Manfrotto vs 3 Legged Thing

[Horrgakx]

Hi all - I’m looking to replace my *2-legged* Manfrotto 458b (the mechanism in one of the legs broke and replacing it costs just as much as a full replacement).
The thing I loved about the 458b was the insanely quick method of pulling the legs out – they just lock where they are. I think this design is exclusive to Manfrotto.

I’m liking the look of the 3-Legged Thing range, but with all the joints in the legs I think it’ll be a right pain to use compared to the Manfrotto.

1) Has anyone else suffered a leg failure of the 458b (just trying to gauge how common it is)
2) Has anyone gone from Manfrotto to 3-Legged Thing?

 

[Foxbat Flyer]

We have a MF tripod with the easy leg adjustment (aluminium) and a 3LT Brian (CF).

The MF is much sturdier and heavier and from a stability aspect it is the better of the two. No leg failure experienced.

The 3LT is much lighter and whilst the leg adjustment is not as quick as the MF, it's easy and reasonably quick.

The 3LT is the one that is used most because it's light and folds up very small.

Chris

 

[Horrgakx]

Thanks for the reply.
If I was to go 3LT it would be "Steve" (click for link) because of the reach and the lower number of leg joints.

 

[dejongj]

We have a MF tripod with the easy leg adjustment (aluminium) and a 3LT Brian (CF).

The MF is much sturdier and heavier and from a stability aspect it is the better of the two. No leg failure experienced.

The 3LT is much lighter and whilst the leg adjustment is not as quick as the MF, it's easy and reasonably quick.

The 3LT is the one that is used most because it's light and folds up very small.

Chris

Snap! Same here...My Manfrotto plays second fiddle to my 3LT Brian....The size, the flexibility, the weight is just so good and convenient. They are great, and the head is good enough for my Mamiya Medium Format gear as well.