New CF Tripod Choices - Help :)...

[Remorhaz]

I'm seriously considering getting some new carbon fibre sticks (and probably something like a RRS BH-40) to replace my venerable Manfrotto 190 Pro B (the very old model) + 488RC4 ball head (which would be consigned to my daughter).

My current 190 Pro B has in theory from google searching old records specs of 2kg (holds 5kg), 3 leg sections and a folded length of 56cm and a max height (centre column down) of 119cm and with the column up of 145cm. Basically I try to use it with the column down most of the time but I often find it too low so ideally I'd like something which is perhaps 15-20cm taller with the column down.

I'm leaning towards 4 section tripods so I can keep the folded length down to around the same or less than my current.

So here's the rub...

I know Gitzo are the bees knees but they are freaking expensive (even the current 2 day 50% discount price from QCSA basically just brings them to parity to getting it from Adorama or eBay incl delivery)

In Gitzo it looks like something like the Traveller GT2541 4leg/1.36kg/12kg 55.5cm 17/130/153cm would fit the bill however would be something like $700-750 delivered either from QCSA or Adorama or $630 delivered eBay from Korea

I was also looking at the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 4leg/1.7kg/8kg 54.5cm 11.5/135/170cm which is a bit heavier (but still much lighter than my current) and taller (centre column) but much cheaper - from $390 ebay to just over $400 from B&H/Adorama delivered to just over $500 walk into DDP say

Finally I could go radical and get a Gitzo knockoff like the Triopo GX-1228 4leg/1.4kg/12kg, 56cm 32/160cm for just over $200 delivered or Benro C2980T 4leg/1.67kg/12kg 54.5cm 39/135/162cm for $330 here in Syd

Has anyone had any experience with these Gitzo knockoffs like the Triopo (I have a Benro CX monopod which seems fine) with any sort of comparison to a real Gitzo (i.e. is it worth me spending 3 to 4 times for it).

So a plea for help from the Tripod gods

[radar]

Note: I am not a tripod God

I have had a Benro CF tripod for a number of years now. I recently got a Gitzo, larger version. I also have an large Induro aluminium tripod, which is manufactured by Benro but to Induro's specifications.

Build quality, can't beat Gitzo. Granted my Benro was version 1 and their new tripods are much better but from the newer Induro's I have seen, they still don't beat Gitzo. My Benro now needs replacing so later in the year, I will likely start looking to get a Gitzo to replace it with. If I would have purchased a Gitzo initially, I suspect that it would not need replacing so soon (4-5 years). As I said, take this with a grain of salt as my Benro was their first release.

If you can stretch to a Gitzo, they are worth it, imho.

cheers,

André

[Remorhaz]

I have had a Benro CF tripod for a number of years now. I recently got a Gitzo, larger version. I also have an large Induro aluminium tripod, which is manufactured by Benro but to Induro's specifications.

Build quality, can't beat Gitzo. Granted my Benro was version 1 and their new tripods are much better but from the newer Induro's I have seen, they still don't beat Gitzo. My Benro now needs replacing so later in the year, I will likely start looking to get a Gitzo to replace it with. If I would have purchased a Gitzo initially, I suspect that it would not need replacing so soon (4-5 years). As I said, take this with a grain of salt as my Benro was their first release.

If you can stretch to a Gitzo, they are worth it, imho.

Thanks for that - and thanks for that photovideo store link in the other thread - their "normal" special price on the GT2541 was cheaper ($660 incl delivery) than QCSA's 50% off price for the tripod alone

My Manfrotto is about 15+ years old so I guess it's had a good run and it was perfectly fine until Gerry and Suren got me drowning it in the ocean in the last 6 months

So you wouldn't recommend the Induro (CT214 say) I notice it's US$400 plus delivery everywhere.

No-one's seen/tried the Triopo then ($200)?

[biggerry]

their "normal" special price on the GT2541 was cheaper ($660 incl delivery) than QCSA's 50% off price for the tripod alone

good point, I was considering buying a new tripod given the right price - but am convinced i really don't need a new one.

My Manfrotto is about 15+ years old so I guess it's had a good run and it was perfectly fine until Gerry and Suren got me drowning it in the ocean in the last 6 months

[aim54x]

their "normal" special price on the GT2541 was cheaper ($660 incl delivery) than QCSA's 50% off price for the tripod alone

good point, I was considering buying a new tripod given the right price - but am convinced i really don't need a new one.

[/quote]

As am I.....I really am getting tired of not having my 055PRO B when I am out and about because it was too big and heavy for me to see it as worth carrying.

My Manfrotto is about 15+ years old so I guess it's had a good run and it was perfectly fine until Gerry and Suren got me drowning it in the ocean in the last 6 months

I wonder how Gerry's 190 is holding up

[Sylvia]

I am using RRS TVC-33 and a BH55. 2.7kg all up.
These guys make good stuff. solid and light. I can recommend them if your are considering. Their sticks are CF and support big gear with ease. They also do packages. They are not cheap but well worth the investment if you are after top shelf support.

[biggerry]

I wonder how Gerry's 190 is holding up

theres a bit of corrosion, but nothign a quick dismantle and clean won't fix Great tripod for the price imo.

[radar]

So you wouldn't recommend the Induro (CT214 say) I notice it's US$400 plus delivery everywhere.

It is a reasonable tripod, just not quite as good as Gitzo.

[aim54x]

I wonder how Gerry's 190 is holding up

theres a bit of corrosion, but nothign a quick dismantle and clean won't fix Great tripod for the price imo.

That is good to hear...have you done a dismantle on yours yet?

[Remorhaz]

As am I.....I really am getting tired of not having my 055PRO B when I am out and about because it was too big and heavy for me to see it as worth carrying.

I do tend to take my tripod with me when I can (which is reasonably often). However it's probably about the right length folded with head (it wouldn't want to be any longer I don't think). I would however prefer it be lighter and my main wish is for a much smoother better ballhead which is why I'm probably willing to skimp more on the legs to get a good ballhead.

My current 190ProB+488RC4 is 2.8Kg and 67.5cm folded

If I got the Gitzo GT2541 + RSS BH-40 it would be 1.84Kg and 63cm folded - so shorter and 1Kg lighter but 8cm taller (than my 190) when up (without centre column extended) and if I went the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 it would be 350g heavier and about 13cm taller up and the Induro CT214 150g heavier and about 11cm taller or even the Gitzo Systematic GT3541LS (no centre column) again 350g heavier but 24cm taller!! - decisions decisions...

[Murray Foote]

I have a Feisol CT3301 carbon fibre tripod (from Taiwan) which I have had for say 5 years. It works fine. I also have a Gitzo monopod and the Gitzo standard of construction may well be higher but I doubt there is much practical difference and I have no compulsion to upgrade.

The 4-section CT3401 would be $US284 plus $US39 if you want a centre column plus $US12 to $US15 if you want spikes (eg for ice) plus freight

[surenj]

I know the Gitzo have an ocean explorer for $1500 but wonder whether the lesser tripods including the Feisol would withstand regular salt water abuse?

[Murray Foote]

I think with any tripod you'd want to clean it off with fresh water after any exposure to salt water. Mine must have got a reasonable amount of salt spray I would think in Antarctica and still seems fine.

[Remorhaz]

Thanks Murray I had a look at the Feisol models and I suspect it's something like the

Feisol CT-3442 4leg/1.05kg/10kg 48cm 16/138/??cm or
Feisol CT-3441S 4leg/1.17kg/10kg 43cm 19/128/178cm

I'd go for.

I'm still keen on the Gitzo GT3541LS though since it would go to 146cm with no centre column at all (which is as tall as my current 190 goes with the column extended).

How do you find not having the anti leg rotation (having to do up the rotating leg thingys in order so the legs aren't spinning)? and about how far do you have to twist to undo and do up the legs - is it like a 1/4 or 1/2 turn or many turns?

and when I was talking about seascape damage I wasn't really talking about salt spray but rather something more akin to complete submersion - blame Suren I think

[aim54x]

and when I was talking about seascape damage I wasn't really talking about salt spray but rather something more akin to complete submersion - blame Suren I think

I think all our (yous, Suren's, Gerry's and mine) tripods have been subjected to that torture at some point, I almost do it every time I am out with your guys (although I am not present a lot). Maybe the Gitzo Ocean Traveller should be considered...although they do weigh in at 4kg!

[Murray Foote]

How do you find not having the anti leg rotation (having to do up the rotating leg thingys in order so the legs aren't spinning)? and about how far do you have to twist to undo and do up the legs - is it like a 1/4 or 1/2 turn or many turns?

It's about a quarter to a half turn. No doubt an anti-rotation system would be convenient but I don't find it a big deal not having one. You just have to do things in sequence and make sure the joint above is secure. At worst you get confused for 5 or 10 seconds, unlikely to make much difference.

I also have a mega tripod - a Manfrotto 085 that has special little levers below the head so you can hold it in place and the legs can drop out into position. It goes up to 2.17m and weighs 6.15kg, both not including the head. I got it new compliments of Ansett in 1987 when I was photographing lighthouses and my tripod came out in two pieces at the end of a plane trip. It was a large format tripod then, I don't make much use of it now. It's still a current model.

[surenj]

Would these various tripod choices allow one to change camera settings without making minute changes to camera position?

[Remorhaz]

Would these various tripod choices allow one to change camera settings without making minute changes to camera position?

Are you talking taking multiple exposures over a period of time with changed settings which you want to align/blend - or is it something else you're getting at? If the former I suspect one of those programable interval timer thingys might be the go (it's cabled or wireless so you wouldn't need to touch the camera anyway) - I just bought (wired) one for the huge sum of $20 so we can see what it's like after it arrives.

[Mr Darcy]

Would these various tripod choices allow one to change camera settings without making minute changes to camera position?

RRS brackets have an indexing mark, so you can get back to VERY close to the same spot with no trouble even if you take the camera off the tripod. YOu can pretty much get at all the controls anyway, so there should be no problems.

Minute changes are likely though. If you REALLY want to avoid movement, I would suggest tethering the camera and making the changes via the computer. This will avoid even an inadvertent bump moving the camera.

[surenj]

Thankx Rodney and Greg.

I a thinking about changing shutter, ISO, brackets etc and maybe aperture (and whatever I want really... ) without moving the camera position. I expect that we should be able to do that by now without touching the camera. Then again, I expected radio flash by now but apparently we have to wait a few more years.

My current tripod is iffy if I want to change anything as the clicking of the wheel may change the position of the camera. I guess I could hang something off the bottom to make it stick to the ground more.

The interval timer does not allow you to make changes to ISO etc.

There is an iphone mod that I am investigating.... Will report back.

[surenj]

Rodney, how about this one?

Gitzo 2228. Looks nice apart from height that you are seeking. Are you missing shots because you can't go so high?

[Mr Darcy]

I have just bought a column for my GT3541LS. It is plenty high enough (possibly not for Gerry though) without one & fine for landscapes, but when you are doing close work & need to make fine adjustments to the height, it is a right royal PITA. For landscapes though I tend to make just coarse adjustments to height. I usually change height by a leg length or not at all.

[surenj]

Greg, the 3 series looks to be too heavy if Rodney wants a lighter pod than his current one.

[Mr Darcy]

Greg, the 3 series looks to be too heavy if Rodney wants a lighter pod than his current one.

Umm No Suren.

My current 190 Pro B has in theory from google searching old records specs of 2kg (holds 5kg), 3 leg sections and a folded length of 56cm and a max height (centre column down) of 119cm and with the column up of 145cm. Basically I try to use it with the column down most of the time but I often find it too low so ideally I'd like something which is perhaps 15-20cm taller with the column down.

I'm leaning towards 4 section tripods so I can keep the folded length down to around the same or less than my current.

My GT3541LS(No column) is 1.7Kg, Max Height 146cm, Closed length 55cm, Capacity 18Kg
Specs are from the Gitzo Website, and do not include the head.

So it is lighter, taller in use, and shorter when folded than his current model.

But If I was buying now, I would also seriously consider the RRS TVC24L which has similar specs to the GT3541LS, but is taller (170cm) and better made. It was not available when I bought the Gitzo for my trip.

[petermmc]

Hi,

Have a look at Sirui. I purchased a Sirui CF tripod earlier this year and have no regrets. Its a solid and particularly well built (excellent finish) tripod and it was delivered with a really nice carry bag for around $450. These are made in China and they are not mere copies. Check them out. Their ball heads are also very good and use the Arca Swiss type mounts which are quite popular in professional circles. I have the N2204. They have an extensive range.

Regards

Peter Mc

[surenj]

Thanks Greg and Peter,

Ahhh! I am so confused with the Gitzo range. I wish there was a way to see them in ascending order in terms of weight. My personal concern is weight (needs to be around 1kg ) but I am sure Rodney is ok with a bit heftier...

[Mr Darcy]

My personal concern is weight

I have that problem too.
In which case, have you considered something like this:
It weighs in at less than 0.1Kg

Or a beanbag that you can fill with whatever is to hand where you want to use it.

[Remorhaz]

[quote="surenj"I am so confused with the Gitzo range. I wish there was a way to see them in ascending order in terms of weight. My personal concern is weight (needs to be around 1kg but I am sure Rodney is ok with a bit heftier...[/quote]

at around 1kg you're probably after the more traveller/hiking style models like:

Induro CT014 4leg/1kg/5kg 46cm 42/118/140cm
Gitzo Traveller GT1542T 4leg/1kg/7kg 42.5cm 22/116.5/149cm
Feisol CT-3442 4leg/1.05kg/10kg 48cm 16/138/??cm
Sirui T-2204X 4leg/1.1kg/15kg 41/49cm 14/123/148cm
Gitzo Mountaineer GT1541 4leg/1.12kg/8kg 54cm 17/138/159cm

NB: Some of the above might also weigh a little less using the short column (sometimes supplied sometimes option).

and yes I'm probably OK with something weighing around 1.5kg or so if it's tall enough.

[Remorhaz]

Have a look at Sirui. I purchased a Sirui CF tripod earlier this year and have no regrets. Its a solid and particularly well built (excellent finish) tripod and it was delivered with a really nice carry bag for around $450. These are made in China and they are not mere copies. Check them out. Their ball heads are also very good and use the Arca Swiss type mounts which are quite popular in professional circles. I have the N2204.

Thanks Peter - I looked through their range and it looks like the N2204 would suit me as well

Sirui N-2204 4leg/1.2kg/15kg 46/53cm 17/139/165cm

I'm assuming now that you've had it (and the K20x) for a few months you've had a chance to use it well and are still happy with it? Any chance you've had it in salt water?

The head looks to be an arca swiss (but screw type not lever) - can anyone comment whether they think it then likely if I could use say an RSS L plate with this head?

I'm quite tempted to grab the N-2204+K20x combo (about $420 delivered at the moment) to introduce me to an arca swiss style QR plate and to a ball head with friction capability (and get an RSS L Plate soon after) with the view to eventually upgrade to the RSS BH40 and I could move the K20x to my Manfrotto 190 and use the supplied plate with the D90 (for my daughter). It would however presumably let me move my D7000 with L plate between both heads/tripods.

[surenj]

Hey Rodney, do not skimp on the head.. Get RRS.... Brent Pearson swears by it and he is at sea quite often.

[surenj]

Hey Rodney,

After having looked at a few tripods, I reckon the legs don't matter too much because they will probably corrode even if you look after it. It's unlikely you will get 15 years from it. What do you think?

[Murray Foote]

After having looked at a few tripods, I reckon the legs don't matter too much because they will probably corrode even if you look after it. It's unlikely you will get 15 years from it. What do you think?

Do you mean if you store it in seawater? Otherwise, never having been in the sea, my Manfrotto 085B tripod is still working fine after 24 years. It's ideal for bushwalking because it's incredibly stable and (as I said before) only weighs 6.15kg (not including the head).

[Remorhaz]

After having looked at a few tripods, I reckon the legs don't matter too much because they will probably corrode even if you look after it. It's unlikely you will get 15 years from it. What do you think?

Do you mean if you store it in seawater? Otherwise, never having been in the sea, my Manfrotto 085B tripod is still working fine after 24 years. It's ideal for bushwalking because it's incredibly stable and (as I said before) only weighs 6.15kg (not including the head).

I think he means that my Manfrotto 190 stayed perfectly good (essentially as new) for about 15 years of use and then in the past 9 months (after having done a handfull of seascape shoots where the tripod gets underwater (at least the legs)) it's gone from pristine to corroded (all the snap lock bolts rusty but still working, one of the legs hard to slide, etc). Don't get me wrong it still "works" it's just definitely very used now.

I assume since the tripods I'm essentially looking at have twist CF legs there's much less metal (if any) in the lower 90% of the tripod and thus much less likely to corrode...

[surenj]

Thanks Murray for that insight.

Rodney, are the snap locks more likely to corrode? They seem more convenient though.

[Remorhaz]

Thanks Murray for that insight.
Rodney, are the snap locks more likely to corrode? They seem more convenient though.

I like my snap locks (except for the pinching of my fingers) and they are fast to use - but I havn't used the twist locks enough to properly compare. It is the bolts that hold my snap locks together that have corroded badly and I expect twist locks don't have any metal parts so I expect for seascape work that will make a difference.

[surenj]

Yeah, same here. I think I would prefer a snap on system but you can't have everything.. Also would be nice if one could hold the tripod at preferred height and press one button so that the legs fall out and release button to lock legs at the respective lengths...

Also check this one out
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370511296242&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Let me know if you are getting a Gitzo and which one because I am also quite interested.

[aim54x]

Yeah, same here. I think I would prefer a snap on system but you can't have everything.. Also would be nice if one could hold the tripod at preferred height and press one button so that the legs fall out and release button to lock legs at the respective lengths...

Actually there is something that almost fits that description....one that you just pull out to the required length...and when you want to retract you push the button and invert....Manfrotto 458 Neotec...horrible things!

[aim54x]

I should have mentioned...it is the reverse of what you want really!

[Murray Foote]

Yeah, same here. I think I would prefer a snap on system but you can't have everything.. Also would be nice if one could hold the tripod at preferred height and press one button so that the legs fall out and release button to lock legs at the respective lengths...

My Manfrotto 058B does that, actually (and you may have got the thought from the link I posted above). You push in three levers under the top of the tripod (there are two sets of three to choose from) and the legs fall out into the required position. Then you just release the levers to lock the legs into position. I've never noticed another tripod that does that, though they may exist.

[aim54x]

Yeah, same here. I think I would prefer a snap on system but you can't have everything.. Also would be nice if one could hold the tripod at preferred height and press one button so that the legs fall out and release button to lock legs at the respective lengths...

My Manfrotto 058B does that, actually (and you may have got the thought from the link I posted above). You push in three levers under the top of the tripod (there are two sets of three to choose from) and the legs fall out into the required position. Then you just release the levers to lock the legs into position. I've never noticed another tripod that does that, though they may exist.

I wonder why it is not a more common feature in the Manfrotto line up

[surenj]

Murray, I didn't realise that design existed. Your r058 sounded a little too heavy for practical use outdoors... I wonder why they didn't bring this brilliant design into their other pods??

Cameron, why do you say those are horrible?

Rodney, Also check out the Induro.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Induro-CT113-Carbon-8X-Tripod-CT-113-CT-113-3-sections-/180536835232?pt=AU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories&hash=item2a08d57ca0

Also, the price differential is about X2. If you assume7 years for the Induro vs 15 years for the Gitzo, that's 'probably' worth it. However, by that time there would be a new material that would be better. One could argue that if stability is the same, it's wiser to get new stuff every 7 years or so and still have the 'latest' so to speak... Food for thought.

[petermmc]

Remorhaz check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOevriaMTxQ

Peter Mc

[aim54x]

Cameron, why do you say those are horrible?

The 458 Neotec is horrible, as they age the legs just extend by themselves, they are heavy and are not worth the money!

[Murray Foote]

Yeah, same here. I think I would prefer a snap on system but you can't have everything.. Also would be nice if one could hold the tripod at preferred height and press one button so that the legs fall out and release button to lock legs at the respective lengths...

My Manfrotto 058B does that, actually (and you may have got the thought from the link I posted above). You push in three levers under the top of the tripod (there are two sets of three to choose from) and the legs fall out into the required position. Then you just release the levers to lock the legs into position. I've never noticed another tripod that does that, though they may exist.

I wonder why it is not a more common feature in the Manfrotto line up

This of course is a very large, heavy tripod. It may be that the mechanics for such a feature are not compatible with lightweight tripods.

[surenj]

The 458 Neotec is horrible, as they age the legs just extend by themselves, they are heavy and are not worth the money!

Sounds like a poltergeist infestation!

Also, Peter, maybe we can hear your thoughts on the Sirui and corrosion (if you had any experience).

[Remorhaz]

check this one out
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370511296242&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Let me know if you are getting a Gitzo and which one because I am also quite interested.

I bought my Benro CF monopod from their (physical) store and reasonably happy with that.

I think if I was considering the Benro it might be the Benro C2980T ($345) 4leg/1.67kg/12kg 54.5cm 39/135/162cm which is about tall enough for what I'd like but it's way heavier than the options below.

I think I'm with you on the Gitzo - I could get something like the Gitzo Mountaineer GT2541 4leg/1.36kg/12kg 55.5cm (folded) 17cm (lowest) 130cm (max height no centre column) & 153cm (column extended) for $660 delivered:
http://www.photovideo.com.au/gitzo-gt25 ... 5cdf1b78d8

I briefly flirted with the idea of the Systematic GT3541LS but it's heavy in comparison and even more expensive (and lots more if you buy an optional centre column).

I'm sure they would be great tripods but I don't take that much care of them (like you) so I'm sure I'd kill it so I'm thinking maybe invest in a good head (RSS BH-40) and L Plate and get decent legs that last me a handful of years.

Rodney, Also check out the Induro.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Induro-CT113-Carbon-8X-Tripod-CT-113-CT-113-3-sections-/180536835232?pt=AU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories&hash=item2a08d57ca0

I've also heard good things on the Induro but I think if I got one it would be the:

Induro CT214 4leg/1.5kg/12kg 53cm 15/133.5/155.5cm

It's a little heavier than the Gitzo but slightly more compact and a little taller - can get it for US$485 delivered from B&H or Adorama and a few bucks less on eBay and DigitalRev

But I think I'm with Gerry with the Sirui - I'd go for the:

Sirui N-2204 4leg/1.2kg/15kg 46/53cm 17/139/165cm
http://dzone2.com/web/products.php?T070

Lighter than both the Gitzo or Induro, more compact folded (especially if the head fits under the reversing of the legs) and taller again (both with and without the column extended) - and it's 20cm! taller than my current Manfrotto 190 without the column extended (praise be!!!). Plus it comes with the short column as well (which I'd possibly just leave on) and retractable spikes (which are extra's on the others) - as Gerry says it also has the monopod conversion (but I already have one so I don't care too much about that myself).

You can get it tripod only for US$367 plus delivery (probably $50+) from Lensca but I reckon I'd just pay the $429 to dzone2 and get the kit with the K20x ballhead (arca swiss + friction adjustable + panning) and then move this essentially free ballhead to my Manfrotto sticks when I get around to upgrading to the RSS BH-40.

I think I've discounted the Feisol CT-3442 - it is lighter and about the same price but I just don't fancy not having anti rotation legs.

I guess the only other consideration is to go super cheap and go the:

Triopo GX-1228 4leg/1.4kg/12kg, 56cm 32/160cm

Which you can get from LinkDelight for US$170 + $38delivery - only problem is I can't find anywhere which tells me how high the tripod goes without the centre column extended (and some places say it's max height is 160 and others 165 - presumably with column up) - it's a bit heavier and not as compact and doesn't go as low down though but it is uber cheap.

http://www.linkdelight.com/K9D-Triopo-C ... r-Leg.html

Should I just pull the trigger on the Sirui and you guys can check both the sticks and head out on our next outing.

[Remorhaz]

Oh and there's sort of another reason I don't want to spend $700 on the Gitzo - I got my quote to repair my SB-600 ( ) and decided instead to grab an SB-900 from DWI so I'm $500 poorer now

[aim54x]

Just to throw a curve ball in late in the game....
http://www.giottos-tripods.co.uk/index.php?page=productpage&cat=4b8b81bae5942&product=4b83be9116e5c

I am not sure how much, but they have a similar load bearing range to the MF 190 series legs. But by the description they are very similar to the Sirui other than the 4kg vs 15kg load.

That Sirui does look very interesting. Bah I cant afford to get a new tripod...I will have to grin and bear my MF 055PROB for now.

I would be very interested in having a peek at whatever you get.

[biggerry]

Should I just pull the trigger on the Sirui and you guys can check both the sticks and head out on our next outing.

lol, i love a guinea pig

anyone else in sydney have one of these sirui setups?

[aim54x]

lol, i love a guinea pig

I wasn't going to point that out......but, yes it is always good to check something out before you splash your cash on one.