hiepphotog
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It's essential to note that there's a lack of standardized testing among photography tripod brands. So that is why there is little actual technical info out there.
DaveTCC mentioned that the torsion stiffness of tubes increases in proportion to the cube of the tube diameter; presumably, he's referring to the stiffness change concerning tube diameter. The formula is:
Torsion Stiffness of a tube = G/L * (pi/32 * (do^4-di^4))
Moreover, tube size is the only information universally shared by all brands. Therefore, it makes sense to use it as a basis for classifying and comparing various tripods. In my opinion, delving deeper is irrelevant since other technical details are not disclosed by all brands, with Really Right Stuff being the worst offender in this regard.
But this is a nerd talk about it
.
Before going further, I'll share my thoughts on the current state of tripod tests available. The gold standard presently is TheCenterColumn data by David Berryrieser. His site provides the only quantitative assessment of support systems available. I appreciate the effort he put into it and his willingness to share findings for free. While Markins, the tripod head company, conducted their tests in the past, the data was never widely shared. However, I acknowledge that David's work lacks thorough review by other experts, and his methodology/test equipment isn't certified for this purpose by anyone. This is in contrast to the optical tests by Roger Cicala of Lensrentals, which use certified equipment and numerous sampling points. The next best tripod test comes from Mark Banas of Dpreview. At least, Mark's methodology is repeatable and replicable by others, though it remains a qualitative assessment.
It should be noted that Gitzo is the only one following recognized and certified standards when stating their load rating (still a poor measure of tripod capability, in my opinion). Also according to TCC data, Gitzo uses the best stiffness material on the market, far ahead of the competition, especially as the tube size grows bigger.
- Type of carbon fiber: No information from RRS. Gitzo, at least, shares that they strategically use High Modulus carbon fiber for any tubes with a diameter of 25mm or smaller. The rest of the brands, especially from China, state that they are using TORAYCA. I assume these tripods and also the ones from RRS are Standard Modulus type (DaveTCC also assumed so). But looking at the TORAYCA catalog, you will see many types of Carbon Fiber materials: Standard Modulus, Intermediate Modulus and High Modulus. Without knowing which types, we, as consumers, are in the blind. Marsace, through their constant upgrades, stated that they are currently using T700S. They shared that the reason they moved to T700S is that they suspected it is the same type RRS is using. Fotopro also stated that their top-of-the-line Pantour tripod series is using either Mitsubishi 30T (a weight spec.) or Torayca 1k (a filament count spec.). Not as useful.
- Filament count and weaving/braiding type: almost no info on this from any brand, including RRS. Fotopro states that their high-end tripods use 1K type and mid- and low-end use 3k types. On the other hand, Marsace uses 12K type. Which one made the right move, I simply do not know for sure (no test data). According to Toray, Toray US only produces 12K and up, while elsewhere, it is from 1K to 6K (lower density). It should be noted that there seems to be a trend toward higher density CF, stated quite often by various Chinese brands. It is also fun to read about the twist designation as well since the US CFs are never twisted, which might give better strength performance. No info at all on the weaving/braiding type. The much copied Snow Capped Mountain pattern by RRS is only for cosmetics.
- Number of layers and Thickness: No info from RRS. Gitzo's latest gen has 6 layers. The number of layers is often used by tripod brands in China to suggest, or for marketing purposes, stronger tubes: 8 layers for low-end and 10 layers (most common) for high-end. While it might seem to relate directly to the tube thickness (thicker equals stiffer as Marsace's guide suggested), the majority of Chinese brands optimize for around 1mm thickness; Marsace's owner wondered how other brands can fit so many layers into such thickness. Thinner tubes do lead to a bigger last section, which might help improve overall stability. Gitzo initiated this trend with their latest gen. While brands do not share the tube thickness, you can estimate it by looking at the tube size reduction between each segment. If the difference is around 3mm, the thickness is likely 1mm (shim thickness is about 1mm). RRS's difference is around 4mm while Gitzo is around 3.5mm.
- A quick personal note on stiffness score difference: DaveTCC never made it clear what kind of stiffness difference threshold would be detectable in the real world. We know that the difference of 600 (the difference between TVC-24 and TFC-14) would be felt. But in the end, extra precaution can be taken to offset some of the differences. So, many photographers can still take great photos with their inexpensive Chinese-made tripods. Chinese manufacturing has caught up with the more advanced countries in these non-specialized applications, as Marsace's maker has noted. With proper maintenance, I do not see how a Leofoto would not last as long as a Really Right Stuff; so anecdotal experience of someone who has used RRS for a long time does not mean a Leofoto user would not be able to get the same lifespan with their equipment. It is only for the measurbators to care about the stiffness difference. I admit I am one of them.
In conclusion, while the CF material and various other technical aspects are important to gauge the tripod tube performance, only tube size information is available for us to compare. Of course, keeping in mind that the material would have a significant effect on tube stiffness. Such a difference, however, might just be compensated by proper shooting techniques. So unless you care about the stiffness of your tripod, which is only a part of the overall system stiffness, cheaper alternatives might just work. Proper maintenance and shooting techniques should be more important.
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeissaholic/
DaveTCC mentioned that the torsion stiffness of tubes increases in proportion to the cube of the tube diameter; presumably, he's referring to the stiffness change concerning tube diameter. The formula is:
Torsion Stiffness of a tube = G/L * (pi/32 * (do^4-di^4))
Moreover, tube size is the only information universally shared by all brands. Therefore, it makes sense to use it as a basis for classifying and comparing various tripods. In my opinion, delving deeper is irrelevant since other technical details are not disclosed by all brands, with Really Right Stuff being the worst offender in this regard.
But this is a nerd talk about it
.Before going further, I'll share my thoughts on the current state of tripod tests available. The gold standard presently is TheCenterColumn data by David Berryrieser. His site provides the only quantitative assessment of support systems available. I appreciate the effort he put into it and his willingness to share findings for free. While Markins, the tripod head company, conducted their tests in the past, the data was never widely shared. However, I acknowledge that David's work lacks thorough review by other experts, and his methodology/test equipment isn't certified for this purpose by anyone. This is in contrast to the optical tests by Roger Cicala of Lensrentals, which use certified equipment and numerous sampling points. The next best tripod test comes from Mark Banas of Dpreview. At least, Mark's methodology is repeatable and replicable by others, though it remains a qualitative assessment.
It should be noted that Gitzo is the only one following recognized and certified standards when stating their load rating (still a poor measure of tripod capability, in my opinion). Also according to TCC data, Gitzo uses the best stiffness material on the market, far ahead of the competition, especially as the tube size grows bigger.
- Type of carbon fiber: No information from RRS. Gitzo, at least, shares that they strategically use High Modulus carbon fiber for any tubes with a diameter of 25mm or smaller. The rest of the brands, especially from China, state that they are using TORAYCA. I assume these tripods and also the ones from RRS are Standard Modulus type (DaveTCC also assumed so). But looking at the TORAYCA catalog, you will see many types of Carbon Fiber materials: Standard Modulus, Intermediate Modulus and High Modulus. Without knowing which types, we, as consumers, are in the blind. Marsace, through their constant upgrades, stated that they are currently using T700S. They shared that the reason they moved to T700S is that they suspected it is the same type RRS is using. Fotopro also stated that their top-of-the-line Pantour tripod series is using either Mitsubishi 30T (a weight spec.) or Torayca 1k (a filament count spec.). Not as useful.
- Filament count and weaving/braiding type: almost no info on this from any brand, including RRS. Fotopro states that their high-end tripods use 1K type and mid- and low-end use 3k types. On the other hand, Marsace uses 12K type. Which one made the right move, I simply do not know for sure (no test data). According to Toray, Toray US only produces 12K and up, while elsewhere, it is from 1K to 6K (lower density). It should be noted that there seems to be a trend toward higher density CF, stated quite often by various Chinese brands. It is also fun to read about the twist designation as well since the US CFs are never twisted, which might give better strength performance. No info at all on the weaving/braiding type. The much copied Snow Capped Mountain pattern by RRS is only for cosmetics.
- Number of layers and Thickness: No info from RRS. Gitzo's latest gen has 6 layers. The number of layers is often used by tripod brands in China to suggest, or for marketing purposes, stronger tubes: 8 layers for low-end and 10 layers (most common) for high-end. While it might seem to relate directly to the tube thickness (thicker equals stiffer as Marsace's guide suggested), the majority of Chinese brands optimize for around 1mm thickness; Marsace's owner wondered how other brands can fit so many layers into such thickness. Thinner tubes do lead to a bigger last section, which might help improve overall stability. Gitzo initiated this trend with their latest gen. While brands do not share the tube thickness, you can estimate it by looking at the tube size reduction between each segment. If the difference is around 3mm, the thickness is likely 1mm (shim thickness is about 1mm). RRS's difference is around 4mm while Gitzo is around 3.5mm.
- A quick personal note on stiffness score difference: DaveTCC never made it clear what kind of stiffness difference threshold would be detectable in the real world. We know that the difference of 600 (the difference between TVC-24 and TFC-14) would be felt. But in the end, extra precaution can be taken to offset some of the differences. So, many photographers can still take great photos with their inexpensive Chinese-made tripods. Chinese manufacturing has caught up with the more advanced countries in these non-specialized applications, as Marsace's maker has noted. With proper maintenance, I do not see how a Leofoto would not last as long as a Really Right Stuff; so anecdotal experience of someone who has used RRS for a long time does not mean a Leofoto user would not be able to get the same lifespan with their equipment. It is only for the measurbators to care about the stiffness difference. I admit I am one of them.
In conclusion, while the CF material and various other technical aspects are important to gauge the tripod tube performance, only tube size information is available for us to compare. Of course, keeping in mind that the material would have a significant effect on tube stiffness. Such a difference, however, might just be compensated by proper shooting techniques. So unless you care about the stiffness of your tripod, which is only a part of the overall system stiffness, cheaper alternatives might just work. Proper maintenance and shooting techniques should be more important.
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeissaholic/
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