help in choosing a tripod

[makario]

Hi,

I am still in the market for a good tripod and I "think" I have narrowed it down to 2 options taking into account the following
Requirements

1) Should be light
2) Used for Landscape photography and "maybe" macro in the future
3) Minimum load weight of 7kgs to a max of 10kgs, my heaviest lens is 1.6kgs, plus a 350D camera
4) Total cost of AUD 500-600
5) want a pano head for horizontal panning

Option 1) Benro C298n6 and KS1
pros
- 1 vendor and hence shouldnt be compatability issues
- has the center column that can move at different angles for macro (if and when I get into it)
- comes with metal spikes

Cons
- heavier (relative to options 2)
- folds a little longer

Option 2) Feisol CT 3441s +(KS1 or Feisol CB-50D )
Pros
- lighter
- folds shorter

Cons
- a little more expensive
- no free movement of center column
- potential incompatibility with benro KS1 ( how do I check this out?)
- need to buy metal spike seperately

As you can see I am having a tough time deciding. I am concerned that since the feisol is lighter will it be less stable? I have also read of the KS-1 sagging with weight, realisticaly what weight are we talking about?

Any insights?

Cheers
Mak PS Thanks robert for the info you provided.

[makario]

Anyone?

[antman]

Hi Mak,

This may not be of much use to you but I got the Feisol CT 3441s with Markins Q3 ballhead (with RRS L plate). I haven't had any serious stability issues with this set up and it is also possible to weigh the whole set-up down by hanging some thing heavy off the hook under the centre column. I would imagine the the benro KS1 would fit the Feisol as the threads are fairly standard. I primarily do landscapes so didn't really have a need for a rotating centre column.

My primary criteria for my tripod was for something light (when your hiking for hours every gram counts) and compact (so easier to pack when travelling overseas), and I think the Feisol fits the bill well. I was happy to pay a bit extra as your tripod must be seen in the context of a longer term investment but I guess we must all have budgets to stay within.

Have a read of this article by Thom Hogan if you haven't done so already - http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

I am not too familiar with the Benros but perhaps some of our other members might be able to help you out with those. Try searching Dpreview forums for some other opinions as well. I know I spent hours researching before purchasing my setup.

Good luck.

[makario]

Ok, just to update this thread, after loads of thinking and deciding, i finally went out and bought the Benro 4 section tripod with KB2 head.

Reason for my choice, more economical than the other options out there in the market and would suffice for my needs at the moment and into the foreseable future.

Initial thoughts, it a bit heavier than my $20 cheapie, which i still intend to keep. But as I read somewhere you cannot get a sturdy, light and cheap tripod.

Cheers
Mak

[gstark]

sturdy, light and cheap tripod.

Choose any two.

[makario]

very true Gary!