Which one? Feisol 3441B or 3442

[jorden2003]

Hi, everyone:

I am looking for a now tripod for my XTi. After doing so many research, I stopped between feisol 3441B (http://www.feisol.net/feisol-foursection-tripods-ct3441b-black-with-cb30c-ballhead-qp144750-quick-release-plate-center-column-tripod-p-3.html)and 3442 (http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-class-foursection-tripod-ct3442-with-tripod-p-31.html).

The heaviest weight I might have for now is around 4lbs, but I am looking for a good tripod and stick to it as long as I can. These two options are both light , solid and well-responded.

But which one should I choose?

The price for 3442 is $309, plus $109 for CB-30D ballhead and $39 for center column, and $24 for delivery. The total is $481.

On the other hand, the price for 3441B is $389 which include ballhead and center column. The total is $413 after delivery.

The reason why I am so confused is because 3442 seems to be the choice of the majority. Many people have very good response to it.
Help me to make decision, thank you!

[homersapien]

I have a 3442 that I use with a Kirk BH-3 and it's an excellent combination. The legs are light and sturdy. My main complaint is that there is no anti-rotation feature, so you have to unlock/lock them in a certain order. I do not use a center column with mine; doesn't make sense to put a monopod on top of your tripod, which is why I passed on the 3441B.

I haven't used Feisol's ballheads, so I can't comment on them.

[jorden2003]

I have a 3442 that I use with a Kirk BH-3 and it's an excellent combination. The legs are light and sturdy. My main complaint is that there is no anti-rotation feature, so you have to unlock/lock them in a certain order. I do not use a center column with mine; doesn't make sense to put a monopod on top of your tripod, which is why I passed on the 3441B.

I haven't used Feisol's ballheads, so I can't comment on them.






thank you on your comment. The reason why I choose this ballhead is because all the gears together has already exceeded my budget, thus I cannot choose a "better" one. I think this ballhead should be enough for my present use.

You mentioned something that I never noticed. I never knew that the legs could not be rotated to the opposite direction. However, I never felt I need this feature in my previous tripod.:)

Anyone know the difference between 3442 and 3441B? Seems 3442 is a newer product?

[Mutombo]

thank you on your comment. The reason why I choose this ballhead is because all the gears together has already exceeded my budget, thus I cannot choose a "better" one. I think this ballhead should be enough for my present use.

You mentioned something that I never noticed. I never knew that the legs could not be rotated to the opposite direction. However, I never felt I need this feature in my previous tripod.:)

Anyone know the difference between 3442 and 3441B? Seems 3442 is a newer product?

The 3441 is a "traveler" tripod. The legs can fold up in reverse over the center column for more compact folded storage. The 3441 will have a folded length of about 17" and the 3442 will have a folded length of about 19". Also, the 3441 includes an extendable center column to get you some extra reach.

I think you should actually look at the 3441S instead of the normal 3441. The "S" version is newer and has a few extra features:

From the Feisol website: (http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm)
Here is the newly developed CT-3441S tripod. We have improved the twist lock from CT-3441 and make it easier to lock on, also we have increased the length of the twist lock to make it easier to twist. The new CT-3441S has the same reverse folding length as the CT-3441. However, due to the increased length in twist lock section, the fully extended height will be 8cm shorter than of the original CT-3441. CT-3441S can also install different spikes to suit different terrains. It has a more solid feel than the original CT-3441.I went with the 3441S and could not be happier. It's strong, light, compact, affordable, and looks great.

[jorden2003]

The 3441 is a "traveler" tripod. The legs can fold up in reverse over the center column for more compact folded storage. The 3441 will have a folded length of about 17" and the 3442 will have a folded length of about 19". Also, the 3441 includes an extendable center column to get you some extra reach.

I think you should actually look at the 3441S instead of the normal 3441. The "S" version is newer and has a few extra features:

From the Feisol website: (http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm)
I went with the 3441S and could not be happier. It's strong, light, compact, affordable, and looks great.


Oh, Thank you for your comment. I didn't notice that the 3441S is the newer product, I would definitely go for 3441S instead of 3441.

However, after reading this thread, I started feeling upset about Feisol. Anybody have some bad experience about Feisol?

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=133611&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=Feisol (http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=133611&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=Feisol)

[jorden2003]

I thought there were many Feisol users here. Seems not this situation....^_^

[Mutombo]

Oh, Thank you for your comment. I didn't notice that the 3441S is the newer product, I would definitely go for 3441S instead of 3441.

However, after reading this thread, I started feeling upset about Feisol. Anybody have some bad experience about Feisol?

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=133611&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=Feisol (http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=133611&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=Feisol)

I read that thread too when I was making my decision. Quite frankly, it doesn't seem fair to me to compare Feisol tripods to Gitzo equivalents that cost over 2x the price. The Gitzo tripods cost $600-$1000 for a reason.

I couldn't justify spending that much money on a tripod. My longest lens is a 70-200L and I don't see myself going any longer than the 100-400L. For my uses, the Feisol is perfect.

If you are willing to spend the money on the Gitzo, go for it. They make fantastic tripods.

[jorden2003]

I read that thread too when I was making my decision. Quite frankly, it doesn't seem fair to me to compare Feisol tripods to Gitzo equivalents that cost over 2x the price. The Gitzo tripods cost $600-$1000 for a reason.

I couldn't justify spending that much money on a tripod. My longest lens is a 70-200L and I don't see myself going any longer than the 100-400L. For my uses, the Feisol is perfect.

If you are willing to spend the money on the Gitzo, go for it. They make fantastic tripods.
That's ture. $400 is a big budget for me and I don't want to put it into the wrong choice. Mutombo, thank you for all your suggestions and experience.

[StageOne]

I picked up a Feisol 3441S about 9 months ago and it has been fabulous. I do realize the Gitzos at about 2x the price are nicer overall, BUT... for the price the Feisols are a great value. I've dragged it on trips, quite a few times and it has yet to let me down. I'm not a professional photographer that might need all the features of the Gitzo, but I did not want to cheap out and buy a worthless tripod either. I buy the best I can afford, and that turned out to be the Fiesol, and I'd do it again tomorrow.

[SBK]

I have a Feisol CT-3471 with the spherical leveling base that I bought back when they were first introducing their larger sized tripods. I do not in any way regret buying that tripod, it's a great tripod for the money. Yes, it's true - it does lack the anti-rotation feature of the newer Gitzo pods, but back when Gitzo didn't have that feature, I don't seem to recall it being a deal-breaker on their stuff.... Simply learn to set-up/teardown in the correct order (and in the same order the pre-MKII Gitzo owners have to use!) and there is no drama.

Mine is now a couple years old (I think?) and has been trouble-free. The legs are sturdy and stiff, it included a decent bag for transport, and at the time the price was right.

I had one of the early Feisol tripods and the quality of that tripod was not nearly the quality of the larger, later design. I would not hesitate to recommend the big Feisol to a friend, and in fact have on several occasions. To be clear - If I had the budget, I'd love to own a nice Gitzo. But I'd also love to have a 1D, a 70-200/2.8IS, a 300/2.8, a 85/1.2, etc. etc. etc. Cost was a factor at the time of purchase for me, but to be sure - after owning this newer-model Feisol for a while, I will be upgrading many other parts of my photo kit before I feel a need to upgrade the tripod.

Just my $0.02!