t_n1 Posted May 4, 2004 Share Posted May 4, 2004 hi folks, can anyone recommend an affordable carbon fiber tripod that is equivalent in size to the bogen 3001? i'm looking for a lighter tripod. i wont be mounting anything that heavy. thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david choo Posted May 4, 2004 Share Posted May 4, 2004 Depends on what you mean by affordable? I personally don't think any carbon fiber tripod is affordable. =) They're a luxury. :P But if you find one that is affordable, TELL ME TELL ME! I want one too. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masque Posted May 4, 2004 Share Posted May 4, 2004 Sorry, I don't follow - which did you want? Carbon fiber, or affordable? :) Unless you need carbon fiber for a reason other than its light weight, you might consider a lightweight aluminum tripod. Bogen's Digi line, for example, supports up to 5.5 or 7.7 pounds, depending on model, and weighs about three pounds. That's half a pound less than the carbon fiber models, btw, and a pound less than the 3001. I recommend them, though be cautioned they're not very stable with larger glass. And in this case, 'larger' isn't all that large. :) That's a light tripod for you, though... Also, the digi monopod is my best friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devin_serink Posted May 5, 2004 Share Posted May 5, 2004 You may want to check out the Slik Sprint Pro. Weighs about 2 pounds, folds down nicely, and is certainly tall enough to satisfy. As long as you're not using it with heavy gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted May 5, 2004 Share Posted May 5, 2004 <P>Have a look at Rober Segal's <a href="http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2gkrc/Tripod-Test.html">Lightweight tripod survey</a>. It's 2 years old now but the conclusions are still good. If you don't need to hold a big camera/lens steady, something on his list should suit you. I also recall that he doesn't rate the CF tripods as being worth the difference, pricewise. Anyway, do look - he's done all the research.</P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n1664876959 Posted May 5, 2004 Share Posted May 5, 2004 Well as others have pointed out CF and affordable don't go together. I did a lot of research and testing a few months ago, tried the Hakuba and several Bogen/Manfrotto variants and ended up with a used Gitzo G1228 for $320 from a local dealer. Took it to bits, washed all the leg sections and sprayed them with silicone spray lubricant and replaced all the plastic and fiber bushings inside the leg sections with new ones. The tripod is now as silky smooth as a new one.<br><br> To me the Hakuba was well made but the legs were thin (25mm at the top vs. 28mm in the Gitzo) and I just didn't like the Bogens. It was clear the Gitzos were the sturdiest and I was lucky to find a used one at a decent price. You might also want to consider the Feisol which is from Korea and sold on eBay. Haven't seen a report from a user though. The Carmagne line from Velbon seems to have resurfaced also. These tripods are well liked here on photo.net. See the links below.<br><br> <ul type="square"> <li><a href="http://www.vividlight.com/articles/2011.htm" target="_blank">The New Hakuba HG-503MX Carbon Fiber Tripod</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=322182&is=REG" target="_blank">Velbon EL Carmagne 530 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs with PH-250B 3-Way Panhead</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=006LGq" target="_blank">Anybody heard of Feisol carbon fiber tripod?</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.feisol.com/english/ct4.htm" target="_blank">Feisol CT3401</a></li> </ul> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew robertson Posted May 6, 2004 Share Posted May 6, 2004 Just got the Gitzo 1028 Mk. II and a Novoflex Mini Magicball. WOW! My old tripod and head weighs 10 pounds. My new tripod and head weighs 2.2 pounds. Do it for your back! I used to leave the tripod at home a lot of the time. Not any more! It doesn't get quite as tall as my older one, and the legs can only be spread at certain angles, but it's SO much lighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank uhlig Posted May 6, 2004 Share Posted May 6, 2004 I just figured out the answer: wooden tripods. They are lighter than aluminum, more sturdy, more immune to vibrations than carbon fibre, and cheaper than carbon fibers. So, here is a possible alternative for you, without breaking the bank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n1664876959 Posted May 8, 2004 Share Posted May 8, 2004 Good wood tripods:<br><br> <ul type="square"> <li><a href="http://www.riestripod.com/" target="_blank">Ries tripods</a></li> </ul> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david choo Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Anyone know where I can purchase a Feisol? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n1664876959 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 They are usually for sale on eBay but there are none there at the moment. Email the company at feisol@feisol.com and ask about purchasing a tripod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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