Thoughts on Feisol 3441T vs Gitzo Traveler/RRS?

Currently have the Fesiol and I mostly like it, but being light and tall, I have trouble with vibrations in wind and/or using my 70-200, even with a bag weight. Are the Gitzo or RRS traveler-editions going to be any better in this regard, or can I expect the same results? One thing I really do like is both, although they don't get as tall, fold smaller.

I would of course love to supplement a heavier tripod but it would mostly never come with me because of when I travel and longer hikes I just can't justify all that extra weight. But I still want to complain/figure out a solution to the lightness + vibration issues!

Gitzo and RRS have more rigid carbon tubing but tall and light equals vibration, maybe a bit less but still they will be susceptible.

You could have a look at the Feisol Tournament models? Not the tallest but very rigid for their weight. Two friends of mine have them and (though I am a Gitzo fan) I rather like them though I prefer the 3 section leg version. Note the legs do fold back on themselves which shortens their length fro traveling, plus I wouldn't add the optional center column as this costs weight and rigidity.

Money no object? Then I would suggest the Gitzo GT2545T is worth a look.

johnf3f wrote in post #18623393
Money no object? Then I would suggest the Gitzo GT2545T is worth a look.

Might take a look at that one if local stores have it, but on paper it doesn't seem all that different from my 3441T?

If I thought my travel tripod (a series-2 Benro) was not up to the task on a trip, I would take my Gitzo 3541LS systematic and just dealt with the bulk and weight. Then when the B&H store in NYC started selling RRS tripods last year I was finally able to try them out and realized that their 2 series was equivalent to the Gitzo 3 series. I bought a TVC-24 and sold the Gitzo, a 4 series and an aluminum tripod with an articulating center column as well. So it replaced three tripods.

peter_n wrote in post #18623880
If I thought my travel tripod (a series-2 Benro) was not up to the task on a trip, I would take my Gitzo 3541LS systematic and just dealt with the bulk and weight. Then when the B&H store in NYC started selling RRS tripods last year I was finally able to try them out and realized that their 2 series was equivalent to the Gitzo 3 series. I bought a TVC-24 and sold the Gitzo, a 4 series and an aluminum tripod with an articulating center column as well. So it replaced three tripods.

The RRS has far less volume than the Gitzo.

It closes shorter than my travel tripod.

The TVC-24 weighs 3.3lbs and RRS make two other models in their 2 series line. I'm 68in tall and don't need extra height in my support gear. While I also have a new (very light) travel tripod I've taken the RRS on quite a number of trips and it has worked out well. You should take a look at David Berryrieser's blog post that has several tables ranking tripods on various criteria. It's breath of fresh air - thoughtful analysis and evidence-based repeatable methods.

I'm exactly 6ft tall, so the extra height is an issue on occasion! Plus less about eye-level height, I often find the longer legs are great for uneven terrain. I'll definitely do some more research, sadly no way to see RRS in person as I don't have any trips planned to NYC anytime soon!

kaitlyn2004 wrote in post #18623535
Might take a look at that one if local stores have it, but on paper it doesn't seem all that different from my 3441T?

It isn't - but the legs are stiffer and damp vibration better. Would it be tall enough though?

kaitlyn2004 wrote in post #18623919
I'm exactly 6ft tall, so the extra height is an issue on occasion! Plus less about eye-level height, I often find the longer legs are great for uneven terrain. I'll definitely do some more research, sadly no way to see RRS in person as I don't have any trips planned to NYC anytime soon!

I have the 3442 and now the RRS TQC "travel" tripod..... gotta say, the RRS is MUCH stiffer, I dont know what type of black magic they did on this thing. Using it is pure bliss. Granted it did cost at least twice as much as the feisol, and it was second hand!!!

even with the center column extended, it's very stiff. Feels like the 2 series, so I'm trying to figure out what they skimped on this thing.

Initially, was afraid to step down from the 2 series, but the TQC is simply amazing. Far less volume than the feisol, it just feels so right, like carrying a full sized gitzo in smaller form factor. I never had that feeling with the feisol, it was a step down from the gitzo, and that was expected since it was far smaller. The RRS on the other hand, is even a big step smaller than the feisol, but it feels as substantial as the series 3 gitzo. Shockingly good.

Charlie wrote in post #18624116
I have the 3442 and now the RRS TQC "travel" tripod..... gotta say, the RRS is MUCH stiffer, I dont know what type of black magic they did on this thing. Using it is pure bliss. Granted it did cost at least twice as much as the feisol, and it was second hand!!!

even with the center column extended, it's very stiff. Feels like the 2 series, so I'm trying to figure out what they skimped on this thing.

Initially, was afraid to step down from the 2 series, but the TQC is simply amazing. Far less volume than the feisol, it just feels so right, like carrying a full sized gitzo in smaller form factor. I never had that feeling with the feisol, it was a step down from the gitzo, and that was expected since it was far smaller. The RRS on the other hand, is even a big step smaller than the feisol, but it feels as substantial as the series 3 gitzo. Shockingly good.

I really want to love the tfc or tqc 14 but the huge thing is their maximum heights are SO short! And I really dislike shooting with an extended center column...

I want a TFC-14L or something. It's almost a food shorter than my feisol as-is I just don't think that would work despite everything other aspect+review of it being great.

I emailed their customer service and their prompt reply is amazing but they kept pointing me to the 24 which is just way too long folded and over 1lb heavier. Argh.

kaitlyn2004 wrote in post #18624142
I really want to love the tfc or tqc 14 but the huge thing is their maximum heights are SO short! And I really dislike shooting with an extended center column...

I want a TFC-14L or something. It's almost a food shorter than my feisol as-is I just don't think that would work despite everything other aspect+review of it being great.

I emailed their customer service and their prompt reply is amazing but they kept pointing me to the 24 which is just way too long folded and over 1lb heavier. Argh.

there's the 24 and the 24L keep in mind. I havent used the 24L, but the 24 is a bit shorter than the feisol, but folded is close. The feisol was always a bit too tall, I typically hunched down just a tad when using the feisol since I'de never extend all the legs, I'de keep one retracted. I had to be able to see over the top of my camera, so that foot loss hardly a factor, and because I'm shorter

I dont use the center column unless absolutely necessary, but I like keeping it on these days because I typically bring a table tripod with me, which I like to put on posts or ground level. Try the feisol with 3 legs extended, I think that's about the height of the RRS travel tripods.

I carry my tripods differently than most folks, I have a dedicated strap for the tripod, and the RRS just sits wonderfully, while the feisol was always off. I think with the bigger spider and wideness, it always felt off balance while carrying.

Charlie wrote in post #18624153
there's the 24 and the 24L keep in mind. I havent used the 24L, but the 24 is a bit shorter than the feisol, but folded is close. The feisol was always a bit too tall, I typically hunched down just a tad when using the feisol since I'de never extend all the legs, I'de keep one retracted. I had to be able to see over the top of my camera, so that foot loss hardly a factor, and because I'm shorter

I dont use the center column unless absolutely necessary, but I like keeping it on these days because I typically bring a table tripod with me, which I like to put on posts or ground level. Try the feisol with 3 legs extended, I think that's about the height of the RRS travel tripods.

I carry my tripods differently than most folks, I have a dedicated strap for the tripod, and the RRS just sits wonderfully, while the feisol was always off. I think with the bigger spider and wideness, it always felt off balance while carrying.

Ah, yeah I sort of skipped over it but just looked at it. I can't help but feel like I'd just take the TFC-14 over the TFC-24 though...

kaitlyn2004 wrote in post #18623919
I'm exactly 6ft tall, so the extra height is an issue on occasion! Plus less about eye-level height, I often find the longer legs are great for uneven terrain.

Yes, unfortunately tall people have much less choice when it comes to travel support. Gitzo makes a series-4 systematic that has 5 leg-sections and a max height of 53.5in, folds to 18.9in but weighs almost a whopping 5lbs and it has a massive top plate. Not an option for travel. Surprising that hanging a bag didn't work, I assume you had the bag just touching the ground. I cobbled together a hook, an adjustable bungee cord and a piece of fishing gear which works quite well.

Charlie wrote in post #18624153
there's the 24 and the 24L keep in mind. I havent used the 24L, but the 24 is a bit shorter than the feisol, but folded is close. The feisol was always a bit too tall, I typically hunched down just a tad when using the feisol since I'de never extend all the legs, I'de keep one retracted. I had to be able to see over the top of my camera, so that foot loss hardly a factor, and because I'm shorter

I dont use the center column unless absolutely necessary, but I like keeping it on these days because I typically bring a table tripod with me, which I like to put on posts or ground level. Try the feisol with 3 legs extended, I think that's about the height of the RRS travel tripods.

I carry my tripods differently than most folks, I have a dedicated strap for the tripod, and the RRS just sits wonderfully, while the feisol was always off. I think with the bigger spider and wideness, it always felt off balance while carrying.

Didn't do any serious trials, but I did adjust my 3441t to be about 47in and then with ballhead+camera on top, it does feel too short. Especially given that's teh absolute max I can shoot at... so if I'm on uneven ground it'll be even shorter.

Argh! The 24L at ~1lb more and ~5" longer isn't really a compromise to me. Totally separate option.