Tripod Help

[Cultured Vulture]

I own the BH-55. I find it to be silky smooth and solid as a rock. I also have the BH-40 on my lighter weight set-up. It is comparable to the Markins. The compatibility problem is with the RRS lever release only. The screw type is no problem. It has to do with some plates being too thin. I would use RRS plates anyway, they are wonderful.
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Respond to rudeness with civility, it really annoys them.

Regards,

JR

 

[NRothschild]

If you are going down the 2 tripod path, then you probably made the right decision because setting up 3 sets of collars is a little chore. That's balanced against an extra 4" or so.

Uwe said that with only 3 sections extended, the plate was at 46". For me, that is about 4-5" short of eye level and I'm 5'6-7". I like to shoot either eye level or very low, rarely in between. Most gimbal shooters (like me) like eye level for that work too. That's just my style- you have to figure out how this fits into your style.

My advice on M10 Vs M20... if you were only buying one head for a 2 series sized leg set, like the small Feisol, I think there is a lot going for the M10. It's a little lighter and more proportionately sized, at least on my 1228 and TB20 base plate, as you saw in my images. The cosmetic look is less noticeable on a round platform because they are a little bigger than either head, I think. The M20 is not a bad choice in any event and even with small legs it probably performs just a tad better for things like Macro. For the two legs- small and large Feisol, for example, I would go with the M20, strictly in terms of size and weight and performance. It makes more sense on the big legs and really works well on the small legs too.

The difference in size and weight between the M10 and M20 is very minor, which is why it can go either way without a problem. The differences between Kirk's and RRS's heads is more dramatic.

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Regards,
Neil

 

[uwe_r]

Thanks, Uwe! Your measurements sound about right. It's
interesting that the 4th section is only 2mm diameter smaller than
the TOP section of my G1228 (2 series- 27mm). That's a nice fat
leg for a 4th section. It is probably comparable to a Gitzo 3
series 3rd section, old style 1325 or new style 3530 but I've never
gotten the dimensions on those inner legs. That puts some
perspective on the 3 section vs 4 section decision.

Well, actually I bought the 3471 to replace a G1325 (which got run over by an aircraft tow tractor). I was very hesitant to buy it at first as I really liked the Gitzo - but it was impossible to get a replacement in Laos. I now would refuse to go back to the G1325 - the 3471 is more stable and the centre column is the best I have seen yet. The comparable GT3540L costs 1,275 USD here and I do not see that difference being justified.

Last night I was thinking about all the CF laternatives to Gitzo,
especially as it relates to the decision making process in this
thread. There aren't many, if any, alternatives to a Gitzo 3
series in the $350 range. I see an occasional 4 section 3 series
Benro on Ebay at about $450, but with a center column. I think the
Induro C313 is a 3 section 3 series equivilent, also with a center
column, but it sells for $540 (Adorama) and that isn't much less
than a Gitzo. In the Velbon line, there is the 630 El Carmagne,
with a center column, and that comes with a pan/tilt head at $330,
but I don't know the leg dimensions so it's difficult to class it.
Giottos has a 3 series 3 section (MT8170) for $340, but again it
has a center column. There are also Bogen and Slik's, around that
price range, but all with center columns.

I have neither seen nor used any of the Induro or Benro pods... not even sure they are sold in Germany (?). I have used the Manfrotto/Bogen 055MF4, it is not bad for light setups, but the centre column is the weak point. I do have the Sherpa Pro CF640 and it goes on eBay next week (IMHO the build quality is mediocre - the tubes have too much play) - once my CT-3401 has arrived and cleared customs - together with the Q3 this will be a nice light travel kit.

The above is just to say that whenever I consider these
alternatives I always come back to the Feisol 3x71. Although my
G1228 center column performs well with 70-200 size lenses, I've
never even tested it with a Sidekick and the performance of other
maker's center columns is just unkown. I like the idea that I can
put my head on a simple flat plate and avoid the uncertainty of the
performace impact of a center column, especially when I consider my
Sidekick. Plus the extra beefiness of the 4 series diameter 37mm
legs. Tough legs to beat

No experience with a Sidekick yet - I will look into that once I get either the Nikon 300/2.8VR or the Canon 400/4 IS (have not decided yet) by the end of the year. I agree, for long lenses a simple base plate is preferable - when I use the 70-200VR with a TC (and I know that in advance) I remove the centre column.

Cheers,
Uwe

 

[NRothschild]

You should try one in a store before you order it. I happened to try a friend's the other day. Very convenient and fast to set up. Neither he nor I were particualrly impressed with it's stability compared to my G1228 and you can get some nice CF legs for that price.

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Regards,
Neil

 

[NRothschild]

Thanks Uwe! You are the first person I've seen that could (almost ) directly compare a 3 series against the big Feisol. Very helpful and you may have helped make a decision for me.

Claudio - this thread is just about to limit out, so you will have to start a Tripod Help V2 thread

I don't ever remember a tripod thread limiting out- this could be a record!

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Regards,
Neil

 

[ClaudioG]

What is the limit on dpreview forum?
Lets not post anymore so I have space to post final comments and pictures
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ClaudioG

 

[ClaudioG]

Markins and feisol shipped in record time. Ordered last night shipped totay.
Wow

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ClaudioG

 

[LilKnytt]

Just kidding Claudio ;-)

Actually I was almost sold on the 4 section one but Lil's post made
me think that it must be a real pain in the butt, day in and day
out to screw and unscrew all those locking stuff on the 4 section.
I believe that for my present and future need stability would have
been just fine with either one.

OK there's actually more than one reason for going with the 3 over the 4 section. One simple one is the one I at first stated - less screwing & unscrewing all day. Also & far more important - as my loving professional film cameraman pointed out & reminded me of yesterday. You're not supposed to fully extend the legs, about 1/4 of each section should overlap into the next section. That way you improve stability even more. If you then have 4 sections & you follow this rule you're actually loosing about one section in total on the 4 section legs. There will be less lost in a 3 section set of legs.

OK, this also corresponds to what I was taught when I went to film school way back when. So it might apply more to film as in motion pictures, but if you wish to increase stability you will allow each section to overlap inside the next about 1/4 to 1/3. By following this rule you can actually go with smaller sticks - yet get more support & stability out of them.

As far as portability both 3 and 4 sections are big mamas and I
dont see myself strolling around with those. For travel I
definitely need something lighter. With this consideration in mind
I went with the one which could make my life easier in a normal day.

Why should any of us have it easy ! ? I've been told it's not supposed to be that. ;-)

Do you think the m20 would fit the small feisol?

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Claudio

E-mail them & ask...

Lil

 

[NRothschild]

The limit is 150. You now have two posts left. I would suggest you immediately start a new thread and then try to add one more post here to link to your new thread. Just a suggestion if you want that link.

Neil

What is the limit on dpreview forum?
Lets not post anymore so I have space to post final comments and
pictures
--
ClaudioG

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Regards,
Neil

 

[ClaudioG]

Previous thread at:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=22668634
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ClaudioG