Feisol CT-3472LV Elite Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Leveling Center Column

2021-11-11T07:40:40

I researched plenty of tripods before deciding on this Feisol. Being 6?2?, the maximum height of many of the the tripods was just too short and the weight capacities too light for my liking. This is a carbon fiber tripod and relatively lightweight. It?s very easy to set up, the leg sections slide up and down flawlessly. If there are any negatives to note, when fully collapsed it is too long to fit in a backpack. It does come in a protective bag with a shoulder strap, so that complaint is minimal. Also, it is somewhat pricy, but the quality is outstanding. I would drfinitely recommend this tripod to anyone looking to do landscape photography or someone using a long, heavy lens.

Robert J.

2017-06-19T19:55:40

I completely agree with Tom E's review, except that I need and consistently use the center column. I bought this tripod because it is what Peter Hurley uses, and he loves his. Having shot headshots with it for a few days. I totally get why he likes the center column to behave the way this one does. If I set it to the middle, I can shoot taller than average people and shorter than average people, all withing the height of the center column. So, to each his/her own. Like the center column, get this tripod. Don't like it, then no problem, get this tripod.

STEVEN G.

2015-02-12T19:00:00

This tripod is incredibly strong and sturdy. I was a little concerned because the rated load was less than many of the others I was considering, but this has all the capacity needed. That muscle does carry with it corresponding weight, so this is not a tripod I would recommend for backpacking. I wanted something taller than my current tripod and was considering the mega-Gitzo XLS, but its 28" folded length (without the ballhead) was a concern. I travel a great deal by plane and was worried that it would not be allowed as a carry-on on some smaller regional aircraft. This Feisol folds to only about 22" and because the legs fold back over the ballhead, there is no added length. More importantly, it's just a very strong, sturdy and tall tripod. I'm not a fan of center columns, and with it removed this tripod, along with my ballhead, puts the camera's viewfinder and live view right at eye level. Plus without the center column it can get down to only inches off the ground for those low perspectives. The center column installs very quickly and puts the camera well above eye-level which is great for the northern lights or other night sky photography where the camera is pointed sky-ward. No more kneeling or stooping down all night. Although I am not a fan of center columns, I have no concerns about the stability of this one - it's as sturdy as the legs. That said, if I were to do it again I probably would not order the LV version with the leveling center column, instead ordering the legs and the optional rigid column. I doubt that I will use the leveling feature that much (especially since most of the time the center column will be removed). But I certainly do not consider it a drawback or a con - just personal preference.

THOMAS E.