Carbon Fiber Tripod for under $200

[dculp]

I am looking to upgrade tripods this Christmas and I came accross a carbon fiber tripod offered on Adorama http://www.adorama.com/FPTPF1228.html?s ... &item_no=4 for under $200. You can even get a matching magnesium ball head for $70. I have looked online and have found a few good reviews and so far no negative ones. I do shoot with some large lenses such as a Canon 100 - 400 IS with a 2X multiplier, so I do need the support, but it looks like the specs can handle it. Currently I am shooting on a cheap aluminum tripod from Wolf and if there is any wind at all, I can see the shake.

Does anyone have any experience with this combo? Does anyone notice any specifications that seem alarming? I did notice that the leg angle is set by friction and can only be locked with a wrench, but unless you are constantly using extremely wide angles, I don't know if this would be a big hassle or not.

Any advise would be welcome.

David
Canon XSi, Canon 18-55 IS, Tamron 28-300, Canon 100-400IS, Canon 2X
http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/dculp/

[bob_r]

I I did notice that the leg angle is set by friction and can only be locked with a wrench, but unless you are constantly using extremely wide angles, I don't know if this would be a big hassle or not.

David,

I believe the wrench is used to adjust the tension on the leg locks, not to actually lock the legs. Some of the reviews warn of cheap construction, but for less than $200, I think that should be expected. The only spec that jumped out at me was the max height. It only extends to 5 feet and since I'm over 6 feet, I think it may be a tad short. Adorama does have a liberal return policy, especially during the Christmas season, so you could give it a try and return it if it didn't work for you.

Bob R

[dculp]

Bob,
Thanks for taking the time to look into this. I like the try and return idea, I may have to give this a shot.
I am also over 6 ft, but I found very few tripods that went higher than 63 inchs. Even Adorama offered one in the same line that has more capacity, but it only goes 3 inches high and cost $90 more. I really have not seen many at all that go over 63". I figured, for the extra cost of the 3", I could buy the ball head.

Still looking into it all. I'll let you know what I decide, please let me know if you have any other thoughts.

[Pokie]

The problem I have with my current tripod is the collapsed size.
Yes, it's aluminum and heavy, but I can tote it around, even on a 8 mile hike up and down a mountain if necessary.
What I can't do is collapse it to a size that I can reasonably travel with it via air.
I can guarantee you that for my next tripod, I will absolutely consider portability with air travel in mind.

Pokie

[bob_r]

Bob,
Thanks for taking the time to look into this. I like the try and return idea, I may have to give this a shot.
I am also over 6 ft, but I found very few tripods that went higher than 63 inchs. Even Adorama offered one in the same line that has more capacity, but it only goes 3 inches high and cost $90 more. I really have not seen many at all that go over 63". I figured, for the extra cost of the 3", I could buy the ball head.

Still looking into it all. I'll let you know what I decide, please let me know if you have any other thoughts.

David,

I have a Manfrotto 055CLB and I believe it goes to 70" with the pole fully extended. By the time I add the ballhead and camera, it seems to be just right for me (if I'm not on a hill). I bought mine a few years ago and I don't believe it's available in the states anymore. Mine is aluminum but with my bad knees I don't do a lot of hiking, so weight isn't a big issue for me.

Let us know what you get and how it works for you.

Bob R

[Bonish Photo]

Pokie, you might want to look into getting a padded or non-padded carrying case for your tripod while traveling.

I have a tripod case that is big enough to fit a tripod with head attached and my mono-pod for bringing it with us while flying. I havent flew since the new charges are being applied for extra baggage, but I used to be able to just check it with my other luggage and have no problems with it.

I once even carried it on the plane with me along with my carry on camera bag and no one ever questioned it. It fits in the overhead just fine, and since most women carry a purse and a carry on, I figured if any one asked, I would say it was my purse

[dculp]

Just an update. I did get the new tripod and ball head from Adorama and the initial impression is very good. The tripod is extremely sturdy and and leg locks are easy to manage and lock securly. So far I am most impressed with the ballhead. It is silky smoth and locks very firmly even with the 100-400 at full zoom. All of the knobs on the ballhead are in easily accessable locations and feel of good quality. I can see that they did skimp by using plastic on a few parts where metal might have provided longer life, but no complaints as of yet.

I'll give a further update on this item after some real field use.

[bob_r]

Congrats, David! Glad to hear that it's going to work for you.

Bob R