Carbon fiber tripod worth the extra cost?

11 years 11 months ago #230100 by Frankee
This site has changed so much! It's been nearly a year since I've been here. I have a question today about tripods, I currently have a aluminum tripod that is kind of beat up. I'm looking at options and would like to get a carbon fiber one, they are much more on cost. What I really need to know, is if they are worth the extra cost?


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11 years 11 months ago #230123 by John Landolfi
It's really a question of weight, which is more significant in larger sizes. For travel type tripods ( small folded down size), the weight difference doesn't justify the (much) higher cost, in my view. In a studio type unit, the weight itself is likely less of a factor, but you need to look at the quality of manufacture and the likelihood of needing to set up outside your studio to see if the cost is warranted. I frequently need to set up a tripod on site with a column that can be raised to over 6.5 ft, and the carbon fiber was the obvious choice.


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11 years 11 months ago #230132 by shelland
I just upgraded a month or so ago. I wasn't planning on paying the premium for carbon fiber, but I went to a local store and was surprised how much difference there was when I held them myself (even though I had read the specs). I decided since this was a purchase that would last for many years, I would spend the extra instead of regretting it later.

Scott

- Twin Cities, MN

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11 years 11 months ago #230452 by Thirsty Beaver
I think making an investment into a good tripod is a must do


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11 years 11 months ago #230652 by Crazyguy
A good tripod will last you years and become your best friend on still shots, landscapes and much more. So yes, worth it.

An Irishman is not drunk as long as he can hold on to one blade of grass to keep from falling off the world.
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11 years 11 months ago #230674 by mkfphotosdotcom
I have a carbon fiber Gitzo tripod which weighs 3.1 lbs and a RRS BH-55 Ball head which weighs 1.9 lbs. If I had a less expensive or non-carbon tripod, the whole set up would weigh a TON. And when you're carrying gear to a landscape location or something similar, it can get mighty heavy. So to me, it's worth the extra cost.
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