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In my mad rush to capture the sun breaking through the storm yesterday my trusty Manfrotto bogen tripod snaged a side of a wall and as a result one of the legs just snapped off



Is this an issue with quality control as the leg is made out of some annodized aluminium compsoite or am i just too rough with things?

I feel like i just broke one of my legs my tripod is essential carry around fashion for me.

I think it's time for me to buy a gitzo
anybody got an opinion on this: G2228 Carbon fiber


I like the way the centre column can be changed for more versatility

Anything will break if you hit it hard enough. Did it break all the way through or did you do that afterwards?

I'm a total novice when it comes to tripods, but I've noticed the more "professional" ones have a hook on the bottom of the centre column. Just wondering if this is to hang like a weight (sandbag?) on to keep the tripod more stable ?

Wendell, you must be rough

I would suggest that centre column have an inherent instability, though that model is useful for macro. I would see you as a 1325 man, big enough for the D2X, plus any new purchases, with three legs all the way to the ballhead.

That is exactly what it is for, you can hang your camera bag there or anything else for that matter.

Guys the tripod leg just snapped off probably after months of abuse

Glen you have the big 1325 right?

I preferthe movable centre column because that way i can invert the column attach the camera upside down low to the ground, in order to get those cool dramatic ant view perspectives.

But i am still thinking stability or versatility? hmmmmm.

Anyone know how fast birdy can get a tripod form his sources aregitzo tripods in stock right now?

Carbon fibre is the way to go, it's as strong as steel but much lighter. Unfortunately when aluminium is anodized it becomes brittle, as you found out.

Bob.

I have the 1348 which is the 4 leg version as it is 100mm shorter packed up

Glen wrote:I have the 1348 which is the 4 leg version as it is 100mm shorter packed up

so that should be called a Quadpod

Never heard of a 4 legged tripod, it must be a terrible dancer

wendellt wrote:
Never heard of a 4 legged tripod, it must be a terrible dancer

All left feet, and no rhythm.

I have the Gitzo 1228 and couldn't be happier with it so far. Very light to the point I haven't even once used my monpod anymore.

The centre column is something to consider and is easier if it tilts for such shots as closeups of flowers but I would be concerned with overall stability, just imagine tilting and the tripod falling with your expensive lens and camera!! Not just being stable but vibration when the column is extended, takes very little to show in your 16x24 prints!

It's ok for a lightweight setup and if that is what you need to use for most of the time.

Also consider if you want 4 section legs or 3 section. Maindiffernce is final packup size. A 4 section will compact overall smaller. A 3 section is quicker to setup. All personal preference.

Consider the Gitzo 1348, great tripod, very stable but again depends how you want to use it the most.

Lastly, come to a mini meet and have a look at the tripods, Birdie has some great setups and you can see the stability and judge for yourself.

Alpha_7 wrote:I'm a total novice when it comes to tripods, but I've noticed the more "professional" ones have a hook on the bottom of the centre column. Just wondering if this is to hang like a weight (sandbag?) on to keep the tripod more stable ?

The hook for hanging a cooking pot at the campfire as many campers knew it, I said it few times not long ago and keep the tripod steady also..

Wendellt
That how and what the Manfrotto is designed for buy another Manfrotto and replace the broken leg, keep the rest for spares.

Depend on what's your height, the 1348 with you perhaps you need to carry a ladder.

Now Birdie, That's not nice, broke one can be used as a walking stick, the other two as standard support for Canon IS lenses.

Wendell go the G1325. It's big, it's sturdy and can be used as a club if some guy tries to come and muscle you for the camera gear.

If you take a look at the Gitzo website you'll notice that you can more parts to a G1325 if you chose. In the end you could turn the G1325 into a similar sort of setup.

Birddog114 wrote:

Alpha_7 wrote:I'm a total novice when it comes to tripods, but I've noticed the more "professional" ones have a hook on the bottom of the centre column. Just wondering if this is to hang like a weight (sandbag?) on to keep the tripod more stable ?

The hook for hanging a cooking pot at the campfire as many campers knew it, I said it few times not long ago and keep the tripod steady also..

Wendellt
That how and what the Manfrotto is designed for buy another Manfrotto and replace the broken leg, keep the rest for spares.

Depend on what's your height, the 1348 with you perhaps you need to carry a ladder.

Birddog
Manfrotto was too heavy and robust I now have a permanent tilt on my shoulder from the manfrotto bogus bogen tripod
I am jumping ship and going gitzo or benro will discuss at minimeet I need light versatile and easy

Wendell, as suggested by Kipper, I would second the thought you need a 13 series or equivalent. Bugger all difference in weight.

This is obviously a good excuse to get a new tripod, but you should know that the old tripod is easily repaired. It looks like just the joint has fractured: the tubes look OK. If you can tell us the tripod model and which joint broke (the top one, right?) I can find out the part number for you.
Then you ring up the distributor (Adeal in Melbourne) and they'll tell you what that part will cost including shipping to you. They can help you track down the part number as well, but I think I've got all the files here anyway.
To replace it all you should need is an 8mm spanner. I think you have to take off the rubber foot and the lower joint as well to get the new one on, but it's a straightforward affair.

Repairing the old tripod can at least get you some money on the 2nd-hand market, although it might make it harder to justify getting a new tripod.
Mind you, it looks like it took a fair knock. Will a CF tripod handle this sort of abuse any better?

DaveB

An excellent suggestion, but I hated the weight, I was just waiting for an excuse to buy a lighter better tripod

MANFROTTO 055A/BOGEN 3011N


Kipper

I will investiagte the G1325, I like the idea of scalable tripods buy the legs and then add add add lots of these $$$

big is good for scaring potential assailants away but i prefer something mid range size to travel around with, everyone has given me alot to consider, I need to think this through.

Wendell,

I have the G2227 and would be happy to bring to a mini meet if you wanted a test run. G2227 has 3 sections as opposed to G2228,s 4

Ray

On the bright side, break another leg, instant monpod

Have you looked at the Benro thread on this site?

If you have a look at this PDF file you will see that the part you need is "R055.322".
Adeal's Service Department's phone number is 03 8369 4411 and they should be able to give you a price and stock level over the phone.

Happy shopping for a new 'pod!

i was hopeing someone would sugest fixing it because the tripod is actually fine and if you get a new one i'll have it