Posted by Danny Laureys on August 5, 2016 at 4:10 PM
Hi, I'm looking for a good sturdy carbon tripod for hiking in the 200-300 dollar range. My knees are not the best any longer and the less weight the better
You can contact Kerry Thalmann at Really Big Cameras for help with Feisol CFT's. Kerry was a member here years ago. I use the 3301 and have for years now.
I have heard good things about the Feisol pods. I have a Manfroto 055 CF which is pretty light, and sturdy enough for my 4x5.
Be sure to factor in the cost of a decent head that will be strong enough to hold camera and heaviest lens.
--P
Posted by Mark Seaver on August 8, 2016 at 5:48 PM
Danny, I wore out the leg angle locks on a Feisol CT-3441T in 2 years, because I do a lot of low to the ground work and shoot roughly 25K shots per year with >95% on the tripod. It's also a heavy duty tripod because I routinely carry and use the Canon 400mm f5.6, so it may be more than you need/want. I did carry it as part of my camera backpack every time I left my yard. In my opinion, the leg lock catches (thin aluminum ridges) on the Feisol are way too small to last for a long time if used regularly. I'm now carrying a Gitzo, that ways a bit over 2 lbs, but that's out of your price range (and I spent that much with great reluctance...) Oh yeah, for hiking/backpacking I strongly recommend 4 section legs because they close to a shorter length.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on August 9, 2016 at 12:33 AM
I've been very happy with an Induro CGT114 (now superseded by a similar model) for hiking and travel. It is light enough, with either the supplied Induro ball head, or a Really Right Stuff BH-30, that I can carry it all day strapped to my photo backpack while hiking. (And yes, I know exactly what you're referring to about aging knees - you do also use trekking poles, right?).
Another benefit of this tripod, and those similar from Feisol, Benro, et al, is that they can fold down to a size that will fit in check-in size luggage for air travel.
One feature that sold me on this particular tripod is that the Induro was supplied with a short center column that could be easily swapped with the standard column, which enables really low to the ground positioning for macro/close-up work.
Admittedly, my Induro did cost a bit more than your $200-300 price point. However, IMO a good sturdy tripod (and tripod head) is absolutely one of the most important parts, and one of the best investments, of any serious nature photographers kit.
IMO a good sturdy tripod (and tripod head) is absolutely one of the most important parts, and one of the best investments, of any serious nature photographers kit.
I heartily agree.
The Induro sounds pretty good. I looked at them before purchasing my Manfrotto: They get good marks.
--P
Discussion
6 replieshttp://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tripods
Be sure to factor in the cost of a decent head that will be strong enough to hold camera and heaviest lens.
--P
Another benefit of this tripod, and those similar from Feisol, Benro, et al, is that they can fold down to a size that will fit in check-in size luggage for air travel.
One feature that sold me on this particular tripod is that the Induro was supplied with a short center column that could be easily swapped with the standard column, which enables really low to the ground positioning for macro/close-up work.
Admittedly, my Induro did cost a bit more than your $200-300 price point. However, IMO a good sturdy tripod (and tripod head) is absolutely one of the most important parts, and one of the best investments, of any serious nature photographers kit.
- Greg
The Induro sounds pretty good. I looked at them before purchasing my Manfrotto: They get good marks.
--P