Gitzo is the professional photographic tripod ‘par
excellence’. Founded in 1917 by Arsene Gitzhoven, his
company began making tripods in France since the late 40's.
Gitzo is renowned for having been the first in the world to
offer the high-tech lightweight rigidity of carbon fiber in
their range of camera tripods. Gitzo tripods are now produced
in their own facilities in Italy.
Manfrotto
is another excellent brand of high performance lighting and
camera support and other photographic equipment. Founded in
Italy in 1970 by Lino Manfrotto, Gruppo Manfrotto sets the international
standard for good quality professional equipment with a superb
value for the money.
Bogen
Photo Corp, started by Lester Bogen in 1959, is the distributor
of Manfrotto products in the USA since the early 70's, also
distributing Gitzo products now and transformed into Bogen Imaging,
with subsidiaries around the world.
Gruppo
Manfrotto in 1989, Gitzo in 1992 and Bogen in 1993, were acquired
by Vitec
Group PLC, a group with a long tradition in this industry.
Sparked from W. Vinten Ltd, the company founded by William Charles
Vinten, dedicated to producing film developing and printing
machines, film cameras and camera mounts, from the very start
of the cinematographic industry and now world leaders in the
design and manufacture of camera supports. Although the group
has diversified into related high-tech market segments, it is
more than reasonable to expect their continued dedication to
photography*
| Major
Choices. Aluminum or Carbon
Fiber. Aluminum will do, but if you are into hiking or
trekking, the up to 30% reduced weight that carbon fiber
provides without compromising strength and stability is
something worthwhile to consider, despite its higher price
tag. |
|
|
 |
Another
advantage of the CF (Carbon Fiber) tripods is that in cold weather
your hands will not freeze at the touch, like in a naked aluminum
one.
Why
you don't mention Mag Fiber and Basalt tripods?
Check the specifications and prices of both, then compare them
to those of aluminum of the same load capacity. You will know
why immediately.
How
about the "Digi" tripods? They are very
light and convenient, but only for very very light loads. Like
for a Coolpix or a D50 with a small lens.
A
good tripod will outlast you, so - as a lifetime investment
it is always best to do it right from the start. Don't rush.
I wish I had waited until saving enough to get any of these
babies. It would have save me from a series of frustrations
and spending more in numerous wobbly designs. I was taught to
be the least vindictive possible so I won't mention any of those
other brand names. You will also do good to yourself by not
falling for an imitation.
Quoting
Nikonian BJ Nichols:
You can have
sturdy and reasonably priced.
You can have lightweight and reasonably priced.
But you can't have sturdy, lightweight, and reasonably priced.
How much are golf carts?
More than a carbon fiber tripod and lightweight pro quality
ballhead, I suspect 
