Joshua Cadmium
Well-known member
Hello! I've recently put together a small GH2 outfit and now I need a tripod. I've budgeted myself about $200-300 for it. I need something that will go at least 6ft, as I will be filming concerts and events and need something that will go over heads. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a version of the Weifeng tripod, because of the amount budgeted, however I'm very open to suggestions. Right now, though, it is between two options: the EI717X (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360305764080) which I'm leaning towards because it is a ball head and about $100 cheaper, and the WFC554TS + the same fluid head that comes with the EI717X (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130407018568) which I like because it is carbon fiber, so its total weight will be 3.6lbs less and at 77" is 3 inches taller than the 717X - however, it is listed as a photo tripod, so I'm not sure if I'll be missing something that the 717X offers. What do you guys think?
Also, on a related note: what is your opinion on this manufacturer? I try to research companies I purchase from but I couldn't find much on Weifeng, even though it seems quite a few people purchase their gear. I don't have a problem buying Chinese made goods in general, my main concerns though are labor practices and environmental sustainability (I try hard not to purchase from companies in the US that I feel have poor labor standards, but that transparency is hard to find on a Chinese company. Obviously, labor is cheaper in China, but I feel that if the workers are treated at a decent standard and the relevent laws are followed, then it's probably okay.) Weifeng's company website makes them seem like the biggest manufacturer of tripods in the world and they have some ISO certifications, but I have no idea if any of that suggests that they treat their employees and the environment well.
Thanks for any and all help!
Also, on a related note: what is your opinion on this manufacturer? I try to research companies I purchase from but I couldn't find much on Weifeng, even though it seems quite a few people purchase their gear. I don't have a problem buying Chinese made goods in general, my main concerns though are labor practices and environmental sustainability (I try hard not to purchase from companies in the US that I feel have poor labor standards, but that transparency is hard to find on a Chinese company. Obviously, labor is cheaper in China, but I feel that if the workers are treated at a decent standard and the relevent laws are followed, then it's probably okay.) Weifeng's company website makes them seem like the biggest manufacturer of tripods in the world and they have some ISO certifications, but I have no idea if any of that suggests that they treat their employees and the environment well.
Thanks for any and all help!