What is the best carbon fiber tripod?

B

Bill16

Senior Member
What is the best carbon fiber tripod for landscapes for around $1250.00 or less? Or if it cost more, how much more, and why it is worth it?
I currently use the Gitzo tripods listed in my signature, but they are designed for getting into whatever unusual position you might need to! But for landscapes I was thinking of one without a center column and very strong for using stabilizing center weight in the windy situations! I am about 5'4" so I'm not exactly a giant!lol :p

I can't say this is a need since I am a hobbiest! But I can say I would like to have it even if this is that expensive! :)
I have the ability this once to buy one,possibly two depending on cost, big things with tax returns! The tripod is just one possible choice, that I am thinking about!:)


PS. I am a really big fan of Gitzo brand for tripod legs! Lol :)
 
Last edited:
B

Bill16

Senior Member
I was looking at the traveler 6section version of the systematic, but it was mentioned by another friend that is was shorter than 5' and I was thinking uneven ground might make that a problem.
Any ideas how to solve that buddy? Fix that possible issue and I would seriously consider buying it, even though it is outrageously expensive! Lol :)

skene said:
Well if you don't want a center column... get a Gitzo systematic tripod...
Click to expand...
 
S

skene

Senior Member
I have an older Gitzo G1325 tripod, but I don't see why you would even need another tripod. With the Gitzo GT2541ex just add weight to keep it sturdy and you'll be ok.
 
B

Bill16

Senior Member
I don't "need" one my friend! This is just a want, and I can't say I need anything as a hobbiest, considering what I have already. I am very fortunate, and I bought a lot of great stuff at pretty great prices used!:)
No this is just a greedy "want", that I can't logically justify as anything else buddy! Lol ;)

skene said:
I have an older Gitzo G1325 tripod, but I don't see why you would even need another tripod. With the Gitzo GT2541ex just add weight to keep it sturdy and you'll be ok.
Click to expand...
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Bill16 said:
After doing some figuring and reading, this tripod will work and is my top pick so far! In the link you'll see that a center pole is add-able later among other options I can choose from! This tripod is both compact,sturdy,and and even pretty reasonable in weight!

Anyone know of a better one for about the price this one goes for?

Systematic Series 5 Carbon Tripod, Super-Compact 6-Section GT5562LTS - Systematic Tripods | Gitzo
Click to expand...

I have the Series 3 I think of this and find it great, it will go on my backpack no worries. And with out the centre coloumn you can get real close to the ground if needed.
 
B

Bill16

Senior Member
I have the ability this once to buy one,possibly two depending on cost, big things with tax returns! The tripod is just one possible choice, that I am thinking about!
 
S

skene

Senior Member
I understand the needs and wants... but with what you already have being a fully capable tripod.... You can want many other things to spend your money on. But the necessity would end up being redundancy.
I can see plenty of other things that you should need to have instead of not having.
 
B

Bill16

Senior Member
This is a lifetime hobby for me now, and I am not quite 50 years old, so I am in no hurry to have all the things eventually needed for it! Lol Finding things that helps me enjoy this hobby more, tends to be what I go for first over what might improve my photography faster.
I am enjoying learning and adding new things to my kit, and I don't really need anything right away.
Besides nothing is set yet! I may buy a boring lens in the end after all!lol ;)
Who knows?lol:D


skene said:
I understand the needs and wants... but with what you already have being a fully capable tripod.... You can want many other things to spend your money on. But the necessity would end up being redundancy.
I can see plenty of other things that you should need to have instead of not having.
Click to expand...
 
hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Ya got me on tripods, Bill! I have two tripods that meet my needs, but I know there are different features available depending upon the designs. I'm not that knowledgeable about the various features so I hope others will chime in with ideas on what to consider.

As you found out, not all tripods come with a center column. Some tripods offer a straight center column while others offer a center column that does double duty as lateral arm...meaning the center column can be put on an angle (diagonal). I believe some allow the center column to be inverted (upside down) although I've never done that personally. Since you are looking at carbon fiber tripods, just be sure there is some way to add weight to the tripod. Some have a hook on the bottom of the center column where you can hang a heavier item. Others have the ability to fasten netting or material to create a type of hammock that fastens to the three legs close to the ground. That is a different way to add weight to the tripod.

I'm sure there are other features. Just be sure you are familiar with the options before you narrow down your selection. ;) Has anyone ever had their carbon fiber tripod shatter or become really brittle? I've heard it can happen.
 
B

Bill16

Senior Member
I have two great tripods by Gitzo that have the off center column that you can make it go even upside down. One is aluminium and the other is carbon fiber, otherwise they are both the same design! I highly recommend them, though they are not the design choice I would prefer for landscapes!
This tripod I am considering that I posted links to, are a much higher ability rated tripod at the top of the Gitzo line. Scott uses one like this one and Glen also uses Gitzo tripods! :)
Glen is who I found out about Gitzo and ARCA SWISS from, that I will forever be grateful for, and is the great guy who gave me my first good working tripod all the way from Japan! :)

So I have a pretty good idea in this brand, though other brands I know less about what is good! :)



hark said:
Ya got me on tripods, Bill! I have two tripods that meet my needs, but I know there are different features available depending upon the designs. I'm not that knowledgeable about the various features so I hope others will chime in with ideas on what to consider.

As you found out, not all tripods come with a center column. Some tripods offer a straight center column while others offer a center column that does double duty as lateral arm...meaning the center column can be put on an angle (diagonal). I believe some allow the center column to be inverted (upside down) although I've never done that personally. Since you are looking at carbon fiber tripods, just be sure there is some way to add weight to the tripod. Some have a hook on the bottom of the center column where you can hang a heavier item. Others have the ability to fasten netting or material to create a type of hammock that fastens to the three legs close to the ground. That is a different way to add weight to the tripod.

I'm sure there are other features. Just be sure you are familiar with the options before you narrow down your selection. ;) Has anyone ever had their carbon fiber tripod shatter or become really brittle? I've heard it can happen.
Click to expand...
 
L

lostnomore

Senior Member
This tripod gets pretty rave reviews. Not just this model (designed for travel compactness), but Sirui tripods in general. In fact, the T-2205X is the one I'm settled on when it comes time to upgrade my tripod.
 
A

Ad B

Senior Member
Hi,

I'm enjoying te Sirui N3204X together with ball head K-20X (and a Nest NT-530H gimbal).
Both had very good reviews at the Internet and I went to a shop for some testing.
It is very stable, versatile (I can use one leg to covert to a monopod), quite small package and light.
I could buy the tripod for nearly 40% less at e-bay (yes, it was a new one)...
This total tripod package costed me only $650,-... (tripod, ball head and gimbal)
I can spend the rest of my budget to other nice things (to do..). (trying to catch Northern Light in Finland in 2,5 weeks :cheerful:)

Ad B
 
I

iceman55

Senior Member
What about the Induro line of carbon tripods ?? They always seem to get good reviews. Ive been using an aluminum Vanguard recently and have been thinking about upgrading to a RRS, Gitzo or an Induro....I love this one for the height clt404l | B&H Photo Video
 
Top