Carbon V aluminium

[deadshot]

Hi, I'm looking at two tripod/monopod combos they are virtually identical in specs ,height weight, the only difference is that the Ally one has 5 section legs and the carbon has 4 sections.
The Ally one is 25% cheaper than the Carbon one but with no weight advantage what would you get ??
Thanks

[Davin]

Now days it’s a trend of carbon fiber tripod. I am using Proaim carbon fiber tripod the cheaper tripod stand and very light in weight.
http://www.dvcity.com/dvshop/Proaim-...-spreader.html
Sorry I don’t have any experience with Aluminum tripod. If you are interested you can check following link may suit your requirement.
http://www.dvcity.com/dvshop/Proaim-...-spreader.html
For monopod you should go for Gitzo monopod.

[TCav]

One thing you should be aware of is that an aluminum tripod is tough to handle in cold weather. Aluminum gets cold quick, so you'll need gloves to handle it, which will make handling it and the camera more tedious, If you think you might need a tripod in the cold, you might prefer the carbon fiber tripod, despite the need to work with the additional leg sections.

[VTphotog]

Haven't used a carbon fiber tripod, but I did have a very expensive CF fly rod, which turned out to be excessively fragile. Not likely I will have another, or any CF product which could ruin a trip if (when) it breaks.

brian

[deadshot]

Originally Posted by VTphotog

Haven't used a carbon fiber tripod, but I did have a very expensive CF fly rod, which turned out to be excessively fragile. Not likely I will have another, or any CF product which could ruin a trip if (when) it breaks.

brian

You have just reminded me that about 30 +yrs ago I had a C F long rod fitted to an archery bow that I used to shoot, unfortunately I dropped it and it split.The archery dealer changed it for a new one and that one I never dropped. I would like to think that C F rods were now made with a greater wall thickness? but a good point never the less.

[PeterP]

Another issue with aluminum in cold is they become difficult to operate.
Due to differences in expansion/contraction of the various materials it can become tough to loosen and move components around.

For decades I used to use manfrotto 055c aluminum tripods and just toughed it out in the cold.

That said my main large tripod is now carbon fiber and I have a smaller aluminum trekking tripod that will attach to my backpack I take on long hikes into the bush.

In both cases the ballhead with arca-swiss clamp comprises a good portion of the weight

When you are making your choice try to pick the one you are most likely to take out with you and actually use!
A lot of tripods just end up holding down closet floors.

[deadshot]

You're dead right Peter P because I have given a couple of heavyweight tripods away to my grandsons .I have ordered a carbon one now that weighs 1.7 kg and folds down to about 18 ins so hopefully it will get taken out more.
I bought a light ally one recently at a car boot sale. It only cost me about $5 equiv. so I took a chance but it is not steady with my outfit on it ,so another one to give away.
Thanks for the replies..

[adam agarthar]

carbon is the best tripod i think. the cost doesnt matter. they have a tripods come under our budget also. i suggest you three tripods from carbon.
1)vanguard alta plus 255ct carbon fiber tripod
2)silk pro 634cf 4-section fiber tripod
3)manfrotto 190cxpro4 4-section carbon fiber tripod
Manfrotto 190CXPro4 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod

[deadshot]

Thanks for the reply but I got my new carbon tripod about 11 months ago, it's a Bieke and it came with a carry case and works great.

[DonalDuc]

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