Induro vs Gitzo vs Manfrotto vs Velbon

I would find it hard to buy a tripod without having at least seen it and checked it in a store. Of the gear you mentioned, I have the 3265 and it's due back from being "maintained" any day now. I'd expect that if having to raise the center column on the 3001 was an issue at all, then it would add to the vibration potentials. I never noticed any huge vibration problems with my gear, but nothing was equivalent in size/weight to the 100-300 Sigma.

Here's what I might suggest. Replace the 3265 first. With the Markins you will also be going to a different qr system. I think no small amount of the vibration issue is a combination of the leverage of the 3265 and the rc2 system and the 3001. With a new head, you eliminate most of that. If you like the way the new head/qr performs and then the only issue is the 3001 is too short, then you could consider the 3021 series. If you still experience what seems to be too much slack/vibration in the 3001/Markins combo, then you can decide if you need to bounce right past the similarly rated Manfrotto cf or aluminum tripods. The fittings, I believe are pretty much the same but the CF is supposed to damp better.

I would suggest, if checking things in a store, try to find one with a hard surface floor. I checked a couple of head/leg combinations recently and am left wondering if some of the sag was related to the commercial carpet and not the "system."

If you can afford a Gitzo, you won't be disappointed. It will last a lifetime.

Gitzo legs are stiff because they have two "piston" rings at the upper end with a clearance of about 0.003". This is to prevent wobble. Notice that Gitzo legs have no wobble when fully extended, even before the collar is tightened. The collars, unlike clamps, are intrinsically self-adjusting and, incidently, snag-free.

I have had Gitzos for years. Currently I have 4. The company was sold a few years ago to the co. that makes Manfrotto. They have not been as good since. I would still buy one though if I needed it. Manfrotto is the brand that used to be called Bogen. When I set up my photo studio quite a few years ago I got a tripod, light stands and a clamp from Bogen. Everything broke in a relatively short period of time. The plastic knobs just twisted off the lightstands. They had been put over regular bolts, instead of being designed into them. Except for the clamp which worked fine, everything else broke. Now I have a photostore and refuse to sell Manfrotto for that reason.

I'm happy - not disappointed - with my Induro C313. I was also a bit concerned about purchasing a brand that is relatively unknown, but two things convinced me. First, Michael Reissman gave it a favorable review after using on (the C413) in Antartica. Second, I had a chance to handle one a couple of times at a SF Bay Area photo dealer where it was set up next to Gitzo, Manfrotto, and others.

I have now had a chance to put it though its paces on several trips: Death Valley Yosemite Valley and others. It has performed very well.

I use mine with an Acratech Ballhead. My camera is mostly a 5D with 17-40, 24-105, 70-200 f/4 and 50mm f/1.4.

I think it competes well with some of the other high quality tripods.

Dan

I recently went through the same diliberation and you can see a couple of my posts here in this forum. I finally purchased the Gitzo 2540 with the Markins 20L. I ordered the RRS BH-55. I liked the Markins significantly more. It's an excellent combination. I shoot a Mark IIn and the 70-200 is my largest lens, with plans of adding a 100-400 at some point.

Hi Allan,

I've had a Bogen 3221 legset for years (nearly 20!) with no major problems. My only complaint was vibration with telephotos when fully extended.

I recently bought a Gitzo 3530 legset. The legs slide out easily with a light pull, so I wonder if you saw a bad sample with the 2530. Fully extended, there is zero vibration with my 300mm. It is slightly over 4 pounds, and roughly the same dimensions as the Bogen 3221. It is over a pound lighter than the 3221 legs while supporting about 3x the weight. I find the twist locks easy and fast. Maybe not quite as fast as the Bogen flip locks but I really cannot complain. It sets up quickly and quietly. The anti-leg rotation feature is great. I think the centerpost is way too long, no need for that much (if you need more, you should get a longer set of legs to start with); I removed it.

I have no experience with the other brands you listed. You have already decided on your ballhead so I won't comment except to say I'm quite happy with my Kirk BH-1. Regardless of the brand, I'd go for whatever will support the most weight.

Hi All:

I recently have been shopping for a new Tripod to replace my old Velbon (don't quite remember the model#). I've always leaned towards buying a Gitzo but in my early days of Photography this was not possible since college expenses got in the way.

Well my personal finances are certainly better now and decided it's time to upgrade the Velbon so I started shopping about couple of months ago. Between all the name brands out there, I narrowed down my search to two, Gitzo vs Induro since they're features were so similar.

First, I bought the Induro CX214 ($400). The main selling points were as follows: 1) Price, 2) 8x Carbon layers, 3) Extra accessories. However, after trying it out on my first Photo trip, the Tripod failed the test. Two of the leg locks were defective, when I exended the legs and tried to lock them they wouldn't and you keep twisting to infinity. Initially I thought that maybe it's a fluke and despite the twisting issue, the legs seemed sturdy enough but as soon as I tried to add some weight pressure they collapsed. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to save money by giving the Induro a chance but I ended returning it. To me, it did not seem trust worthy enough to chance it with my Camera and Lenses, especially when you're shooting outdoors.

I exchanged it with the Gitzo GT2540 ($550). Selling points are: LIFETIME WARRANTY, Carbon Material is better and crossed layered as suppose to Parallel (Induro), G Locks for legs are firmly secured and no twisting. Yes, I did spend an extra $150 but my mind is at ease knowing that the failure rate is virtually 0, and most importantly Gitzo's craftsmanship is unmatched.

In conclusion, for me, Gitzo is the winner, if you can "bite the bullet" for the extra $100-$150, don't short change yourself. I don't plan on buying a tripod soon and knowing that Gitzo is trustworthy with your expensive equipment as well as carries a lifetime warranty, it's totally worth the extra investment.