3 legged thing tripod

I have a Brian and bought it as a lightweight travel type tripod.
Never liked it.
Don't like the bending back on itself to fold away. Never liked the two different centre columns - I never knew which to use and wasn't going to carry both. And they were fiddly to swap over. IIRC it was hard to fold down with the short column in place.
I don't like the leg locking mecanism.
I found it just too messy to use.
One of the lower leg sections fell apart - the bonding gave way. Fair do's; they sent me a replacement PDQ. Then the head came unscrewed when walking back to the car and it was only luck that allowed me to retrieve it.
The padded carry case didn't stand up to much outdoor use - the handle ripped away the first time I used it.
It's still in the bottom of the wardrobe, but it's unlikely to get much use. Doesn't suit my style, but others may have differing opinions.
 
Always looked a bit pricey to me when compared with a lot of the other far east tripods.

Manfrotto 190Go looks pretty decent especially the carbon model, Sirui are decent enough too.
Had a look at most of what was available when I wanted a new lightweight tripod to fit in hand luggage

Ended up with FLM, German made, build quality is excellent and does everything I require, ten year warranty too.
Gitzo GT1545T was the other one I considered, but the FLM beat it in a couple of areas, bit cheaper too which was nice
 
Last edited:
It may just be me!
Certainly a good idea but never worked for me.
You can try this out if you want to pay postage.
 
taff63 said:
Also looking at a benbo mk3 what do you think
Click to expand...
I have a benbo classic (or 1 I think it's called) if you can use a set of bagpipes you'll get on well with it. Joking aside, it's very versatile, stable, but does take some getting used to, it's not like your traditional type of tripod. The trekker 3, i would guess is all the same design but smaller and lighter. There is a video on YouTube about the trekker 3.
 
taff63 said:
Also looking at a benbo mk3 what do you think
Click to expand...
Benbo isn't light, i.e. not C/F and it doesn't collapse like a conventional tripod so tends to be longer ... it's 'quirky' to use but I didn't find mine to be anything like as troublesome as some people suggested it was but it is critical to hold your camera when releasing the lock or it could crash to the ground.
It's very versatile for use on uneven ground, rocks, in water etc but I would never consider it a convenient lightweight. :)
 
ashtennisguru said:
I have a 3LT Punks - Corey and have found it to be superb so far, no complaints at all.
Click to expand...

I have the previous version Vyv and it does what it says on the tin, my only complaint is that the bag is very tight, so its a little awkward to get in and out efficiently

Be aware though that often with 3LT tripods there is very little difference in weight between Mag Alloy and CF, often only a couple of hundred grams, so CF really does come at a premium .
 
Just my 2p!

I have been VERY disappointed with this brand - pity as they are British! I have tried half a dozen of them+ one mono pod - all had issues. All had the same issue! Namely leg locks that flexed after they were locked - and these are expensive tripods!

Others seem to have good opinions/experiences of them, including one local photographer, so perhaps my experiences are not typical. However I would not suggest them as a viable purchase from what I have seen/tried.

Just my 2p.
 
I have been VERY disappointed with this brand - pity as they are British
Click to expand...

They are made in the far east like nearly every other tripod these days.
Probably just a few factories knocking out all the different brands.

As an example http://www.wexphotographic.com/primaphoto-small-travel-tripod-blue-1593596/
and this one https://www.cameracentreuk.com/mefoto/mefoto-backpacker-travel-tripod-blue-4037-553-5492.php
also http://www.cnkingjoy.com/en/products.asp?id=6

Some makes are gussied up a bit, but all basically the same Chinese manufactured underneath the fancy colours, leg becomes a monopod and trendy names
 
Last edited:
Just on the Benbo drunken bagpipes thing - If you have the additional column bracket thing it's not an issue IMO.

IMG_8139-01.jpg

These tripods may not be for everyone but the bagpipes thing IMO is overblown. Grooooaaaan...

:D
 
I find them to be quite middle of the road, too expensive for what they are but should work OK for casual use.

I'd avoid them mainly because they aren't the best in any one area, you get a nice colourful package but you can buy cheaper or you can buy better. They also don't have the same resale value as other brands.

If you can find one used dirt cheap then ok fair enough but I'd favour something more like the 190 go carbon fibre.
 
johnf3f said:
I have been VERY disappointed with this brand - pity as they are British!
Click to expand...
The likes kirk 3 leged thing are not British manufacturers they just buy in cheap Chinese products and rebrand them with a British sounding name.
 
redsnappa said:
The likes kirk 3 leged thing are not British manufacturers they just buy in cheap Chinese products and rebrand them with a British sounding name.
Click to expand...

I think they say on their web site that their stuff is designed and engineered in the UK. If that's true it's a bit different to badge engineering.
 
redsnappa said:
The likes kirk 3 leged thing are not British manufacturers they just buy in cheap Chinese products and rebrand them with a British sounding name.
Click to expand...

Be careful you have your facts right, seem to recall someone from 3lt getting involved when something similar was alleged.
Think it's more like the tripods are designed here, but made in the far east to those specifications
 
woof woof said:
Just on the Benbo drunken bagpipes thing - If you have the additional column bracket thing it's not an issue IMO.

View attachment 110595

These tripods may not be for everyone but the bagpipes thing IMO is overblown. Grooooaaaan...

:D
Click to expand...
It was a bit tongue in cheek, the bagpipes comment, made only really to emphasise the fact that it's not like the traditional type of tripod. I really like my benbo (even without the column bracket). :)
 
Nostromo said:
It was a bit tongue in cheek, the bagpipes comment, made only really to emphasise the fact that it's not like the traditional type of tripod. I really like my benbo (even without the column bracket). :)
Click to expand...

I haven't used mine for quite a while so I got it out the cupboard earlier with the intention of looking it over and possibly advertising it for sale but it's such a nice thing that I changed my mind and put it away again. It's there if needed :D
 
woof woof said:
I haven't used mine for quite a while so I got it out the cupboard earlier with the intention of looking it over and possibly advertising it for sale but it's such a nice thing that I changed my mind and put it away again. It's there if needed :D
Click to expand...
How do find the bracket, does it make a great deal of difference?
 
Nostromo said:
How do find the bracket, does it make a great deal of difference?
Click to expand...

Yes, I think it does make a difference, maybe it makes the difference for me as it allows the user to deploy the legs and lock them in place and then position the column. I don't think I could be bothered with the tripod without it (I can tend to have a short fuse or even no fuse at all.)

Thinking of adding it to yours?
 
Last edited:
woof woof said:
Yes, I think it does make a difference, maybe it makes the difference for me as it allows the user to deploy the legs and lock them in place and then position the column. I don't think I could be bothered with the tripod without it (I can tend to have a short fuse or even no fuse at all.)

Thinking of adding it to yours?
Click to expand...

One day, at the moment I haven't felt the need (that's not to say I won't). The only time I've had a problem when unlocking and adjusting is on slippery/smooth floors.
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
ashtennisguru said:
Because nothing can be manufactured in China with quality???
Click to expand...
I made no negative aspersions regarding the ability of the Chinese people to manufacture quality products. I love the products the Chinese make have bought and am extremely happy with all the equipment I have bought via ebay from China. I have Godox Studio studio flash, Neewer Speedlight's , Yongnuo flash triggers, unbranded chines l brackets and Arca compatible plates and clamps etc. I prefer to buy from Chinese sellers to British eBay sellers. I praise the Chinese manufactures and sellers for they facilitate access to photographic equipment at a price point that even I can afford when all British companies want to do is rip me off.

The issue I have is not with Chinese manufacturers it is with the British companies try to make out like, the goods they buy in from China and rebadge is manufactured in the UK and demand super high prices. Tthey uses words like "British engineered" to hide the country of origin of the products when really they buy dirt cheap in China.
If your happy paying these British companies up to 350% mark up good for you. For example a friend of mine bought a Kirk L bracket for his Eos 70D and neither of us could tell the difference between his L bracket and the Chinese L bracket I bought for my EO70D. we even weighed them and they were exactly the same weight. The only difference was the price, his kirk L bracket cost most £45.00 more than the one I bought from a Chinese ebay seller.
 
redsnappa said:
I made no negative aspersions regarding the ability of the Chinese people to manufacture quality products. I love the products the Chinese make have bought and am extremely happy with all the equipment I have bought via ebay from China. I have Godox Studio studio flash, Neewer Speedlight's , Yongnuo flash triggers, unbranded chines l brackets and Arca compatible plates and clamps etc. I prefer to buy from Chinese sellers to British eBay sellers. I praise the Chinese manufactures and sellers for they facilitate access to photographic equipment at a price point that even I can afford when all British companies want to do is rip me off.

The issue I have is not with Chinese manufacturers it is with the British companies try to make out like, the goods they buy in from China and rebadge is manufactured in the UK and demand super high prices. Tthey uses words like "British engineered" to hide the country of origin of the products when really they buy dirt cheap in China.
If your happy paying these British companies up to 350% mark up good for you. For example a friend of mine bought a Kirk L bracket for his Eos 70D and neither of us could tell the difference between his L bracket and the Chinese L bracket I bought for my EO70D. we even weighed them and they were exactly the same weight. The only difference was the price, his kirk L bracket cost most £45.00 more than the one I bought from a Chinese ebay seller.
Click to expand...

I agree that the majority of Chinese made kit is decent enough and have previously stated I think the 3LT gear is overpriced.
Also amongst the first to correct those who think their kit is UK made

On the other hand the last item I bought from China via Ebay was totally crap and thrown away.
Arca plate clamp that had rough edges and a bolt so poorly made the threads stripped on screwing it.

I have owned cheaper Chinese tripods and also genuine Gitzo, there is quite a difference in quality and finish, but also in price too.
Like most things there is good and bad, just have to accept that most times stuff will do the job, but occasionally not.
 
woof woof said:
Just on the Benbo drunken bagpipes thing - If you have the additional column bracket thing it's not an issue IMO.

View attachment 110595

These tripods may not be for everyone but the bagpipes thing IMO is overblown. Grooooaaaan...

:D
Click to expand...

Good old Benbo I remember the old adverts posted in photo magazines "claiming more positions than the Kama sutra" :eek::LOL:
 
redsnappa said:
Ok but designed and engineered in the UK mean little if it is manufactured in China
Click to expand...

I know other people have replied to this but as you quoted me I will too :D

When I worked I saw products from all over the world and IMO if we're talking quality it really doesn't matter where stuff is made. In many cases stuff is indeed designed and engineered in the UK and other expensive places and manufactured in places with much lower costs and there's no problem from a quality point of view if it's all kept on top of. The problems may come if there's not enough monitoring and control and if the locals don't for whatever reason keep on top of things.

Personally and quality and price and everything being comparable or at least acceptable I'd like to buy British if at all possible as it keeps us employed and paying tax and makes the chances of nurses and police etc getting a decent pay rise but failing that designed and engineered here but made elsewhere is I suppose the next best thing.

At the moment I'm taking the company at their word when they say that the kit is designed and engineered in the UK. Maybe you know something that I don't?

If it is true it's a very different thing from picking an existing product from a catalogue and asking the maker to put your brand name on it. That does happen but this company is stating otherwise.

And a PS.
I used to be involved in product approvals, CE and assessments and the like, and please believe me when I tell you that the country of origin can mean next to nothing. I do have some horror stories I could tell about far eastern companies but I can also say that I've also seen excellent products designed and engineered in the UK and made elsewhere :D
 
Last edited:
ashtennisguru said:
Because nothing can be manufactured in China with quality???
Click to expand...

Most everything is manufactured in China (or very similar climes), we all know this and it's not worth arguing over surely?

It's only relatively recently that we've started to get well thought out kit originating from China aimed at the consumer though, it really wasn't that long ago we were getting poor copies that didn't understand what they were meant to be doing so I think the design origin is still one worth stressing.
 
woof woof said:
I know other people have replied to this but as you quoted me I will too :D

When I worked I saw products from all over the world and IMO if we're talking quality it really doesn't matter where stuff is made. In many cases stuff is indeed designed and engineered in the UK and other expensive places and manufactured in places with much lower costs and there's no problem from a quality point of view if it's all kept on top of. The problems may come if there's not enough monitoring and control and if the locals don't for whatever reason keep on top of things.

Personally and quality and price and everything being comparable or at least acceptable I'd like to buy British if at all possible as it keeps us employed and paying tax and makes the chances of nurses and police etc getting a decent pay rise but failing that designed and engineered here but made elsewhere is I suppose the next best thing.

At the moment I'm taking the company at their word when they say that the kit is designed and engineered in the UK. Maybe you know something that I don't?

If it is true it's a very different thing from picking an existing product from a catalogue and asking the maker to put your brand name on it. That does happen but this company is stating otherwise.

And a PS.
I used to be involved in product approvals, CE and assessments and the like, and please believe me when I tell you that the country of origin can mean next to nothing. I do have some horror stories I could tell about far eastern companies but I can also say that I've also seen excellent products designed and engineered in the UK and made elsewhere :D
Click to expand...

If designed and engineered in Britain means "please make that bit blue and smooth off the corners there" then yes, 3LT are British designed and engineered. But it certainly doesn't mean manufactured in Britain from raw materials and assembled by British workers.
 
HoppyUK said:
If designed and engineered in Britain means "please make that bit blue and smooth off the corners there" then yes, 3LT are British designed and engineered. But it certainly doesn't mean manufactured in Britain from raw materials and assembled by British workers.
Click to expand...

Did I say it did? I thought I was clear but of course this site has more than one poster willing to deliberately misunderstand and misrepresent what another posts.

Unless someone has inside knowledge and is willing to share it why not just stop the BS and innuendo and take the company at their word until there's proof otherwise?
 
woof woof said:
Did I say it did? I thought I was clear but of course this site has more than one poster willing to deliberately misunderstand and misrepresent what another posts.

Unless someone has inside knowledge and is willing to share it why not just stop the BS and innuendo and take the company at their word until there's proof otherwise?
Click to expand...

I was talking in general Alan, but those comments certainly apply to 3LT. They also apply to any number of other brands, and that's not necessarily a bad thing at all - often quite the opposite. But if your comment "I'd like to buy British if at all possible as it keeps us employed" refers to anything more than a handful of people in sales, marketing and dispatch then that's not the case. I have visited the 3LT facility in Bedford and spoken at length to the boss Danny Lenihan.

Danny has 'previous' with TP - his multiple user names are all banned. He is currently embroiled in a row over the new 3LT L-bracket at $50 that some have dared to suggest is no different to others costing $6. His outburst on Petapixel gives an insight into how 3LT operates, and apparently the difference is 3LT has spent "thousands of man hours, and costs upwards of $100k" bringing this thing to market, and 3LT products are only manufactured in 'ethical' Chinese factories. Unfortunately, it still has a couple of fundamental design flaws but make of it what you will here https://petapixel.com/2017/07/21/photo-gear-costs-costs/
 
I've got the compact travel one (punk?). Don't like it at all and pretty much for all the reasons @mickledore mentioned in the 1st reply. The twist legs need to be twisted too much & they flop about annoyingly. The paint has all scratched off and the rubber has cracked on the centre column. It's unstable fully extended and just annoys me. The head though was fine. Its only saving grace is that it slots into a bicycle water bottle carrier.

When I upgraded from my Manfrotto I avoided 3LT because I was concerned that their full size model would have the same issues as the travel version. I ended up going FLM (CP30 XL Pro) and I'd take that anywhere - sod the weight (1.9kg). For a tripod that easily hits my (6'1") eye level without extending the centre column it's just rock solid. I do have the 3LT ball head though (Airhed 360?) which is really good quality and manages fine with a gripped X-T2 & 16-55 f2.8. My (admittedly limited) experience is that ultra-light tripods just aren't stable enough (for me) and I like height as my back gets sore quickly from that half-stoop to shorter tripods (like my old Manfrotto). YMMV.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top