After my review of the every well-regarded Haida filters brought in by Photosphere, I've contacted them once again to bring out the new Feisol products that they've recently brought in for a test drive. Photosphere was kind enough to loan me the very large, very stable Feisol CT-3472LV carbon fibre tripod and a Feisol CB-40D ballhead for 'abuse' (review). As usual, since my main interest lies in landscape photography, I'll be comparing the Feisol tripod with my usual gear set-up for landscapes/cityscapes.
Disclaimer: I'm spoiled sorry with RRS' products, but I'll try not to let my bias affect this review. That said, the Feisol tripod performs admirably even when stacked up against a top-of-the-line, made-in-the-USA tripod.
Overview
The Feisol CT-3472LV is a massive carbon fibre tripod that extends up to 1.52m without a centre column, which is good enough for most use. The review set that Photosphere provided did not come with a centre column, but it was a non-issue as I prefer my tripods to be without centre columns. Since I shoot on large-format from time to time, I prefer my support set-up to be as stable as possible. A centre column decreases the overall stability of a tripod (especially in windy conditions) and increases vibration within the support structure, and I could do without that. Even my Really Right Stuff TVC-33 toppled in very windy conditions (it was without a centre column and on level ground), so anything that could potentially reduce tripod shake would be welcome.
This tripod was meant to include a levelling base installed into the tripod apex (hence the 'LV' in the model number), but mine did not come with one. Although a levelling base would be nice, it adds significant weight to the tripod (1.78kg without levelling base vs 2.25kg with one). As my Really Right Stuff tripod already weighs a hefty 2kg without a head, the lighter Feisol tripod was welcome, albeit at a cost of potential increased instability in windy conditions. A hook was also provided to weigh the tripod down.
Update: Photosphere has loaned me the full tripod set, inclusive of the levelling centre column. Here are some photos for comparison:
Feisol tripod with levelling centre column attached:
With centre column extended:
With levelling feature engaged:
Levelling feature could also be used without extending the centre column:
The levelling centre column adds significant weight to the entire tripod set-up, but in return, you get around 15-degrees of levelling capability, increasing the tripod's versatility especially in levelling on uneven ground or just to simply add more height to it. Although well-made, the levelling column is not finished smoothly, and the anodised aluminium grinds against the half-bowl during levelling. Also, the centre column's wing-locks get in the way of levelling, hitting the tripod apex at extreme angles.
Specifications:
Disclaimer: I'm spoiled sorry with RRS' products, but I'll try not to let my bias affect this review. That said, the Feisol tripod performs admirably even when stacked up against a top-of-the-line, made-in-the-USA tripod.
Overview
The Feisol CT-3472LV is a massive carbon fibre tripod that extends up to 1.52m without a centre column, which is good enough for most use. The review set that Photosphere provided did not come with a centre column, but it was a non-issue as I prefer my tripods to be without centre columns. Since I shoot on large-format from time to time, I prefer my support set-up to be as stable as possible. A centre column decreases the overall stability of a tripod (especially in windy conditions) and increases vibration within the support structure, and I could do without that. Even my Really Right Stuff TVC-33 toppled in very windy conditions (it was without a centre column and on level ground), so anything that could potentially reduce tripod shake would be welcome.
This tripod was meant to include a levelling base installed into the tripod apex (hence the 'LV' in the model number), but mine did not come with one. Although a levelling base would be nice, it adds significant weight to the tripod (1.78kg without levelling base vs 2.25kg with one). As my Really Right Stuff tripod already weighs a hefty 2kg without a head, the lighter Feisol tripod was welcome, albeit at a cost of potential increased instability in windy conditions. A hook was also provided to weigh the tripod down.
Update: Photosphere has loaned me the full tripod set, inclusive of the levelling centre column. Here are some photos for comparison:
Feisol tripod with levelling centre column attached:
With centre column extended:
With levelling feature engaged:
Levelling feature could also be used without extending the centre column:
The levelling centre column adds significant weight to the entire tripod set-up, but in return, you get around 15-degrees of levelling capability, increasing the tripod's versatility especially in levelling on uneven ground or just to simply add more height to it. Although well-made, the levelling column is not finished smoothly, and the anodised aluminium grinds against the half-bowl during levelling. Also, the centre column's wing-locks get in the way of levelling, hitting the tripod apex at extreme angles.
Specifications:
- Max Height: 152cm / 182cm with centre column
- Min Height: 9cm without centre column
- Folded Length: 55cm
- Leg Diameter: 37mm
- No. of Sections: 4
- Weight: 1.78kg / 2.25kg with levelling column
- Load Capacity: 12kg
- Material: Carbon Fibre
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