Is the Feisol CT-3442 enough for a 120-300 f/2.8?

Hogloff wrote in post #15261458
I have the 3442 along with a markins ballhead and with my 300 f4 and 1.4x, it is not stable. Any slight wind will show movement when looking through liveview. Putting the same outfit on my Manfrotto 3021 aluminum tripod shows not movement in wind. If you are concerned about utmost image quality, the 3442 will not provide it with lens the size the OP wants to use.

Not used 3442 but very original feisol 3301. Specs looks quite similar to me. Never had any issues using1 dmk2, 500mm f4 IS, wimberley head.

DavidR wrote in post #15263087
Two very different tripods for different purposes.

I have owned a few Benro tripods and the quality has always been excellent. I was considering the Feisol CT-3372 but in the end settled on the Benro C4770T based on my experience with their tripods.

peter_n wrote in post #15263295
Of course not. There's no comparison between my Benro C2680T and my Gitzo 3541LS either; apples and oranges!

I would give the Benro C3780T a good look, especially given David's comment on the C4770T above. Also the Benros are Gitzo copies so Gitzo parts will fit them. I would bet that if you remove the top plate of a Benro systematic then Gitzo parts like the leveling base will fit. David have you looked at this at all?

Yes guys but that was quite obvious from my previous posts in this thread. I also mentioned the quality of the product that is in favor of Feisol..

@johnf3f: Thank you for the image but 1/160s and IS turned on is not really a test for the tripod. Today I went shooting some ducks with my old tripod and I could get away with 1/60s-1/80s at 420mm if I left the OS/IS on. The Gitzo's are out of my price range, I can, but don't want to spend that much on a tripod. The Feisol that I've mentioned gets good reviews and some of them say it's better than the 3 series of Gitzo because the legs are a bit bigger.[/QUOTE]

I did say that a picture wouldn't tell you much. Did you note the focal length? This was with a 2 x Mk3 extender - so the focal length was 600 mm with a field of view equivalent to 780 mm (1.3 crop).
If you are willing to pay for and carry a bigger/heavier/more rigid tripod then that is always better - hence my preference for Gitzo tripods (except they are not heavier!).

P.S. I was not testing the tripod - merely playing as a friend used my 600. Personally I think it is good for the price but a 2 or 3 series Gitzo would be better but 4/5 times what he paid for the Feisol!

Further to my previous post - I made a mistake! I believe the OP was inquiring about the 4 section version, my friends is the 3 section version - the upper leg diameter is the same at 28mm. I again state that I have no problems using this tripod with a 300mm F2.8 = + 2 x extender + Pro body (my friend is looking to upgrade to a 500 F4.5 - he is not planning to upgrade his Feisol 3342). I rate this tripod quite highly and though not as good as my various Gitzo's it is a viable alternative at a much more competitive price.

Thank you for your response.

I was indeed looking at the 4 section model because I want it to be able to fold relatively small for transportation.

I will probably buy the CT-3472. I am going to go to their sales department not far away from my home and test both tripods (CT-3442 and CT-3472), if the CT-3442 seems solid enough, I'll buy it, but I'll probably end up with the CT-3472.

freddyronny wrote in post #15276738
Thank you for your response.

I was indeed looking at the 4 section model because I want it to be able to fold relatively small for transportation.

I will probably buy the CT-3472. I am going to go to their sales department not far away from my home and test both tripods (CT-3442 and CT-3472), if the CT-3442 seems solid enough, I'll buy it, but I'll probably end up with the CT-3472.

If you don't mind the extra weight then the larger version will be better - you cannot have a tripod that is too rigid. Naturally you have to compromise, I prefer fewer leg sections (but don't have packing/carrying issues), I prefer Gitzo 5 series (but don't want to carry or pay for one) etc,,, etc... I am certain the smaller one will do the job but, inevitably, the larger version will do it better - it will just cost and weigh a little more. If this is OK for you then go bigger! You never know you might end up going mad and get a 500 or 600! I always said it would never happen - but, inevitably, it did!

Hello Freddy did you get a feisol tripod ? i have the same set up as you and was looking at the CT-3442 as well. Interested in which one you went for and what you think of it.

Thanks.

The only way to buy the HB in US is through Ebay. It's not my first choice for a way to buy, but I took a chance after buying a Manfrotto CX190 and returning it after one weekend in the field. I absolutely love my HB. Rock solid with 5D2 and 70-200 2.8. Zero vibrations. Easily the best tripod I have ever owned.

freddyronny wrote in post #15259188
Could you show me some of those pictures? If you lock it down, and tap the legs, does the viewfinder/live view shake or does it stay steady? Because it might be more than enough to carry it but will it be steady...

I am probably not going to go bigger soon, the 500/600mm f/4 lenses are way out of my price range, certainly since Canon replaced the old versions with the version II.

@pfjbaldwin: Thanks for your tips, but unfortunately the Horusbennu tripods are not available in Belgium, you have to order them through Ebay. I don't like doing that because of the risk of getting a lost package and the time it takes to get here. Also the tripod you're advising me, would it be a good choice? I see it has a center column, I've always heard that it is better not to have one, you get a more stable platform. The ballhead is already covered, I own a Sirui K30x that can handle the lens very well. I'll probably get a swinghead as well, I've heard that it is much easier to use with heavier lenses.

ph166 wrote in post #15321975
Hello Freddy did you get a feisol tripod ? i have the same set up as you and was looking at the CT-3442 as well. Interested in which one you went for and what you think of it.

Thanks.

I just ordered the Gitzo GT3542LS, a store close to me did a rebate on it, making it only 50 euro more expensive than the Feisol CT3472.