Name: Feisol CT-3442 Tournament Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod
Brand: Feisol
SKU: FECT3442
Price: 499.95 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.38 (21 reviews)

Feisol CT-3442 Tournament Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod

Feisol CT-3442

Feisol

Adorama

Photography

Tripods & Supports

Tripods

Tripod Legs

Feisol Tripod Legs

Feisol CT-3442 

Top Rated Gear: Feisol CT-3442 Tournament Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Base Type: 3/8" Screw, Closed Length: 15.1" to 20", Lock Type: Twist Lock, Maximum Extended Height: 50.1" to 55", Maximum Height: 50.1" to 55"

Be prepared to elevate your photography experience with the Feisol Tournament CT-3442 Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod, a true marvel of engineering that seamlessly blends top-tier industry features. Crafted with a robust body frame made from 7075 aluminum alloy, this tripod boasts a strength typically reserved for aerospace applications. The CT-3442 doesn't stop there. Its legs are constructed from a specialized carbon fiber material that surpasses the strength of common carbon fiber, ensuring durability and stability even under the heaviest of equipment. This unique combination of materials allows the CT-3442 to offer photographers the best of both worlds: unparalleled strength and stability, while maintaining a lightweight design for easy transportation.Ideal for both still and video photography, this tripod's 4-section design allows for quick setup and breakdown, making it a perfect companion for professionals who frequently move their equipment. With a maximum load capacity of 50.1 to 70 lbs, the Feisol Tournament CT-3442 Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod stands as a versatile and reliable choice for photographers and videographers seeking superior performance without the burden of excess weight.

I was looking for a lightweight  stable  tripod and this one fits the bill

CharleneT

Excellent weight and build.

Tripod

Major issue: the center column isn't channeled, so it can rotate while rising, which is a total pain the ass, especially when shooting architecture. This made me want to return the whole tripod, but I missed the return window. I'm still using it, but this is super troublesome for my work.

Great Construction, Fatal Flaw

This tripod has been pretty great for me. Love the weight and the height it offers. One issue I have with it is its narrowest setting should be just slightly wider. It's so light that having a slightly larger base would be better. Major issue: the center column you can purchase separately, isn't channeled, so it can rotate while rising, which is a total pain the ass, especially when shooting architecture. This made me want o return the whole tripod, but I missed the return window.

Light with few shortcomings

I haven't had a bunch of chances to use it but from what I have seen so far it is great. It is so much lighter than my previous tripod I don't even know if I will ever use my old tripod again. The ball head is robust, light and more than capable for any of my lens.

Glad I pulled the trigger

The CT-3442 is my second Feisol tripod. It replaces the CT-3441T. I only switched models due to upgrading my ball head. My new ball head is much larger in diameter the the mounting surface of the CT-3441T. As far as the CT-3442. It’s very lite to start. I added the center column for the height and weight. And with the ball head, tripod & center column, I’m under 4 ½ lbs. I don’t use the center column often but it’s very sturdy when it’s all the way up. The extra weight works with my shooting style. I shoot in the wind, water & beaches quite often. It’s very study in those type of situations. The twist lock only need about a ¼ turn to adjust the legs. I did take the unit apart and put a little thread locker on the screws. After reading other reviews I didn’t want any issues. WIth that I really don’t have a complaint.
   My bigger issue was with Adorama. They shipped it in the original box. I never received anything taped up that way.  When I pulled the tripod out it was scratched. When you buy something new it shouldn’t be damaged. I didn’t have time to contact Adorama because of leaving for vacation. So I’ll live with it.

Light and Sturdy

considering this is rated at 55 lbs, i didn't expect it to shake as much as it did with a 1dx mkll and 100-400 lens.  perhaps the bottom extension leg is too thin.  i sent ti back and got the ct-3372 which is a pound and a half heavier but considerably more rigid with my heavier gear.  the 42 is probably fine as long as you don't load it up.

not what expected.

Coming from a Vanguard aluminum tripod, this Feisol tripod makes my hikes feel like a leisure walk in the park.  It's light, sturdy and I have to admit, the twist lock is so easy to work with.  Perhaps there are pros that have used better tripods and can differentiate flaws / lack of features on tripods but being a hobbyist, I can only give compliments to this  a tripod.

Now, after reading many reviews of super expensive tripods that cost at least 2x the money, you may want to know a few things that differentiate between this and expensive alternatives.  The leg distances of the Feisol when spread apart, are less than expensive counterparts. 

As of 05/2017, my Feisol tripod's screw hole on each tripod will not accept the long spikes from Feisol.  I contacted Feisol and they've sent a new set of long spikes that will still not fit into the tripod legs.  My conclusion is that the thread pitch of the legs are different than the thread pitch of the long spikes.

I'd still give it a 5 stars for doing so much for so little. 

Super light, sturdy and convenient. But.

The column is very stable and as well constructed as the tripod.  Using the column and not extending the bottom leg segments makes for a sturdier system in some cases.

Sturdy addition

This tripod was recommended to me by a photography instructor  and I'm glad I took that advice. It will easily accommodate my camera equipment's weight and the legs of the tripod will fold up even with my Benro B3 ballhead attached.

Good Advice

I had seen this at PhotoPlus expo last fall and it intrigued me.  I tried several other tripods but this one weighed less and still had the height I wanted.  This past Saturday, I spent 8 hours wandering around an abandoned factory with my camera on the tripod and it was perfect.  It only weighs a few ounces more than the aluminum travel tripod I had been using and is 3" longer when folded.  When I need that kind of compactness I will still use the travel pod, but for any other work, this will be my go-to tripod!

Completely Satisfied

Nice and light for travel but no way close to RRS or Gitzo in term of stability and rigidness.  If I have to travel oversea or do hiking, I may consider it for its light weight and short folding size.  I need to hang the bag to add me stability. For car road trip, I will take Gitzo for sure.

Nice and light for travel but no way close to RRS or Gitzo

I did a lot of research and consultation before buying the Feisol CT-3442 @ Adorama.  I am amazed at the combination of support + light weight of this tripod.  It's quick to set up and ideal for hiking and travel by train.  You can't go wrong with this tripod

It's quick to set up and ideal for hiking and travel by train

I have used the CT-3442 on only one shoot since purchasing but feel like it is a good investment.  I am 5'-9" and with a ball-head and my DSLR there is plenty of height.  One reason I selected this tripod is its ability to get really low and it has not disappointed; I often shoot while on my knees or lower.  Being able to splay the legs out when shooting with a wide lens about 6-inches above the ground is a great feature.

Great tripod

Great Tripod at a great price

Have used it a few times in the two weeks that I've owned it. Noticed that one of the legs is having trouble closing. It sounds like something has come loose internally. Will return/exchange it and hope that it was a fluke.

Need to return

Installed easily. Give added height to the 3442  which I sometimes  need. Still seems good and stable.

Works good

Tripod is under warranty and am having lengthy dialogue with Feisol Europe to get fixed.  I have a variety of tripods including Gitzo.  Wished I had stuck with Gitzo.

Cheap but Fragile poor Europe Support

I needed a taller tripod than my Manfrotto 190CX3 and one that would work well for traveling, and some friends at a photo fest recommended the Feisol Tournament 3442. I saw one at the fest and was impressed with the low weight and build quality...so I bought one. I am 6' 1" so I bought it with the center column so I could use it well on sloping surfaces.

I just finished testing the Feisol against my Manfrotto and Gitzo GT3530LS Systematic 3-section leg tripod. I used the FoCal software from Reikan Technology for testing using the AF Consistency Test. I found the stability of the Feisol to be equal to the stability of the Gitzo for lens up to 200mm and higher than the stability of the Manfrotto. When I moved up to my 200-400mm zoom, I found the Gitzo was more stable.

As a result of the testing, I now know I can take the Feisol on trips and expect stability at least as good as my Gitzo for lens up to 200mm...and with tripod weight and folded length much less than the Gitzo.

Stability equal to a Gitzo...for less mo

Great tripod super compact, super lightweight and great prize.
This tripod can take my Nikon d7000 with de mb-d11, 80-200 2.8 an a sb-900 and is rock solid no problem it actually can take more then the 22 pounds no problem and the best para for me is tall I am 6.2 and this tripod with the center column not extended is just at the perfect eye hight  for me so it is relay big and relay compact what els would you want in a tripod o and is CARBON FIBER.