Feisol tripods

[mcteague]

I have an old Bogen 3021 but want something smaller and lighter for hiking. I'm willing to use it sitting or kneeling so I'm leaning towards a 4 section model for it's compactness. Gitzo prices are more than I am willing to go as the tripod will not get heavy use. Feisol has two similar models at different price points. The CT-3442 @ $309 and the CT-3401 @ $175. Has anyone compared the two?

I am also interested in the new Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 which is in the same price range as the CT-3442. Manfrotto is more of a known quantity as compared to Feisol so maybe that is the more sensible bet.

It will be used with my 40D and lenses no larger than a 70-200mm f4/L

Tim McTeague

[condyk]

I had one of the original Feisols and also their monopods. Both very good and especially so for the money. Their more recent models look excellent tho' prices are rather higher these days. I have the manfrotto 190 MF3 for travel and it does a great job. No reason for me to change it. It has a good carry handle, a strap to keep the legs secure when walking and easy to carry over the shoulder. For the Feisols you just need to look at the specs and decide which one might best fit and offers bang for your cash. I wouldn't worry about the quality. They'll all be fine.

[Tsmith]

Tim _ it seems to be out of your price range but I looked for several weeks for a light weight yet compact tripod for hiking. Something around 3 lbs total (legs + ball head) that would easily attach to the side of my North Face Backpack.

What I came up with was the Gitzo GT0530 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475917-REG/Gitzo_GT0530_GT_0530_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html) at 1.6 lbs + Kirk BH-3 Ball head at 1.3 lbs _ surprisingly its very sturdy for such a light setup. Easily supports the 40D with my 70-200 f/4L (with collar attached). It has three leg sections vs four so that alone makes it a bit more sturdy.

I chatted with a few members at naturescapes.net that convinced me on the purchase. One member even uses his 300 f/4L IS with it. Being that is light weight though I'd wouldn't leave it unattended in a 20+ mph wind. It does have the hookup on the center column for adding a ballast type weight to.

As for the Feisol its seems out of all the tripods made in China its the one brand that gets more positive reviews than any of the others.

In the USA use www.feisol.net for purchasing.

[oak3x]

Most of my photography occurs when traveling on vacation...

For years, I used a Bogen 3001, which met my needs.

Recently, I purchased a Feisol CT-3442 Tripod...and this has turned out to be one of my best purchases ever. Folds up to less than 20", yet opens to full size. It is lightweight, yet very steady (fully extended). Additionally, it came with a nice carry case.

Pairing the CT-3442 with my Markins M10, it is a fantastic combination.

Ordering from Feisol USA was quick and easy. Received my tripod in less than a week.

For anyone considering the Feisol, don't hesitate... You will not be disappointed!

[bmwm3csl]

I have the Feilsol travel tripod, the CT-3441S. I think for size, versatility, quality, and cost nothing else comes close.

I've had had mine for over six months now and have taken it on 2 out of the country trips. I have loved the fact that I had the ability to use a tripod when I wanted/needed to but didn't feel like I was lugging around something really large or heavy all day.

I use the RRS BH-25 ball head with the 3441S tripod, these 2 pieces together have made me one satisfied customer.

[skunn]

I was in the same boat considering between Feisol 3441 and the Manfrotto 190cxpro4. Ordered the 190cxpro4 from B&H to take advantage of the current $50 rebate with a ballhead purchase at the same time. Should be getting it on Tuesday. Can't wait!

[mcteague]

I was in the same boat considering between Feisol 3441 and the Manfrotto 190cxpro4. Ordered the 190cxpro4 from B&H to take advantage of the current $50 rebate with a ballhead purchase at the same time. Should be getting it on Tuesday. Can't wait!
Please post your opinion of the 190CXPRO4 when you get it. I have found lots of posts saying they like their Feisols but I was hoping to find out if the 3442 was worth the extra money over the 3401.

Tim

[skunn]

Well, my Manfrotto 190cxpro4 arrived today. From a really cursory exam, I am very very pleased with it. I don't have a lot of experience with the Gitzos and such (I'm moving up from a Slik U9000), but I am quite impressed with the build quality. I'll post back with some reviews when I get a chance to play with it some more.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2343141141_39a7cfe062.jpg

[Tsmith]

Nice setup skunn. After owning a Manfrotto myself and being quite pleased with it I moved on to the Gitzo. Word of advice, if you've never handled one _ don't! _ ;)