Carbon vs Aluminam Tripod Question

[COSA]

What other advantages does carbon fiber has over aluminum besides the small weight savings? Just thinking that it's not worth $150 - 200 extra to save a couple ounces if all else is equal. Was looking at the Promaster 525's speciffically - Thanks.

 

[_Nick_]

One of the main advantages of carbon over aluminum is the damping ability that carbon provides. The first paragraph here provides a nice overview: http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/sirui-t-025x-travel-tripod-review/tripod-legs.html

I run the Sirui t-025x carbon, stripped down to bare bones (18.3oz), and love it. Don't have any experience with the Promaster, sorry.

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

Terrific review of the Sirui carbon tripod and very well written. This is the tripod that I use and it is much better than any tripod I have ever run before.

 

[russ_outdoors]

Nick,

I'm seriously considering the Sirui tripod. What mods have you made to get it down to 18.3 ounces?

 

[WestDan]

I also have that sirui and its been great. One of the internal stoppers for the leg extending out all the way busted but it still works fine. Really light.

 

[LaHunter]

COSA, I have the Promaster 525 carbon tripod and I think I paid about $200-$250 for it new. Look around and be patient you can find a deal. I have been happy with mine with the promaster pan head. Good Luck

 

[_Nick_]

I think I'll write up a brief post about the lightening at some point but in sum:

1) remove foam pads
2) use http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ERXXF6 to remove the smallest leg section and cap off the next largest section
3) remove the leg stop pins by tapping them out with a punch and the leg adjustment clips (these come off when you remove the pins that hold them on). Tighten the leg screws a smidge to make the legs a bit stiffer to adjust.
4) remove the middle extensible pole

That gets it down to 18 and allows for continuous leg extension rather than the more limited factory notched spread of the legs. I can now easily glass from pretty much any sitting or laying position. It's a damn great tripod, especially with the Outdoorsman panhead.

Hope that helps.

-Nick

 

[russ_outdoors]

Thanks Nick. 18 ounces for a tripod is amazing.

 

[_Nick_]

Thanks Nick. 18 ounces for a tripod is amazing.

It is. But note that the 18oz doesn't include the OD panhead (which is around 11oz itself).