Can you recommend a CF tripod?

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I'm looking around for a lightweight and easily transportable tripod and obviously the carbon fibre ones spring to mind. Ideally I'd like four section legs to make it shorter when folded down and I'm not bothered about a centre column. I don't need this for long lenses/gimbal heads or anything like that so I presume I won't require a huge one. I currently have the Manfrotto 055PRO B but it is a bit of a beast and too big for my day to day requirements.

Any recommendations?
 
Problem is that without a centre column, most of the lightweight ones are too short. I use a modified Manfrotto 190 MF4 for travelling and when shooting from vehicles. It is very light and short but only extends to about 4 feet without the column. For stuff I do, that is sometimes fine though. I use it with a 500/4 so it is certainly strong enough for the job.

My mine tripod is a Gitzo 3540LS which doesn't have a centre column and is full height, but they are £500 and very sturdy! The Gitzo 2541 is a bit cheaper and is a superb tripod. I have a friend who has one...

Paul
 
I bought a Velbon Sherpa Pro 630 Carbon tripod from a member on here in mint boxed condition with all it's accessories for £120. Very well made and versatile tripod and is very similar to some of the manfrotto range.

Good specs too and Morris Photographic have it on a great deal at the moment here £150 including shipping and a free head!
 
I still use my feisol 3401 which I bought direct from their web site. Not the quickest to put up with the twist locks on the leg sections but pretty strong. With centre column it goes too high for me to look through the camera.
 
I have a Gitzo 2228 which I have a feeling is discontinued but you may still be able to get one. The 2228 is four section legs and the 2227 is three section legs. Both from the Gitzo Explorer range which you should check out.

Review of the 2227 HERE
 
I really love my Gitzo 3541LS. Small when folded up, light and sturdy.
 
RobertP said:
I still use my feisol 3401 which I bought direct from their web site. Not the quickest to put up with the twist locks on the leg sections but pretty strong. With centre column it goes too high for me to look through the camera.
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Snap and ditto. I can highly recommend the Feisol. I think mines a CT-3441 - in blue!
 
I have the Manfrotto 055 "Magifiber" MF4.

Really like it and works for my low level stuff too as the centre column comes in 2 pieces meaning you can get the head inches from the floor.
 
I have a Gitzo 3540XLS and can tell you that it is a fantastic support for anything I use, might be a bit overkill for you but I would imagine the rest of the Gitzo range are just as good.
 
CT said:
I have a Gitzo 2228 which I have a feeling is discontinued but you may still be able to get one. The 2228 is four section legs and the 2227 is three section legs. Both from the Gitzo Explorer range which you should check out.

Review of the 2227 HERE
Click to expand...

The current equivalent Explorer model is the 2531, which has very minor changes from the 2530. (presumaly the 2541 and 2540 are the 4 section models)

The 2531 is a fabulous tripod!

One word of warning - the more sections the legs of a tripod have, the more hassle it is to open and close. It's marginal but noticeable.:)
 
jerry12953 said:
The current equivalent Explorer model is the 2531, which has very minor changes from the 2530. (presumaly the 2541 and 2540 are the 4 section models)

The 2531 is a fabulous tripod!

One word of warning - the more sections the legs of a tripod have, the more hassle it is to open and close. It's marginal but noticeable.:)
Click to expand...

Can't give you a big argument on that. :D The bonus though is it's slightly shorter when closed than the 3 section version. Wonderful tripod - I use the 500mm on mine with no probs.
 
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