Tripod, truth and myth

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

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.

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=> better is better, but without it it is not impossible.

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

Just ordered a Sirui R-4203L

It is:
- cheapish (still the double of my Manfrotto 055).
- tall 180 cm.
- light to carry
- strong

and not produced anymore.
People that have this seem pleased with it, hoping for the same experience.
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They did not have it in stock and could not get a backfill, so getting the money back.

Through e-bay finally got the Sirui R-4203L. Here with the Nikon 600mm f4, Kenko TC1.4 and Nikon D7000.



Here compared to the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4.
The legs thickness might explain why it is rated higher in load. It is also tall enough for me (actually a little more then I need, where the Manfrotto is a little less).

Vincent said:

Through e-bay finally got the Sirui R-4203L. Here with the Nikon 600mm f4, Kenko TC1.4 and Nikon D7000.

View attachment 231165

Here compared to the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4.
The legs thickness might explain why it is rated higher in load. It is also tall enough for me (actually a little more then I need, where the Manfrotto is a little less).

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That is one seriously tall tripod!


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I got the Benro TMA48CXL a while back, way taller than me, never had to use the bottom legs yet. With this and the gimbal head I am well pleased, even carrying it for an hour its ok.

The truth is that they are all way overpriced given that most of them are made in China but a lot of them say they are designed in the USA.

Macmagoo said:

The truth is that they are all way overpriced ...

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We are going in a political debate. Which we should not do here, maybe off-topic category.

I bought the Sirui second hand at the same price as the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 which I bought new.
Very similar with the head, a Benro GH3, which I bougt at the price of my Manfrotto 393 which I bought new.
Also my 600mm f4 is second hand.

In total I have a support set up which I would never have if I had stuck to new (and American RRS).
Now on top of that, I really believe that the R-4203L was ideal for me, I`m 186cm tall and it is just taller, it is still light to carry and can take 20kg, where my setup (600mm + TC2 + D5 to come + gimbal head) must be just under 9kg.

"We are going in a political debate. Which we should not do here, maybe off-topic category". There is nothing political about discussing where something was made or what it cost.

Bought a Benro Com37AL.
Benro Combination Aluminum Series 3 58.5" Long Tripod, 3 Section COM37AL

These legs are huge, solid and have no @!##$ center post. Rated for 40 pounds. So far I really like them.
If there is a downside they're heavy. No matter. My days of packing hundreds of pounds of gear are over.
They may get some use during the scheduled monsoon here in the PNW


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Received my Zomei 818c today. Excellent tripod for the price. Carbon Fibre quality materials build quality looks very good. The cost of this puts some tripods that cost three or four times as much too shame.

Why a tripod that is that big?

I`m quite tall (just taller then the tripod) and in this position:


I could confortably (no extreme bending over as before) take the next picture of some birds on the top of a tall tree:

Do you guys still use tripods sorry dont normally do this but couldn't resist ::what:: just joking.

This one is impressive: E-M1II takes sharp 15 seconds handheld photos! – 43 Rumors

Well I am sorry I shoot professionally and have owned most from Manfrotto to Giottos, and I prefer my two GITZOs with Wimberley heads

Jr1 said:

Well I am sorry I shoot professionally and have owned most from Manfrotto to Giottos, and I prefer my two GITZOs with Wimberley heads

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Not clear if people have understood: Gitzo and Really Right Stuff have very good material, the point is, there is more out there that is really good.

Found out yesterday my local shop is selling off Manfrotto to go to Sirui. I did not find what I wanted and I did not go for cheap, sometimes your best option is not in the known names.