Fotopro X-4CN Carbon Fiber Tripod/Monopod w/ Head Discussions | Drop

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Fotopro X-4CN Carbon Fiber Tripod/Monopod w/ Head

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Fotopro X-4CN Carbon Fiber Tripod/Monopod w/ Head

Sep 23, 2016

Is the only thing that makes this one better than the aluminum one that's also on massdrop at the moment the fact that it's carbon fiber? Because the stats are practically identical for another 70$

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censtad

1053

Sep 23, 2016

EvanKupecIt's also a ripoff from 3 Legged Thing which kind of irks me

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book

257

Sep 23, 2016

censtadI've got a 3LT Equinox Leo but in here I see nothing that could be called as a 'ripoff'.
https://goo.gl/f5Yusf

iStabilizer

Sep 23, 2016

EvanKupecThere are actually a few differences this tripod is lighter because of the carbon fiber and has a higher max height.

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censtad

1053

Sep 23, 2016

bookthat's because it's a ripoff of an older model: Brian http://bit.ly/2cJ85UO

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C_Elegans

Sep 23, 2016

censtadJustify that statement, please... with evidence!
I OWN THREE 3LT tripods (Jack; Brian; and Tim) and I am not "irked". Not off of the present 'evidence', anyway. Do you actually own a 3LT tripod? And have you comprehensively surveyed and understood their lineups and generational differences?? If so, and you are truthful, congrats on that; because that is impossible to do from U.S. located websites alone. This is a weird company.

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EvanKupec

Sep 23, 2016

iStabilizerReferring to the info on both massdrop pages, the carbon fiber one weighs .4 (point four) pounds less and reaches about 2 inches higher; That's not a whole heck of alot of incentive...

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C_Elegans

Sep 23, 2016

bookYep. See my post following. FYI, I had a long chat by phone with the ["a"?] USA distributor, from whom I bought their last Jack directly -- Evo 2 (actual generation: THREE, BYW!). The following EVO 3 generation had multiple problems, which is why I own Evo 2. I suspect that reliable reports about the latest generation are not yet about on the internet; though I could be mistaken on that... since I have not looked yet. Researching anything very meaningful of this sort when it comes to 3LT quickly becomes a 'project' and an exercise in frustration.

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C_Elegans

Sep 23, 2016

EvanKupecEvan, if you think you can make meaningful buying decisions concerning tripods based based on "stats", you have a LOT to learn about tripods. And everyone: Choosing carbon fiber construction over aluminum can provide numerous advantages beyond just a savings on carry weight. Also, attempting to make cross comparisons between brands puts you in a territory riddled with landmines.

EvanKupec

Sep 24, 2016

C_ElegansI would agree, I don't know anything about tripods and I almost never use them- I was just pointing out how the carbon fiber one isn't listed as that much lighter than the aluminum one so I feel like it can't be a major selling point to add 70$ (Besides that it can probably hold a few more pounds of gear)

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C_Elegans

Sep 24, 2016

EvanKupecI understand your hesitation entirely, and I sympathize very much. But if you check around a little more, I think you'll find that $70 is a pretty modest upcharge for carbon fiber + some presumably desirable changes in the overall spec. This, unfortunately, is what upgrading tends cost in this game. It can be very hard for someone less experienced to know where it's most sensible to draw the line.
One observation that's been made many times is that few ever regret spending more for quality that matters... and soon forget the cost. Not so, the typical outcome of a less informed, bargain hunting strategy! Also, the somewhat better (or, at least, the more distinctive) gear tends to hold its value notably better; you usually take a big hit in the end when you just buy a well reviewed 'commodity' item, instead of something a little special. As with many things, tripods are a "horses for courses" matter; and that's why so many experienced photographers own several. I'll be looking into this deal myself, as I need something near two pounds+ and under 15" folded to replace the 3LT Tim I mentioned. I also use, in addition to a DSLR and medium format film, a mirrorless combination of Canon M3 plus Sony A5000 (in preference to the A6000 for performance at low ISO's, BTW) -- the two are a complementary & synergistic combination. Something like this Massdrop may be just right for those cameras in some situations... as well as for a high spec DSLR, with the center post lowered and the overall height extension limited to something like 30".

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