Yes, the Manfrottos can go very low. I've checked on Gitzo's site and couldn't find anything that can get as low as the Manfrotto.
One of the biggest problem with the Manfrottos is weight - they are not light at all.
Besides that, I've played with a gitzo a bit - seems to me that the quality is much MUCH higher than Manfrotto.
how low are you talking about? The Gitzo Systematic tripods can lower to 3.7''.
brendan
Isn't the 190XB aluminum or am I looking at the wrong one? If it is, you don't have any problems with that? I sure like the price of the one I was looking at but like I said, I could be eyeing the wrong one.Originally Posted by Oren
Denise
Yes, the Manfrotto 055/190 series is aluminum. A manfrotto will satisfy you. But putting a $2000 camera-lens kit on a $200 tripod is not a sound idea. Many switch from manfrotto to Gitzo and wonder why they didn't fork over the dough in the first place. If you are going to get a Manfrotto, get the 055XPROB. It's extremely similar to the 190XWB but is better for macro work.
brendan
I don't think either can handle enough weight for my needs ...camera, external flash, 300 f/4 with extender. I think I'll stick with my original plan but maybe a used one if I can find it. I should say 2nd original plan ...the Gitzo. []
Denise
Do you use your 300 f/4 with the 1.4 a lot? I use mine bare.
Not to beat a dead horse, since I think you are the same person who started a thread about this a while back, but I think you should check out the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon fiber three-section tripod. Very sturdy (rated to comfortably support nearly 18 lbs.), very light (under 2.25 lbs.), retails for only $399.
It's not a Gitzo, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing in this case. Gitzo tripods rock, and so does the RRS carbon tripod, but the Manfrotto I listed is a very nice piece of kit. Also its legs splay out to get close to the ground, and the center column lays over 90 degrees for fantastic versatility, including very close macro shots. Because of the way it works, you can extend the center column horizontally to avoid shadows caused by the legs and/or center spider of a typical tripod, too.
My 2c.
I did post a thread before for advice on monopods when I was considering buying one. Your response was (which talked me out of purchasing one)...
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"It seems like your targets (flowers and birds) are either long range or require a very steady hand. Neither of those is what monopods are all about. A monopod is not a cheap alternative to a tripod, but a totally different animal entirely. If you said you were shooting fast-moving field action sports, then we're talking monopod, but your desires seem to be pointing you towards a good steady lightweight tripod, with a good tripod head.
I am just suggesting this because I own one, but with the budget you are proposing based solely on the Gitzo 5541, have you looked at the Bogen Manfrotto 055CXPRO3? That is a great tripod for the money. It is carbon fiber, with magnesium hardware, and it seems very strong and stable. It is incredibly light, like 2+ pounds, and can be made to be a very stable vertical macro mount by re-orienting the center column 90 degrees."
So you arebeating a half dead horse! []
I do really like the tripod you suggest but I am wondering if it is truly is stable enough. Many on this site are very pro Gitzo and for good reason but I'd love to save a few hundred dollars and yet don't want to buy more than I truly need.
Thanks Much!
Denise
I have a Benro C-298 and I have to say that I am quite, quite happy with it. I definitely recommend it.
Regarding the issue Benro vs Gitzo... Well, I have no experience with Gitzos, but they are known to be the best in the market. So, yes, they are most probably better than Benros. The question is: so much better as to make up for the difference in price? I am not so sure. I find surprising that the first person who answeredsaid that the Gitzos last for 30 years while Benros not. How can he say that Benros do not last for 30 years? Benro started producing tripods in 1996 and carbon-fiber tripod production did probably not start until 2002. So we have still to see if Benros last or not. Let's give them an opportunity. What it is true is that Benros are an imitation of Gitzos. It is however also true that Benro was the first to go from 6-layer carbon fiber tripods to 8-layer ones.
Cheers
hi Denise,
I would suggest checking out the Sirui brand tripod. It's not a Gitzo by any means but it is really quite good. A friend of mine has one ane it is pretty well made. This friend who use to do metal work swears by the quality and workmanship put into the product.
I know it's not a popular brand right now but it is worth considering. You can check it out at amazon.
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