Tripod: Feisol 3402 + Photo Clam PC-30n. Your thoughts?

I primarily shoot landscapes and macro.

I was originally going to go the 055XPROB + 498RC2 route, plus an additional quick release plate for my Sigma 180mm. That would have run me $324.05 from Amazon with free Prime shipping. But that combo is going to run ~6 lbs and have bulky dimensions when folded up, which is just too much. I like to hike and bring my camera gear with me. My 30D + Sigma 180 + 430 flash is my heaviest combo and runs 5.8 lbs, so the tripod would immediately double just that weight.

So I got to thinking, what's a few more dollars at this point? The Feisol 3402 runs $209 at www.reallybigcameras.c​om, and the PC-33n is $129. This combination weighs 3.16 lbs, which is a huge improvement over the 055XproB and 498. It's going to cost a bit more at $338 for the ballhead and legs, plus I need that additional plate for my lens, which I've seen mentioned on POTN as being $32 (not confirmed, don't see it on their website) plus probably ~$30 for shipping, bring me to about $400 even.

The latter combination sacrifices height and the horizontal arm, which would be nice for macro work. However, the weight difference and bulk factor is substantial, and I can live with bending over to use the tripod.

Does anyone feel that spending the extra ~$70 is worth it for this combo? From what I gather, I might be sacrificing a little stability simply because the 055 is such a heavy platform. I'd love to hear some thoughts on this setup, or any other suggestions (keeping things in the $400 ballpark).

I have the 055xprob set up you mention and it is twice the size of the Feisol set up. The model I have (in my signature) drops all the way to the ground for macro shots as it has not center column. However, it is plenty high enough without it when fully extended (I am 6'6"). Just a fantastic set up. I would encourage you to look at the Feisol line up very hard if you want a tripod that is easy to travel with. Just can't be it. And contact Kerry at Really Big Cameras. He is a great guy to deal with and can help you pick out the model you need.

-Dan

Thanks Dan, I read some of your reviews here and that's what got me interested in the Feisol/PC gear.

How would you say your Feisol/Photo Clam combo compares in terms of stability to your Manfrotto setup? Despite being lighter, is it every bit as stable?

Cheers

I too have read alot of reviews for feisol/photoclam products I'm almost going to pull the trigger on the ct-3441s/pc-36ns

I just realized the 3402 is 4 sections. Should I look instead for a 3 section pod, like the 3301? I'd hate to gain the 6 inches of folded size, but if it's significantly more stable it might be worth it.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Badger49456 wrote in post #10643064
Thanks Dan, I read some of your reviews here and that's what got me interested in the Feisol/PC gear.

How would you say your Feisol/Photo Clam combo compares in terms of stability to your Manfrotto setup? Despite being lighter, is it every bit as stable?

Cheers

More stable believe it or not. One major improvement is the Photo Clam doesn't have the creep that the Manfrotto ball heads have. I do love the Manfrotto gear and have had a 190xb and 055xprob, both with Manfrotto ballheads. But the Feisol/Photo Clam is in a different league all together. With the small size, I was skeptical. But I took this set up to SE Alaska in early May and used it for the first time. Staying in a remote cabin and hiking up and down a river flyfishing for steelhead all week, it was perfect. And far more stable than I would have imagined. I would suggest the ARL legs which adds about $90 to the price, but well worth it in the long run I suspect. This tripod is built like a brick shet house and will be around for a long time. If I were to offer any suggestion to you, it would be to consider a slightly larger Photo Clam ballhead. Small weight and price jump, but it could pay dividends depending on the lens and camera set up you use. Wonderful equipment and I would recommend it to anyone.

-Dan