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Tripods
to think about the fact that the legset, head, and quickrelease cost nearly $1000. I
also have a bogen 3021S (compact). I only use it for low-level macro shots since
the legs open more than those of the gitzo. It's too heavy for me (4.75 lbs for the
legs, whereas my gitzo carbon w/ Lindhof head is about 4.25 lbs complete and
extends higher AND carries a heavier load).
-- Jim Chow, October 16, 1997
Regarding tripods I've switched from Bogen & avoided Gitzo after trying many
friends pods and helping those in workshops and had SLIK PRO tripods
recommended to me by a friend and found them to be my best solution. Best
features are: good price, superb craftmanship, solid, big leg collars, LEGS CANT
ROTATE WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING, no binding or loosening in legs or
collars. The Slik Pro 'Grand Master Sport Black' is direct competition in size and
weight but better features than the small Gitzo Mountaineer and about 1/4 to 1/3
the price. Best of all the legs don't turn when opening or closing them in any order.
This tripod is not sold in the USA but is availible in Canada. Call Jim at Camtech
403-244-0333 and he'll send it mail order. Before you buy another tripod or
monopod, check out the SLIK PRO line, their amateur line is not great.
-- Alec Pytlowany, November 17, 1997
While I trust my Gitzo 300 and my huge Davis & Sanford above all else, I recently
picked up a set of Culliman Titan legs, and I've been impressed with the
combination of speed, lightness and stiffness; the legs seem to be as solid as a
Bogen 3050, but the speed of setting leg length makes these really conveneient. I've
been using these legs with a Bogen ball head for some nighttime train photography,
and it's a very handy package. For $100 in mint condition it's worked out very well
for me.
-- Michael Edelman, December 11, 1997
After moving up thru Bogen's 3025,3055,3047,3038 & then the StudioBall (Arca
QR), I found the Arca B1 and loved it 'til winter, & found my huge gloved hands
could not grasp the knobs & I was fumbling a lot. Then I bought the Foba &
remembered why I first liked the Bogen 3038 (not smooth at all): The big bidirectional
handle!! It is so quick!
One problem I experienced: Sometimes in very cold weather it does not clamp
firmly & feels "mushy". Any others have this problem? A solution would be
appreciated.
-- Max Grogan, January 16, 1998
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg (11 of 53)7/3/2005 2:21:13 AM