Other than an occasional review of Gitzo and Manfrotto products there seems to be a lack of reviews on tripods.
Thought it would be interesting to see how other people feel about this essential piece of equipment... good or bad.
I will start it of with a quick summary of my Slik 614 CF (carbon fiber).
The Slik 614 is definitely light at something around 2 lbs without a head. It has four sections with twist locks and measures about 18 inches when collapsed.
I bought it with the theory "the best tripod is the one you have with you" and being small and lightweight I do carry it with me frequently.
The biggest problem is the twist lock system. The legs rotate freely so locking or unlocking the legs becomes a two handed affair.
Being a lightweight setup can cause other problems as well: It vibrates in windy conditions. It has been suggested to me to use a "sand bag" which could indeed improve performance but would seem to defeat the purpose of a lightweight setup.
So mixed feelings about the Slik 614CF and have started the search for its replacement.
I am curious about the Cullmann Magnesit 525C Carbon Fiber and Manfrotto 190CX3 Carbon Fiber tripods.
I think I would prefer the "flip lock" style locking system although the "pros" would tell me they aren't "field serviceable".
Thanks
bryan conner
Unregistered
What do you mean by "field serviceable"? I have used a Manfrotto 3021Pro for years and it has flip locking mechanisms. It came with a small tool that stays in a clip on plastic holder on the tripod itself. This tool is for adjusting the tension of the locking mechanisms. I have had to adjust the tension maybe twice in the 5+ years I have owned it. While this tripod is no longer available, it is too long (25 inches), and too heavy (5 pounds) to be an ideal travel tripod. But, it is really stable and is perfect for portrait work, which is what I purchased it for. With my 1.8 pound Manfrotto 222 grip ball head, I get a workout everywhere I travel with it!<img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />
It's one of those topics able to start a flame war.
Some people have a strong opinion against flip locks in the field and praise twist locks. There is some merit, I admit. Twist lock mechanics can be dragged through the "wilderness" with less effort. Flip locks will catch gras, twigs (etc.) easily.
And the plastic clip is one of the items prone to get lost in the field.
Ciao, Walter (using flip lock tripods)
"Field Serviceable" means to be able to repair or clean without the need of a tool. If you are out in the hinterlands and one of the legs becomes difficult to collapse because of dirt you just go to the nearest stream and unscrew the mechanism and wash it off. No tool required.
I'm not saying flip locks are inferior. I prefer flip locks. I have a Bogen 3021 that is at least 20 years old but it didn't come with a plastic clip/tool.
I think Bogen/Manfrotto heard their customers and started to supply the tool long after I bought my 3021.
Indeed I'm interested in the Cullmann because it has flip locks.
bryan conner
Unregistered
I have carried my 3021 with me through the woods many many times, climbing down into streams for the token waterfall shots etc. I also used to do a lot of event/wedding/location photography where I would load all of my equipment into the back of my car and have to "drag" it in and out repeatedly. I have to say, that I am truly amazed that I still have the plastic clip and tool attached to my tripod after all of these years. Now, since talking about it, I am becoming paranoid about losing it.
Also, I have had my tripod buried in sand and mud a few times. All I had to do was to "unflip" the locks and wash them off. I have never had to take them apart to clean. The dirt has always washed out very easily.
But, I am not suggesting this tripod for a travel tripod. I would like to have a smaller, lighter one in the future. And I would like it to be as stable as possible. So, I also am interested in the suggestions that are given. When you make your decision, I hope you keep us informed with a review of sorts
So, I would not hesitate at all to buy another Manfrotto tripod with flip locks. I have never owned a Cullmann, so I have no opinion on that subject.
Hello Mateo,
I did similar research about 2 years ago. I assume that you are outdoor photographer.
- Lever or twist lock – As Walter said. It is matter of personal preferences. I had lever system before, but I’m using twist now. The legs of any good /Gitzo like/ twist system doesn’t rotate. I prefer twist system.
- 190CX3 is very good tripod. Ones you use the Manfrotto Q90 system you will never go back. It works fine for macro and UWA landscapes. Giottos offer similar system but it is a little bit heavier.
- If low position is not important it is worth to look at Feisol. Quite popular by bird shooters. Remember there is different quality of Carbon Feisol and Gitzo are one of the best. They use less compound and more fibers and the fibers are top quality -air space standard.
- One advice – before collapsing the legs clean them, if you don’t have anything do that with your hand. It saves some scratches and headache latter.
- Instead of dedicated sand bag you can use your backpack or camera bag to weight your tripod.
- I don’t have any experience with Cullmann.
I have few question.
- What head do you want to use?
- What is your maximum acceptable weight of tripod+head? – my advice is get the heavier that you can accept.
- Do you have requirement for max folded length? – 4 section tripods are less stable than 3 section.
- How low and how high do you want to go?
- How heavy are your camera + Lens + flash?
- What is your longest lens?
Greetings,
Miro
Hi Miro
Excellent questions. I think everyone should use your post as a checklist prior to purchase.
Oddly enough I'm an urban shooter and rarely get out of the city. That's one reason the twist/flip locks "controversy" is almost irrelevant to me.
I currently shoot with a Pentax k100d super and my longest lens is a Vivitar Series 1 70-200.
I think the RRS bh-30 ballhead would be fine As I don't anticipate going longer than 300mm.
I'm an amateur.
I can appreciate the design and construction of a Gitzo but there really isn't any way to justify or even afford such an expense.
I also own a Bogen 3021 which is certainly stable but the weight and size are ungainly for urban trekking.
With the advent of Swiveling LCD's I think I can get by with a shorter maximum height of a tripod. I don't run across drastically uneven topography in the urban environment so longer legs aren't a requirement.
The Cullmann caught my eye because of...
1. Flip locks
2. 3 section
3. German made
4. Short center column
5. Hook on center column included.
6. Price
Manfrotto 190 is the easy choice but Cullmann looks interesting
