Analysis paralysis on tripod purchase!!

[Slixtiesix]

I have made the experience that one should not tighten the Gitzo G-locks too much. You will ruin them that way with time. I don´t know about the older models but with the new G-locks, the legs are locked properly even if they are tighten gently with just two fingers. I think a 3 series Gitzo will be best for a Hasselblad though a 2 series will suffice. I used a 2 Series CF even with SL66 and 250mm Sonnar and it worked. Concerning the head: do you want a ball head or 3-way?

 

[Diapositivo]

My three-way head for the smaller tripod is a Manfrotto 460 MG. It doesn't have the levers but more comfortable rubber knobs. I don't know whether that would be enough for medium format but in my experience is OK for the small format. I bought it second-hand on an auction site and I am very glad I did.

I mount it on some Slik legs which I bought in 1989 for birdwatching, therefore it had a two-way head with one lever, good for telescopes but not good for photography.

I long pondered whether to substitute the legs but, as said, the biggest concern was the cost of theft/forgetting/damage in the trunk of the car etc.

Don't analyse too much. A tripod always has its use. If you buy some cheaper legs and you find out that they are not good enough for the Hasselblad, you will still have some cheap legs for situations when you don't have an Hasselblad but you need cheap legs. Think airports for instance.

 

[dnjl]

I can only offer this advice: if you think that weight doesn't matter and you decide to go for a heavier tripod because it's cheaper, you will regret it.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

So, I am having a rather severe case of what I understand to be analysis paralysis: the inability to make a decision over a product purchase! After a few posts on APUG and other webpages, and talking to my local camera shop, I am unsure of what to buy. Here is a bit of a recap: I use a Nikon FE2 and will be using asap a Hasselblad 500cm with lenses up to 150mm. I shoot fine art landscapes in inclement weather (snow, wind, rain).

Carbon Fiber: I was original hesitant to go with carbon, but many have suggested that it is better to simply buy carbon now, b/c eventually you will want it anyway, so you might as well just buy now. The Gitzo Mountaineering, Induro 8x CT214, and Manfrotto 055cxpro carbon, have come up most frequently. I can't imagine a significant difference between any one of these. The Gitzo I've held - it's very nice. Both the Induro and the Manfrotto have rave reviews on B&H.

Aluminum: After having decided on Carbon, I began to freak about spending $600+ when I could possibly buy aluminum legs and a great ball head for 1/2 the price. Of course, weight doubles, but unless I am missing something, I can't seem to see any other real advantage to carbon over aluminum other than weight. Many have suggested Tiltall and others have suggested that the Manfrotto 055 is great (800 plus very convincing reviews on B&H), sturdy tripod. Of course, Gitzo also makes aluminum.

Heads: I've not even begun to research these!

So this will be my final post on tripod legs. I'd welcome any advice on helping me make a decision based upon the above info. The decision is resting upon just spending the money upfront now for carbon, or going with aluminum to save $.

Thanks!

Spend a hundred bucks (or less) on a good used Marchioni Tiltall or Leitz Tiltall. Aluminium, around six pounds, will handle any medium format camera (and most 4x5 cameras) you put on it. $600 for a (fairly fragile) CF tripod is ludicrous, save the extra $500 for film or another lens.
If you decide the Tiltall is not for you, you'll be able to sell it on and get your money back with no trouble.

http://tiltalltripod.com/Aboutus.html

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I know a lot of people like CF, I have aluminum and never had a problem with it. Just get a good tripod and it will be worth its weight in gold.

Jeff

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

Here is the Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 488RC0 ball head holding my Mamiya RZ with a 180mm lens. Plenty sturdy. It's been a reliable performer for over four years.

 

[film_man]

I have a 190 and use it regularly with my Hasselblad. Longest lens is 250. I have a 486RC2 head. The legs are fine and I don't find the weight an issue, the only thing is that sometimes I wish I had the 055 purely for the extra height. One thing, I never really extend the central column, it doesn't seem to feel very solid with the Hasselblad on, but maybe I am wrong.

The head is also fine but that probably has more to do with not having to rotate the Hasselblad too much as the square format minimises that. If I was to spend any money I'd get a better ball first then look at the 055 legs.

But with all that said, I am very happy actually with the 190+486 combo for my Hasselblad.

 

[lxdude]

One thing, I never really extend the central column, it doesn't seem to feel very solid with the Hasselblad on, but maybe I am wrong.

I figure if the center column is used much, a taller tripod is needed. I'd rather not have a center column and the weight of one go into taller legs. I have one for my Feisol but have never used it.

 

[Matthew Wagg]

My unit of currency is have you looked at 3 legged thing? Or maybe the Uniloc stuff?
http://www.uniloctripod.com/
http://www.3leggedthing.com/

The uniloc's are very cool and have a range of movement not generally seen on other tp's
3leggedthing are just brilliant. Their models are named after famous musicians.

 

[Prest_400]

Buying a tripod can be tough. I did some reasearch too and, while still don't have commitment to get one; I'd have to do a couple more selections to choose one.

For those using Induro/Benro tripods, aren't these the same? The sites are very similar in layout, and induro seems an US oriented brand.
I am very curious about the benro travel angel series. These fold quite compactly and despite having 4-5 sections, the higher end of the model claim to be able to carry big SLR's & MF equipment (12kg/20 so pounds). There's a "transfuncional" version which can separate a leg, put the head on it and it becomes a monopod.
I remember a post of a member who owned a Hassie that despite being unthinkable, it worked very well.

It seems a very attractive option for travel, especially when space is limited. Been scratching my head with this one for a while. Sure, traditional legs like the manfrotto 055 will do better, but this benro seems to be half the size folded!

EDIT: Didn't see the post above, and the 3legged thing model (Brian) shown on the front page (scroll down) is very similar to the benro, same concept; and who knows, same manufacturer?
Done some research and the benro is a copy of the gitzo traveller.

 

[mporter012]

Prest_400 - Yes the Induro/Burno are owned by the same company. The Induro Carbon's have stellar reviews on B&H. The Berno I can't seem to locate any reviews on and B&H is no longer selling them, which makes me somewhat uncomfortable.

This post has really helped me. I think I am going to go with Carbon. I weighed my current tripod and it weighs 5.3 pounds and I find it to be WAY to heavy, so I think carbon is the only logical way for me to go. The challenge now is deciding between how much I need for the hasselblad with a 150mm lens. Is the Gitzo series 1 enough (the hasselblad is a lighter medium format) or do I need series 2...? And then choosing a head.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

I replaced my G224 with the GT-2531 and could not be happier. Awesome tripod. I love my G224 and used it successfully for years but I can afford a CF now and the lighter weight and the CF legs being not as cold feeling on the hands are big pluses.

That said although I've never used a 1 series I would not go with a smaller tripod than the G224 or GT-2531 with my Hassy.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

By the way, the aluminum G224 weighs 5.5 lbs and the carbon-fibre GT-2531 is 3 lbs. 2.5 lbs sounds like so little a difference but it is 30% and I've noticed and sensed a big difference when carrying.

 

[fmajor]

When i was tripod shopping i was also paralyzed by all the details - some easy to qualify others not so easy....

I narrowed down to CF pretty quickly - it was almost a no-brainer for me. Mountain hiking with an RB67 Pro-S adds a fair bit of weight and a sturdy non-CF tripod was out of the question. So, i started researching CF tripod manufacturers. I read a lot of praise for Gitzo, but also a common failure as others here have mentioned - leg separation from the "spider". For the price of the Gitzo - ~$500 and up - that was out of the question.

The Really Right Stuff CF tripods look utterly awe inspiring, but i'm not able to splash out $1,000 for my hobby right now. I looked at Induro/Benro, Manfrotto and others, but Feisol had the best reputation at the best price point for the things i wanted in a tripod.

Feisol CF tripods are around $200-$250 less expensive than comparable Gitzo models, have an excellent warranty and reasonably the same performance level. So, i choose the Feisol "Tournament Series" CT-3342 "traditional leg" 'pod for ~$289 and bought a used middle-of-the-road Manfrotto ballhead (496RC2) from KEH for (iirc) $80. This combination, @ less than $400, is lightweight and plenty stout to hold my Pro-S and 180mm lens in all sorts of strange positions and varying wind conditions. I didn't buy a center column and a $3 plastic flash-mount, 3-way level off $bay is lighter, easier to use and wayyyyy cheaper than any leveling plate so i was able to save some cash there. I did splurge on the long spike feet as i photograph in all sorts of weather and conditions and they work very well.

I hope this helps and doesn't add to the circle of confusion.