Found a cheap Carbon Fibre backup tripod, can you spot anything wrong with it?

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mrk

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mrk

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I have the Red Snapper tripod + short neck + ball head and am extremely pleased with it's rigidness but when climbing and carrying during long explores I've been longing for a carbon fibre one because they're half the weight.

So I've found this and before I buy it just wanted to run it by here in case I'm missing something because the price appears to be too good to be true?

Really I'd be using the tripod part only because I like the Red Snapper ball head, it's big and holds my camera well although looking at the one linked above it appears that the ball head is identical to the Red Snapper bar a few cosmetic differences. I know the Red Snapper owner gets them made in that part of the world hence the cheap prices but this is even cheaper, I reckon this looks like it could be the same product just different branding and cheaper due to cutting out the middle man? It even comes with the same padded case as the Red Snapper.
 
only negs I can foresee are with it being from hongkong and so if there are any problems with it getting them sorted may not be easy and you may get hit with Vat + handling fees which I'd put at around £35 but then you may not, it's just luck of the draw on that.

otherwise looks decent, probably lacks the overall finesse of the main brands but should good otherwise
 
Hmm I think I will chance it and on the paypal notes section state "please mark as gift" :p

If it turns out to be the same quality as Red Snapper pods then that would be amazing.
 
Ordering now of my phone keeps a 3G signal in the middle of nowhere!
 
Ordered shortly after my last post. Will compare heavily with the Red Snapper when it arrives!
 
It looks just like a Giottos tripod we sell, to be honest it's not great when you compare to my Redsnapper. The Giottos is a magnesium tripod and not a carbon so I'll be interested to see if it is good value for a travel 'pod, but you might find the Redsnapper still a better deal.
 
They are brilliant, I just wish they made a decent 3 way head that uses their standard QR plate... I've invested in QR plates for my bodies and lenses and it would be a shame to have to rebuy them all! :p
 
If this uses the standard thread and tube sizes then I can just mix and match the parts around. I like my RS ball head so will likely keep that but looking at the pics closely it's very close to my RS anyway going by them so here's hoping.

A lightweight and versatile carbon tripod is essential for these climbing and walking adventures.
 
Sorry to come in and be negative after you've bought it but...

It's not light at all. :confused:

The Manfrotto 190x ProB is only 100g heavier and probably a lot better, coming from a reliable manufacturer and available to buy in shops in the UK. The 190x ProB is a little longer when folded but other than that at a quick glance I'd choose the 190x every time...

I currently use a 055 ProB and a tiny Giottos tripod that weighs about 1kg and need something in between as well but to me that tripod in the OP isn't something I'd consider.
 
Considering the Red Snapper I have is over 2KG without ball head attached, it is light hence the mention of half the weight.
 
I have the 055proB which is a similar weight (2.4kg) but don't see why you would go for an OEM carbon tripod from Hong King when you can get a very well respected tripod for less that weights the same.

If it had the same weight as the Gitzo Traveller Carbon tripods (~1kg) then I would be all over it, as it is it weights the same amount as a standard Aluminium tripod.
 
For £100 I'm happy to try something new and non branded to see what its like since nobody else has and then post my thoughts.

Regardless of that though, it weighs half what my current pod does so half the weight to carry on explores is extremely useful. The Manfrotto you posted may "probably" be better, you don't know that for sure, I can confirm when this arrives but it also costs £45 more and that's without a head.
 
No it's not, the 190x Pro can be had for on average around £95 from mainstream sites, although admittedly it doesn't have a head (but you have one already.

Will be interesting to see what you think though, just seems very heavy for a carbon tripod IMO.
 
Yeah if it turns out good then the included head will be good as it's less faff but if it's not as good as the RS then I'll switch heads for exploring and it becomes a lighter kick around travel tripod or monopod.
 
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