Carbon Fibre Tripod - Recommendations

Aerialphotographer

Aerialphotographer

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Guy
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Hi, I currently own a Manfrotto X055ProB tripod, I am looking for a CF tripod to handle a long lens for nature/wildlife, does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance, Guy.
 
Why do you think you have to change to carbon fibre for nature/wildlife. Wouldn't a change in head be a better route?
 
I don't really have one, I just want to find the right tripod for the job without going too silly.
 
I've just bought the same tripod also to cope with he same lens (and others) but I will look to use a gimbal.
 
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I use it currently with a Beike 45 gimbal and it works really well but just weighs a ton plus I'm sure there are more stable options for when in the field.
 
TBH I would go for stability over lightness for long lens wildlife photography ... I use a Feisol CT-3472 :)
 
Out of interest, what head are you going to use with the Siggy Sport?
 
I went for the slightly more sanely priced tournament version with 3 sections which I use with my F5 + 300mm f2.8 and mamiya RZ67 kit. Presently has a manfrotto 488RC2 ball head which copes ok, but probably needs upgrading. Very sturdy arrangement and incredibly lightweight, suits me perfectly.
http://www.feisoleurope.com/feisol-tournament-tripod-ct3342-rapid-p-30.html
 
I am using the Beike 45 gimbal head and have had fantastic results with it. Yes it's cheap but I have had no issues with it.
 
Kei said:
slightly more sanely priced tournament version with 3 sections
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Three sections is the way to go for me as well.

The tournament have dye cast spiders as
the one on the elite is CNC'ed.
 
Kodiak Qc said:
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Three sections is the way to go for me as well.

The tournament have dye cast spiders as
the one on the elite is CNC'ed.
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The tournament series is CNC-milled from a solid block of 6061/7075 aluminium alloy. (at least according to the feisol sites) Something I checked in advance of buying it. Seems the only difference between the elite and tournament series is the thickness of the carbon fibre tubes. (28mm vs 37mm, hence the weight increase)

The classic/standard series is cast and then CNC milled.
 
Kei said:
Seems the only difference between the elite and tournament series is the thickness of the carbon fibre tubes. (28mm vs 37mm, hence the weight increase) The classic/standard series is cast and then CNC milled.
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I stand corrected! Thanks. ;-)
 
I think either way they look very good tripods, makes for a more sturdy platform than I have at present and lighter. Thanks for the input guys.
 
Aerialphotographer said:
I am using the Beike 45 gimbal head and have had fantastic results with it. Yes it's cheap but I have had no issues with it.
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The Beike gimbal heads are terrific value for money, sub £55 and a great piece of kit. I upgraded from one to Benro cf gimbal which cost nearer £300 and there wasn't much difference in usability or quality imo except the Benro was a bit lighter. Have recently gone back to Beike and banked the difference in cost!
 
I know what you mean wardy, I used a friends Benro GH2 and it didn't feel much different. Really can't go wrong for the money.
 
Well received my Feisol tripod today and have to say I am well impressed with the stability and build quality, thanks Gramps for the recommendation!
 
I used a Benro before getting this one and the Feisol is way better and more compact in my opinion.
 
Aerialphotographer said:
Well received my Feisol tripod today and have to say I am well impressed with the stability and build quality, thanks Gramps for the recommendation!
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Glad you like it, IMO it is a great bit of kit and after-sales is great too :)
 
I am amazed how small it is, will fit the bag perfectly with the gimbal head on it too, I might just get the self levelling centre column at some point too. Thanks for the advice once again.
 
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