Feisol 3341s / Photo Clam PC-33NS Review

I got my Feisol today. It's fantastic.

BigBlueDodge, thank you for the review. It was instrumental in helping me get the tripod/head combo that I now know was exactly what I needed. Just like you, I already had the Manfrotto 055XProB/488RC2 combo. I thought I was just looking for a cheaper tripod to take with me when travelling... and then just one glance at that photo you posted of the two tripods folded side by side did it: I decided to bite the bullet and buy a tripod that is anything but a "cheap stand-in" I had originally been looking for .

Just as quite a few people have already said in this thread, customer service at Really Big Cameras is outstanding. Kerry was very helpful and informative, even with my totally silly questions ("When would you use shorter spikes vs. longer?" - well, never had spikes before so how could I know). I paid for the combo (in red) yesterday morning and it... arrived today!!! So far I'm really impressed. Lifting my new tripod in one hand and Manfrotto in the other made me go "Wow". The tripod is very stable and the head is just amazing, it moves so smoothly and locks so tight. Oh, and did I mention that it's red?

The only thing I've found difficult so far is squeezing the combo into the bag once the head is on. The legs do fold between the knobs on the head, but the tripod is still wider compared to when headless. I hope that either it will get easier with practice or the bag will stretch, as I did manage to put the tripod in, but not with speed and ease that would be practical in the field. But even if not - this is a minor concern compared to what this tripod offers.

Now I'm wondering if I will even use the Manfrotto any more.

The ReallyBigCameras site lists a 3441S -- 3341s is a typo?

anthony11 wrote in post #9727902
The ReallyBigCameras site lists a 3441S -- 3341s is a typo?

Yep, it's a typo

Some should ask ReallyBigCameras about the upcoming anti-rotation legs on new legs. I believe an announcement was recently made on ALRs for Feisols.

jhom wrote in post #9730140
Some should ask ReallyBigCameras about the upcoming anti-rotation legs on new legs. I believe an announcement was recently made on ALRs for Feisols.

??? I was about to buy soon, but if this is forthcoming, I can wait.

Nothing in Google about an announcement but it wouldn't surprise me that they add ARL at some point.

Got my PC-36NS yesterday but when i attached my 70-200mm f/4 + 5d+grip + 430ex ii. when i tighten the lock knob, it droop a little. Following up with Kerry and see what he reply.

Very nice review. Thanks for taking the time. Speaking of time, time will tell about the quality of the PhotoClam. We'll see.

So the RAL (Anti-rotation legs) are now available. Do you folks think it is worth the extra $89 for this feature? Having never used RAL I have no clue and really would prefer to make an educated purchase. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

jriley

If speed of setup and takedown is critical to how you use a tripod then every little bit helps. All my previous tripods had some sort of ARL system, whether twist or lever locks. I now use a 3442 without ARL and it does take a few seconds longer to set up but I actually consider that a plus. It slows me down and I am more relaxed. The few extra seconds puts me in a better mindframe. If I am going to be using a MF lens, Liveview to focus and frame, why would I need to save a few seconds setting it all up. In the scheme of things, ARL is not worth anything to me.

I was out on Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed the few hours at the Botanical Gardens. Using the tripod was part of the experience.

I just noticed I need to recrop this one.

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I don't know if it's worth it or not but it takes me no time to set up as long as the top twister (don't know name) is tight the bottom ones don't budge.

Awesome review! Thanks for doing it! This is going to help a lot of people!

jriley wrote in post #10071274
So the RAL (Anti-rotation legs) are now available. Do you folks think it is worth the extra $89 for this feature? Having never used RAL I have no clue and really would prefer to make an educated purchase. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

jriley

It's a personal thing, of course, but lack of RAL was the reason why I took so long to try a Feisol. Was used to my Gitzos having that feature and didn't want to do without. Obviously, Gitzo made fine tripods before incorporating ALR not too long ago, so is it essential? Probably not, but it's best to try it out yourself as some people don't think it's worth the extra money, while others (like me) think it's the bee's knees.

Well I went with the CT-3341S (no RAL) and the PC-36N. It shipped today. I hope this will last me many years. Thanks for the great review and replies.