Well after about 2 weeks of searching and looking at reviews and searching the net for the best deal I finally bit the bullet and picked up a tripod for the new camera. I have the old Cullmann mono pod with a Kaiser ball head ( no quick release). I was looking at several types all ranging in fair to extreme pricings and out of then all I was looking mostly at the Manfrotto and Vanguard due to the versatility of the tripod, but I wanted the Arca Swiss receiver on the ball head. The models that I looked at all had their merits but the proprietary receiver was in the back of my head. Also the stores here are limited to their selections. They call themselves camera stores but are so limited to the base line pro gear accessories. Not the best of what I wanted but with compromise I picked up what looks like a pretty solid rig with built in mono pod and folds up nice and tight and relatively small with a ball head, Arca Swiss receiver and solid looking carry bag. Fotopro C5i with the FPH-52Q head. It is a little more work getting the tripod set up with the camera hanging upside down and it doesn`t let me lay the camera on its side but for now it will do me fine. Anyone else have this rig that can inform me if it is a good rig or not and if there are problems with it. Thanks
New tripod
- Thread starter Drew Wat
- Start date
The specs are ; 4 sections and the weight of the tripod is 1,37 kg ( 3 lbs). max Load 6-8 Kg ( 17 lbs) Min Height 11 cm ( 4.3 inches) Max Height 157 cm ( 5 ft 1 1/2 inch) Mono pod max height is 123.5 cm ( 4ft) weight of mono pod is .36 Kg ( .79 lbs) It comes with a hook to add weight to the tripod and as well as a deluxe carrying bag a belt clip pouch to rest the mono pod in or carry the entire unit. the metal is aluminum magnesium with quick lock twist locks. Comes in 5 colors ( like that has any bearing ) I got orange as it is something that will not blend in too much.
Here is the link to the company site for the C5 series C5 Series 2in1 - Fotopro Tripod
Actually, the response from gqtuazon did give some advise. He clearly stated one of the fundementals of tripod buying - get the correct one for your needs. The fact that neither he or I were familiar with that brand is not relevant, what is relevant is the advise to get a tripod that will support your equipment and meets your needs. I looked at the link the OP posted, and while that tripod is not sufficient for my needs, it may very well be all the OP needs.
I have the D80 and D600 and the 80-200 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 and soon to have the 14-24 f2.8. Also the 50 f 1.8 and various other lens's but those are my main lenses with the new camera. I also have two Coolpix's and a Sony video cam that will be used on this tripod too. This tripod is water proof ( or so they say ) and due to the coating on the aluminum and its construction should last awhile. I will be putting it to the test in the next couple of weeks. Just doing home trials now testing the weight and shake issues it might have with the large lens but the load capacities are all within tolerable parameters. All the current tests are being done in the confines of a controlled environment. So far it looks pretty good. So if it isn't suitable for the big camera it will work with one of my others. The price was right and didn't break the bank. I have other tripods that are the older fashion with non detachable plate heads that are more than substantial to hold the weight but are also very cumbersome to pack around.
RickSawThat
Senior Member
Checked the link .... Those look very nice!
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
This is very rude... your derogatory response about him wasting time was just that, a waste of time. He posted with some general thoughts that may or may not be helpful ..
Yours had no helpful thoughts and appears to be coming from a very angry man. If you do not like it here, or the people here, then please feel free to go somewhere that you are happier.
This is a great community and we do not need it spoiled... Hopefully you will be in a better mood later and can contribute positively. I look forward to those positive ones.
Thanks & have a great day..
Pat in NH
Drew, from the web site, it looks like an OK tripod. One concern with any tripod is its height. I prefer not to use an adjustable center column to raise the camera up. As soon as you do, you start to lose stability. You'll get a much more stable platform if you do not have to use the center column. If you look at some of the Gitzos, you'll notice that they do not have an adjustable center column. While I would like to have a Gitzo, it ws out of my price range. I use a carbon fiber one from Calument Photo which gives me the height I need without having to raise the center column, and gives me a very stable platform to work with.
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As for selling if it is not the right tripod? I am a tradesman and have various tools for different jobs and the camera and tripods are no different. If it doesn't work for one camera it will work for another or different application no tool is a waste of money in my eye and a tripod, or lens is no different. I already have a collection of over 8 different film cameras ranging from Box to my Eos 630 and some European cameras that all took fantastic pictures at one time. I am heading off on Vacation and am looking for something light weight that will do a variety of tasks. I also want something to put in the kayak and back pack that will not weigh me down as much. I looked at so many different brands and all have their merits but selection is limited to where I live at present and if I want something different then I will have to order it on line and take a chance and I am not prepared to do that with something like this. I need a good all around tripod that is stable and can do a variety of tasks. I have my eye on a few different brands and still do. This tripod is somewhat of a compromise as to what I want, price and what is available.
AC016
Senior Member
As you can see in my signature, i have a C5i. I just have the black and silver one. I bought it on special at Henrys. I liked the fact that it had a monopod incorporated into it as well. I have used it several times since purchase and have no complaints. It is very stable and supports my D80 and 400mm just fine. The ball head is very smooth and is easy to adjust. Legs are rigid and easy to lock/unlock. One of the reasons the center column is there, is because it is used as part of the monopod. I have used it with the center column up and legs fully extended and it is still pretty sturdy with a camera on top. Though, i do prefer to use it with the center column down. All in all, i am very happy with it and unless i go insane and buy a D4 with a honking 800mm lens, i don't think i will be needing anyhting else.
Thanks that is a good point about the center column and the height as I am 6 ft with bad knees. The only reason I was looking at this one with the center column is that it is reversible and is able to pop out and hang the camera upside down without taking it all apart. I don't expect to be using the tripod with the center fully extended with the big lens. It also has a center column that can be shortened to use with the legs fully extended rather than having the center shaft hanging out to one side. All these things were going through my head when I was buying it and things that were on my list of things to look for. Like I said it is not the best of what I was looking for but it does fit a pretty good variety for a good price. I even got the guy in the shop to knock it down a bit in price.
Great this is what I wanted to hear. Thanks so much for the info. So you find the mono pod is pretty stable too? D80 and 400 mm I am impressed. I also have the 500mm f8 Mirror reflex lens that I have to try out.
AC016
Senior Member
Yes, as you pointed out, it can be reversed and used to get your camera much lower to the ground. I am 6ft 4 inch. If i were ever to use the tripod for extended periods of time - taking nature shots, i would bring along a little compact chair to sit in, avoiding the use of the center column. Many nature photogs say not to use the center column because it does affect stability - i would never use it doing nature. Though, it does not mean that it is taboo to buy a tripod with one and in this case, the center column serves a variety of purposes. Again, i think it is a great buy. Yes, it is a new brand and it is not Manfrotto or Gitzo.. But, it does not mean it is not a high quality product - it is a high quality product.
AC016
Senior Member
I have not tried the monopod yet. Yes and my 400mm is one from the late 70's. It's all metal! You will have no problem with it supporting your mirror lens.
I also have the 80-200 ( the one just before the VR came out) and it is steel too so a good solid lens and the weight was a concern but 17 lbs is over kill in regards to what I have in gear and just means that it will support the camera bag hanging under the tripod on the deluxe hook that was provided with the tripod. Ok one question for you as you have the C5i did yours come with an Allan key? have you found a use for it yet? I am stumped as I can't find anything that it works with.
AC016
Senior Member
Hmmm, i remember seeing the silver wrench, not the allen key. I am sure it came with mine to, just don't remember it. lol, just what i need is another allen key! I am going to assume that it is for the little screws on the quick release plate. If you take the ball head off, there are screw on the underside of the ball head mount that would require an allen key.. i think.
Yea I thought the same thing about the plate, but it doesn't fit those or anything I could find on the tripod. I sent a message to the company asking but still no reply. Just another mystery. Maybe an extra from Ikea that they just threw in to mess with people. lol