RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Carbon’

Sirui launches AM-2 Travel carbon fiber tripod series with five models and a ball head

28 Feb

Chinese camera accessory manufacturer SIRUI has announced its new carbon fiber AM-2 Travel Tripod series featuring a total of five tripod models. The company describes its new lineup as lightweight, with the largest and heaviest model weighing in at 1.22kg (2.69lbs). The tripods are suitable for uses that range from macro to travel photography, according to the company.

The SIRUI AM-2 Travel Tripod series features the following models:

  • AM-223 ($ 129.90): 350mm (13.78in) max height, 15kg (33lbs) max load
  • AM-225 ($ 199.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 6kg (13.23lbs) max load
  • AM-254 ($ 199.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 12kg (26.46lbs) max load
  • AM-284 ($ 249.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 15kg (33.07lbs) max load
  • SL-200 ($ 29.90): 320mm (12.60in) max height, 15kg (33.07lbs) max load

The tripods are resistant to corrosion and have a high level of stability, according to SIRUI. Features vary based on the model, but include anti-slip leg locks, leg angle adjustment buttons, 1/4″-20 accessory port, interchangeable feet for use with metal spikes, included adjustment tools and tripod bag, as well as, in some cases, an included ball head. The AM-2 series can be used with the optional low gravity A-10R ball head priced at $ 99.90.

The new models are listed on the SIRUI USA website at this time but don’t appear to have yet been added to other online stores like Adorama and B&H Photo.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Sirui launches AM-2 Travel carbon fiber tripod series with five models and a ball head

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Rokinon announces 16mm T2.6 and 35mm T1.5, two new carbon fiber cine lenses

18 Feb
Rokinon XEEN CF 16mm T2.6

Rokinon has announced a pair of wide-angle primes that add to Rokinon’s growing lineup of XEEN CF Professional Cine Lenses for Canon EF, PL and Sony E mount camera systems. The 16mm T2.6 and 35mm T1.5 round out Rokinon’s Xeen CF lineup alongside the previously-announced 24mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5 and 85mm T1.5 lenses.

As with the other three primes in the lineup, the ‘CF’ denotes the carbon fiber used in the construction of the lenses’ barrels for these lenses. The use of carbon fiber reduces the weight of the lenses compared to metal housing, with the 16mm and 35mm primes weighing .9kg (2lbs) and 1.1kg (2.4lbs), respectively.

Rokinon XEEN CF 35mm T1.5

Both lenses feature an eleven-blade aperture, a 95mm front filter thread, a 200-degree focus throw and dual-side focus scales made of luminescent material for easier viewing in low-light conditions. They also use Rokinon’s X-Coatings for improved control of internal reflections.

No pricing or availability information has been shared at this time, but all of the other XEEN CF lenses in Rokinon’s lineup retail for $ 2,495, so it’s not unreasonable to assume these will cost the same. DPReview has contacted Rokinon for more details and will update the article accordingly if we receive a response.


Update (February 17th, 2020): Updated to clarify the 16mm is a T2.6 lens, not a T1.5 lens, as suggested by the original headline.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Rokinon announces 16mm T2.6 and 35mm T1.5, two new carbon fiber cine lenses

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

20 Jan

The post Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

kf-concept-carbon-tripods

Recently, I was given 2 new K&F Concept Carbon tripods to test out.

Founded in 2011, K&F Concept is not a new player in the photographic industry, but they have wasted no time forging a name for themselves into a very niche market. Like most things coming out of China, their products are well designed, innovative and offer great value, so I was excited to get my hands on these tripods.

 

The TC2834L Explorer Series carbon tripod

First up is the K&F Concept TC2834L Explorer Series carbon tripod with a CL40 ball head.

At a glance:

  • Material: Carbon Fiber
  • Net Weight: 1440g
  • Max Height: 1500mm
  • Height without Central Axis: 1235mm
  • Min Height: 430mm
  • Max load: 15kg
  • Price: $ 299.99 (at the time of writing)

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

First thoughts

The tripod comes in a really nice carry bag with all the necessary Allen keys to maintain it. There are also a set of three screw spikes in the accessory bag that I wasn’t expecting.

My first thoughts were correct, and these were to replace the rubber grips on each leg for those times when you need a little more traction. Simply screw off the rubber pads and screw in the spikes. It’s super easy and a very nice addition that you won’t get with many other tripods.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Locking system

K&F Concept has used twist-leg locks to reduce weight and folded size rather than the more traditional lever lock. Aside from the weight and size, the other advantage of the twist legs is their slick design. I have always found that levers tend to snag on the straps of my camera bag when trying to remove the tripod. Whilst, not a huge inconvenience, it generally results in me having a little wrestle with my camera bag.

With the twist-lock, you eliminate this issue.

The primary leg join is a very unique and innovative design that allows the photographer to get the camera as close to the ground as possible. You simply pull the red leaver out and tilt the legs up to one of the other two notches before pushing it back in to securely lock the legs in place.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Tripod size

The tripod is made up of four carbon fiber sections to keep the weight to a minimum and keep it to a compact height.

One of the most notable aspects of the TC2834L is the lack of center column attached to the tripod. Instead, this comes as a separate section that needs to be screwed onto the tripod when needed. Whilst this achieves its goal of a more compact size tripod, it does mean an extra piece to carry as the column doesn’t attach to the tripod (something that would have been nice to be able to do).

However, I haven’t found this to be a huge problem as the standard height of the tripod is 1235mm, which is more than an adequate hight. Plus, generally having a center column raised on a tripod, is not a great idea as it can mean camera shake through any sort of movement.

I never use this, so actually not having the center column means less weight to carry.

After feeling how light the tripod is, I was a little concerned that it may struggle to support a camera and a 70-200mm lens in anything less than perfect conditions.

Thankfully, I was proved wrong. It proved to be very steady and held up as well as any other travel tripod I have used even in blustery conditions.

The tripod is made up of four carbon fiber sections to keep the weight to a minimum and keep it to a compact height.

One of the most notable aspects of the TC2834L is the lack of center column attached to the tripod. Instead, this comes as a separate section that needs to be screwed onto the tripod when needed. Whilst this achieves its goal of a more compact size tripod, it does mean an extra piece to carry as the column doesn’t attach to the tripod (something that would have been nice to be able to do).

However, I haven’t found this to be a huge problem as the standard height of the tripod is 1235mm, which is more than an adequate hight. Plus, generally having a center column raised on a tripod, is not a great idea as it can mean camera shake through any sort of movement.

I never use this, so actually not having the center column means less weight to carry.

After feeling how light the tripod is, I was a little concerned that it may struggle to support a camera and a 70-200mm lens in anything less than perfect conditions.

Thankfully, I was proved wrong. It proved to be very steady and held up as well as any other travel tripod I have used even in blustery conditions.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Ball head

Sold separately to the tripod, the KF-LC40 ball head may just be the best ball head I have ever used! Beautifully designed for ease of use, the ball head has a slick feel.

It uses the Arca Swiss locking system, which is great as this has now become the universally preferred locking method. This means all your old accessories and L-brackets will work seamlessly with this ball head.

The cleverly designed locking lever is placed a little behind the nodal point, making it much easier to adjust when a camera is attached. It does make the ball head a little bigger, but it’s not an issue, and it allows extra space for more substantial support in the ball head.

However, it’s important to remember that the ball head is sold separately.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Verdict

This is a fantastic sturdy, lightweight, pro-level compact tripod that is a joy to use and even easier to carry.

With a price of just $ 299.99 (remember, ball head sold separately) and 30 days, no-questions-asked return policy, there isn’t much to not love about this tripod.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Lightweight Travel Tripod

Next up is the TC2634 (Blue) carbon fiber lightweight travel tripod;

At a glance:

  • Material: Carbon Fiber
  • Net Weight: 3.7 pounds
  • Max Height: 1500mm
  • Min Height: 430mm
  • Max load: 15kg
  • Price: $ 182.28

First thoughts

Like its bigger brother, this tripod also comes in a nice bag with all the same accessories. However, no spikes this time.

It’s amazingly lightweight and compact but still incredibly sturdy. This all makes this tripod perfect for a travel photographer.

You could easily carry this tripod around with you all day without any problem. This is a huge benefit for someone like me who leaves the hotel very early in the morning and ends up having to carry their tripod all day.

This tripod also has a great little trick up its sleeve. One of the legs detaches to become a stand-alone monopod. Just unscrew the ball head and attach the newly removed leg, and you are ready to shoot.

Monopods are great for busy cities and festivals, so it’s nice to have one as easily accessible as this is.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Locking system

Like the TC2834L, the TC2634 uses a twist leg lock, which is great for all the reasons mentioned above. But what this tripod does differently is its 180-degree locking system that makes the tripod even smaller when packed away. It is a little fiddly to get the ball head in the correct spot to make sure all the legs lock closed to be as compact as possible, but you get used to the method after a few uses. This makes the folded up tripod just 430 mm in height!

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Tripod size

Given the compact size of this tripod, you could be mistaken for thinking it is going to be pretty small and not sturdy. This is certainly not the case. Whilst it is not as sturdy as the larger TC2834L, it held up fantastically well in all conditions except a fairly fast flowing river where there was some noticeable shake.

However, I expected that, as this tripod is not designed for that purpose. You can’t have super compact and lightweight without some sacrifices. To help avoid any shake issues, the center column has a hook that can be weighted down to add extra stability.

With the 180-degree leg locking system, it means you can get your camera as low to the floor as you wish. The camera will be upside down, but that’s nothing a rotate tool won’t fix in post-production.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Ball head

This is a very sturdy and well-designed Arca Swiss 360-degree ball head. It’s a little smaller than I would normally like, but this doesn’t affect performance in any way. Unlike the previous tripod, the ball head is included with this tripod, making this an even more attractive option.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Verdict

This tripod is quite a lot smaller than what I normally work with, so I was a little skeptical beforehand. But it turned out to be great, and I really enjoy using it. So much so that I will be adding it to my own photography kit.

It’s a great option for a city break and offers more than enough support for the DSLR or mirrorless systems.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Overall

I have had my existing tripod for almost 15 years, and I never thought that I would replace it with anything other than just a newer model when it was time.

But having tested these tripods, I must confess that I am now using them instead of my existing tripod.

Note: The author was given these tripods and ball heads free of charge to test and was offered no incentives. This review is an unbiased opinion of his experience in using the products provided.

The post Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Posted in Photography

 

Slik launches new carbon fiber tripod legs and two ball-heads

22 Jun

Tripod maker Slik has launched a new range of carbon fiber tripod legs and two new ball-heads. All models in the PRO CF series come with 8-layer carbon fiber legs, which are bonded and sealed in a high-pressure furnace for low weight, toughness and rigidness. Slik says the heavy construction makes them ideal for pro photographers who work with big DSLRs and long tele lenses as well as large and medium format cameras.

Customers can choose from four or five-section telescopic legs and three leg diameters. At the lightweight and compact end of the spectrum the PRO CF-635 tripod legs measure only 37cm when folded but can extend to 159cm and hold a 3kg load.

The PRO CF-834 offers the longest legs in the range and measures 48cm in its folded state. At 165cm the maximum extended height is not that significantly more than the CF-635 but the 7kg maximum load is more than double.

Two new ball-heads (PBH-535AS and PBH 635AS) are designed to work with the new PRO CF tripod legs and come with the new ‘Cam-Lock’ quick-release system which is compatible to Arca-Swiss and lets you attach or detach a camera from the head without having to slide the plate it in or out of the groove.

The heads feature three separate knobs for locking, panning and friction control and can hold large cameras and lenses weighing up to 5kg and 6kg respectively.

UK pricing for the new tripods ranges from £220 ($ 280) to £300 ($ 380). The heads are £85 ($ 108) to £90 ($ 114) respectively. More information is available on the Slik website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Slik launches new carbon fiber tripod legs and two ball-heads

Posted in Uncategorized

 

K&F Concept TC2335 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

29 May

The post K&F Concept TC2335 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Adam Welch.

I’ve worked with a quite a few products from the folks over at K&F Concept in the last couple of years. Quality has ranged from great to average to the not so spectacular. When I was asked to have a look at their TC-2335 carbon fiber travel tripod, my expectations were at most cautiously optimistic. That being said, I’m happy to report that this little carbon fiber tripod from K&F Concept offers a lot in terms of performance. So, lets talk about K&F Concept TC-2335 carbon fiber tripod; what I liked, what I didn’t like and what you need to know if you happen to be in the market for a lightweight travel tripod.

First appearances

When the box first arrived my immediate reaction was “this is tiny…really tiny.” Not only that, but the entire package was alarmingly lightweight. After opening up the box I realized the logical reason for this: the TC-2335 is really tiny and incredibly lightweight. In fact, it is the most feather-like, compact tripod I have ever evaluated. The tripod itself is housed in its own padded carrying bag.

After removing the TC-2335 from its carrier, I was met with a surprisingly attractive carbon fiber tripod.

In terms of aesthetics, the TC-2335 proves to be one of the better-looking tripods I’ve entertained from K&F Concept. The carbon fiber is well done and is a default matte gray. This particular model comes with a matching orange color scheme, which looks great, But it is also available in an unlikely “thunder” version which features blue lighting graphics on the leg’s of the tripod…yes, really.

All leg locks are the twist type and are rubberized. I was honestly surprised with just how cleanly the leg locks are executed and would compare them to some higher-end tripod models I have handled.

Overall, the appearance of this tripod looks fantastic. But how would it perform in the field? Let’s find out.

In operation

Before we get rolling with how the TC-2335 performs, let’s have a look at a few specifications that you will want to know.

Practical technical specifications

  • Folded Height: 13.6 inches (34.54cm)
  • Maximum Height: 53.1 inches (134.9cm)
  • Minimum Height: 12.9 inches (32.8cm)
  • Weight: 1.85lbs (839g)
  • Maximum Weight Supported: 26.5lbs (12kg)

Stability

For such an admittedly small form factor, the TC-2335 is very stable. The terminating leg sections are quite small in diameter and this would lead one to assume that the legs are flimsy. But this is not the case. When locked down, this little tripod is reasonably stable even in high wind and awkward positions.

Speaking of the legs, I’ve mentioned already how impressed I was with the leg lock mechanisms, but there’s more. I was concerned, given the slender legs, that the overall stability would be compromised. However, the leg locks do an excellent job of arresting almost all leg movement.

The leg angle locks are something that I dislike about this tripod. They are not spring loaded; meaning that after you pull out on the locks, you must manually press them back into place to lock the legs. Again, I’m sure this is a weight saving measure, but the added convenience would have been worth the small amount of bulk, in my opinion.

The ball head

I used this tripod with three separate camera’s, ranging from lightweight crop-sensor mirrorless to full-frame DSLR. The ball head had no problems supporting the weight placed on it throughout my tests. K&F states that the tripod is capable of supporting virtually fourteen times its weight. While that may be extreme, I do not doubt that the ball head mechanism could support a camera system upwards of five to six pounds should the circumstances present themselves.

The ball head itself sports only a single adjustment knob which controls both panning and the ball head articulation. I’m sure this is a weight saving measure but can lead to complications when adjusting your camera at times. While panning is silky smooth, the ball head seems to be somewhat rough and quite audible when moved. A small amount of lubrication may help in this area. I feel I should also note that the ball head features not only a bubble level – which is quite useful – but also a magnetic compass.

Again, yes…really.

What’s great

In terms of packability, the TC-2335 from K&F Concept is superb. It’s extremely lightweight and doesn’t take up much room anywhere. It would be ideal for those who do a lot of flying or for anytime space comes at a premium. It looks great and is more than capable of supporting most camera systems that you’ll likely want to be carrying around. The twist locks on the legs also secure with extreme solidity. Overall, for a tripod of this size, the entire platform is oddly stable.

What’s not so great

I can’t get past the angle locks for the legs not being spring loaded, and this is the major gripe I have with this tripod. Granted, this is the first tripod I recall using which doesn’t have this feature. At the same time, I’m sure this would be something that could be a personal preference. Also, the quite serviceable ball head is not exactly smooth in operation, and I would have liked to have seen a secondary knob for panning.

Final verdict

For a tripod which is intended to be a travel companion for the highly mobile photographer, the K&F Concept TC-2335 is a wonderful low-cost option if you are in the market for a compact carbon fiber tripod. It’s good looks and solid stance will be completely adequate for most shooters who understand it’s uses and limitations.

Don’t look for a workhorse tripod here. Rather, I would suggest you view the TC-2335 as a wholly capable shooting platform that will come in handy when weight, size, and portability take precedence over the subtle functionalities found in larger, more dedicated camera support systems.

 

The post K&F Concept TC2335 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Adam Welch.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on K&F Concept TC2335 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

Posted in Photography

 

InukTech will launch Inuk, a carbon fiber tripod alternative, on Kickstarter next month

23 Feb

On March 1st, InukTech will launch a Kickstarter campaign for Inuk, a portable folding camera tripod alternative. Unlike traditional tripods, Inuk features flat carbon fiber arms and legs joined by reinforced technopolymer hinges and soft rubber feet. The rig’s three legs and two arms can be folded flat against the device’s carbon fiber plate for compact storage.

Inuk supports payload weights up to 1.5kg / 3.3lbs and features a ¼” -20 universal screw for connecting cameras and mounts. In addition to supporting cameras and smartphones, Inuk can accommodate accessories like microphones, flashes, and lights.

Though the support can be used like a tripod, Inuk’s legs can also be folded for uneven surfaces, and accessories will be available for connecting the support to different structures. At this time, InukTech says its connection accessories include a magnet, suction cups, super suction cups, straps, and clamps.

When folded, Inuk measures 17 x 9 x 2.5cm / 6.7 x 3.5 x 0.98in and weighs 160g / 0.35lbs. The model can extend up to 12cm / 4.3in in height with a 30cm / 11.8in footprint and 42cm / 16.5in arm width.

InukTech hasn’t revealed any other information about the model, but plans to officially launch it on Kickstarter next month. Consumers will have the opportunity to ‘pre-order’ the camera support at up to 50% off the expected retail price with prices starting at $ 39.95 for the basic ‘Starter Kit’ and going up to $ 56.95 for the ‘Video Maniac’ kit.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on InukTech will launch Inuk, a carbon fiber tripod alternative, on Kickstarter next month

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Manfrotto launches ‘50% more rigid’ carbon fiber twin-leg tripods for video

27 Sep

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4098012349″,”galleryId”:”4098012349″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has launched a pair of carbon fiber tripods for videographers that it claims are 50% more rigid than their aluminum counterparts and which come in a choice of configurations. The CF Twin Leg models feature dual risers and offer users a choice of leg spreading braces. The first model has a removable middle spreader half way up the legs and the other has the spreader attached to the feet. Both can have rubber or spiked feet, and are essentially the same in all other respects.

A 100mm bowl comes as standard along with a 75mm adapter to make the set-up compatible with a wider range of heads, and the legs are available as an optional kit with the Nitrotech N8 and N12 video heads as well as the 504. The legs in either configuration will cost £659.95/$ 699.95 with no head, and are available for pre-order on the Manfrotto website.

Press release

{pressrelease}

MANFROTTO EXPANDS ITS VIDEO SUPPORTS RANGE WITH TWO NEW TWIN-LEG TRIPODS IN CARBON FIBRE

  • Carbon fibre with new internal lock mechanism
  • 100mm bowl with 75mm aluminium adapter
  • 50% increased rigidity*

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, videography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, has expanded its video tripod range with two new twin-leg video tripods made of carbon fibre.

The two brand-new, twin-leg video tripod models are the perfect solution for professional videographers looking for robust, rigid and lightweight support.

A 50% increase in rigidity* is achieved thanks to the combination of carbon-fibre tubes and a new patent-pending internal leg lock mechanism.

Manfrotto’s two new twin-leg carbon-fibre video tripods feature a 100mm bowl and include a 75mm aluminium adapter, for compatibility with a wider range of video heads.
Moreover, the tripod feet with spiked option give great versatility when it comes to different shooting locations.

The twin-leg carbon fibre tripods are available in two models: the first with an easily removable middle spreader and telescopic arms, and the second with a ground spreader, telescopic arms and incorporated rubber shoes.

Both twin-leg carbon-fibre tripods are also available in combination with Manfrotto Nitrotech N12, N8 and 504 video heads.

All Manfrotto video tripods are engineered with a focus on quality and dedication to continuous innovation. These products are the perfect solution for all videographers looking for a great support for their video shooting. Manfrotto’s new twin-leg carbon-fibre tripods will take support for their video gear to the next level.

*Compared with the Manfrotto aluminium versions 546B, 546GB, 545B, 545GB.

RRP £659.95. For more information, please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk

{/pressrelease}

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Manfrotto launches ‘50% more rigid’ carbon fiber twin-leg tripods for video

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Manfrotto adds Befree Advanced Carbon, GT and Live Carbon models to travel tripod line

08 Jun

Manfrotto has updated its travel tripod range with three new tripod models: the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber ($ 319.99 USD), Befree GT ($ 239.99 USD), and Befree Live Carbon Fiber ($ 349.99 USD). The first two models feature Manfrotto’s M-lock twist lock, which the company says improves both speed of use and compactness. The Befree Live Carbon Fiber, meanwhile, is designed for recording video using a DSLR or similarly sized cameras.

The Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber tripod, as the name suggests, is a version of the model that features carbon fiber, rather than aluminum, legs. This model feature the 494 Center Ball Head and weighs 1.2kg / 2.75lb.

The Befree GT model brings the Advanced’s ergonomic design and pairs it with the ability to fold down to 43cm / 17in while supporting up to 9.9kg / 22lb of equipment. The latter model is offered in both carbon fiber and aluminum and features the 496 Center Ball Head.

Finally, the Befree Live Carbon Fiber tripod is described as a video travel tripod with an ergonomic, lightweight design. This model weighs 1.3kg / 3lb and features the same carbon fiber legs used with the Befree Advanced Carbon. However, the Befree Live adds a leveling column and includes the Befree Live Fluid Head with a fluid drag system and knobs to independently lock/unlock pan and tilt.

Manfrotto is offering all three new travel tripod models through its website and authorized dealers. The Befree Live Carbon Fiber model will be available starting later this month.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Manfrotto adds Befree Advanced Carbon, GT and Live Carbon models to travel tripod line

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

06 Jun

Shopping for a tripod may be one of the most complicated endeavors a photographer can take on. Lights, lenses and other accessories are pretty easy. Most things on the market in these instances are relatively similar and the differences can be negligible. With tripods, that is not the case.

There are so many options at every price point on the market that it’s hard to choose. In my case, I went through various models at the cheaper and middle-grade ends of the market with varying results. At first, the cheaper models were fine. All that I used them for was tabletop work, where if I didn’t knock it by accident, there was little chance of movement.

But as I started to get outside more for landscape photography, the downfalls of using a cheap tripod became apparent immediately. Upgrading to middle-grade models did little to solve the problem. Still fine in a studio environment, they always underperformed on location.

Finding the Right Tripod

Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

This all changed when I visited the Manfrotto stall at a trade show in the UK. At first, I thought it was going to be another case of being overwhelmed by choice with no apparent differences in the various models. That was more or less exactly what happened. That is until I spotted the Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head. Within two minutes of fiddling about with it, I knew that it was exactly what I had wanted for the past few years.

With a tripod head chosen, I just needed to find a set of legs. Going through the selection of tripod legs, none of them felt right. They were all either too heavy, too short, or the controls were too awkward. Just as I was about to give up, I spotted the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod. It was perfect. Lightweight, a maximum height just above my eye level, sturdy carbon fiber construction and easy, but firm controls added up to everything I had given up on finding.

The Legs

The Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fibre Tripod has a few relevant features.

Carbon Fiber Construction

This is pretty self-explanatory, but the carbon fiber build on this tripod is excellent. Despite being quite lightweight at 4.6 pounds (2kg), it’s still tough as nails.

I once gave up on a landscape location after 15 minutes because of gale force winds. When I got home, I realized the frames were all sharp with no signs of camera movement.

This thing is sturdy. Any of the other half dozen tripods I’ve used in the past decade or so probably would have snapped in half on that occasion. (An exaggeration of course, but it doesn’t feel like one.)

landscape scene - Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

I gave up on this location after 15 minutes because of really strong winds. When I got home, I realized the tripod held its own and there was no sign of camera shake despite the weather.

Here’s a little bonus:

All of my previous tripods have been aluminum. As it’s difficult to operate tripods with thick gloves on cold winter days, they were quick to become painful when used or carried for any amount of time. One of the first things I noticed about this tripod is that the legs never got truly cold, even in the worst weather.

At first, I thought I was making this up and it was psychosomatic, but when you have poor circulation as I do, these things are really noticeable. A bit of research showed that heat conduction with carbon fiber is vastly lower than it is with aluminum. If you have poor circulation and carrying cold metal in the winter is painful to you, even with gloves, try carbon fiber. It may give you a bit of relief that you weren’t expecting.

Controls

All of the clasps, knobs, and levels on the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod work beyond well. All of the knobs can be tightened with small movements and loosened just as easily. Gone are the days where I would have to spend ages tightening down a knob with all my strength only for it to still not be tight enough. In this case, Manfrotto’s engineers have outdone themselves. Twist and go.

The clasps that hold the legs in place are strong, but they’re designed so they are easy to use, even while wearing thick gloves. At first, it seemed like getting the clasps open was a bit tough. But once you get used to the amount of pressure you have to apply to get them to open and close, you begin to appreciate how much force is keeping the legs in position.

Just don’t close your fingers in them. That would hurt a lot.

leg clasps on the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

The clasps on the legs are strong and require a bit of effort to open and close, but they do their job really well.

Height

Without the head, the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod has a maximum height of 66.9” (170cm). This stat alone could have caused me to not give this tripod a second glance had it been any shorter. There have been too many occasions, when on location, that I couldn’t get the shot because I couldn’t get the tripod positioned over a normal size barrier like a fence or railing.

It was frustrating, which is why height was a major consideration in choosing my next tripod. The problem is, every single tripod I looked at that had a similar height and the taller ones were significantly more expensive. This tripod, however, sits at exactly the height I was after and was just inside the budget I was willing to spend.

Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head - tripod height

Fully extended, the Manfrotto 055 comes to (just about) my eye level, making it the perfect height for me.

Spirit Level

tripod spirit level - Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

The body of the Manfrotto 055 features a spirit level that moves independently from the rest of the tripod and the head. You can put it in any position around the center column. Although the XPRO ball head features two spirit levels already, this third one makes sure that you have visual access to a level at all times.

Size

Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

When folded up, the Manfrotto 055 is small and easy to carry around.

Despite being just shy of six feet when fully extended, when it’s compacted the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod folds up quite small. With the head detached, it fits neatly into the small carry-on suitcase that I fly with. On location, I can slip one of the legs through the straps on the side of my camera bag and it only sticks out a few extra inches.

Tripod Design

detail of tripod leg - Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

It may be a weird thing to say about a tripod, but this one sure is pretty.

As an aside, it’s worth mentioning the design aesthetics of both the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fibre Tripod and the XPRO Ball Head. Considering that we’re talking about a tripod, they both look really good.

The carbon fiber legs feature a pleasing pattern and the whole thing has a generous dose of metallic red that looks good to the eye. Now, aesthetic design is the last thing that you should ever consider when choosing a tripod, but as it exists here, it’s worth a mention.

Perhaps it’s a symptom of that fabled Italian design, or perhaps it just reflects the price point. Either way, don’t buy a tripod because it looks good, but this one does all the same.

The Ball Head

In short, the Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head is a dream. As mentioned, it’s exactly what I have always wanted in a tripod head.

tripod ball head - Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

If you don’t know what a ball head is, imagine an old trackball mouse (if you can). The tripod plate is mounted on the ball which in turn moves freely in its mount until you clamp it down. This allows you to move the camera freely to any position within the head’s range of movement, and clamp it into position with the twist of a knob or two.

Ball heads are ridiculously convenient and easy to use.

Dedicated landscape photographers whom may balk at the thought of jaunty angles may choose other options, such as pan and tilt heads, but I shoot landscapes for fun when I can. The versatility and ease of use of a ball head in the studio or for a portrait session make it ideal for multiple disciplined photographers.

Ball Head Controls

ball head controls - Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

Both knobs that hold the ball in place (yes, there are two) are strong and tighten with short, effortless movements.

Like the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod, the controls of the XPRO Ball Head are very well designed and easy to use. Movements of the knobs that hold the head in your desired position are slight, yet they hold fast without any slippage.

On top of that, there are two knobs to hold the ball in place, creating a layer of redundancy when it really counts. The same applies to the other mechanisms and controls. They all work perfectly and in the time I’ve been using the tripod, nothing has slipped yet.

Spirit Levels

levels on the tripod ball head - Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

The Manfrotto XPRO Ball head features two spirit levels in perpendicular orientations that make it easy to ensure that your shots are level.

Price

You may be thinking that I’m waxing a bit too lyrical about the virtues of this tripod and head. I promise, it really is that good, but there is a significant downside. All that greatness comes at a cost.

At $ 379 for the legs and $ 139.95 for the head, this is not a cheap piece of equipment. If you’re using it a lot, that price is fine, but if you’re looking for a tripod for the occasional landscape foray, this tripod is probably not for you. Likewise, if you’re only using it in a studio for static subjects, you can easily get away with a less expensive model.

Conclusion

As you can gather from the write-up, this tripod works very well when in use. It’s sturdy, with easy controls that work quickly and fluidly. It’s lightweight and does what it says on the box.

If you’re looking for a quality tripod and head combo that’s a workhorse, do consider the Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and the XPRO Ball Head combo. It does exactly the job it’s meant to with finesse. Yes, it’s an expensive bit of kit, but the price point reflects the quality.

A good tripod is a great investment, one you will not have to repeat if you choose wisely.

The post Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head appeared first on Digital Photography School.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Review: Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod and XPRO Ball Head

Posted in Photography

 

FLM unveils Berlin 38.4 carbon tripod on Indiegogo

28 Oct

The US and Canada arm of tripod manufacturer FLM is planning to introduce a new carbon fibre tripod with a maximum load capacity of 40kg/88.18lbs, but that that weighs only 2.25kg/4.96lbs itself. The forthcoming Berlin 38.4 has four-section legs made from 10-layer carbon fibre and an apex that accepts a flat screw plate or two sizes of leveling bowl.

FLM has launched the Berlin 38.4 on Indiegogo in the second of its crowdfunded projects—the company has already successfully launched the CP26-Travel tripod this same way. It hopes to raise $ 9,500 to get production underway, and says it has already completed prototyping for the legs.

It is unusual for a tripod apex to be able to handle more than one size of leveling bowl, but FLM says the Berlin 38.4 can be used with both 75mm and 100mm bowls via adapters. Leveling bowls are ideal for video users, while most stills shooters will want the flat base plate so a normal tripod head can be attached.

With no centre column, the Berlin 38.4 stands at a maximum height of 143mm/56.29in, but can support the camera from 8cm/3.14in off the ground via the three-position legs. It folds to 52cm/20.47in and the widest leg has a diameter of 38mm.

FLM expects the Berlin 38.4 to retail for $ 809, but is offering it to crowdfunding backers for packages starting as cheap as $ 558. For more information, visit the Berlin 38.4 Indiegogo campaign page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on FLM unveils Berlin 38.4 carbon tripod on Indiegogo

Posted in Uncategorized