At the Risk of Beating a Dead Horse (tripod?)

[MDJAK]

I realize there is a sticky, which I've read, involving tripods and it is quite helpful.

I have a simpleton question though which I would appreciate answered.

How conservative is the weight bearing specifications posted by the manufacturers?

The new Gitzo Traveler, basalt model, which folds up quite small (and happens to be out of stock just about everywhere) costs over $500, yet the specs say it only supports 4.4 lbs. I find that hard to believe. Who would spend that kind of money when one couldn't even put the 1dmkII or 1dsmkII with a medium telephoto?

Will the darn thing collapse if you put five, six or even seven pounds on it? It seems ridiculous to me, but maybe I'm just not getting it.

As Ricky Riccardo said: Splain.

[lostdoggy]

I think the rating on tripods are base on the legs and column extended and if the manufacture don't have confidence at a higher weight I personally won't either. At $500 you should be able to find a better rated tripod then that. But, you have to give up strength to loss weight I guess.

[kram]

The weight bearing capacity is not just at regular positions - some of these specialized tripods allow setting them up at weird angles. I assume that could be a limiting factor.

Just keep it straight and put 10 pounds on it - its likely to hold even if the recommended weight is only 4.4 pounds. Dont try this right away tho :) - I'm sure there are professionals around here who would be able to confirm/reject this.....

[Screamer]

When I checked out that Gitzo (via their website), it does only support 4.4 lbs. However, BHphoto has it in stock for $299...Still pricey. The thing I can't figure out by the available online literature is whether or not it needs a head. If it does, you can bank on 1-2 lbs of your allowable 4.4lbs, to be taken up there. If not, you still have 4.4lbs to allow.

Personally, I look at a tripod as your foundation, and I would use an ultra-lite model only in the rarest of cases. I hike in the backcountry, and tote my tripod around with me in upwards of 12 miles a day. I have no problem doing this. FYI, I use a Manfrotto 055MF3 (carbon fiber and magnesium) for legs, and a 468MGRC2 ball head (also magnesium). The legs have a rating of about 16 lbs, and the head 22. Granted this isn't the cheapest solution out there...just under $600 for legs and head. But, compared to some lenses, it makes sense. Afterall, even the sharpest lens will be blurried by camera shake. ;)

[lostdoggy]

If you are looking for Carbon Fiber around 3lbs and around 15ib capacity there is a company call Feisol (Taiwanese Co.) that sells them oneBay for around $175.00 leg only and $35 shipping. I heard about them thru this Forum and did some Investigation and heard only good things about it. I also found a local company Theshold Concept that sells them at $205 for 3301 (3 section), $219 for 3401 (4 section) and $214 for 3402 (4 section). Free shipping. I took the plunge and order one last week Monday and got it that thursday.

http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/photo.htm

[MDJAK]

"When I checked out that Gitzo (via their website), it does only support 4.4 lbs. However, BHphoto has it in stock for $299...Still pricey"


I don't know what tripod you were looking at:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=gitzo+traveler

[webejamn]

i dont think it would collapse if you put more wieght on it, but i think it would be less stable,
i am a newbe so i could be very wrong, however i dont understand why every one is shooting for these 500 dollar tripods, i went out searching for tripods the other day and hte best one i found was the slik u212, it seems like a good buy to me, but like i said i am a newbe
it might be alittle heavy, but it seems nice, and i picked one up for 35 bucks beets the hell out of 500

[I Simonius]

i dont think it would collapse if you put more wieght on it, but i think it would be less stable,
i am a newbe so i could be very wrong, however i dont understand why every one is shooting for these 500 dollar tripods, i went out searching for tripods the other day and hte best one i found was the slik u212, it seems like a good buy to me, but like i said i am a newbe
it might be alittle heavy, but it seems nice, and i picked one up for 35 bucks beets the hell out of 500


Once you have been shooting day in day out for a while, little things make a BIG difference, and you'll be happy to pay for them

[dougsturgess]

Hi Screamer,

I recently upgraded to similar equipment you have, same 20d w/battery grip and I have the 70-200 2.8 IS and 24-70 lenses with the 16-35 on my wishlist. I had been using the G2 for the last several years and I have a cheap tripod that works fine with it.

I'm needing a better tripod that will travel well and hold the weight of my equipment. I noticed you have the hydrostatic head (I think I'm correct). If so, how do you like it? Does it perform well? Does it hold your equipment still, regardless of angle?

How do you like your tripod? Would you suggest the 055mf4 vs the mf3 since the mf4 legs have 4 leg sections?

I will be using the tripod mostly at home but when travelling, I'll stick it on my Computrekker backpack.

Thanks for any useful information you can provide.

Doug Sturgess
Atlanta
www.pbase.com/dougsturgess

[Ricko of Fla]

Hi Lostdoggy How do you like your Feisol, what model did you get. I tried to order a 3402 Wed and said they were out of stock untill middle of month. Can not wait to get mine

Ricko

[Screamer]

Hi Screamer,

I recently upgraded to similar equipment you have, same 20d w/battery grip and I have the 70-200 2.8 IS and 24-70 lenses with the 16-35 on my wishlist. I had been using the G2 for the last several years and I have a cheap tripod that works fine with it.

I'm needing a better tripod that will travel well and hold the weight of my equipment. I noticed you have the hydrostatic head (I think I'm correct). If so, how do you like it? Does it perform well? Does it hold your equipment still, regardless of angle?

How do you like your tripod? Would you suggest the 055mf4 vs the mf3 since the mf4 legs have 4 leg sections?

I will be using the tripod mostly at home but when travelling, I'll stick it on my Computrekker backpack.

Thanks for any useful information you can provide.

Doug Sturgess
Atlanta
www.pbase.com/dougsturgess (http://www.pbase.com/dougsturgess)

Hi Doug,

Yes, it is hydraulic. I'll say it is *very* strong and study. It's also very easy to work with. Another ball head worth looking at is the ultimate ball from acratech.

http://acratech.net/

For traveling, I think the compactness of the 4 section legs is desirable. For some reason, I just got it in my head that the 3 section would be sturdier. The MF3 will fit in most fullsize suitcases, if you remove the head prior to packing.