CARBON TRIPOD.

[TONY C.]

I am looking to get a new tripod in the near future, it will be carbon fibre and capable of taking a large lens, maybe a 300 f2.8 or 500 f4 size wise. Would like feedback on what others are using and advice to give a choice of manufacturers and rough costs. Cheers Tonyc.

 

[kokakaste2]

I guess you will need to look at Gitzo made tripods, they are the top of the range brand. There is also Feisol and Benro, they are the cheaper alternatives to Gitzo.

Personally I have Feisol 3441T carbon fibre tripod and can't complain about it, but its not for large lenses like the ones you mentioned. It was definitely worth the cost.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Guessing you will be using a Gimbal with that set up or a substantial ballhead

Gitzo systematic range might be the answer, no central column, series 3 rated to hold max 25kg, think the current model is the 3542LS

I have the earlier 3540LS, light and very sturdy, lots of people from the bird snappers fraternity use this range for a 500mm f/4

This might be of interest to you, slightly older model rated at 18kg load and should be more than enough http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GITZO-3541LS-Tripod-SALE-/321020383815?pt=UK_Film_Cameras&hash=item4abe4e5247

 

[markyboy.1967]

Guessing you will be using a Gimbal with that set up or a substantial ballhead

Gitzo systematic range might be the answer, no central column, series 3 rated to hold max 25kg, think the current model is the 3542LS

I have it's predecessor the 3540LS, light and very sturdy, lots of people from the bird snappers fraternity use this range for a 500mm f/4

It sounds perfect for the OPs set up. I have the bigger one( the 5541LS) but thats a bit overkill for your needs but i have heard great reports about the 3 series abilities.

 

[tijuana taxi]

It sounds perfect for the OPs set up

I thought so, edited slightly to include one I just spotted from a reputable shop on the bay

That series 5 of yours must be a sturdy beast!!

 

[markyboy.1967]

I thought so, edited slightly to include one I just spotted from a reputable shop on the bay

That series 5 of yours must be a sturdy beast!!

Its very hard for people to understand just what difference this tripod has made. Yeah its very expensive but it has paid for itself many times over.This tripod is a keeper.

 

[Jan K.]

Check out the Benro C3770T... I made a little review of it in the TP review section.

Strong, sturdy, takes big lenses, well made and is 'systemic', ie no centercolumn. Can only recommend it.

 

[TONY C.]

Some good advice there thanks everyone, will follow it up,

 

[raj_kemp]

Have just bought a Feisol CT3342 and a RRS ball head, very light set up. Will be using this overseas in December and I recommend feisol tripods to anyone who wants to save a little over gitso but almost same permanence...

 

[tijuana taxi]

I recommend feisol tripods to anyone who wants to save a little over gitso but almost same permanence

They certainly look the business, need to compare again after a few years use, that should prove the build quality one way or another