tripod - best choice

[dabhand16]

Hi,
I'd ask one more thing to those using carbon fiber tripods.
This is my first CF tripod, it seems very sturdy but I'm sure I have to care it more, it won't bear hits and mechanical strain as an aluminium one.
Do you use any padding or leg warmer to protect it?

I bought legs padding for my Manfrotto 055 from Manfrotto. My aged and loved Velbon now many years old has foam on all legs. They are still in good shape with only a few nicks in them,but they are not showing their age otherwise. Many CF ones only seem to have this on one leg now or none at all.

 

[Ovi]

Ok.
I think I have two handy options.
1. Camo ribbon.
2. tennis racket grip.
One of those should suffice.
For easy grab I don't want to be very soft or to twist.

 

[78Staff]

I went with the FLM model mentioned a few posts back (actually the CP34, which is the middle model/3 series equivalent essentially). Based on Center Column testing, it compares favorably to the pricier RRS/Gitzo models, and available from B&H. It's not a cheaper offshore unknown, and has worked well for me. My largest/heaviest lens I've used on it would be the 200-500 (which I no longer have, now using the 500PF) with gripped D500 or D850. I've been very happy with it. If I ever step up to real big glass, I will look at the 5 series or the CP38, but for the CP34 has worked great for my needs.

 

[EricBowles]

Hi,
I'd ask one more thing to those using carbon fiber tripods.
This is my first CF tripod, it seems very sturdy but I'm sure I have to care it more, it won't bear hits and mechanical strain as an aluminium one.
Do you use any padding or leg warmer to protect it?

There is really no difference in care associated with CF. It's quite durable. The fragile part is the metal joints and the metal hub - and that depends on your choice of tripod.

I have leg wraps on one tripod. It makes it a lot more comfortable to carry the tripod leaning on your shoulder. But it's protecting my shoulder - not the tripod.