Tripod - Carbon fiber vs Aluminum

First off... I know this topic has been talked about to death, so sorry for redundancy

I have the Mefoto Roadtrip aluminum version which I like for when I do long hikes. I'm looking for a sturdier tripod. My choices have been down to the Mefoto Globetrotter, the Benro system Go with the Benro B2 ballhead, the Sirui W-1204 with K-30X ballhead, and maybe the Neewer CF 63".
When I have my camera mounted on the ballhead, I use mirror up then wait for a few seconds to settle the vibration down from the mirror slap before I snap the photo. I have heard that carbon fiber legs may improve that, but then I hear they are not as stable as the heavier alluminum legs. So, my question is... for someone not doing much long exposure or time lapse shots, would there be any advantage one way or the other over aluminum vs carbon fiber? Any comments on either of the tripods I mentioned?

Mark F said:

First off... I know this topic has been talked about to death, so sorry for redundancy

I have the Mefoto Roadtrip aluminum version which I like for when I do long hikes. I'm looking for a sturdier tripod. My choices have been down to the Mefoto Globetrotter, the Benro system Go with the Benro B2 ballhead, the Sirui W-1204 with K-30X ballhead, and maybe the Neewer CF 63".
When I have my camera mounted on the ballhead, I use mirror up then wait for a few seconds to settle the vibration down from the mirror slap before I snap the photo. I have heard that carbon fiber legs may improve that, but then I hear they are not as stable as the heavier alluminum legs. So, my question is... for someone not doing much long exposure or time lapse shots, would there be any advantage one way or the other over aluminum vs carbon fiber? Any comments on either of the tripods I mentioned?

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Hi,
the structure and build and manufacturing quality of the tripod is much more important than the material. I have moved to carbon fiber 'pods a few years ago because they are lighter to carry and offer a lot more resistance to torsion about the vertical tripod axis. If the tripod is rigid and strong, it doesn't need added mass to overcome its stability shortcomings.

Pick your poison, either your back thanks you (cf) or your wallet (alu). One point to consider is that manufacturers tend to overestimate the load capacity of their tripods by a huge margin. So make sure that whichever 'pod you get, the load capacity is at least five times (5x) higher than the heaviest lens and camera you plan to use.

I am not familiar with any of the manufacturers' or the tripods in your post, so I refrain commenting them in any other way, just offering some general viewpoints. I use Gitzo's Systematic and Mountaineer series tripods for long lens use and travel use respectively. The systematic GT5542LS handles D4S + AF-S 400/2.8VR with ease.

Mark F said:

First off... I know this topic has been talked about to death, so sorry for redundancy

I have the Mefoto Roadtrip aluminum version which I like for when I do long hikes. I'm looking for a sturdier tripod. My choices have been down to the Mefoto Globetrotter, the Benro system Go with the Benro B2 ballhead, the Sirui W-1204 with K-30X ballhead, and maybe the Neewer CF 63".
When I have my camera mounted on the ballhead, I use mirror up then wait for a few seconds to settle the vibration down from the mirror slap before I snap the photo. I have heard that carbon fiber legs may improve that, but then I hear they are not as stable as the heavier alluminum legs. So, my question is... for someone not doing much long exposure or time lapse shots, would there be any advantage one way or the other over aluminum vs carbon fiber? Any comments on either of the tripods I mentioned?

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I'm going to preface this by saying my total experience with CF tripods is limited so I'm certainly no expert on the topic. That being said, I think what you might want to be asking yourself is... What kind of exposures you will be expecting this new tripod to handle?

If what you need is essentially a "third hand" to help with things like doing panos or long-ISH exposures (and by "long-ISH what I mean is exposures measured in fractions of a second in duration, ones that are too slow for hand-held/hand-held VR but not what I call "long") then a good a good quality CF tripod is probably fine. I have determined that not all CF is created equal, however but that's probably a whole 'nother can of worms. More to the point, where I've found myself starting to separate the proverbial wheat from the equally proverbial chaff is when I'm doing exposures that are ten, fifteen... even thirty-seconds long. In my experience THIS is where the slightest weakness in your tripod will reveal itself. So where's the cutoff? In my mind anything requiring an exposure of one-second or longer means big, heavy tripod. I'm leery of sandbagging tripods, personally and don't do it any more because the degree of success with doing so has been hit-or-miss. Maybe I'm just doing it wrong or a different, better CF tripod would have handled the job better... I don't know.

Whatever the root cause I've given up on the idea of having a single tripod that rules them all (and in the darkness binds them) and instead have settled on having a couple (possibly three) tripods; each for a differnt purpose, and then I do my best to apply the proper tool to the job at hand.

Horoscope Fish said:

Whatever the root cause I've given up on the idea of having a single tripod that rules them all (and in the darkness binds them) and instead have settled on having a couple (possibly three) tripods; each for a differnt purpose, and then I do my best to apply the proper tool to the job at hand.

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This is where I am heading as well. The mefoto road trip is great for hiking and hanging on my backpack or even putting it in the saddlebag on my bike, and I will be keeping and using it as such But, I do have to sandbag it and wait until the movement dies down before I click the shutter on some shots.
I guess what I am looking for at the moment is a tripod that will handle 1-10 sec exposures, maybe more, and still be light enough to be considered a travel tripod.
After that, then I will be looking for a tripod like the Gitzos mountaineer ( way out of my price range though ) for things like long exposures and possibly astrophotography.

I think the heaviest combo I would be doing would be the d7200/d750 80-400. More likely the d7200 70-300 afs 6 lbs max maybe?

Mark F said:

... I guess what I am looking for at the moment is a tripod that will handle 1-10 sec exposures, maybe more, and still be light enough to be considered a travel tripod.

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Well... You might want to look at the Benro FTA28CV1 Travel Angel. It comes in both aluminum and CF flavors and will run you, roughly, $250 and $400 respectively. Comes with an entirely acceptable ball-head. I'm sure there are other very good options but this is one I would consider myself if I was in your shoes. Which I'm sure are quite tasteful.

I don't have any experience with any of the tripods you mentioned. Whatever you get, be sure not to extend the center column all the way up. A tripod is at its most vulnerable that way. And because of leverage when the center column is fully extended, any slight breeze might made it sway a little more than when the center column is down lower.

A while back, I bought a Benro Carbon Fiber Tripod. The quality was very impressive. Unfortunately it wasn't tall enough for my needs so I traded it. The most expensive waterproof Sirui Carbon Fiber tripod gets amazing reviews, but that isn't the one you mentioned. Some of Sirui's lesser expensive models don't get high ratings. Be sure to read reviews on that one--especially Amazon reviews. And as far as Manfrotto, their parent company also owns Gitzo. Manfrotto offers terrific quality.

Splaying the legs outwards on a tripod gives it a wider footprint. That might come in handy for long exposures to help minimize slight shaking. Good luck with whatever you choose. Please be sure to fill us in after you've had a chance to work with the one you get.

Horoscope Fish said:

Well... You might want to look at the Benro FTA28CV1 Travel Angel. It comes in both aluminum and CF flavors and will run you, roughly, $250 and $400 respectively. Comes with an entirely acceptable ball-head. I'm sure there are other very good options but this is one I would consider myself if I was in your shoes. Which I'm sure are quite tasteful.

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I've had that one in my list to look at as well. I will take a better look at it. Thanks for the recommendation.

hark said:

A while back, I bought a Benro Carbon Fiber Tripod. The quality was very impressive. Unfortunately it wasn't tall enough for my needs so I traded it. The most expensive waterproof Sirui Carbon Fiber tripod gets amazing reviews, but that isn't the one you mentioned. Some of Sirui's lesser expensive models don't get high ratings. Be sure to read reviews on that one--especially Amazon reviews. And as far as Manfrotto, their parent company also owns Gitzo. Manfrotto offers terrific quality.

Good luck with whatever you choose. Please be sure to fill us in after you've had a chance to work with the one you get.

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I don't extend the center column. If I could afford the gitzos that don't have a center column, thats the direction I would be headed... maybe later down the road.
Ive also been looking at that waterproof Sirui W-2204 with a k-30x ballhead attached. Seems like a good setup as well.
So many choices... one bank account
At the moment, I am leaning towards the Benro Carbon Fiber, but I'm also looking into more info on that mefoto globetrotter. Both have been well received in blogs and comment sections of Adorama, BH and amazon.
I will definately keep you posted on which one I am getting along with the experiences.

I decided to go with a Sirui W-2204 with a k-20x ballhead, although the Globetrotter was up there on my list. The main selling point was the little bubble level attached to the legs. I know, its not much, but that little detail makes it easier to level the legs for panos.
I will have to wait on purchase, though, until I find out about a lens repair that I recently sent in. I think this combo will fit my needs for now. I do plan on purchasing a third tripod in the future for heavier setups.
Thanks for all the advice and recommendations.

Mark F said:

I decided to go with a Sirui W-2204 with a k-20x ballhead, although the Globetrotter was up there on my list. The main selling point was the little bubble level attached to the legs. I know, its not much, but that little detail makes it easier to level the legs for panos.
I will have to wait on purchase, though, until I find out about a lens repair that I recently sent in. I think this combo will fit my needs for now. I do plan on purchasing a third tripod in the future for heavier setups.
Thanks for all the advice and recommendations.

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The Sirui should work well for you and fill your needs for many years. It supports up to 39 pounds. Not sure about the weight limit for the head, but the legs have gotten really good reviews. Glad you were able to choose one.

hark said:

The Sirui should work well for you and fill your needs for many years. It supports up to 39 pounds. Not sure about the weight limit for the head, but the legs have gotten really good reviews. Glad you were able to choose one.

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I'll let you know what I think... the ballhead should handle all that I would throw at it. Rated at 55 lbs. Translated the sticks and head can handle my 6 lbs of gear

Mark F said:

I'll let you know what I think... the ballhead should handle all that I would throw at it. Rated at 55 lbs. Translated the sticks and head can handle my 6 lbs of gear

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I was intent on getting that tripod until a pre-owned Gitzo Mountaineer got on my radar. But everything I read about that Sirui tripod was very impressive. In fact, I recently got a Sirui CF monopod and think the quality is terrific. Hope you get everything squared away with the lens so you can get your new toys.

hark said:

I was intent on getting that tripod until a pre-owned Gitzo Mountaineer got on my radar. But everything I read about that Sirui tripod was very impressive. In fact, I recently got a Sirui CF monopod and think the quality is terrific. Hope you get everything squared away with the lens so you can get your new toys.

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The Gitzo will probably be my next larger tripod later on. I really do like the Mefoto Roadtrip for backpacking. I may also get that Mefoto Globetrotter in the future. Mefoto makes some quality tripods from what I have seen. It would really be a nice backpacker/travel tripod. My problem is not so much with the legs as it is with the heads and the drooping when locking in. I hope this head fixes that. I'm sure it will be better than what I have now.

Mark F said:

My problem is not so much with the legs as it is with the heads and the drooping when locking in. I hope this head fixes that. I'm sure it will be better than what I have now.

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Is that head interchangeable? Quite often they are, but many that can be changed have a hex screw that holds the head on tightly. Look underneath the mount on the legs and see if there is a small hole with a hex screw...that is if you have any interest in swapping the head on your Mefoto Roadtrip.

hark said:

Is that head interchangeable? Quite often they are, but many that can be changed have a hex screw that holds the head on tightly. Look underneath the mount on the legs and see if there is a small hole with a hex screw...that is if you have any interest in swapping the head on your Mefoto Roadtrip.

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It is interchangeable. But if I were to put a bigger head on it, I would lose the compactness of folding it into itself for travel. The mefoto road trip is great for the lens I would use on a day hike, d7200 /w 16-80. The other tripod I will buy will be for the times I want to use the longer heavier lenses.

Mark F said:

It is interchangeable. But if I were to put a bigger head on it, I would lose the compactness of folding it into itself for travel. The mefoto road trip is great for the lens I would use on a day hike, d7200 /w 16-80. The other tripod I will buy will be for the times I want to use the longer heavier lenses.

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Ahh. That makes sense. Since I've never used that tripod, I didn't know it folded up that way.

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Sirui W-2204 waterproof carbon fiber tripod with k-20X ballhead. Should be here next week. I'll let you know how I like it.

Tripods have no specs that are relevant in their spec sheets or advertising. So one has to experiment. All tripods can support pretty heavy cameras, a paper drinking straw can support 30 lbs if perfectly balanced and a compact load directly over its axis. Strength is not a problem but it touted as an important spec. What you are more interested in damping(vibration dissipation), torque(twisting moment), and resonances. Being perfectly rigid might be the opposite of what you need. What is it is used where there is ground vibration such as near a waterfall or a race track? How rigidity works against you by transmitting more vibration up the length of the tripod can be worse for image blur than a more compliant, damped design. The same materials straight through are thought to be "strongest" but they also transmit vibration most effectively. Any discontinuity in materials, barriers of different damping rates is very effective in reducing transmission. A non-rigid tripod in many cases converts the vibration energy to movement at a different rate and if slower a rate than your shutter speed, will deliver sharper images with less vibration induced blur but manufacturers don't tell you that. What has a slower time constant for vibration propagation, a carbon fiber tube or a feather pillow is an extreme comparison but shows the importance of transmission characteristics. In a high vibration environment, a feather pillow supporting the camera beats the $2000 carbon super strong tripod every single time.
There are other vibrations to consider. The resonate frequency of the legs means when energy is added, maybe from wind or vibration, a high Q structure will vibrate at its own frequency determined by the length and propagation speed of the material. As a result in some shutter speeds just turn out blurry when in the same conditions others don't.
I would look for a tripod that has coupling between leg segments that are made of a different material or even leg segments of different material. That difference in transmission characteristic causes less efficient transmission of energy(vibration) up the structure. Like is an acoustic treatment of a room to make it very quiet like a studio recording room or sound stage, to reduce transmission of sound through walls, you use a mix of layers of materials which transmit vibration very differently. If the same thickness of any one material was compared, say a 6 in thick wall, compared to the transmission of sound of a 3in thick wall that was made of layers of different materials and air gaps, the wall with different materials will be more effective in stopping sound leakage or transmission. I talked to an engineer for a tripod company which was touting the first carbon fiber camera support systems(for film industry) and he could not answer the questions about damping and it apparently was not tested for.That first model got a bad rep because cameramen saw the poor performance in vibration suppression very quickly. A flexible system that has a low frequency of resonance, even suspended by rubber cords could, for some shutter speeds, perform much better than a super rigid whiz-bang all carbon big buck tripod. Use one in controlled high vibration conditions and compare to others is about all we photographers can go by. You can get an idea of vibration by taping the legs with your keys or a pen and listen to what sound is made...a quiet thud or a sharp sounding "tink". Go with the thud.

Interesting little update. I recently received my Sirui ballhead and tripod. I ordered it thru Adorama.
The Sirui website said it had a 6 year warranty. I tried to register both tripod and ballhead on Sirui's website. It would take it, so I contacted Sirui customer service. They told me that they wouldn't register them since Adorama is no longer a Sirui authorized dealer in the US. So, guess what? I returned it. Maybe its me getting old and cantankerous, but if you're not planning on providing a warranty, the customer should know... and don't use a company like Adorama to it sell for you.

Mark F said:

Interesting little update. I recently received my Sirui ballhead and tripod. I ordered it thru Adorama.
The Sirui website said it had a 6 year warranty. I tried to register both tripod and ballhead on Sirui's website. It would take it, so I contacted Sirui customer service. They told me that they wouldn't register them since Adorama is no longer a Sirui authorized dealer in the US. So, guess what? I returned it. Maybe its me getting old and cantankerous, but if you're not planning on providing a warranty, the customer should know... and don't use a company like Adorama to it sell for you.

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Bummer! Unnecessary bureaucracy is what this world doesn't need. They manufactured the damn thing, they should back it, imho.

What's the plan? Get the same item from an "authorized" merchant, or get something else instead?

pforsell said:

Bummer! Unnecessary bureaucracy is what this world doesn't need. They manufactured the damn thing, they should back it, imho.

What's the plan? Get the same item from an "authorized" merchant, or get something else instead?

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I was going to get the same equipment from an "authorized merchant", but then my intolerance kicked in and said Phooey. If and when I may need warranty work shouldn't be determined on where I buy it... especially a place like Adorama. They don't need my business or my hard earned money. To bad too... I really liked those sticks. The ball head was sort of iffy though. Wouldn't line up regular arca swiss plates very well.