The Best Carbon Fiber Tripods
For certain types of photography, a tripod becomes one of the most essential pieces of gear. Landscape, architectural and food photographers use a tripod on 95 percent of the images taken. Since the introduction of carbon fiber material in tripod manufacturing, it has become the material of choice for most photographers. Build quality, features and usefulness separate the best carbon fiber tripods from the rest.
Induro C414
Induro uses the most recent generation of eight-layered carbon fiber material to make its tripods. The company claims a 60 percent increase in strength with its carbon fiber over conventional carbon fiber. The Induro C414 features a grooved and reversible center column to prevent unwanted rotation, reversible tripod head mounting screw, a spring loaded weight hook, non-rotating leg sections to prevent dust and moisture from seeping in, adjustable angle leg locks, and a built-in bubble level. The C414 has a maximum load of 26.5 pounds and a maximum height (with center extended) of 77.2 inches. The C414 weighs 6.2 pounds and when folded measures 25.2 inches. The C414 comes with a carry bag, strap and tool kit. Induro offers a two-year standard warranty plus three additional years if purchased online. The C414's retail price ranges from $669 to $690, as of January 2010.
Gitzo GT2541EX
Gitzo's tripod legacy goes back 93 years to France. The Gitzo GT2541EX does not break from the Gitzo tradition of quality. The GT2541EX uses six layers of carbon fiber for added strength. This tripod measures 21.26 inches when folded and 64.57 inches when fully extended with the center column. The GT2541EX carries a maximum load of 26.46 pounds and weighs 4.06 pounds. The Gitzo GT2541EX also features Anti-Leg Rotation (ALR). ALR makes opening the tripod legs quicker. It allows the user to simultaneously unlock all of the legs instead of unlocking them individually. This allows the user to open the tripod in 15 seconds. The GT2541 also offers 90-degree leg-angle positioning. The Gitzo GT2541EX's retail price ranges from $675 to $705, as of January 2010.
Manfrotto 05CXPRO3
The Manfrotto (previously Bogen Imaging) 055CXPRO3 tripod features carbon fiber legs with an aluminum column and magnesium and aluminum castings. The tripod has three preset independent leg angles--47 degrees, 66 degrees and 89 degrees. The tripod features a maximum height (within center column extended) of 69.68 inches, a minimum height of 22.44 inches and weighs 3.92 pounds. The 05CXPRO3 comes equipped with a three-faceted (not round) center column, plus the column features a rapid-release mechanism. The legs come in three-section round tubes. The tripod has a maximum load bearing of 17.64 pounds. The Manfrotto 05CXPRO3 has an average selling price of $422, as of January 2010.
Tags: carbon fiber, center column, Gitzo GT2541EX, January 2010, maximum load
