Feisol Tripod & Photoclam ball head

[brainage2]

Hi

I am planning to buy my first tripod and ball head setup.

I have narrowed down to

CT-3441S Rapid Tripod $388.00

Ball head choices:
Feisol - CB-50D - $159
Photoclam - PC-44NS - $239

Is it worth the extra dollars for Photoclam?

Any suggestions or better choices?Please share your experiences.

I am a casual photographer shooting my kids and friends wanting to get better.

regards
Brainage2

[bohdank]

The PC is actually $269, no ?

The PC seems to be getting universally good reviews from users so, at $100 less than a Markins M10, it sounds like a good deal.

I do think the Q3T from Markins, $310 with lever clamp, would be a better fit for the 3441S. The PC equivalent would be the 33-36.

If you are not specifically looking for a Traveller Class tripod, the 3342/3442 would be a a "sturdier" tripod, although no center column, which is optional.

[seaside]

I did a lot of research prior to making a tripod/head purchase. Exclusively for traveling. Ultra lightweight, compact and build were the main requirements. Everything needed to fit in a carry-on. Your needs are different but this explains my purchase of the Photoclam 33NS. I probably would buy the larger size if ever I need to replace one of my other ballheads for other than travel photography. But my initial testing of the Photoclam indicates a well designed, well made sturdy ballhead. Locks down tight under heavier loads with zero creep. By the way, the custom QR plates are very good too. I got the 5DM2 plate and love it. Very light with strap bars on both sides.

[brainage2]

Hi Seaside

What is the Tripod you use with 33 NS?

Thanks Bohdank for sharing your experience.

regards
Brainage2

[plasticmotif]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/plasticmotif/IMG_2086.jpg

I've got the photoclam pc-30, the most basic model. I can say with confidence that it holds loads of weight, I put nearly 40 lbs of weight strapped to it and it didn't move even when slight bouncing. It's made well. If you need levels in the mount, get an upgraded model. I use a hotshoe level.

The legs, 3441S, are tiny, don't weight much, look great and generally seem to be perfect. They seem very sturdy and tall.

[brainage2]

Have anyone got the new Feisol Rapid Tripods with Anti-Rotation Legs. What is the difference from the older model?

regards
Brainage2

[seaside]

Hi Seaside

What is the Tripod you use with 33 NS?

regards
Brainage2

Again this is a "travel" set-up. The legs are Carbon...Benro C-069M8 Travel Angel. I'm fully aware of the limitations of a light setup and have techniques to optimize its usage. Probably isn't a tripod for everyday use :)

[Jdmhood]

Go for the photo clam, reviews from users are excellent (i'm one proud owner of one). Feisols make excellent legs but mediocore heads.

I think PC-44NS would be a little too big for the 3441S. I have the PC-44NS and it's still a "little" too big for my 3442. But i'm not complaining since the legs still fold closely.

Here are pictures of my 3442 + PC-44NS.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/IMG_2144.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/IMG_2151.jpg

Optional center column
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/IMG_2153.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/IMG_2155.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/IMG_2157.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/DSC01039.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/DSC01038.jpg

Size comparison. Sitting in front of a Crumpler 7MDH

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/IMG_2159.jpg

Holds my heaviest setup with absolutely no creep.
Gripped 50D
Speedlite 430 EX II
Canon 1.4x II Extender
70-200 f/2.8L non-is

Sorry for horrible quality on some of the pics. Was taken with my P&S

[brainage2]

thanks for the pictures and information. I am convinced with the 3442 .

But for the ball head ...i am torn between ... PC 33 NS to PC - 44 NS.

regards
Brainage2

[Jdmhood]

thanks for the pictures and information. I am convinced with the 3442 .

But for the ball head ...i am torn between ... PC 33 NS to PC - 44 NS.

regards
Brainage2

From my experience, i think the PC-40NS would fit the 3442 much better.

PC-36NS is another good choice.

[brainage2]

I think i will settle down with this combo. 3442 / PC-40 NS

Thanks all for the help.

I also read this review

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=671281

regards
Brainage2

[MrGreen]

From my experience, i think the PC-40NS would fit the 3442 much better.

PC-36NS is another good choice.

The PC-40 fits the centre column base plate better than the 44, but only by just a bit. If you don't have the centre column, then anything up to the largest ballhead possible will fit on the large standard base plate.

[Jdmhood]

The PC-40 fits the centre column base plate better than the 44, but only by just a bit. If you don't have the centre column, then anything up to the largest ballhead possible will fit on the large standard base plate.

But then the legs don't fold back completely ;)

[MrGreen]

But then the legs don't fold back completely ;)

Yes they do. What are you talking about? I own this setup, so I would know.

[Jdmhood]

Yes they do. What are you talking about? I own this setup, so I would know.

So you're saying even the PC-74NS fits the CT-3442 without a hitch ????

[MrGreen]

So you're saying even the PC-74NS fits the CT-3442 without a hitch ????

Without the centre column I'm pretty sure yeah, although I'll admit I haven't held that ballhead in my hands yet. That main base plate is pretty large so I can't see why it would be a problem. Only for the smaller centre column base would there be issues.

[bohdank]

The 3442 has a massive base.

[Jdmhood]

Without the centre column I'm pretty sure yeah, although I'll admit I haven't held that ballhead in my hands yet. That main base plate is pretty large so I can't see why it would be a problem. Only for the smaller centre column base would there be issues.

I remember talking to Kerry about the largest possible ballhead to fit the CT-3442 and i'm pretty positive that he told me not all will fit.

I couldn't find the email to verify it.. but i did some measurements.

The base on the CT-3442 measures 3-3/16" across.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/IMG_0333.jpg

My PC-44NS fits comfortably on it since the panning base diameter is only 2.48"

The panning base on the PC-74NS is 3.78" across which is significantly larger then the base for the CT-3442.

Also when reverse folded. The latches eat up even more room.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/IMG_0337.jpg

I have a hard time believing that PC-54NS fits on there. For that matter, i doubt the PC-48NS will fit with the legs reverse folded.

Not not the OP will buy ballheads of that caliber. In fact, i think the chances are slim. But i just don't want anyone to be confused. ;)

[golf88]

pc40-ns is a really good ballhead, extremely sturdy. i don't know how well it fits the feisol tripods since i have mine mounted to the gitzo 3541ls. the markins with lever might be a bit easier to operate but it's probably not worth the extra money.

for the size, the 40ns is just about in the middle of the range you're considering (33 to 44). i doubt there will be a noticeable difference between a 40 and 44 since the amount of weight it can take will far exceed your gear weight.

[Rigby470]

I have the Feisol 3342 and Photoclam PC-44NS. I could not be happier!

The only thing I wish is that I would have known Feisol was planning to come out with the anti-rotating leg versions of their tripods. I would have waited for the new models. But other than that, I am completely satisfied.

[Jdmhood]

pc40-ns is a really good ballhead, extremely sturdy. i don't know how well it fits the feisol tripods since i have mine mounted to the gitzo 3541ls. the markins with lever might be a bit easier to operate but it's probably not worth the extra money.

for the size, the 40ns is just about in the middle of the range you're considering (33 to 44). i doubt there will be a noticeable difference between a 40 and 44 since the amount of weight it can take will far exceed your gear weight.

Yeah, i think the 40ns would be perfect for op. I'm not not sure what his future gear plans are. Here's an excerpt from an email between me and Kerry @ ReallyBigCameras.

Should help him with his decisions.

John,

The Photo Clam PC-40N/NS would be a great match for your current gear,
and would be adequate with a 300mm f4. If you are looking at a 300mm
f2.8, or plan to use a teleconverter with a 300mm f4, I'd recommend
buying the larger PC-44NS. Both ballheads fit within the reverse folded
legs of the CT-3442. The Markins Q3T kind of fits. The pan locking
knob makes contact with the metal housing at the top of one of the legs
and leaves a blemish at this point of contact.

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras
http://reallybigcameras.com

Edit: The info about the Markins Q3T isn't correct since this email originated before the Q3T refresh.