Tripod That You Have Now

[Panaromic]

Lol the screw on my sirui is rusting so badly the allenkey cannot go in to tighten it, sotheleg can be swinging. Now thinking of getting a gitzo plus a geared head

Just do it !

 

[Kit]

Lol the screw on my sirui is rusting so badly the allenkey cannot go in to tighten it, sotheleg can be swinging. Now thinking of getting a gitzo plus a geared head

You want to see how this combination looks like again? I can help... :devil::devil::devil:

 

[Kenneth67C]

I would prefer RRS instead if I wanted to upgrade...No!

Opsss...looks like I changed my mind after considering the cost of the tripod and my needs... lol

 

[ageha]

Replaced the G20 ballhead with the PC-36ns - this has a much more refined ballhead compared to the G20, but of course it costs more as well.

Added a Sirui R3203 and a PC 54ns as I felt the need for something more rigid. Without the centre column, the R3203 is more stable and well built.

Where did you buy your Photo Clam ballhead?

 

[Kenneth67C]

Where did you buy your Photo Clam ballhead?

I purchased it in China on taobao.
There are a couple of good ballheads now available on the market, the ones which caught my attention are: FLM, Sunwayfoto and Photoclam.
These offer very good fine control over the friction on the ballhead and are pretty well built.

I sold off the smaller Sirui and upgraded to this:

 

[ageha]

I purchased it in China on taobao.
There are a couple of good ballheads now available on the market, the ones which caught my attention are: FLM, Sunwayfoto and Photoclam.
These offer very good fine control over the friction on the ballhead and are pretty well built.

I sold off the smaller Sirui and upgraded to this:

How is the stability of the tiltable center collumn?

 

[Kenneth67C]

How is the stability of the tiltable center collumn?

It is fine even with it off centre, but of course, you cannot deny the laws of physics.
Just use some common sense when extending the arm.
As a general rule, keep the CG within the triangle of the tripod legs and you should be fine.
If you really need to extend further, then put some counter weight on the hook to balance and keep the tripod stable.

This setup comprises the Gitzo GT2531EX, Photoclam PC36 and Sunwayfoto DDH-03 panning clamp (for panos).

 

[ageha]

It is fine even with it off centre, but of course, you cannot deny the laws of physics.
Just use some common sense when extending the arm.
As a general rule, keep the CG within the triangle of the tripod legs and you should be fine.
If you really need to extend further, then put some counter weight on the hook to balance and keep the tripod stable.

This setup comprises the Gitzo GT2531EX, Photoclam PC36 and Sunwayfoto DDH-03 panning clamp (for panos).

I wanted to buy the GT2531EX but couldn't find any stock in S'pore, just a few display models. I'm still not sure how useful the tiltable center column really is in the field or if I should just buy the lighter GT2531... Is the PC36 stable enough if the center column isn't in vertical position?

 

[ageha]

Hi ageha,

You should be able to find the GT2531EX in Cathay Photo, Orient Photo or SLR Revolution.

Cathay and SLRR have only display models. I went to both yesterday and they told me they never have stock, only one display model each. If I want a new one they need to order it (usually they sell the display models). In that case it's faster (and cheaper anyway) to order it in the US.

 

[jasonteoch]

Cathay and SLRR have only display models. I went to both yesterday and they told me they never have stock, only one display model each. If I want a new one they need to order it (usually they sell the display models). In that case it's faster (and cheaper anyway) to order it in the US.

But if you order it in US, what about the warranty? Is it going to be cover in Singapore?

 

[ageha]

But if you order it in US, what about the warranty? Is it going to be cover in Singapore?

Doubt it and I don't really care. Not sure if the Singaporean Gitzo warranty is anything worth anyway.

 

[Kenneth67C]

I wanted to buy the GT2531EX but couldn't find any stock in S'pore, just a few display models. I'm still not sure how useful the tiltable center column really is in the field or if I should just buy the lighter GT2531... Is the PC36 stable enough if the center column isn't in vertical position?

I managed to snag the GT2531EX from another CSer who wanted to let go on the BnS, hardly used and almost brand new. Timing I guess.

The tiltable centre column is very useful if you want to get off angle shots, plus the legs of the 2531ex are so easy to setup and centre. How reliable are the leg locking mechanism? I will only know after some field use and over a period of time. To me the tiltable centre column is a big plus, not just for macro, but even general photography. If you are extending the arm, don't over extend and use the hook at the other end to counter balance the setup, its all in the manual. You don't want your cam/lens hitting the floor.

The PC36 holds 30kg, more than enough up to 200mm, even the 300f4 and 400f5.6, but not the 300f2.8.

 

[Kenneth67C]

Where did you buy your Photo Clam ballhead?

You can consider this Sunwayfoto ballhead, I almost bought it:

This is the low profile version which is better built and very sturdy...seriously tempted...lol

 

[ageha]

You can consider this Sunwayfoto ballhead, I almost bought it:

This is the low profile version which is better built and very sturdy...seriously tempted...lol

Who stocks them here?

 

[Kenneth67C]

Who stocks them here?

TK Foto.

 

[ageha]

TK Foto.

Thanks, will check them out! How do they compare to PhotoClam?

 

[Kenneth67C]

Thanks, will check them out! How do they compare to PhotoClam?

One thing I don't like about Photoclam is that the pan adjustment nob is too small, and harder to tighten. The head can sometimes pan when its supposed to be tight. Not a big deal, but it would be nicer if the nob was bigger and easier to grip.

The ones on the Sunwayfoto are better. Only thing is the bubble level on the top isn't perfectly centered, which can be irritating if you want to do a pano. I checked with the 5D3 electronic level and it was slightly off. You may get a good one, so try and see.

FLM is another brand that is pretty good, very well made German quality. The nobs are all very easy to adjust, but the max weight limit is less than either PC or Sunway. This could be due to conservative specs(?), as some manufacturers tend to exaggerate their product claims. This is the more conventional ballhead design, so it is taller, but you got to see and feel this product, very smooth and good QC. I think this is brought in by someone from Msia.

 

[Blur Shadow]

You can consider this Sunwayfoto ballhead, I almost bought it:

This is the low profile version which is better built and very sturdy...seriously tempted...lol

Yes! I was looking at it too! A low profile ball head with a panorama base! But I went for RRS in the end.

 

[Kenneth67C]

Yes! I was looking at it too! A low profile ball head with a panorama base! But I went for RRS in the end.

RRS I feel is heavy for the BH-40 PCL, load capacity 8kg, weight 658g.

 

[duskman]

RRS I feel is heavy for the BH-40 PCL, load capacity 8kg, weight 658g.

The sunwayfoto heads are literally carbon copies of RRS ball heads, why is there such a big diff in weight capacity of the head? One claming to hold up to 40kg while the other says 8kg :O