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  5. Why a carbon fiber vs aluminum tripod?

Why a carbon fiber vs aluminum tripod?


9 years 6 months ago #404982 by Stacy Merrow
Another item I need to get is a tripod.  I had one, but it was a cheap one and broke.  A few months ago, a friend of mine gave me one of her spares to use.  It's a nice carbon fiber Manfrotto one.  It was given to me with "use it as long as you want" and I have offered to give it back a couple times already with my friend saying "keep it till you get a new one". 

It's been long enough.  So I'm going to buy one.  Now mine was a aluminum one and heavier than the one I'm using from her now.  Aside from weight, what is the main reason for having a carbon fiber tripod?
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9 years 6 months ago #405013 by ubookoo
They are stronger and lighter and carbon fibre doesn’t conduct heat (or cold) in the same way, so your fingers won’t freeze to the touch on a chilly morning.

But there are disadvantages too: carbon fibre is more brittle and can crack under sudden shock (though this is more of an issue with bicycle frames than with tripods), and it is much more expensive than aluminum (although costs are coming down as the technology becomes more widely available).

I personally like the "lighter" benefit.
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9 years 6 months ago #405077 by Joves
I personally would not have a CF tripod, but that is because my gear gets brutalized at times. My heavy, and trusty Manfrotto aluminum is scratched up pretty good. It really depends on how gentle you are with your gear. Also I have never had it tip over in windy conditions. I have had it tip over from user error though. :lol:
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9 years 6 months ago - 9 years 6 months ago #405089 by garyrhook
That little hook on the bottom of the center pole? that's for hanging weight so that you can stabilize the tripod. Carry a plastic garbage bag (good quality plastic, not grocery sacks) that you can fill with stones where you happen to be (remote location), tie it off, and hang it from the tripod. When done, empty, fold the bag up, and pack up. Easy peasy. Weight will help far more in a heavy wind than aluminum vs. carbon fiber.

I have a nice weight that I take with me for interior work.

Get the light one unless you are a brute, and take a garbage bag with you.
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9 years 6 months ago #405374 by Garbo
Using the hook to hold my camera bag when in the field. 
Nikon D300: 24-70 2.8 | 70-200 2.8 VR |Sigma 150 2.8 | 50 1.4 | SB-800
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9 years 6 months ago #405680 by Sawyer
Less vibrations with CF
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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9 years 6 months ago #406117 by EOS_Fan
For me it's all about the weight.  Sawyer, you hear people saying vibration, but honestly, when have you been in situation where vibration was issue to be concerned about?
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9 years 6 months ago #406440 by garyrhook

EOS_Fan wrote: For me it's all about the weight.  Sawyer, you hear people saying vibration, but honestly, when have you been in situation where vibration was issue to be concerned about?


Seriously? Vibration is always an issue.
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9 years 6 months ago #406589 by Kenta
I can relate to you, for me, it was all about keeping the weight down.  Go with the carbon fiber if you have the budget.
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9 years 5 months ago #407756 by Stacy Merrow
What do you all think about this one:  www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home...&Q=&is=REG&A=details

That's the one I'm thinking about getting.  
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