I've just recently come across FIESOL (http://www.feisol.com/english/enconnect-n.htm) tripods. They're Taiwan-made, carbon fiber and cost way, way less than Gitzos. For now, they only ship to the US. Just wondering if any enterprising soul would think of bringing them in. I'd certainly order one. I would try to bring them in, but I don't have the know-how and means to do a good job of it. The image below is taken from Nikon Cafe. (http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=72102) Funny that Canons are mounted on them...

http://cakili.image.pbase.com/image/59593530/original.jpg

I heard rumors that a similar quality tripod will be carried by Aperture Trading.

I heard rumors that a similar quality tripod will be carried by Aperture Trading.

Would that happen to be the Chinese copy of a Gitzo? (Benro's)

I've heard a lot of good about the Fiesol tripods from American friends but there QC sometimes is not so good and some people have recieved bad copies.

Mike

no comment for now. :)

Well then, maybe a trip to Aperture may be in order once those babies come in. Please keep us posted!

I've heard a lot of good about the Fiesol tripods from American friends but there QC sometimes is not so good and some people have recieved bad copies.

Mike

Same here, have read mixed reviews about Feisol tripods but in general the feedback seems promising. Considering the price difference with the Gitzo, this is definitlely worth considering. :)

Would that happen to be the Chinese copy of a Gitzo? (Benro's)
....
Mike

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Wow!!! Sturdy, strong legs?

http://static.flickr.com/77/163469196_fe67f0e50c_o.jpg

looks like a carbon tripod.

Benro or Fiesol, I'm ready to get one! I'd love a Gitzo, but it just seems too expensive!
My long lens set-up on my gimbal head doesn't seem so confident perched on my smaller 4-section Manfrotto Magfiber. The wider leg diameters and carbon-fiber weight+rigidity will be very welcome!

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tj, save up for the real thing, a Gitzo. If you get those Gitzo imitations you'll always think, at the back of your mind, I should have gotten a Gitzo and perhaps eventually get one. For the moment i think your magfiber 4 section Manfro pod should be alright.. I tried that one out with a 70-200 VR and it held up well, just don't know with your longer 200-500 lens...:)

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I know what you mean, Al. Still, I'd like to give the Benro or Fiesols a looksee before I decide.
Yup, the Manfrotto works with a gimbal head and my long lenses, but the spindly legs don't inspire much confidence with all the weight it's supporting. :P

i wonder if they have these in HK... lemme check them out next week...

those gitzo's look so tempting but way too pricey... hmmmmmm...

@dindin

I think Benro is sold in HK, not sure abour Feisol. Came across this when I was deciding what tripod to get but since hassle to order plus wasn't sure if I'd like the twist locks. I went for the Manfrotto instead. It works well for me naman since my heaviest set-up is D200 + 70-200 VR + TC. :)

i wonder if they have these in HK... lemme check them out next week...


Let us know what you find out dindin!