Induro Tripods

After reading glowing reviews of Induro tripods I've talked myself out of a more expensive Gitzo (used GT2543L) and RRS (used TVC 33 or 24L) and am going to go with Induro. I've zeroed in on the CT213/214 and am considering a CT 203, but have a few questions regarding them before I take the plunge:

Re the CT214, I'm 5'9.5". Is the CT 214 tall enough to be roughly eye-level with the center column retracted?

Re the CT 203, I can find no reviews of this tripod. I realize it was replaced by the GIT 203, but do not know what changes were made to warrant a new model after a short period of time (other than the GIT 203 having a shorter max height, which is deal breaker for me). If anyone knows, please let me know, as I would prefer the systematic style of the CT 203 to the CT213/214. If there's anything else I should know about the CT 203, good/bad, I'd love to know.

Aside from Induro, the Feisol's are intriguing - especially the CT-3342/3442 Rapid. Can anyone with experience handling both Induro and Feisol products give me their preference between the two?

(I haven't selected a ballhead yet, but will outfit the legs with an RRS BH-40, Markins or Arca-Swiss (Z1 unless it's too big), most likely, but am happy to take recommendations on that, too).

Thanks for looking and any and all input!

I just ordered the at-203 aluminum version, and a manfrotto 393 gimbal. I am 5'9, I think with the gimbal it should be about right. The aluminum is 58" not sure on the cf.

Edit: Also if you are thinking about it, you should hurry for a 203. I got the last aluminum one from B&H and I think the CF version is already gone from B&H as well. Probably available from other places but they are all discounted right now.

I can speak to the ballheads a bit. Each you list is nicely made and strong, and you can't go wrong with any. It comes down to preference.

I have a Z1 which is quite an excellent head. It is 1.5 lbs with a clamp. I bought one without a quick release and added a RRS lever release clamp, which is awesome. The Z1 is strong, smooth, has a nice tension feature, and a smooth panning base.

Markins is a bit smaller but also quite strong. The only thing I didn't like is that the panning base doesn't lock tightly; they call it a brake. Too much tension will cause the base to turn before the ball, and that bugged me.

RRS makes great heads. I don't have experience with the BH-40, but a couple of friends have the BH-55 and rave about it.

You might also look at Sirui, Kirk, Acratech and FLM just a name a few more. I had the Kirk BH-1 for many years. Very strong head, but heavier at 2 lbs. It was very smooth, but the tension control really didn't work very well, and there was a lot of shifting during lockdown when I tried to use the tension control. A friend has an Acratech... nicely made, lightweight, strong. I like the open ball design. Sirui is the best bang/buck and many people love them. FLM appears to be the most precise/finely made, but some of the models can be expensive depending on the feature set.

All ballheads have a certain amount of shift during lockdown (beyond what we cause by holding the camera). This has been something that annoys me when I do extreme closeups (and has me considering an FLM or a geared head). Aside from that use, I don't think it is a serious issue.

Another consideration is ergonomics. I prefer to have the main control either on the left or facing me when the drop notch is opposite from me, since I aim down often for closeups. The Z1 even has left and right hand models, so be aware of that if you order one.

No matter which head, I recommend a RRS clamp. I love the lever release. It is strong and self-adjusting. I can't budge any of my plates once clamped. The lever curves under the camera or lens and I have zero worry of the lever snagging anything. And it takes a bit of force to release. I'm not worried about accidents.

Some reading for you:
http://www.dpreview.co​m …ans-top-ball-heads-tested

http://www.dpreview.co​m …d-sized-ball-heads-tested

I just got a AT213 from B&H a couple weeks ago. Induro appearantly no longer makes alloy tripods, or only makes them under the Benro brand name. I am really happy with it as a second (actually third) tripod to travel with. I put a RRS BH-40 on it and it fits perfectly.

Roqdawg

rgfrison wrote in post #17953898
Edit: Also if you are thinking about it, you should hurry for a 203. I got the last aluminum one from B&H and I think the CF version is already gone from B&H as well. Probably available from other places but they are all discounted right now.

I was very close to pulling the trigger on the CT-213 on the BH Used website, but bailed on it because I decided I want a systematic type of tripod; they were gone soon thereafter. Those deals were excellent though. I was still unsure about the CT-203 and, as you said, it got scooped up too.

I have turned my attention to the Feisol ct-3342/3442 (they are super lightweight), but am still keeping an eye out for those Induro deals.

I read those reviews - very informative (I've done way too much research on this decision). I think I would be comfortable with any of the ballheads you reference and so am really just looking for the best deal at this point.

rgfrison wrote in post #17953898
I just ordered the at-203 aluminum version, and a manfrotto 393 gimbal. I am 5'9, I think with the gimbal it should be about right. The aluminum is 58" not sure on the cf.

Edit: Also if you are thinking about it, you should hurry for a 203. I got the last aluminum one from B&H and I think the CF version is already gone from B&H as well. Probably available from other places but they are all discounted right now.

I think I might be the jerk that snagged the last CT203 from B&H, sorry

I'm around 5'11 and with a gripped 5dIII and a ball head its just below eye level for me with the legs fully deployed. So hunchback I do. I can be pretty lazy and wouldn't mind a center column but the economics just don't work out for me. I'd probably grab something that would add 3-5" for $25-50 but I don't want to spend more.

All in all the tripod feels really good. It replaced an aging aluminum Manfrotto 055v. I still miss the levers to lock the legs but the induros twist locks are growing on me fast. I haven't really abused the tripod much yet but I don't have any reason to suspect it wont hold up well. Probably the biggest adjustment, other than the material, is the fact that the induro legs will swing inward when collapsed and I'm carrying it or moving it around. I'm sure this is a part of the design that allows maximum flexibility of use but it feels very sloppy whilst moving it around.

It came with a really nice padded case, which I wasn't expecting at all. Not sure I'd spend $470 on it, but im pretty happy at $200ish.

Silver-Halide wrote in post #17955088
I think I might be the jerk that snagged the last CT203 from B&H, sorry

Ha! Those were awesome deals. Good for you for being quicker on the draw, and I hope the legs bring you plenty of frustration and headaches! I'm still waffling between between the buy once cry once large expenditure or to go with one of the lesser expensive options (as I won't be going on hikes too often in the near future) that undoubtedly will be more than adequate for my needs.

Incidentally, I have since bought an arca swiss monoball Z1, so a decision on the legs will be coming soon...

Josh

B&H has a couple used, new model induros. Not the deal the closeouts were, but still pretty decent.

There was another retailer selling them at the same cost as B&H, might turn it up with a little digging..

I just got my at-203. It feels very solid, I have 16+ lbs on mine.

I have the CT214 legs with a Sirui K-30x ballhead. My 5D3 is about and inch or so under eye level with the column retracted, I am 5'7". Overall, the legs are very good, light enough to hike with and sturdy enough for most of setups. I have used the 7D2 / Tamron 150-600 with a gimbal mount on them, no issues. The 214 fits in my checked luggage (medium size roller) well so I can take it on vacations rather than a flimsy travel tripod.

Have the AT 413 and the Induro Gimble.

I am very pleased with what I have.

I have the CT-213 with an Induro BHL2 head, the height on that set-up is perfect for me and I am 6'0. Induro makes a great product

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/svbM​wD

http://www.amazon.com …ywords=induro+g​imbal+head