konakoa
2-Nov-2007, 22:07
Yet another looking-for-new-tripod thread.
My Bogen 3221/3047 has served me very well the past ten-plus years I've had it. In that time I've put a lot of use on it, and my poor tripod is getting a bit cranky. One of the lower legs won't extend unless I pull it out by hand. The click-stop adjustments for the legs don't click anymore. The movements on the head are stiff and jerky. Its been a excellent combination for 35mm, medium format and lately large format. However, I think I'm pushing it beyond its limits for large format. Even though I keep the tripod extensions to a minimum and splay the legs out, it doesn't feel super stable for my 4x5 monorail. In fact, my 3221 looks positively anemic extended under the big camera. What I basically need is a heavier duty 3221 with similar features. I have no interest in carbon fiber.
I've narrowed my choices down to two models: a Gitzo G1340 or the G1410. The head will be a Manfrotto 3039; I have too many hexagonal plates kicking around here to replace them all for something else. Further, I've already picked up a couple of the big 4" 3297 quick release plates (they'll fit my 3047 and the 3039) for my large format cameras.
I'd like to query any Gitzo owners here about the 1340 or 1410. I'm leaning towards the 1340; it's specifications are very close to my 3221 except for the improved maximum weight capacity and lower minimum height of the Gitzo. However, the specifications are so close I wonder if the 1340 is actually any more stable than my 3221. If not, I may as well go for the 1410. The Gitzo literature states the 1410 is good for a 400mm lens, and my longest lens for my 4x5 is right at that; 450mm. I'm torn between the two tripods.
Yes, I've searched the forums first. I'd PM folks and stay off the boards but no one wants to admit owning a 1340 or 1410. :)
Can anyone with experience with these two please comment?
My Bogen 3221/3047 has served me very well the past ten-plus years I've had it. In that time I've put a lot of use on it, and my poor tripod is getting a bit cranky. One of the lower legs won't extend unless I pull it out by hand. The click-stop adjustments for the legs don't click anymore. The movements on the head are stiff and jerky. Its been a excellent combination for 35mm, medium format and lately large format. However, I think I'm pushing it beyond its limits for large format. Even though I keep the tripod extensions to a minimum and splay the legs out, it doesn't feel super stable for my 4x5 monorail. In fact, my 3221 looks positively anemic extended under the big camera. What I basically need is a heavier duty 3221 with similar features. I have no interest in carbon fiber.
I've narrowed my choices down to two models: a Gitzo G1340 or the G1410. The head will be a Manfrotto 3039; I have too many hexagonal plates kicking around here to replace them all for something else. Further, I've already picked up a couple of the big 4" 3297 quick release plates (they'll fit my 3047 and the 3039) for my large format cameras.
I'd like to query any Gitzo owners here about the 1340 or 1410. I'm leaning towards the 1340; it's specifications are very close to my 3221 except for the improved maximum weight capacity and lower minimum height of the Gitzo. However, the specifications are so close I wonder if the 1340 is actually any more stable than my 3221. If not, I may as well go for the 1410. The Gitzo literature states the 1410 is good for a 400mm lens, and my longest lens for my 4x5 is right at that; 450mm. I'm torn between the two tripods.
Yes, I've searched the forums first. I'd PM folks and stay off the boards but no one wants to admit owning a 1340 or 1410. :)
Can anyone with experience with these two please comment?