Carbon Fiber Tripods...How are they?

righteous.

righteous.

Well-known member
My 745b legs kicked the bucket:(

I have a 501hdv head that still works great and I love it, but now I need new legs. I was looking at these carbon fiber ones and was wondering if they will be any less stable because they are carbon fiber:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548529-REG/Manfrotto_190CX3_190CX3_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html

I realize there is no ball head, but my 745b legs had the ball head and it was a huge pain. It always had play, and the only way to tighten it was if I carried a hex screwdriver around...it wouldn't even tighten when I did. It broke because I was trying to tighten it and the hex pattern stripped completely.

If you can suggest sturdier/light legs for roughly the same price, it would be much appreciated! How are Miller legs? I've heard good things...
 
I do not have experience with Manfrotto carbon fiber. I have a small Gitzo Mountaineer CF set of legs, which I've used for maybe 13 years without an issue. In my experience, CF stands up to abuse, is not prone to becoming wickedly cold outdoors like aluminum and is a little lighter. A little, for most legs, not a whole lot. You have to decide if the weight savings is worth the cost. I go back and forth on the issue.

I am testing a pair of Miller Solo CF legs. They are substantially larger and beefier than my tiny Gitzo. They are very sturdy, well designed and have a nice carry strap and bag. The rings that tighten/loosen the legs work well; no extra sloppiness. Feet screw away to reveal spikes on the ends of the feet. I've yet to find a reason to extend all three sections. With only two sections out, it puts the viewfinder just above my eye at 6ft 2in. I think they are worth the money if your are looking for this type of stix.

I added that last sentence because not everyone loves legs with rings that must be rotated to adjust the leg height. If you've been working with a traditional video tripod with some sort of lever to adjust the legs, the rings can be annoying; it's definitely more involved than opening a lever extending the leg and closing the lever. I'd suggest you try it out before purchasing.

So, I think CF is worth it in terms of build quality and durability. A bit lighter at an expense. I have aluminum legs under my EX-1 because the weight difference between CF was about 14 ounces for about $300. I used the money to buy a case instead. If I buy a second set of legs, it will likely be CF.
 
if you need to do micro head height adjustments the Miller legs can apparently be difficult and a pain to deal with. Carbon fiber though is really a good direction to go. It has less torque than aluminum (being stiffer) and is indeed a little lighter. I currently am looking at the Sachtler CF speed legs and the C75's from Panther, which a few people really like.
 
i use the Miller Solo VJ carbon fiber legs. the bowl is 100mm and my Vinten Vision 3 is 75mm so i bought a 100-75mm bowl adaptor from Manfrotto and it works great. i have a 503 HDV and bought the Manfrotto 75mm half bowl and i goes on there nicely as well.

my advice is to get a tripod that is 100mm and not 75mm and just get an adaptor. i bought a Kessler pocket dolly and the Hercules head that came with it was a 100mm head. luckily my Miller was 100mm and not 75mm. saved me from having to buy their tank of a tripod.

making quick adjustments with the Miller isnt as fast as my old Libec but still its such a versatile set of legs that are lightweight, extremely strong/rigid and fold down very compact. also this tripod since it doesnt use any spreader will go ridiculous tall and crazy low to the ground.

minimum height is just under 9"
max height is 8 ft 7"

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/327753-REG/Miller_1505_SOLO_VJ_Carbon_Fiber.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293495-REG/Miller_1501_SOLO_DV_Carbon_Fiber.html

Gitzo also makes some. ive never seen them so i cant say how they are but "Chadfish" here on dvxuser bought them over the Miller so you might look into it. my only hunch between the two brands are that the Miller looked to be quite a bit "thicker" in the leg diameter. i have no regrets about buying them. i doubt ill ever need to replace them for the duration of my life.

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
The Miller legs are great. I personally like having rings - it makes extending/retracting the legs a really quick one-hand process.
 
looking good!

unfortunately, my budget is around $300, which is why I was looking at the Manfrottos. Are these the best carbon fiber $300 legs I can buy, or is there a better brand? I would buy a Miller setup if I had $1,000+ to spend on a tripod.
 
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