Feisol 3341s / Photo Clam PC-33NS Review

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #9526672
My initial impression is that the legs are very stable (much better than my Manfrotto legs). I only mounted my 5D/24-70 on it though. I will do some tests with my 70-200 f/2.8 IS tonight to see how it reacts to a larger lens. I actually have a good test in mind that will allow you to see the stability between the two. Stay tuned!

The legs do lock outwards, and at various angles in between. I'll get some more pictures posted tonight showing how low it gets.

Wonderful, looking forward to it!!

great review. I was already planning on getting the feisol ct-3441s, and this just re-affirms my decision. Thanks.

Thanks for the review, Just order my 3441s. I have a questions, what's the minimum height this tripod go without a short center column? previous poster suggested removing the center column, have you every try it?

wishlf wrote in post #9550450
Thanks for the review, Just order my 3441s. I have a questions, what's the minimum height this tripod go without a short center column? previous poster suggested removing the center column, have you every try it?

With the standard two-piece column, the minimum height is 13" (the length of the column).

No, you can't just remove the standard column to get lower. You must remove it and replace it with the optional CC-2807 short center column. The CC-2807 isn't really a column. It's more like a 3" long plug that replaces the 13" long standard two-piece column to get closer to the ground for macro work.

Kerry Thalmann

I've received the new ball head from Kerry, and have updated the review. In short, I'm a very happy camper. Thank you Kerry for the service you have provided. I hope this review has spurned those who were on the fence about Feisol/Photoclam to send you some business.

I've got the short center column in my sights, so expect a future order from me.

Jdmhood wrote in post #9528628
Wonderful, looking forward to it!!

I haven't got the pictures, but I did want to address this. With the legs spread to the widest configuration, the bottom of the tripod collar (the area where all legs connect to) is 5" from the ground. However, the default center column must be extended to let the legs expand to their widest width. With the center column extended, the ball head mounting plate (ie the place where you screw your ball head to) is just over 18" from the ground. When you add a ball head and camera, you will be closer to 22" from the ground.

If you need to get lower than that, you will have to purchase the optional short center column. As Kerry indicated, this is basically a plug that allows you to mount your ball head just over the tripod collar. This should allow you to get your camera within 7-8 inches from the ground.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #9568440
If you need to get lower than that, you will have to purchase the optional short center column.

Or you can reverse the legs around and basically have the camera upside down. You can put the camera a few millimetres from the ground this way.

Except the legs won't be locked which may or may not be a problem.

bohdank wrote in post #9574520
Except the legs won't be locked which may or may not be a problem.

It's much simpler than that - no need to reverse fold the legs for macro work. The center column of the CT-3441S comes with a 3/8" mounting stud on each end. You can move the ballhead to the bottom of the column for macro work. Or, you can simply reverse the column. It's easier than reversing the legs and you retain the leg click stops.

Kerry Thalmann

This is exactly what I plan on buying, thanks for the review. Just waiting on some cashback from Bing.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #9568400
I've received the new ball head from Kerry, and have updated the review. In short, I'm a very happy camper. Thank you Kerry for the service you have provided. I hope this review has spurned those who were on the fence about Feisol/Photoclam to send you some business.

I've got the short center column in my sights, so expect a future order from me.

I think you mean "spurred"

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #9522525
<snip> I am posting my review of the Feisol 3341s <snip>

Should read "3441s", no? Just checking as I can't find a "3341s" on Feisol's website:

http://www.feisol.com/​english/feisolen.htm

Cheers,

Sabesh.

Yes Sabesh, you are correct. I had a typo. It should read 3441s.

I am just waiting for some deal on the ballhead. Pc-33nS or Pc-33n.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #9637460
Yes Sabesh, you are correct. I had a typo. It should read 3441s.

Thanks! Just curious: Which model of Benro were you considering and what made you choose this over the Benro? Cheers.