Looking at tripods, coming from gitzo 3 series, induro, sirui, anything else?

OK,, I have gitzo GT3530s legs that I've had and loved for a while now. They're perfect EXCEPT for their overall height. I can't really afford to add $250 to them to add the center column, so I'm considering selling them to get a set of induros or the sirui's I saw at photo plus last week. All are taller, 3 section, CF and cost about what I think my gitzos are worth if I sell them used.

So, what's the difference between a pair of induro CT313s and C313s? It seems the first is $555 and the second around $300 (used). The CTs are newer and have the new rubber grips on the locks, but what else that actually matters or is worth $250 (almost 2x the price)?

And the sirui's were VERY interesting. Their R-4203s were prototypes at the show, but 3 section legs, no center column, and had the sexiest spikes in the feet I've ever seen.

Here's me with the CT313:

Take a look at Feisol tripods - they are very good and reasonably priced.

http://reallybigcamera​s.com/Feisol/Tripods

Other similiar tripods

Slik have released a new range of CF tripods, I think the 923CF is similiar to the Induro CT 313 in features and price, except for the split center column (geared) letting it get closer to the ground. The 924CF is a much more compact when closed, 70in max height tripod.

http://www.thkphoto.co​m …slik/slik-pro924cf-b.html

Have you checked around for a used GS3511S or GS3510S on here and over of FM? You might be able to find someone that has removed it from their tripod and might want to sell it for something less the that $189.00 (with free shipping) at B&H and Adorama.

Makes me apreciate the deal I got on my GT3541 which came with the Center Column, and was on sale for $680 CDN with Tax and shipping last month

--Evan

5Dmaniac wrote in post #11207275
Take a look at Feisol tripods - they are very good and reasonably priced.

http://reallybigcamera​s.com/Feisol/Tripods

not really impressed with feisol legs -vs- induro

lannes wrote in post #11207316
Other similiar tripods

Slik have released a new range of CF tripods, I think the 923CF is similiar to the Induro CT 313 in features and price, except for the split center column (geared) letting it get closer to the ground. The 924CF is a much more compact when closed, 70in max height tripod.

http://www.thkphoto.co​m …slik/slik-pro924cf-b.html

NO WAY to geared columns. They have a 923 that's at least 3 section (a requirement) but still geared.

I'd actually prefer NO center column, but only the sinui has that and it's so new...

I've been impressed with the Feisol's. Review here.

I know that you're on a budget, and I'm really not trying to push a pair of Gitzo legs, but I just wanted to share my personal experience. I'm 6'5, and was searching for a tall pod. Less to do with my bending over, and more to do with the need to shoot over obstacles like fences and whatnot. I used a Gitzo with center column, and was pretty unhappy with the results because of the inherent instability of the single column. Now I have a pod that over 6'6 inches when extended, no column, and the shots are ridiculously sharp. My main advice is to search for a pod that will give you the height you want, with just the legs extended.

Also, take a look at naturescapes.net. It's the store where I bought my 3541XLS sticks. They are ridiculously helpful, and staffed by outdoor photographers that use the gear that they sell. I spent a good half hour on the phone with them before ordering my legs, just asking about this and that. They carry Induro, so can probably help you out some.

Thanks for the advice TaDa. Yeah, I agree 100% on the center column part AND the height. That's my issue right now, I need more height but DO NOT want a center column if I can help it. The induro I'm looking at is much taller w/o using the center column, but does just having it there (even swapped for the short version) make it less stable? That's where the sirui comes in. They have the model I'm next to which should be tall enough, then they have another taller set as well (that's almost too tall for what I need?). Both are 3 leg section NO CENTER COLUMN legs like my current gitzos. If they were available now from a dealer I'd go that route for sure. As it is w/o a dealer I'm still tempted. We'll see if I get an email back....

In my own opinion, there is no such thing as "too tall". You can always collapse the legs a bit, but it's very hard to expand taller without sacrificing stability (center column, standing pod on different ledges, etc.) I really like the feel of having the base plate right against the bottom of the head. Stable and nothing to worry about.

Really.... Look at the "budget".... The thing I've found over the years is that if you don't buy what you want or get an "inferior or less quality product" as a substitute, you end up unhappy later and end up buying another one (usually the one you wanted in the first place) and you end up spending more since you make 2 purchases instead of one.

Mark H

You might also want to take a look at the Benro line that are very very close in concept to the Gitzos. I bought one recently and I'm impressed with the quality. Of the Gitzo systematic types, they have a three section and a taller four section. I got mine directly from China.

P51Mstg wrote in post #11209961
Really.... Look at the "budget".... The thing I've found over the years is that if you don't buy what you want or get an "inferior or less quality product" as a substitute, you end up unhappy later and end up buying another one (usually the one you wanted in the first place) and you end up spending more since you make 2 purchases instead of one.

Mark H

Yeah, I concur. I went through 3 pods to get to what I'm finally happy with. It cost me nearly $900 for the sticks, but when you factor in how much I lost from buying new and re-selling, I would have been much further ahead had I purchased what I needed initially.

Ben.
How did you like the Photoplus Expo?

TaDa wrote in post #11210014
when you factor in how much I lost from buying new and re-selling, I would have been much further ahead had I purchased what I needed initially.

A frequently expressed sentiment. In my case I didn't know any better so I struggled along with a cheapo until I ran into a photog with a Gitzo and he set me straight.