Mini review PhotoClam PT-124 Pro Carbon 8X Tripod

Just got it 20 mins ago. I am probably the first person having this tripod after I posted a thread two weeks ago (maybe longer). I really don't have time to do full review recently, so mini review instead, sorry guys.

old thread is here, in case you wonder what the tripod spec is: https://photography-on-the.net …ighlight=photoc​lam+tripod

I finally decided to go with PT-124 instead of PT-125 because it supports more weight (13kg) and more stable than 5 sections tripod.

First impression, WOW!! this tripod is definitely worth every penny! even it's not cheap! (based on my experience with Feisol, Manfrottoand and Gitzo traveler tripods). The building quality is amazing! I'll say at least good as Gizto if not better. The reason I didn't go with Gizto 1541T because I am 6"4 and never used center column. Gitzo is too short, but I like Gitzo's build quality. Since then I did research for every available traveler tripods on the markets to match Gitzo's quality and taller, none of them are good till recently I found PhotoClam PT series.

Sorry guys, I have to go to company's christmas party 20 mins later, this review has to be short. Let's see some pics below, when I have time, I'll do detailed review about this tripod.

1. what's in the tripod package

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last pic, beautiful carbon fiber finish on legs, you can tell which is PhotoClam and which is Gitzo

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great initial review. cant wait for the in-depth stuff...

few more pics
it's snowing, did't have chance to go out yet

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Wow. Just another china copy of Gitzo...

mayuka wrote in post #11469829
Wow. Just another china copy of Gitzo...

Don't be surprised. Everybody is copying Gitzo but this copy is better than Chinese copies. Quality is almost equal to Gitzo. Time will tell how long it'll last.

ddong wrote in post #11469911
Don't be surprised. Everybody is copying Gitzo but this copy is better than Chinese copies. Quality is almost equal to Gitzo. Time will tell how long it'll last.

Without looking at the metallurgy and the CF manufacture methods, you can't say that. Do you have that information from the Korean makers and to compare to Gitzo's methods?

That said, I like the spring loaded hook.

tvphotog wrote in post #11470854
Without looking at the metallurgy and the CF manufacture methods, you can't say that. Do you have that information from the Korean makers and to compare to Gitzo's methods?

That said, I like the spring loaded hook.

I emailed them already, waiting for reply. I took it apart and compared with my Gitzo 2542L, their CF is thin. I guess 8X is thiner than 6X? Anyway, this is what they claimed. I did have hands on Gitzo 1541T for a month, IMHO, quality is identical to Gitzo, of course, manufacturer process is the key.

This one is definitely better than Feisol 3441s (I had this one for almost 2 years) in terms of handing and build quality.

ddong wrote in post #11470983
I guess 8X is thiner than 6X?

No. 8x just means that they're using 8 layers of carbon.

Gitzo "only" uses 6 layers, but each layer has a very high amount of carbon fibres. In addition to that each carbon fibre is folded with other fibres like a pigtail. To my knowledge the other manufacturers don't use these production process because it's very time consuming and expensive.

There are differences in the manufacturing process of the metal parts too. Gitzo is not pressing the metal parts into the pre-defined dies, they mold it into them which requires to heat up and fluidify the metal. This results in very robust parts that bear higher loads.

The Photoclam reminds me of Feisol. Maybe it's the design and they copied them.

The Website states it is 52 inches tall. without center. that seems short, do you have to bend over alot?

Do you mind posting a picture of it at max height with a camera and your self?

im 6'3 and As i was looking at http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …/TripodCollage/​index.html
it seems id need a 58inch or so tripod.

Am i better off with a pt 324?
Thanks! and Great review

Levon Jensen wrote in post #11505124
The Website states it is 52 inches tall. without center. that seems short, do you have to bend over alot?

Do you mind posting a picture of it at max height with a camera and your self?

im 6'3 and As i was looking at http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …/TripodCollage/​index.html
it seems id need a 58inch or so tripod.

Am i better off with a pt 324?
Thanks! and Great review

If you look at pic #4 (comparing to my Gitzo 2542L), Gitzo is my eye level setup. That may give you an idea how much bend over you need. For me, yes, I'll have to bend over but not that much.

For RRS tripod, I really don't have any experience with it, so I can't say anything.

Sorry to bring this thread back up, but I am wondering how this tripod is working for you. I am looking to pick it up as it looks perfect for my needs. Thanks.

I used it for few month now, it's really good for travel and hiking (this is why I bought it for). If you don't have really heavy stuff load on it, daily use is pretty good too. I don't have any problems to load my 5DII and Zeiss 21mm on it.

So, overall I am really happy with it. Report back when you have it.

Good luck.

Hey Ddong,
I've been looking for a good tripod setup at the moment, was considering the Feisol 3441T before. May I know how much you got this tripod for?

rchr wrote in post #12154587
Hey Ddong,
I've been looking for a good tripod setup at the moment, was considering the Feisol 3441T before. May I know how much you got this tripod for?

its on ebay right now for $365.