kb57
Well-known member
I'm the proud new owner of a Gitzo GH1720FQR safari head, currently on offer at an attractively discounted price from Wex Photographic in UK (£100 off RRP).
I bought it in the short term because I've never really liked the Velbon PH-157Q head on my Velbon Sherpa 200R tripod, and in the slightly longer term to partner with a carbon fibre travel tripod, to give me a lighter weight setup. I've currently got an Opticron HR66 scope, but I'm going to add an MM4 body for travel and walkaround use.
I'm aware putting a Gitzo on top of a Velbon is akin to putting lipstick on a pig; although it is stable enough, the 'Sherpa' epithet presumably alludes to the fact you really need a porter to carry it around for you! On the other hand, partnering it with a Gitzo tripod is way above my pay grade, so I was thinking about a 4-section Manfrotto - looking for a tripod which can fold up into a carry-on bag for travel, but is reasonably stable (given I'm used to lugging the Velbon around, most carbon fibre alternatives are going to seem light). I'm aware that in going for 4 sections there's a trade off in ease / speed of deployment.
So, thinking of Manfrotto at the moment; does anyone have any experience of the Befree Carbon fibre or MT190CXPRO4? I worry that the Befree isn't going to be very stable, and at a push could get the folded MT190 into my carry-on bag. Or should I be looking elsewhere? Just please don't say Gitzo, 'cos I can't afford one ||
I bought it in the short term because I've never really liked the Velbon PH-157Q head on my Velbon Sherpa 200R tripod, and in the slightly longer term to partner with a carbon fibre travel tripod, to give me a lighter weight setup. I've currently got an Opticron HR66 scope, but I'm going to add an MM4 body for travel and walkaround use.
I'm aware putting a Gitzo on top of a Velbon is akin to putting lipstick on a pig; although it is stable enough, the 'Sherpa' epithet presumably alludes to the fact you really need a porter to carry it around for you! On the other hand, partnering it with a Gitzo tripod is way above my pay grade, so I was thinking about a 4-section Manfrotto - looking for a tripod which can fold up into a carry-on bag for travel, but is reasonably stable (given I'm used to lugging the Velbon around, most carbon fibre alternatives are going to seem light). I'm aware that in going for 4 sections there's a trade off in ease / speed of deployment.
So, thinking of Manfrotto at the moment; does anyone have any experience of the Befree Carbon fibre or MT190CXPRO4? I worry that the Befree isn't going to be very stable, and at a push could get the folded MT190 into my carry-on bag. Or should I be looking elsewhere? Just please don't say Gitzo, 'cos I can't afford one ||