Carbon Fiber Tripod Questions

[txbonds]

As compared to the Gitzo line of Carbon Fiber tripods, how would these rank?

Comparing the Gitzo GT-1540 or similar:
Gitzo | GT-1540 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs | GT1540



To these similar offerings from other brands:

Induro C214
INDURO
Induro | C214 Carbon 8X C-Series Carbon Fiber Tripod | 460-214

Manfrotto MagFiber 055MF4
055MF4 - 055 MAG FIBER TRIPOD 4 SCT
Bogen / Manfrotto | 055MF4 Magfiber Pro Carbon Fiber | 055MF4

Benro C-258n6
Benro | C-258n6 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs | 450-258 | B&H Photo

Feisol CT-3432
FEISOL


I've owned a Feisol tripod CT-3401 and Monopod in the past, as well as a Gitzo Explorer 2200 aluminum tripod. All were nice and did the job. I've never owned the induro, but did see them briefly in a shop once but wasn't really checking them out at the time.

I want the best value for the money for a general purpose pod, that is light enough to be a nice travel pod as well, but heavy enough to be a general purpose candidate. The gitzo is nice, but not sure I could justify the price at almost double any of the other options. Also, I seem to prefer pods with no center column or with a super short column, so a tall pod with ball head mounted on the plate is my preference, but a super short column may be okay too.

Any opinions on these other carbon fiber pods I'm considering?

Thanks,
Greg

[roy]

greg,
i know THESE are knockoffs but i find mine to work fine. they're very well built. a couple pounds heavier but 11'' taller and delivered for about $100usd.. there's a fix for the column. it's called a hacksaw..lol

[creampuff]

One thing to note is that the Gitzo 6X is quite a bit lighter than similar CF tripods. This is due to the ratio of carbon fibers to resin used to make the tube. Gitzo uses a 65/35 blend of carbon fibers to resin - the highest ratio of carbon to resin. Induro/Benro is 55/45. More Glue = Less Strength + More Weight. Even the Manfrotto Magfibre is quite hefty in this regard, quite similar to the Gitzo's cheaper carbon composite Basalt range.

Gitzo CF is pull wound, in which very long thin strands of carbon fibers are woven (no seams) at precise angles and consistent thickness to maximize strength to weight ratio, and vibration dampening. Benro/Induro use a roll table method of production where a sheet of carbon fiber, a layer of glue, lay another sheet at a 90 degree angle, another layer of glue, etc. The sheets are bound together and rolled, then seamed, much like composite fishing rods and golf shafts.

Just a comparison of the quality of the tripod collar to hold the legs and the quality of the leg locks and you can understand why Gitzo gives a lifetime warranty. The G-Locks are simply fantastic from my experience.

[txbonds]

creampuff,

Where did you find the information about the glue and construction? The Induro claims to be 8x CF, as does the Benro. From the pictures, the Benro looks similar, if not the same as the Induro, but the Induro offers better warranty and accessories. Maybe one is just a branded version of the other or something.

I'd love to have a Gitzo. What is the equivalent of the old 1325 without column? I don't really understand the new naming scheme of the 6x versions.

I'm also somewhat intersted in that new feisol I linked too, as it would be a cheaper alternative that also comes without center column.

For use with a Really Right Stuff BH-55, which would be the better choice? Thinking about getting a used ballhead even though it's probably bigger than I currently need given my camera and lenses are only K10d, with 3 FA limiteds.

[creampuff]

The Gitzo info was provided by their product manager at Bogen a while back.
To my knowledge the Benro/Induro are the same. Now how do they come up with the 8x label if not to go one up and mimic what Gitzo has already done?

You can go to the Gitzo website to get their tripod specs. They have revamped their tripods models to the newer G-Locks, so some models that you search on the web might have been withdrawn. Basically their models go by numerical series, the higher the number the bigger the tripod. Materials wise, it can be segmented into:
6x - full CF
Basalt - composite
aluminium

Any of the specialist ball head makers are reliable, it really depends on your camera load. Bottom line, Gitzos don't come cheap but they are demonstrably the best product on the market.