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Manfrotto CF tripods?

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ReedW

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I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen 3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to take on hikes. My requirements would be

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
 
I have the 3444D and would never ever part with it. I spent an entire afternoon at B&H before I made my final decision. I really like the clips to raise and lower the legs. They are much easier and faster. Also like the 4 sections which was a tough decision. The three sections was lighter and was rated for more weight. The four sections was a tiny bit heavier but folded much smaller. When I was in DC with Ron Resnick I actually had a race with one of the guys to see which one of us could pack up our tripod faster and I one. I will say I was not racing Ron though....LOL> I got the 488RC but I wish I got the smaller plate. This has a bubble for getting it level but the plates are a problem when left on the lenses. They do not fit in my bag and I have to carry them separately. If you want to play it smart get the 3444D with the Acra-tech ball which uses the arca type plates. though more expensive the Acra-tech is the one Ron uses and is really great. It does not slip when you adjust it and the cut for the ball is at a 45degree angle making it much easier if you are shooting birds, especially if they are flying.

The shot below was done with a D100 and 70-200VR VR-off on a windy night. Exposure was 1/2 second at f/4. This doesn't give the print justice either.



This was done with Nikon D100 ,Nikon 45 2.8 P at 5s f/8.0. This was so windy I almost could not stand. No kidding. Cold too.



I would say this tripod is a real winner in my books. Just so you know Gitzo and Bogen/Manfrotto are one and the same now. The only real difference is the Gitzo gives you a lifetime warranty and costs over $100.00 more.

GenoP
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the
Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are
cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products
and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models
such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of
the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
Click to expand...
--
http://www.pbase.com/genop754
 
but both show tilted a little bit (maybe .3 degree) on my screen.
GenoP...! said:
The shot below was done with a D100 and 70-200VR VR-off on a windy
night. Exposure was 1/2 second at f/4. This doesn't give the
print justice either.



This was done with Nikon D100 ,Nikon 45 2.8 P at 5s f/8.0. This
was so windy I almost could not stand. No kidding. Cold too.



I would say this tripod is a real winner in my books. Just so you
know Gitzo and Bogen/Manfrotto are one and the same now. The only
real difference is the Gitzo gives you a lifetime warranty and
costs over $100.00 more.

GenoP
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the
Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are
cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products
and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models
such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of
the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
Click to expand...
--
http://www.pbase.com/genop754
Click to expand...
 
Might be...but I found them very tricky to adjust. It might be I was using elements and there is less degrees I think to work with. Actually they might only be Capture edits. Sometimes I am a purist and just go with what I took. Anyway thanks very much.

Geno
3stones said:
GenoP...! said:
The shot below was done with a D100 and 70-200VR VR-off on a windy
night. Exposure was 1/2 second at f/4. This doesn't give the
print justice either.



This was done with Nikon D100 ,Nikon 45 2.8 P at 5s f/8.0. This
was so windy I almost could not stand. No kidding. Cold too.



I would say this tripod is a real winner in my books. Just so you
know Gitzo and Bogen/Manfrotto are one and the same now. The only
real difference is the Gitzo gives you a lifetime warranty and
costs over $100.00 more.

GenoP
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the
Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are
cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products
and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models
such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of
the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
Click to expand...
--
http://www.pbase.com/genop754
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
http://www.pbase.com/genop754
 
I know it's not what you asked about but...

I have a Gitzo 1227 & Arca Swiss ball head...it weighs in right around 5 pounds. The leg locks are very quick to set. I can setup the tripod and mount the camera in a flash (quick release plates all around). I'm a real believer in the carbon fiber stuff, it's makes for a very dampened tripod even with the legs in odd/extended positions...I often shoot with the tripod as low as possible because I sit on the ground awaiting wild life and it's still rock solid.
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the
Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are
cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products
and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models
such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of
the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
Click to expand...
--
Nikon FM/D100/CP990
pbase supporter
 
I use the Manfrotto 441 CarbonOne + Arca Swiss B1 Monoball.

Very happy, though the head weighs about the same as the tripod. It seemed light enough until my trek to, up, and along the Great Wall in 80% humidity and 90 degree weather. No tripod would be fun to carry in that kind of heat.

By the way, the 3-section Carbon tripod fits in the "tripod holder" of the LowePro backpacks just fine, though a 4-section legset would fit a bit better.

--
Michael T. Jones
(equipment in profile)
 
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to
Click to expand...
I love my Manfrotto CF tripod. I did a lot of browsing on the internet with Google looking for feedback. I found that people had problems with the Gitzos with jammed leg locks and occasional delamination of the CF legs from the mount. Could not find anything similar for the Manfrottos. The flip locks are quick and easy.

The 3 part legs are a little stronger, a little more rigid, and only a couple of inches longer folded. I got one without the head and got the smaller Kirk ballhead with mounting plate. Great combination.
 
Thanks to everyone who responded, certainly gave me some things to think about. The AcraTech head looks pretty interesting - anyone else have any comments about it? I'm currently using a Bogen 3055 ball head which I've been fairly happy with, though it seems to get bashed by most folks. I suppose for the difference in $$$ I should be alot happier with something like the AcraTech head?

Any more comments on the Manfrotto CF tripods are welcome!
 
ReedW said:
Thanks to everyone who responded, certainly gave me some things to
think about. The AcraTech head looks pretty interesting - anyone
else have any comments about it? I'm currently using a Bogen 3055
ball head which I've been fairly happy with, though it seems to get
bashed by most folks. I suppose for the difference in $$$ I should
be alot happier with something like the AcraTech head?

Any more comments on the Manfrotto CF tripods are welcome!
Click to expand...
I have been using the Gitzo CF tripods since thier introduction, and would only use a metal tripod in the studio now (and do). The leg locks on the Gitzo tripod are great, providing you realise that they only need the slightest torque to keep them tight, you dont need to wrench them up hard! I have had manfrotto and vinten (for video), and still swear by the Gitzo's, never had any problems at all. You do seem to have to pay for the best...

Best regards David (no charge)
 
Hi Reed,

I got the Manfrotto 3444 a few years back, and got the 3437 3D Magnesium Head at the same time as part of the package from B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home ;jsessionid=1gzKISkQO0!746461548?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=188165&is=REG

I thought the 3D head would be a good way to go because I am very much into landscape photography and I wanted the capability of making microadjustments in a single plane while leaving the other two planes fixed (but I haven't used a ball head, perhaps it could do the same).

This is the first tripod I have actually liked. In fact, I love it! I went for the four section legs for compactness when folded, and that has worked out well...even though I know that three section legs would give me a bit greater height. But there have been a few situations I have been in where the folded three section just would not have fit.

And I don't at all regret getting the 3D head, though I understand it wouldn't be the item for everyone. One thing with it, however, the knobs are not on extensions, they are very close to the head. They are ridged, but even so they can need a good grip to loosen if they have been given a lot of tighening. But the head and legs come in at 4.7 pounds and I find it very carryable. And I find that the leg locks work very well. Being able to mount the tripod riser at right angles to the tripod vertical has also been useful to me.

Oh, one seldom mentioned benefit of carbon fiber...in real cold weather the legs do not act as a radiator of heat from your hand out into the open air--unlike metal legs. I suspect there will be times you will appreciate that. :^)

My best,

Ed

--
http://www.blackmallard.com/cal_ls/
California Light and Structure

http://www.blackmallard.com/o_barn/
One Barn
 
I had one a few years back (model4001?), and I didn't find that the angles of the legs worked for me. The normal leg spread was a narrower angle than the Gitzo or the Bogan 3021. For field work I found it too tippy, but the next wider setting was too wide. If I were shooting mostly in cities it would have been great as it was less likely to be kicked. On uneven ground it was a bummer. I don't know if they still have that issue, but you may want to check before you buy. I have a Gitzo CF now and love it.

Bill
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the
Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are
cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products
and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models
such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of
the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
Click to expand...
 
I just bought the 3021 BN (The black model) and I like it very much but you are right, it's not a hiking tripod.

Have you considered some of the monopods out there for hiking? I bought the Manfrotto 671 monopod and put a Manfrotto 3232 head that basically is recommended for the monopods by a number of photography web sites.

I have found this set up gives me good balance and stability with my Sigma 70-200 and even using the Sigma 2X converter on the camera with that lens.

If you need a tripod, then there is no substitute, but a monopod might just be the ticket.

Regards,

Julio

http://www.pbase.com/loansharkx
GenoP...! said:
The shot below was done with a D100 and 70-200VR VR-off on a windy
night. Exposure was 1/2 second at f/4. This doesn't give the
print justice either.



This was done with Nikon D100 ,Nikon 45 2.8 P at 5s f/8.0. This
was so windy I almost could not stand. No kidding. Cold too.



I would say this tripod is a real winner in my books. Just so you
know Gitzo and Bogen/Manfrotto are one and the same now. The only
real difference is the Gitzo gives you a lifetime warranty and
costs over $100.00 more.

GenoP
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the
Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are
cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products
and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models
such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of
the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
Click to expand...
--
http://www.pbase.com/genop754
Click to expand...
 
The Velbon Carmagne range of lightweight CF tripods are the best, without doubt. They can take a lickin', believe me. Not many people are happy to pay the price, though.
 
You might also want to look into the Hakuba carbon fiber tripods (see Thom's article). Very well made, light weight, and I got mine (the 4 section variety) from B&H for about $270, and have loved it ever since. I use a Markins M10 ball head, which I also really love!
ReedW said:
I'm thinking about buying a carbon fiber tripod. I bought a Bogen
3021 (not carbon fiber) awhile ago and it's pretty darn heavy to
take on hikes. My requirements would be
would be nice) and fold to

I've read Thom's treatise on tripods and he obviously favors the
Gitzos. They're pretty expensive (not that competing CF models are
cheap) and the leg locks look kind of inconvenient to use.

I've always liked the build quality of Bogen / Manfrotto products
and was wondering what folks think of their carbon fiber models
such as the 3443, 3444 and similar models. I did do a search of
the forums and didn't find much on the Manfrotto CF tripods...
Click to expand...
 
I was interested in this tripod also, but can't find it anywhere. It seems it was replaced with the HG-503MX and HG-504MX models that include a 3-way pan head. Here's a link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=258642&is=REG
deevee said:
do seriously consider the Hakuba carbon tripods HG 6230c and
6240c...I have them , they're equivalent to the Gitzo 1227/8 at
half the price
You'll be pleased...see more here
http://www.vividlight.com/articles/816.htm
cheers.
Click to expand...
 
deevee said:
do seriously consider the Hakuba carbon tripods HG 6230c and
6240c...I have them , they're equivalent to the Gitzo 1227/8 at
half the price
You'll be pleased...see more here
http://www.vividlight.com/articles/816.htm
cheers.
Click to expand...
I had thought about these but like others checked the B&H and Adorama web sites and they're no longer listed. Any idea where to find them these days?
 
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