Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Tripods
Bogen's hexagonal QR plates are not only heavy and prone to twisting, they are
also bulky as a consequence of the large, sprawling dimensions of their hexagonal
shape, as well as the ridiculously protuberant bulk of their large, knurled mounting
screw, etc.
Simply put, I'm extremely happy with my decision to finally invest in the Gitzo
G1325 CF tripod, Arca-Swiss B1 ball head, and RRS accessories, but damn, the
price of admission to this realm is truly staggering. And, despite the high cost of
the Gitzo 1325 CF legs, their twist-type leg locks can be a real pain-in-the-ass, but
I'm getting used to this rather minor quirck.
For those who are just starting out in the world of photography, I would not
recommend immediately buying an expensive carbon fiber tripod, nor would I
recommend buying the most expensive head. The Bogen 3221 (aluminum) tripod is
a good starting point, and if you want to spend some major initial cash on camera/
lens support gear, you would do well to spend a minimum on the Bogen tripod, but
spend more on a nice ball head and custom mounting plates. Unless you plan to
hike long distances with your camera/lens support gear, you may never need a highpriced
carbon fiber tripod, but a good-quality ball head and well-designed QR
mounting plates may be a very wise early investment, IF you get seriously into
photography.
-- kurt heintzelman, August 31, 2001
There is a new ball head? made by Arcatech, Inc. that I recently purchased. I like
it's open design and the fact that it can't get locked and is easy to clean. Cost is
about $270.00. Other features are: uses Arca Swiss QR plates, knobs can't fall off,
one knob tightens the head. A review may be found in www.luminous-landscape.
com
Tom Shapiro
-- Tom Shapiro, October 12, 2001
Having read many helpful reviews, I decided it was time to contribute my own
thoughts. Here are a few thoughts on the Bogen 3021PRO and 3444/440 tripod
legs.
I have used the 3021PRO for some time and it is a tank. Too heavy and too long for
most purposes, which is why I am upgrading to carbon fiber shortly, probably the
3444.
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg (47 of 53)7/3/2005 2:21:13 AM