
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I looked very closely at the Feisol CT-3442 Rapid and very nearly bought one, think it was priced about 300 quid.

Would definitely go for the rapid version, their take on the Gitzo ALR locks which are much easier to use and makes putting up and taking the tripod down much easier

Went for the Gitzo series 3 systematic in the end, knew I would eventually regret not getting it and should hopefully last me a long time. Light, strong and stable, folds down to 55cm and fully extended means at 6 ft tall i'm on tip toes to see the top LCD.

When you have spent that much on a camera and lens why not carry on in the same vein with the tripod and head
 
Thank you guys for your recommendations.
I am seriously considering now Feisol CT-3442 with CB-50DC Ball Head. Toghether it all comes to just over £400. Any other suggestions within that budget that could possibly beat feisol?
This will get a light use during weddings.
 
does anyone know if there is anywhere in england that you can see the Feisols in person? I've finding it hard to decide between the 3442 or a travaller 3441? i need something to strap to the side of a rucksack but to also super a d800 and 24-70??
 
nus123 said:
does anyone know if there is anywhere in england that you can see the Feisols in person? I've finding it hard to decide between the 3442 or a travaller 3441? i need something to strap to the side of a rucksack but to also super a d800 and 24-70??
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I tried to locate Feisol stockist as well but with little success.
There must be a place somehere here that they stock those tripods.
Would be interesting to know.
 
Any owners of 3442 rapid in/near London happy to meet up and showcase it?
It is over £400 and I just want male sure I get on with it OK.
 
nus123 said:
does anyone know if there is anywhere in england that you can see the Feisols in person? I've finding it hard to decide between the 3442 or a travaller 3441? i need something to strap to the side of a rucksack but to also super a d800 and 24-70??
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I had the same problem - was deciding between CT-3441 and CT-3442. I contacted them to find they have no showrooms in UK. They are occasionally present on photographic trade-shows. They only referred me to:

http://www.globaltechcommerce.co.uk/feisoluk/content/28-choosing-a-tripod

The articles on their pages are quite honest - not so much marketing and a lot of specs.

Regarding your question about 3442 vs 3441. According to my findings, the 3441T has the same legs as 3442. Only the spider is different (traveller style central column on 3441 vs wider systematic base of 3442).

For <200mm lenses, the traveller version is fine. For up to 400mm, the CT-3442 is better as even the best central column assembly can add vibrations.

Both versions are light and can be reversed for transport. The 3441 has slightly smaller transport size when folded (due to wider base). I ended up with CT-3442 and can't be happier. OK, Gitzo 2580TQR, would be fine as well :)
 
mpe said:
I had the same problem - was deciding between CT-3441 and CT-3442. I contacted them to find they have no showrooms in UK. They are occasionally present on photographic trade-shows. They only referred me to:

http://www.globaltechcommerce.co.uk/feisoluk/content/28-choosing-a-tripod

The articles on their pages are quite honest - not so much marketing and a lot of specs.

Regarding your question about 3442 vs 3441. According to my findings, the 3441T has the same legs as 3442. Only the spider is different (traveller style central column on 3441 vs wider systematic base of 3442).

For <200mm lenses, the traveller version is fine. For up to 400mm, the CT-3442 is better as even the best central column assembly can add vibrations.

Both versions are light and can be reversed for transport. The 3441 has slightly smaller transport size when folded (due to wider base). I ended up with CT-3442 and can't be happier. OK, Gitzo 2580TQR, would be fine as well :)
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thanks for your help! thats super useful
 
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