Bought a new photographic toy

I bought a new fancy carbon fiber tripod based on the reviews scattered throughout the web. I can say that I am very happy I did.

For a long time I have been using a Manfrotto 3221. I have had little issue with this tripod, except for few. The first is the fact that occasionally I needed just a bit more height and that required raising the center column. Raising the center column makes it just that little bit more unstable. The second issue was that in cold weather the tripod was a bit more difficult to carry as the aluminum legs are a great conductor of cold. Third it is just too heavy to lug around for very long.

First I would like to say that I bought the tripod from ReallyBigCameras in Portland, OR through one of their eBay auctions using Live Cashback (25% at the time). I would have bought it from the Feisol distributor but since they are located in NC I would have to add sales tax and they sell direct so no Live Cashback. The buying experience was typical eBay, no issues whatsoever. The shipping was quick, just three days from winning the bid coast to coast to my door.

The Feisol CT-3471 is a four section tripod that folds up to a height of about 57cm (22.5"). That is shorter than the three section Manfrotto by about 9cm (3.5"). As far as the weight is concerned the Manfrotto tips the scales at 2623g (92.7 oz) and the Feisol, although bigger weighed in at 2300g (81.3 oz). The weight is deceiving as it feels much lighter than the 323g (11.4 oz) indicate. Still it is not a travel tripod.

Moving to a twist lock tripod leg takes a bit of getting used to, but even with just a little bit of use I am as fast as the lever locks of the Manfrotto. I am sure with a little bit of practice it will be even faster. The build quality seems to be first rate as all parts seem to move smoothly and there are no rough spots on the outside or with any of the moving parts. The Feisol is supplied with two 5mm allen wrenches to adjust the tension on the leg pivots and a 4mm allen to remove the top plate. There is also a warranty card. It comes with a tripod bag, a nice addition. I did not have a bag for my Manfrotto. I like the fact that I can keep the tripod protected and throw a few (very few) tripod specific accessories in the outside zipper pocket.

Until I get a new ball head I am using my old Manfrotto 3262QR. Not the best head around but it is passable. I have mounted my Samsung GX-1S and Pentax K20D w/battery grip and all manner of glass and it has been rock solid. The heaviest piece of glass I have currently are the Pentax-A 70-210mm f/4 Zoom @ 702g (24.8 oz) and the Sigma 600mm f/8 Mirror @ 726g (25.7 oz). So not really a lot of weight to test with. Anyway it was quite stable and I did not seem to experience any camera shake even tripping the shutter without the self timer.

Others on the web find the lack of set screws on the base plate to be a minor nit. The Manfrotto allows the head to be ‘locked’ in place by tightening the set screws. With that set up I never have to worry about the head loosening. The Feisol without the set screws does not inspire the same level of confidence. Also, this is a big tripod, lighter than what I am used to lugging around but I think the next tripod purchase will be something along the lines of the travel tripod or a monopod either of which with a small ball head. It just needs to be tall enough and significantly lighter.

Overall I am happy with this purchase and I do believe I would consider the Feisol again if I need another tripod.

Links:

Really Big Cameras

Feisol USA

Manfrotto

Pentax Imaging

MS Live Search Cashback

So you are probably thinking, what does this have to do with cycling? Well, if you hadn’t already noticed on some of the posts here there are numerous pictures. The latest few posts also use some of the new equipment. Hopefully because of this we will have some really clear and detailed images on this site. When the new tandem arrives, we are looking at photo-documenting the entire build process as well as the finished “glamour” shots of the completed bike.