Carbon fibre vs aluminum, please help me make a decision

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Sue Fisher

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Following on from my previous thread:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=85220

I need to make a decision between a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 or a 190XPROB.

I was originally going for the carbon fibre 190CXPRO4 for the lightness and compact size - good for carting around when out and about, but with the problem I've encountered with the plastic insert on the quick adjust column, it's put me off somewhat. It could be easy to modify this myself, but when spending £200 I really don't see why I should have to?

So the alternative is the aluminum 190XPROB which is half a kilo heavier and a bit longer when folded down, but doesn't have the problem of the offending plastic insert. I do have an Op/Tech neoprene strap which should lessen the weight when out and about. It's also half the price.

Thanks to latereg, Anthony.Ralph and justinframe for their input on my previous thread. I've also had advice from the assistant in the Edinburgh Calumet shop who said "get the aluminium one, carbon fibre can shatter". My local shopdealer who I am getting the tripod from just wants me to be happy with with the purchase knowing I've got the right one, not regretting it six months down the line.

I know the 190 series is the right size for me, the photography I do and the equipment I've got and I really like the quick adjust centre column and know I will use the centre column horizontally.

If I go for the PROB I will have extra money left over that could buy me a monopod and head (I have actually paid for the PRO4). Then I suppose I could, if I felt I needed to, go for a carbon fibre tripod in a few years time.

Basically what I think this boils down to is: Is the 190XPROB ok for carrying around on location? Is carbon fibre less reliable than aluminium?

Thanks for any help/opinions folks :)
 
Sue Fisher said:
Following on from my previous thread:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=85220

I need to make a decision between a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 or a 190XPROB.

I was originally going for the carbon fibre 190CXPRO4 for the lightness and compact size - good for carting around when out and about, but with the problem I've encountered with the plastic insert on the quick adjust column, it's put me off somewhat. It could be easy to modify this myself, but when spending £200 I really don't see why I should have to?

So the alternative is the aluminum 190XPROB which is half a kilo heavier and a bit longer when folded down, but doesn't have the problem of the offending plastic insert. I do have an Op/Tech neoprene strap which should lessen the weight when out and about. It's also half the price.

Thanks to latereg, Anthony.Ralph and justinframe for their input on my previous thread. I've also had advice from the assistant in the Edinburgh Calumet shop who said "get the aluminium one, carbon fibre can shatter". My local shopdealer who I am getting the tripod from just wants me to be happy with with the purchase knowing I've got the right one, not regretting it six months down the line.

I know the 190 series is the right size for me, the photography I do and the equipment I've got and I really like the quick adjust centre column and know I will use the centre column horizontally.

If I go for the PROB I will have extra money left over that could buy me a monopod and head (I have actually paid for the PRO4). Then I suppose I could, if I felt I needed to, go for a carbon fibre tripod in a few years time.

Basically what I think this boils down to is: Is the 190XPROB ok for carrying around on location? Is carbon fibre less reliable than aluminium?

Thanks for any help/opinions folks :)
Click to expand...


Carbon fibre can shatter, but only in extreme sub zero temperatures.

I have a carbon fibre road bicycle and IMO, I trust carbon fibre more than alloy. CF also dampens vibrations a LOT quicker than alloy and as you've pointed out, is lighter then alloy.

Also, in cold weather, CF does not freeze the hands like alloy would do..

My 2p worth..
 
From what I remember a member on the OcUK forum had a hide door slam with the wind on his CF tripod & it smashed the legs. I don't know if that was a freak-one off case but I'd stick with alloy :)
 
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