pluvanut
DOCG
Like some other BF contributors, I read equipment reviews in BW with some scepticism. The apparent bias shown on occasion in the past seems to have reappeared in the latest tripod review.
Like one or two other BFers also, I am a Gitzo fan/bore when it comes to supports. Having used Manfrotto, Benbo and finally Gitzo over a number of years the Explorer has yet to be found wanting in my use. Twist style leg extension locking was not my favourite system, but I decided to live with it in view of the positive aspects of the product.
Having used it the Explorer in a wide variety of settings with camera or scope, it soon became obvious that Gitzo, typically of them, have really done their homework on how to engineer twist locking.
Quite why the BW reviewer found it necessary to 'wring' the lock rings up so tightly as to hurt his hands is beyond me.
On my example a half turn is enough to go from 'drop' free to securely locked, with minimal tightening; all six joints are identical in behaviour and completely reliable. IMO they also result in more rigid leg than lever clamps.
Small issue in the great scheme of things, but it is practical bits like this that make equipment you can forget while getting on with the birding.
Anybody out there who has been dischuffed with a Gitzo product (and found better)?
Like one or two other BFers also, I am a Gitzo fan/bore when it comes to supports. Having used Manfrotto, Benbo and finally Gitzo over a number of years the Explorer has yet to be found wanting in my use. Twist style leg extension locking was not my favourite system, but I decided to live with it in view of the positive aspects of the product.
Having used it the Explorer in a wide variety of settings with camera or scope, it soon became obvious that Gitzo, typically of them, have really done their homework on how to engineer twist locking.
Quite why the BW reviewer found it necessary to 'wring' the lock rings up so tightly as to hurt his hands is beyond me.
On my example a half turn is enough to go from 'drop' free to securely locked, with minimal tightening; all six joints are identical in behaviour and completely reliable. IMO they also result in more rigid leg than lever clamps.
Small issue in the great scheme of things, but it is practical bits like this that make equipment you can forget while getting on with the birding.
Anybody out there who has been dischuffed with a Gitzo product (and found better)?
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I think it's down to the fact that they operate in the wrong direction....right is tight, left is loose is engrained upon my mind.