New CF Tripod Choices - Help :)...

[Remorhaz]

I'm seriously considering getting some new carbon fibre sticks (and probably something like a RRS BH-40) to replace my venerable Manfrotto 190 Pro B (the very old model) + 488RC4 ball head (which would be consigned to my daughter).

My current 190 Pro B has in theory from google searching old records specs of 2kg (holds 5kg), 3 leg sections and a folded length of 56cm and a max height (centre column down) of 119cm and with the column up of 145cm. Basically I try to use it with the column down most of the time but I often find it too low so ideally I'd like something which is perhaps 15-20cm taller with the column down.

I'm leaning towards 4 section tripods so I can keep the folded length down to around the same or less than my current.

So here's the rub...

I know Gitzo are the bees knees but they are freaking expensive (even the current 2 day 50% discount price from QCSA basically just brings them to parity to getting it from Adorama or eBay incl delivery)

In Gitzo it looks like something like the Traveller GT2541 4leg/1.36kg/12kg 55.5cm 17/130/153cm would fit the bill however would be something like $700-750 delivered either from QCSA or Adorama or $630 delivered eBay from Korea

I was also looking at the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 4leg/1.7kg/8kg 54.5cm 11.5/135/170cm which is a bit heavier (but still much lighter than my current) and taller (centre column) but much cheaper - from $390 ebay to just over $400 from B&H/Adorama delivered to just over $500 walk into DDP say

Finally I could go radical and get a Gitzo knockoff like the Triopo GX-1228 4leg/1.4kg/12kg, 56cm 32/160cm for just over $200 delivered or Benro C2980T 4leg/1.67kg/12kg 54.5cm 39/135/162cm for $330 here in Syd

Has anyone had any experience with these Gitzo knockoffs like the Triopo (I have a Benro CX monopod which seems fine) with any sort of comparison to a real Gitzo (i.e. is it worth me spending 3 to 4 times for it).

So a plea for help from the Tripod gods

[I @ M]

Having seen a benro example up close ( can't remember the model ) they are well made.

Bash of a quick PM to HelmutK and ask him what model it is, he is pretty happy with it.

[markjaffa]

P+V have a sale on Gitzo gear at the moment. Check out http://www.photovideo.com.au/gitzo-t...e87667c1d154b4 I have handled Benro gear, and the prices are great, but I went with Gitzo GT3541 in the end. My advice is dont under spec it or you will regret it later. I found this article - http://bythom.com/support.htm - very helpful and spent a lot of money on my tripod and ballhead - I couldnt be happier with them, and I have forgotten how much they cost me because they do everything I want/need.

[davidd]

I recently bought a Gitzo 3541LS from B&H on a special offer, it cost me $690 incl postage, and took less than 3 working days to get here.
However, before I settled on this one I was considering the Feisol CT3472 or 3372, which also have a good reputation, for quite a lot less. Check them out.

[Remorhaz]

P+V have a sale on Gitzo gear at the moment. I went with Gitzo GT3541 in the end.

Thanks I saw that - about AUD$710 delivered

I recently bought a Gitzo 3541LS from B&H on a special offer, it cost me $690 incl postage, and took less than 3 working days to get here.
However, before I settled on this one I was considering the Feisol CT3472 or 3372, which also have a good reputation, for quite a lot less. Check them out.

Thanks - last night I started looking at the systematic models and had also sort of settled on this model as a suitable option - it would be a little heavier than the mountaneer 2541 option (about 350g) but would be 15cm taller (w/o centre column extended) which i think I'd appreciate even though I'm not all that tall myself - It's about US$710 delivered from B&H at the moment (so probably marginally cheaper than P+V above but not by much).

[zollo]

I would also seriously consider Slik carbon fiber tripods - especially in place of any knockoffs. I have 2 carbon fiber models 1 lighter duty for travel and 1 heavy duty and i cant fault them. I prefer their threaded leg locks over the manfrotto system by a mile.

http://www.slik.co.jp/slik_com/carbon_series.html

[Irru]

I received a Slik 723 just a few days ago, and I'm happy with it.
I'm not saying you -should- go for one of the knock offs, just that the Slik feels as solid to me as other knockoffs I tried in shops. I didn't try a Gitzo so I don't know how they compare to the real thing.