FEISOL Tournament Tripod CT-3442 Rapid

Customer Reviews

I used the tripod and the center column for the first time on Saturday Review by Ashutosh Rajekar

Star

I used the tripod and the center column for the first time on Saturday, and I'm surprised how light and sturdy it was. Being used to my bomb-proof Manfrotto 055 CL, it was quite a change.

I'm going to reccomend the 3442 on Nature Photographers Network (NPN) - a premier site for professional nature photographers.
-
Thanks and regards,

Ashut-osh
http://raje-kar.ca

So I finally went out and bought myself a lighter carbon fiber tripod. Being a student Review by Ashutosh Rajekar

Star

So I finally went out and bought myself a lighter carbon fiber tripod. Being a student and working part-time, money is at a premium, and hence I couldn't afford the higher priced CF tripods.

So after doing my "internet research" for close to four months, I finally settled for the Feisol CT-3442 Tournament class tripod, which comes very close to the Gitzo GT1540, but is lighter than it.

Along with the tripod, I bought the center column kit, and I decided to not buy a ballhead, but use my existing Manfrotto 486RC2 from the older bomb-proof Manfrotto 055CL tripod that I had.

First of all, I must say the guys at the US distributor (yes, they now have a North American distributor), are very helpful, and will make it a point to return replies to almost every stupid question you could come up with.

I received my tripod last week, and I am shocked to find out that it is so LIGHT!!! Feels like a feather in my hand compared to the 055CL. The build quality is really impeccable, the finish really sweet.

I tried it out on the weekend, and I am really happy I bought this tripod. The tripod folds in very nicely over my center column and the ballhead still inside it, so that is a big plus - I don't have to dismantle it everytime.

I would strongly reccommend this tripod to anybody who wants a lightweight but strong and affordable CF tripod, to hold a 5D with a 24-105 on it (and possibly 70-300mm).

I don't buy the logic that it's a "cheap ripoff", and one should only stick to Gitzos and the like - because by that logic, we should all only buy Mercedes-Benz and not other "cheap ripoffs", because MB invented the internal combustion four wheel passenger car as we know today.

Cheers! Here's a photo with the camera planted on the Feisol:

www.naturephoto-graphers.net

Ashutosh Rajekar

Everything arrived today, and I must say I am very pleased Review by Eric Jobes

Star

Everything arrived today, and I must say I am very pleased. This is my third tripod purchase and with each subsequent purchase I have gone to a lighter more compact variety.

Im doing so, I was worried that I would lose some stability, but if anything I think I might have actually gained some, which is simply amazing. The ballhead and monopod are exceptional also.

Feisols products and service are impeccable, and I will be sure to spread the word.

Thanks,
-Eric Jobes

Thank you, the tripod has arrived. Review by Richard Corfield

Star

Thank you, the tripod has arrived.

I’m very impressed with it. I attached the 75mm bowl, and my Weifeng WF717 head – even though it’s just a 60mm bowl, it seems to attach perfectly. My camera is a Canon C300, and loaded up with the EVF, microphone and radio mic receivers the tripod handles it perfectly. It’s hard to believe that such a light rig can handle a relatively heavy camera, but panning and tilting is fine. Rock solid!

My usual tripod is a Miller Compass 15. Beautiful, but gets heavy carrying it around. The feisol will be used on treks and other occasions when I’m on the move and operating solo or with one other colleague. Easy to jam the tripod onto a backpack. Can’t do that with the Miller.

Than-k you. This has been a significant and useful purchase. Better than I expected.

Thanks so much for your prompt service Review by Joe Hanley

Star

Thanks so much for your prompt service. I really appreciate the quick action and turn around! I didn't realize how much I liked my Feisol tripod until I had to go back to using my old tripod - a Gitzo carbon fiber model. Thanks again.