Slik 813 vs Manfrotto 055 MF3

Hi,

My Feisol pod broke, and I'm looking for a sturdy, better constructed, 3 leg replacement.

Heaviest gear would be 40D with 100-400L (3 lb), and a Manfrotto 3421 Gimbal head (3.1 lbs); which brings the weight up to about 8 lbs.

I have no doubt that the Manfrotto MagFiber, with it's 15.4 lb rating would be up to the task; but the lighter weight, & taller closed height of the Slik 813 is appealing.

I just wonder if the Slik, with it's 12 lb rating would be sturdy enough; as some pod manufacturer's weight limitation ratings are a bit ambitious.

Anyone with experience with either, or both???

Regards,
Leigh

I have the 055MF tripod and am very happy with it. I have a Manfrotto 50mm leveling ball center column and RRS panoramic head, and use a 5D with up to a 200mm 2L lens. The light weight of the tripod is a disadvantage with that much weight, but I either hang my pack which is 15-20 pounds or a 10 pound weight to stabilize the tripod. I personally can recommend the 055MF.

No experience with the Slik.

Jeff

I just picked up the 055MF3 + 388RC2 ballhead, and it's a pretty good combination. The whole thing is rock solid with my 40D+Grip+300mm F/4+1.4x TC.

My only 'complaint' with the tripod is that the legs are so light that they don't drop under their own weight when I release the levers. (and if that's all you have to complain about, that's pretty damned good. )

Um _ how'd it break? I always thought the Feisol brand where rated fairly good.

i have the EXACT same setup, 055MF3 with 3421 head, on 40D with grip, 100-400, and it is perfectly fine. No problems what-so-ever.

picture of my setup (tripod not shown, but it is the 055MF3):
http://img527.imagesha​ck.us …/8058/birdsetup​newio9.jpg

^ 580EX II and better beamer in there too.