Feisol CT-3342 Carbon Fibre Tripod

Feisol CT-3342 Carbon Fibre Tripod - Review Coming Soon

21 Aug, 2008 Digital Photography

After what seems like months of research, I have decided to upgrade my aging tripod to the Feisol CT-3342. This tripod (as with all of the Feisol tripods) is made from carbon fiber to provide a light and strong support. I have read many positive reviews of the Feisol range of tripods, and they seem to offer a cheaper alternative to Gitzo whilst offering a better solution than the popular Manfrotto. I chose a 3 section model over the TC-3442 4 section model, as I think that it will offer marginal better stability, be easier to extend and I have no real requirement for the shorter folded length of the 4 sections. However, if I was frequently traveling (especially flying), then the shorter folded length of the 4 section model would be an advantage.

There were some compelling reasons for me choosing this model and this brand. Note that a choice of tripod is quite a personal decision based upon individual requirements, such as weight, height and cost.

Positive reviews - I have not read many (if any) negative reviews of the Feisol tripods. They have not taken the path to blatantly copy Gitzo (like Benro), rather they have applied their own innovation to the designs. They also listen to customer comments, as they have been revising their range based upon previous reviews.
Carbon fibre at an aluminum price - as a general purpose tripod, I was looking for something both light and strong. A tripod that is heavy to carry will be left behind when treking, so weight was an important consideration. The CT-3342 weights around 1kg which is extremely light. The similar specification Manfrotto 055MF3 weights 2kg and the equivalent aluminum 055PRO weights 2.4kg. This can make a substantial difference when you are deciding what to take for a photography trip.
Center column was an option - I am not a great fan of center columns. They are typically unstable, similar to adding a monopod to the top of the tripod. I prefer a tripod that has the height in its main leg sections rather than rely on a center column. The CT-3342 is 142cm fully extended, which together with the height of a typical ball head (10cm) and the camera body (10cm) should be acceptable for people less than 6″ tall. At 5′ 10″, I think it will be the perfect height for me without having to stoop.

Hopefully it will last a lifetime - I am hoping that the combination of the Feisol tripod and Markins M10 ball head will provide me many years of service. A lot of people agree with Thom Hogan, who thinks that most people will eventually end up buying progressively more expensive tripods and heads (as they start to find deficiencies in their current models), and it is better to just ‘bite the bullet’ and spend the money upfront. I agree, and think it will save you money in the long term.
Price - at $299 dollars it represents great value for money for a carbon fiber tripod. A Gitzo of a similar specification will cost 2 or 3 times as much. For a non-professional photographer, the Feisol may offer the best alternative.

The following are some other models that I looked at before deciding upon the Feisol. Note that my budget was around $200 - $400 dollars, hence the lack of the more expensive (and potentially better) Gitzo models.

Manfrotto 055MF3 - I started my research with this model as it offered a carbon fiber tripod at a competitive price. I eventually decided that the Feisol (at the same price) offered a better solution, especially as it was half the weight.
Manfrotto 190CX3 - a nice looking and well specified tripod. However, it is a little too short with me without raising the center column, something I am trying to avoid.
Benro - Benro makes copies of the popular Gitzo models. I have read positive reviews based upon their low cost and quality copies of Gitzo. However, I like the innovation of the Feisol models.
Giottos, Cullman, Slik, Velbon - I discounted some of the other brands early on. I am hoping to not upgrade the tripod for a number of years, and think that some of the cheaper models will not provide the stability or low weight I require. I know a lot of people that swear by some of these brands, so it may be a matter of personal preference, but I hope I am not proved wrong!

I am currently awaiting its delivery from Taiwan (it shipped within hours of putting the order in), and will be providing both my initial thoughts and a more detailed review after some use.