Carbon 441 + AcraTech Ultimate Ball Head

[Laurie Sokoloff]

I used a Gitzo for a few years and still couldn't get used to the
twist locks for the leg sections. One has to lock each section of
the legs in the correct order, and when I am in a hurry I often
forgot and got it wrong half of the time. Other than that I like
Gitzo for their built quality and light weight. If you don't mind
the twist locks then I don't think you will be disappointed.

I traded my full size Gitzo in for a Bogen 444 recently, but kept
the table top one to use as a super light tripod.

I've also never liked using the twist locks. I had a Gitzo too, but last year bought Bogen 3443, carbon tripod. I've yet to pinch my fingers once - with the way these are designed, I think it would take a concious effort to do so. It's certainly faster to adjust, IMO. I use the Bogen 3435QR ball head, which is smooth as silk - expensive though. With a 21 lb. capacity, it's steady as a rock. Admittedly not the best quick release, but acceptable for my needs - at some point I'll probably upgrade the qr.

--
Best,
Laurie

 

[Doug Caesar]

I've used the Arca-Swiss B1 head for years and have never had a problem with it. However, there was a thread here awhile back indicating that quality control on them had slipped dramatically so you might want to check that out.

I number of photogs I know use one of the Kirk ballheads and all are happy with them. You can check those out at http://www.kirkphoto.com

Doug

 

[Doug Caesar]

You might also want to check out the L bracket custom designed for the D30 - D60 cameras on the Kirkphoto site. Very handy for changing from horizontal to vertical format without loosing your framing and having to readjust when using lenses that don't have tripod collars.

I've used the Arca-Swiss B1 head for years and have never had a
problem with it. However, there was a thread here awhile back
indicating that quality control on them had slipped dramatically so
you might want to check that out.

I number of photogs I know use one of the Kirk ballheads and all
are happy with them. You can check those out at http://www.kirkphoto.com

Doug

 

[Al Schrank]

That is the type I am still leaning towards, probably the 3 leg segment rather than the 4.

But with a 1D instead of my old E10 I am worried about weight. Have you noticed any issues?

• Al

I used a Gitzo for a few years and still couldn't get used to the
twist locks for the leg sections. One has to lock each section of
the legs in the correct order, and when I am in a hurry I often
forgot and got it wrong half of the time. Other than that I like
Gitzo for their built quality and light weight. If you don't mind
the twist locks then I don't think you will be disappointed.

I traded my full size Gitzo in for a Bogen 444 recently, but kept
the table top one to use as a super light tripod.

I've also never liked using the twist locks. I had a Gitzo too,
but last year bought Bogen 3443, carbon tripod. I've yet to pinch
my fingers once - with the way these are designed, I think it would
take a concious effort to do so. It's certainly faster to adjust,
IMO. I use the Bogen 3435QR ball head, which is smooth as silk -
expensive though. With a 21 lb. capacity, it's steady as a rock.
Admittedly not the best quick release, but acceptable for my needs

• at some point I'll probably upgrade the qr.

--
Best,
Laurie

--
automatic

 

[Al Schrank]

What camera and lens do you use?

• Al

I used a Gitzo for a few years and still couldn't get used to the
twist locks for the leg sections. One has to lock each section of
the legs in the correct order, and when I am in a hurry I often
forgot and got it wrong half of the time. Other than that I like
Gitzo for their built quality and light weight. If you don't mind
the twist locks then I don't think you will be disappointed.

I traded my full size Gitzo in for a Bogen 444 recently, but kept
the table top one to use as a super light tripod.

--
automatic

 

[Al Schrank]

Alex,
I haven't noticed any visual indication on the gitzos.

• Al

-Alex again.

The ArcaSwissB1 is a delight to work with. I have it mounted on my
Manfrotto Carbon 444 (4 section tripod). When the camera is
mounted at the top of the ballhead, you can pan smoothly in
horizontal.

The B1 has a notch which can catch the mount protuding out of the
ballhead to put your camera at precisely 90 degrees from the tripod
axis allowing you to shoot in portrait mode and pan up and down.
Looking at the Acratech from B&H website, I dont see how you can do
that. The only problem I see at this position is that the setup
can tip over to the side. So what I normally do is hang my bag in
the tripod centered in its axis. While you can pan vertically, you
can't pan horizontally because your camera is at the side of the
tripod. That's why the Siidekick is a good addition because it
realigns the camera's axis with the tripod so you can pan bothways.

I own this tripod setup for my D30 and 70-200IS and I love it but
altogether it costs over a grand -- that's what hurts.

Good luck on your buying decision.

-AlexM

I lost my Carbon 441 tripod in the ocean. So I need to replace it.
It had my camera on it. I've already replaced it with a 1D.

I have played with the gitzo carbon tripods in the store, the twist
type leg holders don't seem very nice, compared to the manfroto
snap clamps on my old tripod.

What are your experiences/opinions?

The Carbon 441 is rated at around thirteen pounds, the gitzo at 26.

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

I'm also looking at the Acratech Ball head. Do any of you have
experience with it. I guess it would be that vs the arcaa-swiss b1.

I think I will be adding a wimberly side kick later if that matters.

• Al

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[Al Schrank]

The acratech says it can go to portait mode and can be used with the sidekick.

As I understand it the issues are:
Acratech: Lighter, unconventional design, a little cheaper.
B1: Heavier, industry standard, has eliptical ball to stop flop, more expensive.

I haven't heard from anyone you actually uses one, except in a couple of reviews.

• Al

The ArcaSwissB1 is a delight to work with. I have it mounted on my
Manfrotto Carbon 444 (4 section tripod). When the camera is
mounted at the top of the ballhead, you can pan smoothly in
horizontal.

The B1 has a notch which can catch the mount protuding out of the
ballhead to put your camera at precisely 90 degrees from the tripod
axis allowing you to shoot in portrait mode and pan up and down.
Looking at the Acratech from B&H website, I dont see how you can do
that. The only problem I see at this position is that the setup
can tip over to the side. So what I normally do is hang my bag in
the tripod centered in its axis. While you can pan vertically, you
can't pan horizontally because your camera is at the side of the
tripod. That's why the Siidekick is a good addition because it
realigns the camera's axis with the tripod so you can pan bothways.

I own this tripod setup for my D30 and 70-200IS and I love it but
altogether it costs over a grand -- that's what hurts.

Good luck on your buying decision.

-AlexM

I lost my Carbon 441 tripod in the ocean. So I need to replace it.
It had my camera on it. I've already replaced it with a 1D.

I have played with the gitzo carbon tripods in the store, the twist
type leg holders don't seem very nice, compared to the manfroto
snap clamps on my old tripod.

What are your experiences/opinions?

The Carbon 441 is rated at around thirteen pounds, the gitzo at 26.

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

I'm also looking at the Acratech Ball head. Do any of you have
experience with it. I guess it would be that vs the arcaa-swiss b1.

I think I will be adding a wimberly side kick later if that matters.

• Al

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[Jung57676]

Al Schrank wrote:
What camera and lens do you use?

Currently I am using a Elan IIE with a 28-105 lense, and a light weight Sony F707. I got the Carbon One 444 in anticipation of my future DSLR, possibly D60 with a couple of hefty lens. The way the 444 feels, I don't think there is any issue handling a D60 or 1D with a heavy len.

Jung

 

[Laurie Sokoloff]

That is the type I am still leaning towards, probably the 3 leg
segment rather than the 4.

But with a 1D instead of my old E10 I am worried about weight.
Have you noticed any issues?

• Al

I haven't, but then I've got a D60 and my heaviest lens is just a bit over 3 lbs. Even with flash I'm well under the 13lb. load limit. And I really don't know why it's rated at 13 - it seems every bit as sturdy to me as the Gitzo carbon which I think is rated somewhere around 21 or 22 lbs. But in all fairness I haven't used the Gitzo carbon extensively, and I wouldn't want to encourage you or anyone to ignore the limits as stated by the manufacturer. I have the 3 leg segment.

--
Best,
Laurie

 

[Sandy35030]

As I understand it the issues are:
Acratech: Lighter, unconventional design, a little cheaper.
B1: Heavier, industry standard, has eliptical ball to stop flop,
more expensive.

I haven't heard from anyone you actually uses one, except in a
couple of reviews.

• Al

Hi Al,

I have both the B1 and the AcraTech. They are both good but the B1 is the better. AcraTech does not hold quite as well and is not quite as flexible but still a very good head and a good value. I also use the Sidekick and it is the best piece of equipment I own.

Sandy

The ArcaSwissB1 is a delight to work with. I have it mounted on my
Manfrotto Carbon 444 (4 section tripod). When the camera is
mounted at the top of the ballhead, you can pan smoothly in
horizontal.

The B1 has a notch which can catch the mount protuding out of the
ballhead to put your camera at precisely 90 degrees from the tripod
axis allowing you to shoot in portrait mode and pan up and down.
Looking at the Acratech from B&H website, I dont see how you can do
that. The only problem I see at this position is that the setup
can tip over to the side. So what I normally do is hang my bag in
the tripod centered in its axis. While you can pan vertically, you
can't pan horizontally because your camera is at the side of the
tripod. That's why the Siidekick is a good addition because it
realigns the camera's axis with the tripod so you can pan bothways.

I own this tripod setup for my D30 and 70-200IS and I love it but
altogether it costs over a grand -- that's what hurts.

Good luck on your buying decision.

-AlexM

I lost my Carbon 441 tripod in the ocean. So I need to replace it.
It had my camera on it. I've already replaced it with a 1D.

I have played with the gitzo carbon tripods in the store, the twist
type leg holders don't seem very nice, compared to the manfroto
snap clamps on my old tripod.

What are your experiences/opinions?

The Carbon 441 is rated at around thirteen pounds, the gitzo at 26.

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

I'm also looking at the Acratech Ball head. Do any of you have
experience with it. I guess it would be that vs the arcaa-swiss b1.

I think I will be adding a wimberly side kick later if that matters.

• Al

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automatic

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[Al Schrank]

Sandy,

Thanks, Based on reviews and opiinions here, It sounds like the B1 is the more complete choice. Do you then use really right stuff quick release plates. I understand there are different models for each piece of equipment.

• Al

As I understand it the issues are:
Acratech: Lighter, unconventional design, a little cheaper.
B1: Heavier, industry standard, has eliptical ball to stop flop,
more expensive.

I haven't heard from anyone you actually uses one, except in a
couple of reviews.

• Al

Hi Al,

I have both the B1 and the AcraTech. They are both good but the B1
is the better. AcraTech does not hold quite as well and is not
quite as flexible but still a very good head and a good value. I
also use the Sidekick and it is the best piece of equipment I own.

Sandy

The ArcaSwissB1 is a delight to work with. I have it mounted on my
Manfrotto Carbon 444 (4 section tripod). When the camera is
mounted at the top of the ballhead, you can pan smoothly in
horizontal.

The B1 has a notch which can catch the mount protuding out of the
ballhead to put your camera at precisely 90 degrees from the tripod
axis allowing you to shoot in portrait mode and pan up and down.
Looking at the Acratech from B&H website, I dont see how you can do
that. The only problem I see at this position is that the setup
can tip over to the side. So what I normally do is hang my bag in
the tripod centered in its axis. While you can pan vertically, you
can't pan horizontally because your camera is at the side of the
tripod. That's why the Siidekick is a good addition because it
realigns the camera's axis with the tripod so you can pan bothways.

I own this tripod setup for my D30 and 70-200IS and I love it but
altogether it costs over a grand -- that's what hurts.

Good luck on your buying decision.

-AlexM

I lost my Carbon 441 tripod in the ocean. So I need to replace it.
It had my camera on it. I've already replaced it with a 1D.

I have played with the gitzo carbon tripods in the store, the twist
type leg holders don't seem very nice, compared to the manfroto
snap clamps on my old tripod.

What are your experiences/opinions?

The Carbon 441 is rated at around thirteen pounds, the gitzo at 26.

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

I'm also looking at the Acratech Ball head. Do any of you have
experience with it. I guess it would be that vs the arcaa-swiss b1.

I think I will be adding a wimberly side kick later if that matters.

• Al

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automatic

 

[AlexM]

Al,

I subscibe to Michael Reichman's Video Journal where he demonstrated this setup at Bosque del Apache location shoot which is how I came to know and considered buying it after exhaustive research. Please read more at this link http://www.luminous-landscape.com/bosque.htm Apparently, this tripod setup is used by most wildlife photog especially bird photogs.

Please email me for more info about the video.

-Alex

The acratech says it can go to portait mode and can be used with
the sidekick.

As I understand it the issues are:
Acratech: Lighter, unconventional design, a little cheaper.
B1: Heavier, industry standard, has eliptical ball to stop flop,
more expensive.

I haven't heard from anyone you actually uses one, except in a
couple of reviews.

 

[Jan Brittenson]

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

Which 400? 400/5.6, 400/4 DO, or 400/2.8? Yes on the first, maybe
on second, probably not the third. I probably wouldn't use the sidekick
with the 2.8 either. With that lens I think the full gimbal is the way to
go. (And if you spend that much on a lens, getting the right tripod head
should be a no-brainer!)

--
Jan Brittenson
http://www.rockgarden.net/gallery/janbrittenson/
(Gallery under construction)

 

[Al Schrank]

Alex, No need. I also subscribe and in fact am going there on Michaels Workshop in December.

I know Michael's opinion, but wanted to hear from others who are happy or unhappy with other set-ups.

I know I will get a sidekick, I'm pretty sure about the B1, but am not convinced about the gitzo. I will go to the camera store again tomorrow and play (once more) with the leg clasps. I am still leaning towards the bogen carbon one.

By the way what set-up do you have?

• Al

I subscibe to Michael Reichman's Video Journal where he
demonstrated this setup at Bosque del Apache location shoot which
is how I came to know and considered buying it after exhaustive
research. Please read more at this link
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/bosque.htm Apparently, this
tripod setup is used by most wildlife photog especially bird
photogs.

Please email me for more info about the video.

-Alex

The acratech says it can go to portait mode and can be used with
the sidekick.

As I understand it the issues are:
Acratech: Lighter, unconventional design, a little cheaper.
B1: Heavier, industry standard, has eliptical ball to stop flop,
more expensive.

I haven't heard from anyone you actually uses one, except in a
couple of reviews.

--
automatic

 

[Al Schrank]

Jan, Almost certainly not the 5.6. I have concerns about the 4.0 DO (I recieved my 100-400 zoom today and was out at dusk trying to catch a heron at the 400 length 5.6) I'm just loading th shots to my computer now. On the other hand 11 pounds for the 2.8 seems extreem.

I have a while to decide

• Al

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

Which 400? 400/5.6, 400/4 DO, or 400/2.8? Yes on the first, maybe
on second, probably not the third. I probably wouldn't use the
sidekick
with the 2.8 either. With that lens I think the full gimbal is the
way to
go. (And if you spend that much on a lens, getting the right
tripod head
should be a no-brainer!)

--
Jan Brittenson
http://www.rockgarden.net/gallery/janbrittenson/
(Gallery under construction)

--
automatic

 

[AlexM]

Al,

What a nice vacation!! You definitely have to buy the B1.

My setup:

• Bogen Carbon One 3444 (4 Section) Tripod with carry strap and spiked/rubber feet
• Arca Swiss B1 head with mounting plate for CameraBody
• Gimbal Sidekick with mounting plate for 70-200IS (my longest lens so far)

My buying decisions are mostly influenced by my physical limitation as I'm only 5'3" so I look for compactness in case I decide to go on a photog trip someday or just plain vacations. I chose the 4 section over the 3 section because its only 20.5" long when folded (4" shorter). But, at first, I also thought about it's load capacity being reduced to 11 lbs (2 lbs less than your 441). However, if you add up the weight of my D30 and 70-200IS (or even the 100-400IS) it wont exceed 11 lbs. I don't see myself carrying a 400mm 2.8 (11 lbs) on a trip but I could use this lens on fast action indoor hockey games. Maybe a 400/f4 DO someday -- still won't go over 11 lbs with D30 and will still work with Gimbal Sidekick.

If you see yourself owning a 400mm 2.8 in the future, I suggest getting Full Gimbal since the Sidekick application has a lens limit. You should go to their website and find out. Then you should also get a tripod with higher load capacity -- the Gitzo might be it -- that is IF!

I'm tempted to get a 100-400IS but I'm not a real fan of push/pull manual zoom -- just my preference but I'm sure the lens is great. I hope Canon comes out with a lens similar to 70-200IS that doesn't change in length while zooming. Maybe I'll save my money for a 400/f4 DO at the same time wait for it's price to come down a bit and for my wife to forget all these crazy purchases since I owned the D30.

BTW, what is your concern about the 400/f4 DO???

• Alex

I know Michael's opinion, but wanted to hear from others who are
happy or unhappy with other set-ups.

I know I will get a sidekick, I'm pretty sure about the B1, but am
not convinced about the gitzo. I will go to the camera store again
tomorrow and play (once more) with the leg clasps. I am still
leaning towards the bogen carbon one.

By the way what set-up do you have?

• Al

I subscibe to Michael Reichman's Video Journal where he
demonstrated this setup at Bosque del Apache location shoot which
is how I came to know and considered buying it after exhaustive
research. Please read more at this link
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/bosque.htm Apparently, this
tripod setup is used by most wildlife photog especially bird
photogs.

Please email me for more info about the video.

-Alex

The acratech says it can go to portait mode and can be used with
the sidekick.

As I understand it the issues are:
Acratech: Lighter, unconventional design, a little cheaper.
B1: Heavier, industry standard, has eliptical ball to stop flop,
more expensive.

I haven't heard from anyone you actually uses one, except in a
couple of reviews.

--
automatic

 

[Jan Brittenson]

I shoot with the 400/5.6 mostly handheld, but have used it a bit on
my B1 and don't think a Sidekick is particularly necessary. If I don't
use it handheld it's either on a monopod or bean bag.

When I shoot with the 600 IS it goes on the Wimberley, or on
the B1 on a window mount if I'm shooting from the car. Or on the
ground on a bean bag if I want a low perspective, say wading birds
at eye level. (Here, the angle finder C is a nice gadget as well.)

What do you plan to use the 400 for? You may want to skip
forward to the 500 or 600 instead of the 400/2.8 -- IMO it's not
long enough to warrant the bulk, unless that's exactly the focal
length you want. (Which is more likely the case if you shoot
sports than nature -- definitely on the short side for birds.)

Dusk might be a little late to be shooting herons anyway...

I have a while to decide

• Al

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

Which 400? 400/5.6, 400/4 DO, or 400/2.8? Yes on the first, maybe
on second, probably not the third. I probably wouldn't use the
sidekick
with the 2.8 either. With that lens I think the full gimbal is the
way to
go. (And if you spend that much on a lens, getting the right
tripod head
should be a no-brainer!)

--
Jan Brittenson
http://www.rockgarden.net/gallery/janbrittenson/
(Gallery under construction)

--
automatic

--
Jan Brittenson
http://www.rockgarden.net/gallery/janbrittenson/
(Gallery under construction)

 

[Al Schrank]

Alex,

Yes, I am really excited about the trip. I think I am looking forwards to white sands almost as much as the bird shooting.

I am on the other end of the spectrum 6'4". I am pretty sure I will stay with the 3 section bogen. Do you remove the column and just use the low platform? I have read (and it makes sense) that stability suffers as you raise the column. On the other hand sometimes thats the way the shot angle should be.

I just recieved the 100-400 zoom yesterday. You are right about the push pull not being ideal. Plus the speed. And that is my concern about the 400DO, speed. You get up before dawn or are out at dusk, or I am in the woods and light is a t a premium.

On the other hand if you want to go faster you have to go so much heavier.

I need to get the 2 extenders yet. Maybe I just should crop more?!!

• Al

What a nice vacation!! You definitely have to buy the B1.

My setup:

• Bogen Carbon One 3444 (4 Section) Tripod with carry strap and

spiked/rubber feet

• Arca Swiss B1 head with mounting plate for CameraBody
• Gimbal Sidekick with mounting plate for 70-200IS (my longest lens

so far)

My buying decisions are mostly influenced by my physical limitation
as I'm only 5'3" so I look for compactness in case I decide to go
on a photog trip someday or just plain vacations. I chose the 4
section over the 3 section because its only 20.5" long when folded
(4" shorter). But, at first, I also thought about it's load
capacity being reduced to 11 lbs (2 lbs less than your 441).
However, if you add up the weight of my D30 and 70-200IS (or even
the 100-400IS) it wont exceed 11 lbs. I don't see myself carrying
a 400mm 2.8 (11 lbs) on a trip but I could use this lens on fast
action indoor hockey games. Maybe a 400/f4 DO someday -- still
won't go over 11 lbs with D30 and will still work with Gimbal
Sidekick.

If you see yourself owning a 400mm 2.8 in the future, I suggest
getting Full Gimbal since the Sidekick application has a lens
limit. You should go to their website and find out. Then you
should also get a tripod with higher load capacity -- the Gitzo
might be it -- that is IF!

I'm tempted to get a 100-400IS but I'm not a real fan of push/pull
manual zoom -- just my preference but I'm sure the lens is great.
I hope Canon comes out with a lens similar to 70-200IS that doesn't
change in length while zooming. Maybe I'll save my money for a
400/f4 DO at the same time wait for it's price to come down a bit
and for my wife to forget all these crazy purchases since I owned
the D30.

BTW, what is your concern about the 400/f4 DO???

• Alex

I know Michael's opinion, but wanted to hear from others who are
happy or unhappy with other set-ups.

I know I will get a sidekick, I'm pretty sure about the B1, but am
not convinced about the gitzo. I will go to the camera store again
tomorrow and play (once more) with the leg clasps. I am still
leaning towards the bogen carbon one.

By the way what set-up do you have?

• Al

I subscibe to Michael Reichman's Video Journal where he
demonstrated this setup at Bosque del Apache location shoot which
is how I came to know and considered buying it after exhaustive
research. Please read more at this link
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/bosque.htm Apparently, this
tripod setup is used by most wildlife photog especially bird
photogs.

Please email me for more info about the video.

-Alex

The acratech says it can go to portait mode and can be used with
the sidekick.

As I understand it the issues are:
Acratech: Lighter, unconventional design, a little cheaper.
B1: Heavier, industry standard, has eliptical ball to stop flop,
more expensive.

I haven't heard from anyone you actually uses one, except in a
couple of reviews.

--
automatic

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automatic

 

[Al Schrank]

Jan,
No I shoot sports only if I'm there. It's birds and things for me.

I will give thought to the longer lenses, you make good points.

As far as the heron, he is very skittish. But I gave it a try at iso1600 and on the surface looks like it is o.k. But I haven't had time to work the photo yet.

• Al

When I shoot with the 600 IS it goes on the Wimberley, or on
the B1 on a window mount if I'm shooting from the car. Or on the
ground on a bean bag if I want a low perspective, say wading birds
at eye level. (Here, the angle finder C is a nice gadget as well.)

What do you plan to use the 400 for? You may want to skip
forward to the 500 or 600 instead of the 400/2.8 -- IMO it's not
long enough to warrant the bulk, unless that's exactly the focal
length you want. (Which is more likely the case if you shoot
sports than nature -- definitely on the short side for birds.)

Dusk might be a little late to be shooting herons anyway...

I have a while to decide

• Al

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

Which 400? 400/5.6, 400/4 DO, or 400/2.8? Yes on the first, maybe
on second, probably not the third. I probably wouldn't use the
sidekick
with the 2.8 either. With that lens I think the full gimbal is the
way to
go. (And if you spend that much on a lens, getting the right
tripod head
should be a no-brainer!)

--
Jan Brittenson
http://www.rockgarden.net/gallery/janbrittenson/
(Gallery under construction)

--
automatic

--
Jan Brittenson
http://www.rockgarden.net/gallery/janbrittenson/
(Gallery under construction)

--
automatic

 

[Al Schrank]

I visited a local camera store today to try things out.
First comment is the have sh*t for heads.

In terms of tripods I looked again at the gitzo 1228 and the Bogen 441.

I can't like the gitzo twist clamps compared to the bogen snap clamps. So if I can convince myself the weight rating is o.k. I will go with the bogen.

On equestion there is a heavier rated carbon 441 that says it's for video. It has some kind of semi cirle head mount. a assume it is for motion cameras. Can these be used well for 35mm with heavy cameras and lenses?

• Al

I lost my Carbon 441 tripod in the ocean. So I need to replace it.
It had my camera on it. I've already replaced it with a 1D.

I have played with the gitzo carbon tripods in the store, the twist
type leg holders don't seem very nice, compared to the manfroto
snap clamps on my old tripod.

What are your experiences/opinions?

The Carbon 441 is rated at around thirteen pounds, the gitzo at 26.

Will 13 pounds be enough for a 1D and 400mm?

I'm also looking at the Acratech Ball head. Do any of you have
experience with it. I guess it would be that vs the arcaa-swiss b1.

I think I will be adding a wimberly side kick later if that matters.

• Al

--
automatic

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automatic