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Mward1226

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Sorry about another tripod thread, My first tripod was a new Tiltall many years ago, it was more than sturdy, but finally was replaced after 30+ years with an Induro CT414 (for stability, medium format, digital full frame) and added a CT214 for lighter weight and closer to ground work. Extremely happy with both. I mainly shoot landscape for my own enjoyment now and generally take the CT414 with me, however now in my 60's, I'm intrigued by the new travel tripods that could cut some weight from my backpack on long hikes such as at the Wave or further, but i'm concerned about stability. Generally use a Nikon D850, 14-24, 24-70, and 70-400 f2.8.

Has anyone done in depth comparison on the following two travel tripods and what is your opinion on stability vs weight for shooting landscapes?

Sirui T1205x and K20x ballhead

3 legged thing Eclipse Leo and their Airhead ball head

Obviously nothing replaces a larger heavier tripod for stability, but I have not been able to tell from the past threads if one of the above tripods is a reasonable compromise?

Thanks.
 
Mward1226 said:
Sorry about another tripod thread, My first tripod was a new Tiltall many years ago, it was more than sturdy, but finally was replaced after 30+ years with an Induro CT414 (for stability, medium format, digital full frame) and added a CT214 for lighter weight and closer to ground work. Extremely happy with both. I mainly shoot landscape for my own enjoyment now and generally take the CT414 with me, however now in my 60's, I'm intrigued by the new travel tripods that could cut some weight from my backpack on long hikes such as at the Wave or further, but i'm concerned about stability. Generally use a Nikon D850, 14-24, 24-70, and 70-400 f2.8.

Has anyone done in depth comparison on the following two travel tripods and what is your opinion on stability vs weight for shooting landscapes?

Sirui T1205x and K20x ballhead

3 legged thing Eclipse Leo and their Airhead ball head

Obviously nothing replaces a larger heavier tripod for stability, but I have not been able to tell from the past threads if one of the above tripods is a reasonable compromise?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have the Sirui K20 which is well regarded. I have had no problems with the Nikon lens you mentioned. I assume you meant 70-200 (not 400) f2.8.

My go to travel leg is Gitzo traveler GT1555. Very compact but sturdy and rigid, although a bit pricey. I tend to use a smaller head for this tripod over the Siruis K20, just for the sake of weight.

I hear the Leofoto LS284 and LH30 is very comparable to Gitz or RSS at a fraction of the cost.

The centercolumn web page has the definitive analysis of legs and head. They recommend a ball head 3x the stiffness of the leg.

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/travel-tripod-rankings/

Regards,

JoeG.
 
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Thanks, iIll take a look at that link.
 
JoeGuide said:
Mward1226 said:
Sorry about another tripod thread, My first tripod was a new Tiltall many years ago, it was more than sturdy, but finally was replaced after 30+ years with an Induro CT414 (for stability, medium format, digital full frame) and added a CT214 for lighter weight and closer to ground work. Extremely happy with both. I mainly shoot landscape for my own enjoyment now and generally take the CT414 with me, however now in my 60's, I'm intrigued by the new travel tripods that could cut some weight from my backpack on long hikes such as at the Wave or further, but i'm concerned about stability. Generally use a Nikon D850, 14-24, 24-70, and 70-400 f2.8.

Has anyone done in depth comparison on the following two travel tripods and what is your opinion on stability vs weight for shooting landscapes?

Sirui T1205x and K20x ballhead

3 legged thing Eclipse Leo and their Airhead ball head

Obviously nothing replaces a larger heavier tripod for stability, but I have not been able to tell from the past threads if one of the above tripods is a reasonable compromise?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have the Sirui K20 which is well regarded. I have had no problems with the Nikon lens you mentioned. I assume you meant 70-200 (not 400) f2.8.

My go to travel leg is Gitzo traveler GT1555. Very compact but sturdy and rigid, although a bit pricey. I tend to use a smaller head for this tripod over the Siruis K20, just for the sake of weight.
Click to expand...
Just curious - what head do you use on your Gitzo GT1555?

I have GT0545 and an older GT1541, will eventually sell one of the two.

Currently I am using Leofoto NB-34 head, it is an excellent head, but I am looking for something lighter.
JoeGuide said:
I hear the Leofoto LS284 and LH30 is very comparable to Gitz or RSS at a fraction of the cost.
Click to expand...
I have Leofoto LS-224C with EB-36 low profile head, it is a killer combo, but not equal to Gitzo. But it gives you 75% of Gitzo performance for 25% of the price.
JoeGuide said:
The centercolumn web page has the definitive analysis of legs and head. They recommend a ball head 3x the stiffness of the leg.

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/travel-tripod-rankings/

Regards,

JoeG.
Click to expand...
 
ZodiacPhoto said:
JoeGuide said:
Mward1226 said:
Sorry about another tripod thread, My first tripod was a new Tiltall many years ago, it was more than sturdy, but finally was replaced after 30+ years with an Induro CT414 (for stability, medium format, digital full frame) and added a CT214 for lighter weight and closer to ground work. Extremely happy with both. I mainly shoot landscape for my own enjoyment now and generally take the CT414 with me, however now in my 60's, I'm intrigued by the new travel tripods that could cut some weight from my backpack on long hikes such as at the Wave or further, but i'm concerned about stability. Generally use a Nikon D850, 14-24, 24-70, and 70-400 f2.8.

Has anyone done in depth comparison on the following two travel tripods and what is your opinion on stability vs weight for shooting landscapes?

Sirui T1205x and K20x ballhead

3 legged thing Eclipse Leo and their Airhead ball head

Obviously nothing replaces a larger heavier tripod for stability, but I have not been able to tell from the past threads if one of the above tripods is a reasonable compromise?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have the Sirui K20 which is well regarded. I have had no problems with the Nikon lens you mentioned. I assume you meant 70-200 (not 400) f2.8.

My go to travel leg is Gitzo traveler GT1555. Very compact but sturdy and rigid, although a bit pricey. I tend to use a smaller head for this tripod over the Siruis K20, just for the sake of weight.
Click to expand...
Just curious - what head do you use on your Gitzo GT1555?

I have GT0545 and an older GT1541, will eventually sell one of the two.

Currently I am using Leofoto NB-34 head, it is an excellent head, but I am looking for something lighter.
ZodiacPhoto said:
I hear the Leofoto LS284 and LH30 is very comparable to Gitz or RSS at a fraction of the cost.
Click to expand...
I have Leofoto LS-224C with EB-36 low profile head, it is a killer combo, but not equal to Gitzo. But it gives you 75% of Gitzo performance for 25% of the price.
ZodiacPhoto said:
The centercolumn web page has the definitive analysis of legs and head. They recommend a ball head 3x the stiffness of the leg.

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/travel-tripod-rankings/

Regards,

JoeG.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
For the Gitzo 1555, I have Leofoto LH-25 which is quite small and incredibly strong but does not have an independent pan lock. Great travel kit. I just ordered a Leofoto LH30, which I will does have a pan lock, when absolute lightness is not required.

I have RSS BC-18 which is even smaller and lighter, but a bit cumbersome and tricky to use.

I hear the LS-224 is quite good and a tremendous value. In fact all the Leofoto legs are quite good. I have Gitzo systematic 3, but a bit heavy. I am looking at the Leofoto LS 324C for a general purpose tripod for my next purchase.

JoeG
 
JoeGuide said:
ZodiacPhoto said:
JoeGuide said:
Mward1226 said:
Sorry about another tripod thread, My first tripod was a new Tiltall many years ago, it was more than sturdy, but finally was replaced after 30+ years with an Induro CT414 (for stability, medium format, digital full frame) and added a CT214 for lighter weight and closer to ground work. Extremely happy with both. I mainly shoot landscape for my own enjoyment now and generally take the CT414 with me, however now in my 60's, I'm intrigued by the new travel tripods that could cut some weight from my backpack on long hikes such as at the Wave or further, but i'm concerned about stability. Generally use a Nikon D850, 14-24, 24-70, and 70-400 f2.8.

Has anyone done in depth comparison on the following two travel tripods and what is your opinion on stability vs weight for shooting landscapes?

Sirui T1205x and K20x ballhead

3 legged thing Eclipse Leo and their Airhead ball head

Obviously nothing replaces a larger heavier tripod for stability, but I have not been able to tell from the past threads if one of the above tripods is a reasonable compromise?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have the Sirui K20 which is well regarded. I have had no problems with the Nikon lens you mentioned. I assume you meant 70-200 (not 400) f2.8.

My go to travel leg is Gitzo traveler GT1555. Very compact but sturdy and rigid, although a bit pricey. I tend to use a smaller head for this tripod over the Siruis K20, just for the sake of weight.
Click to expand...
Just curious - what head do you use on your Gitzo GT1555?

I have GT0545 and an older GT1541, will eventually sell one of the two.

Currently I am using Leofoto NB-34 head, it is an excellent head, but I am looking for something lighter.
JoeGuide said:
I hear the Leofoto LS284 and LH30 is very comparable to Gitz or RSS at a fraction of the cost.
Click to expand...
I have Leofoto LS-224C with EB-36 low profile head, it is a killer combo, but not equal to Gitzo. But it gives you 75% of Gitzo performance for 25% of the price.
JoeGuide said:
The centercolumn web page has the definitive analysis of legs and head. They recommend a ball head 3x the stiffness of the leg.

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/travel-tripod-rankings/

Regards,

JoeG.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
For the Gitzo 1555, I have Leofoto LH-25 which is quite small and incredibly strong but does not have an independent pan lock. Great travel kit. I just ordered a Leofoto LH30, which I will does have a pan lock, when absolute lightness is not required.
Click to expand...
I have a Sirui C-10S, a basic, but very good ball head with a panorama base. This had fits perfectly between the traveler's legs folded, because the knobs are at 120°.

The Leofoto NB-34 is much better, with a top panorama clamp, but about twice heavier.

I am looking for something in between these two.
JoeGuide said:
I have RSS BC-18 which is even smaller and lighter, but a bit cumbersome and tricky to use.

I hear the LS-224 is quite good and a tremendous value. In fact all the Leofoto legs are quite good. I have Gitzo systematic 3, but a bit heavy. I am looking at the Leofoto LS 324C for a general purpose tripod for my next purchase.
Click to expand...
LS-224C is my "take anywhere" tripod. With EB-36 head, it weight less than 1kg/2lb.
 
ZodiacPhoto said:
I have GT0545 and an older GT1541, will eventually sell one of the two.
Click to expand...
I got the Markins Q3T//RRS-QR + Gitzo GT1541T killer combo, the oversized ballhead does everything (multirow-panohead + 14-24mm, zero problems) and with the Q3T the Gitzo legs can fold backwards for the smallest pack size - it fits with head mounted in the standard Gitzo bag.

I tried to go lighter/smaller but stability and the endless wobble with lighter tripods made the replacements useless for me.

For things I can't use the GT1541T I take a GM5561T monopod with manfrotto clamps and make it work. :)
 
The Sirui T-025X is the best lightweight tripod I've ever used.
 
HRC2016 said:
The Sirui T-025X is the best lightweight tripod I've ever used.
Click to expand...
I had Sirui T-025X and "lost" it in a park. I gave it to my daughter to carry :(

I was using it with Sunwayfoto XB-28 head, and later, with even better Leofoto EB-36.

I removed the center column, and tried not to extend the bottom pencil-thin leg sections. Comparing to Gitzo and even Leofoto LS-224C, the tiny Sirui is very flimsy and shaky.

Of all the tripods I tried, LS-224C has the best rigidity-to-price ratio. Combined with EB-36 head, it weights less than 1 kg.
 
HRC2016 said:
The Sirui T-025X is the best lightweight tripod I've ever used.
Click to expand...
I got the T-025X also and even when I remove the whole middle section, all I get with a simple D810+58mm (NO GRIP, NO FLASH, NOTHING) is endless wobble.

Removing the center column and not using the last leg columns change nothing, the whole thing wobbles no matter how long you wait or what shutter mode you use - I use an external shutter release.

I was really disappointed with the T-025X, since its so small and sub 1kg in weight, but the really bad construction tolerances make it not usable with any DSLR around 1kg (with a lens).

The T-025X ended as flash stand for me.

Sometimes I wish people would be more honest about the products in reviews - like works for X, does not work for Y.
 
Lichtspieler said:
HRC2016 said:
The Sirui T-025X is the best lightweight tripod I've ever used.
Click to expand...
I got the T-025X also and even when I remove the whole middle section, all I get with a simple D810+58mm (NO GRIP, NO FLASH, NOTHING) is endless wobble.

Removing the center column and not using the last leg columns change nothing, the whole thing wobbles no matter how long you wait or what shutter mode you use - I use an external shutter release.

I was really disappointed with the T-025X, since its so small and sub 1kg in weight, but the really bad construction tolerances make it not usable with any DSLR around 1kg (with a lens).

The T-025X ended as flash stand for me.

Sometimes I wish people would be more honest about the products in reviews - like works for X, does not work for Y.
Click to expand...
When I lost my T-025x Sirui, I briefly considered getting another one.

However, remembering how shaky it was, I decided to give Leofoto a try - based on a positive review on The Center Column .

LS-224c is much better than T-025x, and just barely heavier. The only drawback is that it is not a "traveler" design - the legs do not fold in reverse position, so it is longer than Sirui - about 16" w/out the head.

NOTE: there is absolutely nothing wrong with larger and heavier Sirui tripods - they make great value product. It's just T-025x that was designed with minimal size and weight in mind, without much consideration for stability and rigidity.
 
Depends on your height but leophoto makes a 324 that's very good but somewhat short B&H packages it with their 40 ballhead which is good too. If your six feet tall it wont work but Leophoto makes other models.

Steve
 
Bird pics said:
Depends on your height but leophoto makes a 324 that's very good but somewhat short B&H packages it with their 40 ballhead which is good too. If your six feet tall it wont work but Leophoto makes other models.

Steve
Click to expand...
Have a look at their catalog.

Sirui and Sunwayfoto offer similar quality and selection.
 
Mward1226 said:
Generally use a Nikon D850, 14-24, 24-70, and 70-400 f2.8.

3 legged thing Eclipse Leo and their Airhead ball head
Click to expand...
I've got the Leo with Airhed Switch, and shoot a D800 with 14-24 on it. It's the first "everyday carry" / travel tripod I've owned, and fits inside my camerabag with the camera.

It's a nice bit of kit, there's a bit of flex in it when fully extended, but no more than my heavier 3 section aluminium manfrotto tripod.
 
Has anyone tried:

Neewer Carbon Fiber 67"/170cm Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head,1/4"Quick Shoe Plate,and Bubble Level Including Carrying Bag for DSLR Camera,Video Camcorder,Load Capacity 33lbs/15kg

Is it any good as a general unit.
 
ZodiacPhoto said:
teejaywhy said:
Right now the Manfrotto BeFree Compact carbon fiber travel tripod is on sale for $220.

Deal or no deal?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._mkbfrc4_bh_befree_compact_travel_carbon.html
Click to expand...
Deal, if:

- you don't mind the flip lever locks (a personal choice)

- you are OK with Manfrotto proprietary quick release plates (not Arca-Swiss, so no L-brackets, etc.)
Click to expand...
Succinctly stated and really sums up my dilemma.

I see a sale and am ready to jump on it! Maybe I should pump the brakes and do more research.

The Manfrotto QR and flip lever legs are the only thing I'm familiar with. My current tripod being a 055XB with a 496RC2 head. Had it for a long time and honestly, barely use it.

Looking for something more compact and lighter for travel/hiking. Would want it to support the D750 with 24-70 f/2.8 or 70-200 f/2.8 lens. I'm just an enthusiast, it would see light use and probably only occasionally with the big camera, more often with my Micro 4/3 kit.

The Arca-Swiss style is something I've just become aware of.

I guess there are proponents and detractors for both QR systems as well as the leg locks. I'm not particularly married to the Manfrotto style, and it seems a liability if one truly can't use the L bracket.

I think I shall do some more reading...
 
teejaywhy said:
ZodiacPhoto said:
teejaywhy said:
Right now the Manfrotto BeFree Compact carbon fiber travel tripod is on sale for $220.

Deal or no deal?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._mkbfrc4_bh_befree_compact_travel_carbon.html
Click to expand...
Deal, if:

- you don't mind the flip lever locks (a personal choice)

- you are OK with Manfrotto proprietary quick release plates (not Arca-Swiss, so no L-brackets, etc.)
Click to expand...
Succinctly stated and really sums up my dilemma.

I see a sale and am ready to jump on it! Maybe I should pump the brakes and do more research.

The Manfrotto QR and flip lever legs are the only thing I'm familiar with. My current tripod being a 055XB with a 496RC2 head. Had it for a long time and honestly, barely use it.

Looking for something more compact and lighter for travel/hiking. Would want it to support the D750 with 24-70 f/2.8 or 70-200 f/2.8 lens. I'm just an enthusiast, it would see light use and probably only occasionally with the big camera, more often with my Micro 4/3 kit.

The Arca-Swiss style is something I've just become aware of.

I guess there are proponents and detractors for both QR systems as well as the leg locks. I'm not particularly married to the Manfrotto style, and it seems a liability if one truly can't use the L bracket.

I think I shall do some more reading...
Click to expand...
Yes, my usual lightweight recommendation these days (Leofoto LS-224C + EB-36) may be not enough for Nikon D750 + 70-200/2.8 lens. My setup is much lighter than yours - Sony A7R2 + 70-200/4 lens.

You may need to look at Gitzo traveler line or equivalent similar. ;)

--
http://www.zodiacphoto.com
 
Last edited:
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