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Joseph O'Neil
21-May-2013, 05:35
Walking around for 3+ hours yesterday with my wood Berlebach (spelling?) tripod in the heat just about did me in. I have three excellent tripods, all very heavy. I have an older Gitzo for example, built like a tank, which my 8x10 sits on, but you know something,after yesterday, I ain't gonna go anywhere with that sucker unless it is in a car. :)

I need something light weight - like a decent carbon fire tripod. I am looking for something that does not break the bank, it such a thing does exists, but at the same time I can use either my 4x5 (either my Tachihara or my Crown Graphic), or my Nikon D700. The irony here is, at least to me, I think my D700 with the 24-70mm zoom weighs more than any of my 4x5s. I have plenty of good heads that all fit on the standard 3/8th screw mount.

I walk / hike on both paved trails and dirt trails, with some very minor climbing (such as up 30 - 50 foot high river embankments, etc), so any suggestions greatly welcomed.

thanks ahead of time.

Ed Richards
21-May-2013, 08:35
Is this for the 8x10? If so, what 8x10 is it?

Light Guru
21-May-2013, 10:10
Is this for the 8x10? If so, what 8x10 is it?

No its not


I need something light weight - like a decent carbon fire tripod. I am looking for something that does not break the bank, it such a thing does exists, but at the same time I can use either my 4x5 (either my Tachihara or my Crown Graphic), or my Nikon D700.

Dave Gesell
21-May-2013, 11:41
You mention "not breaking the bank", but that means something different to everybody. For what it's worth, I'm using an older Gitzo 1227 MkII for everything from 4x5 (Chamonix 045F-1, heaviest lens is probably the Nikkor W 210mm), to Hasselblad to a Nikon D800 (with 300mm f4 AF-S and 1.4x TC). I think it cost around $700 when I bought 10-ish years ago, and I still haven't found a compelling reason to upgrade. If I were to replace it I'd likely be looking at something in Gitzos Systematic 3 series. IMO, $700+ for a tripod that, with a bit of care (and you don't drive over it), will last a lifetime, works out to be pretty cheap.

GG12
21-May-2013, 18:58
Many folks like the 3 series Gitzos, but here using a 2 series with good success - nice size, lightness, stability tradeoff. Not sure its strong enough for the long tele, check first. Other options are the RRS tripods, very well regarded, but expensive and usually have to wait a bit. On the less expensive side are the Fiesols, but they didn't do the trick for me.

jeroldharter
21-May-2013, 20:53
I had the same issue with the same tripod.

Feisol.

Joseph O'Neil
22-May-2013, 05:12
I had the same issue with the same tripod.

Feisol.

What was wrong with the Feisol. I would love a Gitzo, but it is past my budget at this point. I have been looking at some of the off brands, such as Sirui. I have been using one of their carbon fibre monopods for over a year now, and it is both lightweight, and built like a tank. right now, a $700 or even a $500 tripod is just out of the question.

thanks

Bill_1856
22-May-2013, 05:24
Used TILTALL (get the one made by Leitz). SIX pounds, including a great built-in tilt/pan head. Steady as a rock, last a lifetime, usually under $100 on eBay.

Rick A
22-May-2013, 05:40
Induro Adventure series tripods, alloy units are under $200, light weight and sturdy.

JeRuFo
22-May-2013, 06:21
For hiking I have a Benro C2570T three section tripod that I'm perfectly happy with. The only downside is that it has a centre column. It is very light, rigid and well made. The legs are easy to use and take apart for cleaning and the twist lock is very reassuring and reliable.

Richard Rau
22-May-2013, 22:45
How much do you have invested in your gear? Including lenses, camera, filters, etc.? Why skimp on the tripod? Ok expense is a good reason. However, knowing the thousands of dollars in camera gear, lenses etc. that I have invested, it only makes sense to bite the bullet and buy the best support system I could to insure stability. After doing a lot of research and homework, comparing side by side pods and heads, I had to agree with what Frank posted here a while back. The TVC-34L, 4-section Carbon Fiber Tripod from Really Right Stuff (light as a feather) but stable enough to hold a V8, goes over 7 feet without a center-column seemed to fill the ticket. Yeah, it costs as much as a used V8, or any decent 5x7 or 8x10, but I doubt I'll ever look back. Plus you can always add the center column anytime down the road if you wish.

Leszek Vogt
22-May-2013, 23:58
Well, I went for the Feisol 3371. It's 4.8lbs, CF, can handle sand and salt and accomodates my tall frame (over 6'). The closest weight comparison I could make w/Gitzo was their "traveler" (series 2), though still $430 over my Feisol. Anyway, I've been using it for over a year and no issues. However, if you're going to use Manfrotto 410 gear head on it, one would need a "riser" to gain more tilt. I had one built locally....that's the only minus I could think of. The other day I used it with 400mm (FF)....and I wouldn't hesitate to put a 4x5 (mine is hefty 11lbs) or the most expensive Hassy/Phase One on it. One can always hang some weight (for additional stability) from the bottom hook. Indeed, you can also add a center column to the Feisol, but that would likely compromise the stability.

Les