So I`m up for a new tripod, tired of the go Gitzo messages (similar to Canon is the best) my conclusions:
Use: 600mm f4 lens + ...
Specs: Carbon (dampening), light weight (to 3,5 kg = 7,5 lbs), high reach (180 cm = 70 in), no centre column (portability), taking 18kg = 35lbs (safety margin is big), 3-4 sections (to be portable but stable).
Manfrotto: I have a 055CXPro4, it works but then my 500mm has not foot anymore (manfrotto 290 does not cut it), I do not want a second 055 for portability reasons with centre column.
I`m tempted by a 536 video tripod, but would like a really flat converter for the half ball connection, which seems an issue.
Gitzo: would have to go for a 4542LS, seems expensive and too low (61 in). Gitzo GT4552GTS seems to convene, then I found: The Systematic Series 4 gives solid support and torsion rigidity and is available in 3- or 4- section models, so I'm excluding 5 sections in general since less sections probably is better.
Really Right Stuff: 44, this is good hight, I believe it has a half ball connector and calling it expensive is an underestimate. I fear support in Europe.
Induro GIT404XL, seems the cheapest, you can get 10 years warranty, did not find it in Europe though.
So I end up with a Sirui (Chinese indeed) R-5214xl from a trusted dealer with long guarantee. High, heavy duty, but only found one review (positive of wildlife photographer) and Gitzo priced.
Rollei T-63 C, Benro TMA48CXL and Bilora PP-324A seems very close, but 5 sections and/or centre column and/or Aluminium.
Conclusions:
- cheap does not work (a second hand 055 at 50 EUR might do though), but from 600 EUR to 1400 EUR I do believe the differences are minimal.
- the big brands have their issues as well (gitzo looses feet, went for weight loss and lost on vibration suppression, ... many complaints about support)
- an outsider with support from a trusted dealer might be the best choice
- almost nobody seems to hold these monsters to test
From: NATURELENS: 2 (iii) Equipment - Other
Not selected: At this moment the Coman TG540CT seems too new to the European market, even if good online shops sell it.
Daiwa, Camgear, Cartoni, OConnor, Matthews, Miller, Libec, Vinten & Sachtler seem too heavy video based.
Did not find any high load solution (some can work with 7-10kg, sufficient but I really want more security) with: Hama, Cullmann, Velbon, Vanguard, Giottos, Silk, Konig, Varizoom
3 legged thing: a special case, can not take the load when legs are open. Or are they the only ones honest about this?
Viola very limited info found.
Edit1: found Induro in my criteria
Edit2: added quote and conclusions on other brands
Use: 600mm f4 lens + ...
Specs: Carbon (dampening), light weight (to 3,5 kg = 7,5 lbs), high reach (180 cm = 70 in), no centre column (portability), taking 18kg = 35lbs (safety margin is big), 3-4 sections (to be portable but stable).
Manfrotto: I have a 055CXPro4, it works but then my 500mm has not foot anymore (manfrotto 290 does not cut it), I do not want a second 055 for portability reasons with centre column.
I`m tempted by a 536 video tripod, but would like a really flat converter for the half ball connection, which seems an issue.
Gitzo: would have to go for a 4542LS, seems expensive and too low (61 in). Gitzo GT4552GTS seems to convene, then I found: The Systematic Series 4 gives solid support and torsion rigidity and is available in 3- or 4- section models, so I'm excluding 5 sections in general since less sections probably is better.
Really Right Stuff: 44, this is good hight, I believe it has a half ball connector and calling it expensive is an underestimate. I fear support in Europe.
Induro GIT404XL, seems the cheapest, you can get 10 years warranty, did not find it in Europe though.
So I end up with a Sirui (Chinese indeed) R-5214xl from a trusted dealer with long guarantee. High, heavy duty, but only found one review (positive of wildlife photographer) and Gitzo priced.
Rollei T-63 C, Benro TMA48CXL and Bilora PP-324A seems very close, but 5 sections and/or centre column and/or Aluminium.
Conclusions:
- cheap does not work (a second hand 055 at 50 EUR might do though), but from 600 EUR to 1400 EUR I do believe the differences are minimal.
- the big brands have their issues as well (gitzo looses feet, went for weight loss and lost on vibration suppression, ... many complaints about support)
- an outsider with support from a trusted dealer might be the best choice
- almost nobody seems to hold these monsters to test
From: NATURELENS: 2 (iii) Equipment - Other
=> better is better, but without it it is not impossible.I ran with a Wimberley Sidekick mounted to a carbon Series 3 Gitzo tripod and Markins Ballhead for a few years but following experiments with spotting scopes and various tripods which illustrated the huge difference a rock solid tripod can make to image quality I decided to invest in a Full Wimberley and Series 5 Gitzo Carbon Tripod.
That's not to say the Sidekick and Series 3 combination wasn't steady (it has enabled me to make many pin sharp images even in difficulty conditions with a 500mm lens plus 1.4 Extender) it's just I was looking for that bit extra as it were.
The Series 5 is steadier than the 3 and the Full Wimberley is a more robust arrangement than the Sidekick and Ballhead so these all add to marginally increased image quality. However some may feel is not worth the extra expense and aggravation. The rig is twice as cumbersome to use and much heavier (compared to the Series 3 rig) so there is a price to pay in terms of practicality. On balance I use this rig for pre-meditated photographic outings when I know exactly how far I need to trek and only my 500mm F4 and 1.4 Extender will be the appropriate lens do the subject justice.
Not selected: At this moment the Coman TG540CT seems too new to the European market, even if good online shops sell it.
Daiwa, Camgear, Cartoni, OConnor, Matthews, Miller, Libec, Vinten & Sachtler seem too heavy video based.
Did not find any high load solution (some can work with 7-10kg, sufficient but I really want more security) with: Hama, Cullmann, Velbon, Vanguard, Giottos, Silk, Konig, Varizoom
3 legged thing: a special case, can not take the load when legs are open. Or are they the only ones honest about this?
Viola very limited info found.
Edit1: found Induro in my criteria
Edit2: added quote and conclusions on other brands
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