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Tripod Advice

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Norm Ullock

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I would like to get a light sturdy triopod for my D300 and have been looking at Manfrotto Carbon Fibre Tripods like the CXPro3 ( lightest in Manfrottos website). I have read that the carbon fibre ones are lighter and have less vibration. But when I compare the Manfrotto CXPro3 (2.8 lbs) to the aliuminum 190X ProB (4 lbs) then add a ball head like the 488RC2 (1.5 lbs) there is only a 1.2 lbs difference in total weight between the alum one and the CF one. But the price is more than twice as much.

Is 1.2 lbs worth that much more?

Is there something else that I am missing about this comparison?
 
1.2 lbs - it makes a difference depending on how far you need to carry it.

Besides the weight difference, CF might (or might not) provide some additional advantage in vibration dampening. And for sure it's more comfortable to pick up and carry in cold weather (though you can put padding on metal legs).

If you don't carry a tripod very far from your car, go ahead and save the money and don't get carbon fiber.
 
The difference in weight between those two tripods is comparable to the difference between my Bogen 3001 and 3021 aluminum models. I notice a big difference in those when I carry them for any distance. I'm strongly considering getting the Bogen 055CX3. While the size is comparable to my older 3021, the weight is closer to the 3001. One thing is for sure, as someone who does a lot of landscape photography, I'm very partial to the flip locks on the Bogens.
--
Mike
 
I just got the aluminum Benro Travel Angel (268 version with only 4 sections) and it's only 1/2 lb heavier than the otherwise identical CF version, and $250 less. For me the extra 8 oz. was not worth $250.

I am very impressed with its build and stability - rated for 26 lb.

Weighs 4lb including head, 16.8" folded, 60" full up (very rigid center column that I don't hesitate to raise)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584281-REG/Benro_458_268_A_268M8_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html#specifications
 
I had been using a Bogen 3021 for almost 20 yrs and recently purchased a 190CX3 and it is such a joy to use AND carry. The flip-lock levers are so easy and my hands really didn't like the twist lock type. Had the 055CX3 been out when I got the 190, I would have looked hard and long at that. In the end, the 190CX3 goes with me always on my Mini-treker AW that I often don't know it's there until I need it. It also carries over the shoulder very well... I use a Kirk BH-3 and it's a great set-up.

-MKrause...

http://www.pbase.com/kramerkrause

Long time viewer and pbase supporter...
 
I have the 190XPROB and find that it is generally a fine product. I have paired it with an Arca-Swiss B1 ball head, which is massive over-kill but I was given it by a friend who is a former studio pro, who had no further use for it.

For me, the difficulty of carrying the tripod depends more on how you carry it, rather than the actual weight. (Perceived weight as opposed to actual, IYSWIM)

If you trek from your transport mechanism of choice to a photo site, then setup and shoot, re-pack, and return to transportation - a tripod bag with a strap would probably negate the effective weight difference, as you wouldn't "feel" the 250 grams difference

If you setup the tripod with the body and lens, then move that structure around, then the weight of the tripod will come to bear - but only in relation to the weight of the camera & lens

The CF versions are obviously "nicer" but for me, the price difference was to difficult to justify....

Neil
 
I have a Feisol 3342 cf tripod that I am quite happy with. It weighs in at about 1/2 pound less than the CXPro.Paired with a Markins M10 and a RRS clamp plate, I think it makes a fairly lightweight, sturdy system. If I had a complaint, it would be that the platform on the Feisol is quite large, making it difficult to travel with it. But then again, that's why Feisol makes a Traveler model.

Of course only you know the answer to your question of whether the weight trade offs are worth the price differential. What one person considers extravagant, another might consider a minimal requirement. Take a look at your intended use, frequency, conditions, etc. and decide what factors weigh most heavily in your tripod needs.
--



http://community.webshots.com/user/REBlue01
http://www.flickr.com/photos/reblue/sets/
 
Norm Ullock said:
I would like to get a light sturdy triopod for my D300 and have been looking at Manfrotto Carbon Fibre Tripods like the CXPro3 ( lightest in Manfrottos website). I have read that the carbon fibre ones are lighter and have less vibration. But when I compare the Manfrotto CXPro3 (2.8 lbs) to the aliuminum 190X ProB (4 lbs) then add a ball head like the 488RC2 (1.5 lbs) there is only a 1.2 lbs difference in total weight between the alum one and the CF one. But the price is more than twice as much.

Is 1.2 lbs worth that much more?
Click to expand...
Norm Ullock said:
I have the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 with the 488RC2 ballhead. Previously used the same head on a Manfrotto 3021 (aluminum). The difference in weight may not seem that different until you carry it around for awhile. Use it with a D300s. No problems whatsoever and very sturdy - and as another poster mentioned - I do prefer the lever leg locks.
Click to expand...
Norm Ullock said:
Is there something else that I am missing about this comparison?
Click to expand...
 
The Benro is doing GREAT. The only regret I have about not getting the CF version is that aluminum is COLD in the winter. I bought it in the summer. Frankly I kinda wish I had gotten the CF but for that reason alone - not weight or anything else. Any good recommendations on photography gloves? Something thin and tactile, yet warm.

The aluminum Benro is very well built and light. The B-1 ball head is excellent.

I just ordered a D300s as a step up from the D40. This tripod and head will have no trouble with the heavier cam.
 
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