Deciding between 2 tripods.... 3 or 4 links?

[Gazander]

It's finally time to buy a tripod.

There are two models, of the same model line, with different designs. Price is very close. One has 3 section,s the other has 4



4 Sections
Max height: 1425mm / 56.1 "
Normal height: 1190mm / 46.9 "
Min Height: 310mm / 12.2"
Folded length: 470mm / 18.5 "


3 Sections
Max height: 1380mm / 54.3 "
Normal height: 1145mm /45.1 "
Min Height: 310mm / 12.2"
Folded length: 525mm /20.7 "


So, the 4-section one goes slight higher (2 inches) and is shorter when collapsed.

Which would you choose and why?

3 sections must be easier to deploy
but 4 sections can go higher...

maybe the 3section is more sturdy?

What would you do?

[Gazander]

4-section

[Gazander]

3-section

[tjsnaps]

Yes 3 sections would be more sturdy. But that doesn't mean the 4 section one is not sturdy you are going to have to check that out. 4 sections would also be more of a pain to set up but more portible. The 4 section one might be 2 inches taller when it's fully extended but it's usually not a good idea to fully extend the legs so in practice it might be shorter.

[robar]

three sections is definately sturdier.. who makes these?? have a link?? have you considered amvona on ebay?? both of these seem a little short.. are the specs with the column up or down?? you don't want to have to extend the column as it puts the cam on 1 foot instead of 3 which is the point for using a tripod in the 1st place.. how much do they surrot?? what are you going to be using them for?? i know, too many ???s but you need to answer them before you buy..

roy

[robar]

also the head you have pictured is probably a waste of money as it appears to have only 1 knob. you can't pan with a head that only has 1 control unless the center column can do it..

[Monza76]

Twist lock legs tend to pick up grit if used in poor conditions.

[Gazander]

The company is Benro. They are said to be high-quality copies of Bogen models.

What is amvona? Are they good/legit?

It's a ball head. I read these are better and easier to use

[robar]

even tho that head has degree markings on it means nothing. you need a head that will lock the ball down and still let the body of the head rotate. the legs on these also look fairly flimsy.. you want a pod that will support a minimum that will support at least 11-13 pounds..
amvona sells on ebay..do you have links to the actual specs..

roy

[Gazander]

Here is the page for the tripod legs
http://www.benro.cn/Product/1/pa4.html

The ball-head is BH-00
http://www.benro.cn/Product/2/pb5.html

Checking out amvona, price is definitely good.

Is there any model (complete tripod) that is a really good deal? New to the tripod world so I can't really spot what's good or stinks. I won't use mega-lenses (i like my small <150mm primes, but it makes sense to get a sturdier tripod

I can only spend 150, all in, and would prefer to spend less