Which tripod for someone that's 5'8"/173cm tall?

Sorry for bumping up this thread, but I noticed that Feisol doesn't list the ideal focal length for their tripods. I like how Gitzo specify which tripod is suitable for which focal length. I don't know how the 3442 will fare with the Canon 70-300mm L lens.

I think I'm getting close to placing an order. I did some spec comparison between the Feisol 3442 and the Gitzo GT2541 and it seems like the Feisol is better than the GT2541 in almost all of the major categories including height, folded length, and weight. Am I reading this correctly?

How many of you guys opted to get the centre column? In the past, I have rarely used the centre column, but there have been situations where it did came in handy for me. I think the stability issue might be less of an issue when used with CSC/ILC (i.e. Sony NEX). Part of me thinks I should get it and leave it in the suitcase so that I'll at least have it to use when I need to rather than have no option at all. Comments?

Also does anyone here know the lowest price the Feisol 3442 have sold for? I think I'm going to give Feisol a chance even though I have enjoyed Gitzo products over the past 5 years.

Help?

lsquare wrote in post #15981030
That's too big and heavy dude. I still don't quite understand why I would want a tripod that's taller than what I need. I don't think I've ever been in a situation like that, but please explain a scenario where the extra height will come in handy.

Two examples:

1. You are out hiking, you find a spot where you want to take a shot, but the best location is not on the trail but downslope a few feet off trail, so you need more leg length to put downslope while the legs closer to your position are left a bit shorter.
   
2. You are doing food photography or product photography, and a downward shooting angle on the camera works best for composition reasons. You need a bit more height in order to 'back up' and frame the plate of food or product, so you stand on a short ladder to still be able to look down into the viewfinder.
   

lsquare wrote in post #16062537
How many of you guys opted to get the centre column?

I did get the CC but have yet to use it although it's been several months since I got it. I got this "in case" I need it. I'm 5' 8" and find myself rarely using the 3442 at its fullest length.

lsquare wrote in post #16062521
Sorry for bumping up this thread, but I noticed that Feisol doesn't list the ideal focal length for their tripods. I like how Gitzo specify which tripod is suitable for which focal length. I don't know how the 3442 will fare with the Canon 70-300mm L lens.

its probably best under 200mm, but it should be fine with the 70-300. lots of people go up to 400mm on the 3442 and get good results. additionally, mounting with a tripod collar will help out with stability.

lsquare wrote in post #16062537
I think I'm getting close to placing an order. I did some spec comparison between the Feisol 3442 and the Gitzo GT2541 and it seems like the Feisol is better than the GT2541 in almost all of the major categories including height, folded length, and weight. Am I reading this correctly?

Yes, its taller, lighter and folds shorter.

SYS wrote in post #16066298
I did get the CC but have yet to use it although it's been several months since I got it. I got this "in case" I need it. I'm 5' 8" and find myself rarely using the 3442 at its fullest length.

You're 5'8" too? Awesome news! Is the 3442 usable when it's fully extended or you have to tip-toe?

pdrober2 wrote in post #16066463
Yes, its taller, lighter and folds shorter.

Cool! I guess the only thing that Gitzo might have over Feisol is the build quality.

pdrober2 wrote in post #16066458
its probably best under 200mm, but it should be fine with the 70-300. lots of people go up to 400mm on the 3442 and get good results. additionally, mounting with a tripod collar will help out with stability.

That's good to know. May I ask where you got that information from? I just wish Feisol would take a page from Gitzo's play book.