Feisol CT-3442 and Kirk BH-3

[homersapien]

This is proving to be a fantastic lightweight combo for hiking and camping. Nobody needs another review of either I'm sure, but I will say that both are exceptionally easy to use. Which is good, because I hate having to "think" about my gear (I'm looking at you Canon, with your poorly placed buttons and controls). My only real gripe so far is the rotating legs. I love being able to just grab all 3 locks and twist; however, a specific order is required when locking/unlocking the Feisol. Not a deal breaker, but I would be willing to give up another few ounces to see this changed.

I've included a few pics so that folks can see how the 3442 can be reverse folded over the BH-3...just barely. Maybe not a big deal to some, but it is to me, for at least two reasons. First, when backpack space is at a premium I need every inch I can get. Second, when crawling through trees and bushes, the ballhead isn't exposed and thus cannot snag on anything.

Since the pictures pretty much speak for themselves, I'll just add a couple of measurements that folks might find useful, and that I couldn't find anywhere when researching the Feisols. The mounting plate is roughly 3.25 inches across. The actual usable area, the part raised disc that mates with the head, is roughly 2.625 inches across.

P.s. Kirk sells "blemished" BH-3s on Ebay at a discounted price. Mine arrived without a mark on it; it looks better than new.

http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4717s.jpg (http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4717.jpg)

http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4718s.jpg (http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4718.jpg)

http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4719s.jpg (http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4719.jpg)

http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4720s.jpg (http://www.coloradoexposures.com/images/gear/IMG_4720.jpg)

[Jim G]

It's good to see more people posting Feisol stuff - this sort of thing was quite hard to find back when I bought mine. Especially trying to calculate what sort of ball-heads would safely fit within the legs...

[René Damkot]

Some questions: this tripod comes without center column? Can you add one if you want later?
Also curious as to what's the function of the tiny screws (?) in the sides of the legs and the side of the tripod base.

[Jim G]

CT-3442 comes without center column - it has a removable baseplate that is replaced by one that comes with the column if/when you purchase that.

The smaller screws (the larger ones are for tensioning the legs and, well, holding them on) are for the little.. toothed things that stop the legs at certain degree increments? I don't know what the word is. Lemme go take a photo.

[Jim G]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2689379726_9f36b3f974_b.jpg

Original plate with no centre column:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2689381386_d4f9081f74_b.jpg


My M-10 ballhead fouls the legs with no column present if you try and fold them back up over the head. I reckon the short column would be okay but don't have one to try. The standard column fits the head within the legs just fine.





Edit: and the tiny screws in the top of the tripod are what holds the above plate in place.. there's three and they keep it quite firmly in place. Use an Allen key to unscrew.

[René Damkot]

I see, thanks!

[homersapien]

Some questions: this tripod comes without center column? Can you add one if you want later?
Also curious as to what's the function of the tiny screws (?) in the sides of the legs and the side of the tripod base.

To add to what's already been said...the lack of center column was a major factor in choosing the Feisol. Fully extended, the 3442 is plenty tall enough (I'm 5'11"). In fact, I have to tippy-toe to see the top LCD on my 20d. I hate, and I mean HATE center columns. I never have understood the logic of putting a monopod on top of your tripod :rolleyes:

When the legs are reverse folded the BH-3 does indent the leg foam just a bit, but doesn't harm it.