Giottos Tripod

[Konthai]

Hi there,
Anybody out there use Giottos MT-8160 Carbon Fiber bofore.
Is it good? :)

Giottos 8160 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=296578&is=REG)

[J Rabin]

I own it, use it, but would NOT recommend it to other users. It is a knock-off of the Gitzo Explorer, which I ultimately bought any way. I now use the Giottos to hold a flash and reflectors.
1. The legs open in any position, but do not lock in any position, and do not lock independently like the Gitzo Explorer. The legs lock clamps are not as positive and secure as the Gitzo Explorer.
2. For a medium priced carbon fiber tripod, the legs have FAR too much flex, especially splayed out, which is how you will use this close to the ground for macro.
3. For carbon, this tripod is heavy. There is no weight savings over the equal priced Gitzo Explorer Aluminum 2220.

I could go on. The Giottos 8160 has too many features that it does not implement well enough. Classic Taiwan product knock-off. Get the real deal right the first time.
In defence, the Giottos does have a neat feature; you can take the head off the center column, mount it, and shoot really low, and lighter. Also, carbon is less cold on hands in the winter than aluminum.

I tried to save a few bucks, and ended up buying the same product twice. My mom always warned me to do the right thing right, the first time! J

[lostdoggy]

Thats a nice looking Pod but man 5.5lb. The Bogen 3021Pro is batter pod at that weight and its metal. I just got my Carbon Fiber, by Feisol, and weights 3lb. for 209.00 shipped.
Check it out: http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/photo.htm

ordered Tuesday and got it Friday.

I don't know if you know anything about tripods, but the whole excercise in getting a CF pod is to loose weight. Also, you have to consider the additional weight of the head. Both head that I have weights about 1.5lb each.

[Konthai]

Thank you for your info.
Giottos look impressive from what I read from the magazine.
May be I should go down to the local store to have a look at Gitzo Explore and Bogen 3021Pro... :D