Wanted: Carbon Fiber Tripod/head to buy or your recommendations

[larry_c]

Looking for a C/F tripod. Just joined CNPA yesterday so not sure what most members use.

Even if you don't have one for sale I'd like to hear any recommendations anyone might have about make, model or where to purchase.

larry_c
laz713@yahoo.com

[epayne]

Hi Again Larry.

Here is a link that everyone should read prior to investing in a tripod. There is no one best size or model depending on your application but for your first purchase I recommend you analyze the type's of photography you are interested in and the equipment you have presently or hope to purchase in the future.

A tripod is not the place to cut corners as it will outlast many generations of camera body improvements over the years while allowing your quality lenses to produce their sharpest results.

This article was written several years ago and while dated in some respects Thom has updated the information to the current models available.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

There will likely be some tripods for sale on the swap table as well as new from Hunt's our major equipment vendor at the Annual Meeting.

Looking forward to meeting you and good to see you utilizing the forums right off the bat.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[mdaphoto]

i second all of Edgars coments.

and want to toss in that for many people getting a quality trypod will improve the quality of thier work more than updating a camera bodie or buying new glass.

first thing we would have to know is the weight of your heavyest lens bodie combo (or future rig) if you have been looking at models on line i highly sugest getting one that is rated for at least 1-1/2 or beter yet twice the rate of your curent equipment.

i have a gitzo that i bought second hand that i can't find a model number for. the sticker that had it peeleed off under the leg wraps, the specs for it are:

4.19 lbs
24.5" closed
53.5" to the top (would be the botom of your head)
3 leg sections (they do not have the anti rotation feature of the newer ones)
63" with center colum raised.
top leg tube diamiter of 1 1/8 inch...might be 3/16



and a gitzo #GH1780QR ball head

i would say this rig is plenty for anyone using something in the 70-200 zoom or 300/f2.8. i would let it go for $350

i had to up grade a while back when i got my 400/f2.8 and went with the realy right stuff big rig. so i don't use this one any more.

[calmerini]

Another vote for the Gitzo tripods...

I have 2...one lightweight for long hikes and one for big glass.

The 2530 (3 section) is outstanding! I paired it with a Kirk BH-1 ball head and have not looked back. My critical piece of equipment and I use it all the time.

Spend the money on this piece of equipment will spare you buyer's remorse for many years to come.

My closet is filled with 3 other 'thought it would work' tripods!

[MichaelRudawsky]

If you are going to the annual meeting in 3 weeks I understand that Feisol will have a vendor display for their tripods. From what I have heard they have very good equipment at a reasonable price. You might want to take a look at their products.

[larry_c]

Greetings,
Thanks for the feedback and ideas. I'm going to wait until the taxes come back (maybe in time for Annual Meeting) to buy one.
I'm going to make sure I get the one I'll need in the future, not the one that is just ok for now...thanks again.

Larry Cowie
Charlotte