Gitzo or Manfrotto?

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DM_rider

Veteran
Getting a new tripod soon. Decided on the Cartoni Focus head but I'm stumped on legs.

Debating between the Gitzo's
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=170834&is=REG

or the carbon manfrottos
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...n_Imaging_536_536_4_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

I do a lot of on the run shooting, but also do the occasional studio situation shoot. Anyone have any experience with carbon legs? I know I can't go wrong with the gitzo's, but the carbon intrigues me.
 
Carbon legs rock. I have two CF Gitzo legs, one set is ten years old. I'd steer towards the Gitzo's over the Manfrotto's. The locking mechanism on the Manfrotto's is a potential point of breakage. You'll spend more $ with Gitzo, but it's money well spent.

I'd also check out Miller tripods Solo line. They utilize a twist lock mechanism for the legs, which makes leg adjustment easier when the camera is on the sticks. I can't vouch for Miller's durability as I'm not that familiar with them, but Gitzo's CF are solid. The Gitzo you linked to is 9lbs- ouch. The weight savings that comes with CF is worth every penny, pence, peso IMO.

Are you using these sticks for a 170/200 and heavier cameras as well ?
 
I just ended up going with the 1505's. I've used them before and liked them, I actually don't mind the weight. I do a lot of shooting in less than ideal outdoor environments so the extra weight will actually be a benefit in my case.

I'll be using them with my HPX/Blade setup and a slider. I wanted a beefy set of legs and I can always buy some cf gitzo's later down the road. Besides, I'll bulk up carrying around the 1505's haha.
 
for my uses im a big fan of the manfrotto 3193 legs. i find the quick adustability and weight carrying capacity (easily carries my rigged-out kessler crane) more important than lighter weight...
 
CF legs are so cool you need mitten to protect yourself from frost bites. They also slow you down as you often will find yourself gazing at them lovingly.

Be warned!
 
CF legs are so cool you need mitten to protect yourself from frost bites. They also slow you down as you often will find yourself gazing at them lovingly.
Click to expand...

absolutely right as long as you dont ever expect to overload them...
 
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