Feisol Tripods

ben.tite

ben.tite

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So, it feels like my seemingly epic quest to find a tripod is coming to an end :) FINALLY!!!! I imagine some of you will be in endless cycle too!

I can't remember how many times I've juggled with Manfrotto and Giottos variants of different sizes and weights. My dilema was this, I want sturdy and tall, I also want compact, light and a 'travelaroundable' :). Taking Manfrotto as an example, I wanted the weight bearing ability, height and sturdiness of the 055 range but the compact size of the 190 range...and don't even get me started on 3 or 4 leg sections...been there 500 times and thats before thinking about which ball head to get.

Anyway, enough rambling. I've stumbled accross the following tripod and it seems to offer the ideal blend of compactness, lightness, height, load-capacity etc.

Tripod:
Feisol CT-3442 (http://www.feisoleurope.com/feisol-tournament-tripod-ct3442-rapid-p-31.html)
  • 4 Leg Sections
  • Non-rotating leg sections with twist locks (moisture / dirt resistent etc)
  • 4ft 6inch Max Height (Excluding Ball head + height of camera eye piece)
  • No Center Column (Saves weight and also allows low-level setup (16cm) - Never use center column anyway)
  • Weighs 1.05kg (excluding head)
  • Max load of 10kg
  • Large tube diameter legs (adds sturdiness)
  • 48cm Folder Length (This includes the ball head as the legs wrap around the head when folded)
  • Large base plate (Can accomodate larger heads for more stability under heavy camera loads)

Ballhead:

Sounds perfect, but is it? Do any of you have any direct experience with Feisol gear and can offer some review / feedback of the products.

I've looked online at both the UK and Europe websites and it seems that if I order via Feisol Europe it works out cheaper than compared to the UK, including shipping! Might phone up Feisol UK to see if they'll match the Euro price...

Feisol UK price:
  • Tripod = £299
  • Head = £139

Feisol Europe price:
  • Tripod = 319 EUR (£249)
  • Head = 149 EUR (£116)

Anyway, any opinions on the above and feedback from users of these seemingly amazing tripods would be greatly appreciated before I click the purchase button :)

Cheers!
Ben
 
I've been trying to research these for a while and have really struggled. There only seems to be about 4-5 reviews of Feisol tripods in existence!

However they all seem to be favourable. The build of the version 2 (last digit) is greatly improved over the 1 series which I have read was a bit fragile in the spider. Other than that they seem to be pretty robust and have heard anecdotal stories of parts being sourced easily when required.

I am sure I will end up with a CT-3372 Rapid and levelling base at some point but I have other stuff I want first. The cost is a big factor here, the equivalent Gitzo is up to double the price depending on what model you call equivalent, and you don't get foam grips or a bag with a Gitzo.

One thing to bear in mind with the Europe site is there may be VAT and duty to pay.
 
I've got a CT-3472, which is a very solid C/F set of feet and have no problems with it at all.
I bought from the UK site and dealt directly with the guy involved who was helpful, inc giving his mobile number.
No problems thus far and I would have no hesitation in using the UK supplier www.feisoluk.com
 
Hi both - thanks for your feedback.

Chris - Glad to hear that the mark 2 of the tripods improves on the durability. Like you, I've read some great reviews but the brand isn't quite as well recognised yet. A gitzo would be a dream but a bit outta my league! I'll be ordering this week so I'll let you know how I get on with it when it arrives. I don't think that VAT / duty would be and issue when shipping to the UK. However, I did speak with Feisol UK and aparently the European products come with the USA warranty and would not be covered by the UK.

Gramps - glad to hear of your positive experiences with Feisol. Out of curiosity, which head are you using? Feisol or another?

Thanks
Ben
 
ben.tite said:
Gramps - glad to hear of your positive experiences with Feisol. Out of curiosity, which head are you using? Feisol or another?

Thanks
Ben
Click to expand...

Hi Ben, I use a Redsnapper head which I had before buying the Feisol.
 
I have their Traveller tripod and its very impressive and good quality, though you should order a few spare feet as they do sometimes come adrift - I bought from Feisol UK and was very happy with the service.
 
I've a Feisol CF tripod (don't recall the number) that I bought in the US. I'm not a big tripod user but I am very happy with it. Very light, very stable and good value. I've not tried a Feisol head but the guy I got the tripod from was a big fan.
 
Well, my tripod arrived so thought I'd give an update to anyone that's interested :)

I did end up going with Feisol 3442 Rapid legs (no center column), along with the CB-50DC head. All I can say is wow, this is a great tripod setup and works perfectly for me. However, it is early days so time will tell. This is my first 'proper' tripod, my previous was a low-cost, plasticy number and the difference is incredible! The stability of this thing is amazing.

What I can say is that this feels VERY sturdy fully extended and reaches eye level without the need for a center column. The ball head is rock solid with no sign of dipping even with my 24-70 2.8 brick attached, so I am confident it could easily handle a medium telephoto without any issues.

The legs are a little stiff to open at the moment, but I'm sure they will loosen a bit with use...alternatively it comes supplied with the allen keys to do the job myself if it doesn't.

It is a lot shorter when folded than my previous tripod, although a bit bulkier. However, it will fit into luggage easier as my old one was a little bit long!

Anti rotation legs are quick and having not used twist locks before absolutely love them.

Feisol Europe were great to deal with and I received my tripod within 3 days of ordering.

Would definitely recommend, its a joy to use.
 
maninsuitcase said:
Did you get stung for VAT etc? What was shipping like?
Click to expand...

VAT was included @ 19% on the purchase and there was nothing else to pay. Shipping was 15eur and was via DHL...arrived really quickly and they provided a tracking number.

The only issue I had is that my credit card charged a 2% fee for ordering overseas... I've since cancelled it, never had this issue with other cards! Grrrrr...

I also noticed that since I emailed Feisol UK about their pricing they have dropped the price of the legs and head on their website. Still ended up saving £20 ordering from Europe so I'm not bitter :)
 
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