Tripods Alloy VS Carbon Fiber

[Killer Angel]

In regards to tripods,aside from carbon fiber tripods being lighter than the ones made of alloy,what else are their advantages?When it comes to being more sturdy,which is better,the tripods made of carbon fiber or alloy?
Thanks.

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[tackypinili]

I cant say that either is sturdier. It depends on how you use and ABUSE it. If mishandled, both will be broken.

But for the advantage, the carbon fiber doesnt form rust even if you soak it in salt water or leave it in a bad weather. The salty water will just leave residue and you have to clean it.
2nd advantage, if you live in winter countries or at least visit a winter country, the carbon fiber material doesnt absorb the cold temperature so you can handle it well.
3rd advantage, POGI points. hehehehe!

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[cruzron]

something about vibrations as well

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[pitbull]

metal on metal contact hastens corrosion 

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[estib]

I cant say that either is sturdier. It depends on how you use and ABUSE it. If mishandled, both will be broken.

But for the advantage, the carbon fiber doesnt form rust even if you soak it in salt water or leave it in a bad weather. The salty water will just leave residue and you have to clean it.
2nd advantage, if you live in winter countries or at least visit a winter country, the carbon fiber material doesnt absorb the cold temperature so you can handle it well.
3rd advantage, POGI points. hehehehe!

Neither do aluminum 

Aluminum don't rust but they do corrode 

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[tackypinili]

Neither do aluminum 

Aluminum don't rust but they do corrode 

Yes, most metals do corrode when exposed to oxygen. Meaning whenever you use it. Hehehehe..

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[birdnipil]

read it somewhere that cf tripods handle vibrations better

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[paul0415]

afaik, mas magaan ang carbon. or baliktad. kasi yun benro ko, same model pero yun isa gawa sa ibang mat'l kaya mas mahal. may difference ng 500g, imo, wala naman sa akin yun 500g hindi naman ako nag hihike, based sa mga kwento ni thrillseeker, it's  big thing daw sa mga hikers ang 500g. so ayun

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[pitbull]

malaki yan, 300grams, mararamdaman mo na in a day 

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[Czzz]

malaki yan, 300grams, mararamdaman mo na in a day 

totoo to, mas lalo na pag wala ka bag with your tripod, sobrang hassle D:

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[creationz]

I think carbon fiber tripods are bought mainly for its weight so this really suits travel photographers. but due to its light weight its more prone to vibration...thats where the hook under the center column comes in....just hook your heavy bag under it to make it more stable.

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[tackypinili]

I think carbon fiber tripods are bought mainly for its weight so this really suits travel photographers. but due to its light weight its more prone to vibration...thats where the hook under the center column comes in....just hook your heavy bag under it to make it more stable.

baliktad ata.. pag CF mas less yung vibration because of its material.

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[ramde6]

If you travel i would suggest getting a CF tripod, and hindi siya ganun kalamig hawakan, i traveled to abroad last year at 7 deg celsius, yung alu tripod parang Ice pag hinawakan.

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[flxrms]

travelling or going to beach..i always use aluminum(cdrking tripod)... hindi masama sa loob ko kahit masira,maiwan, makalimutan or ma corrode sya...

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[Jargon]

If you travel i would suggest getting a CF tripod, and hindi siya ganun kalamig hawakan, i traveled to abroad last year at 7 deg celsius, yung alu tripod parang Ice pag hinawakan.

Just don't lick it.   

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[Jargon]

Carbon fiber is also less prone to fatigue and crack propagation due to the criss-cross layering of the fibers.

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[chyll2]

so the lessons learned of the comparison. You get what you pay for 

but for someone with limited budget, I will just take into consideration the limitation of an aluminum tripod.

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[tackypinili]

so the lessons learned of the comparison. You get what you pay for 

but for someone with limited budget, I will just take into consideration the limitation of an aluminum tripod.

Honestly, on a typical use, the benro a500 or a300ex is very much okay. Bragging rights na lang yung CF tripod. hahahaha!

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[TakeTwo66]

When it comes to being more sturdy,which is better,the tripods made of carbon fiber or alloy?
Thanks.

Apart from being much lighter, range-topping CF tripod legs tend to have a greater weight bearing capacity vs. an aluminum or basalt version with the same diameter legs.  The only thing I miss when using Alu 'pods (especially Manfrottos) are the flip lever leg locks which are - IMO- quicker to deploy than the quarter turn locks of Gitzo's (or the multiple turn Benro).  Here, the Alu's weight allows the leg to fall by gravity alone. Great when you're setting up a monopod for a quick shot.

I'd also put as much thought into what head you'd use with the legs. You may want to read through this:
http://reallyrightstuff.com/WebsiteInfo.aspx?fc=67

HTH

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[Jargon]

The only thing I miss when using Alu 'pods (especially Manfrottos) are the flip lever leg locks which are - IMO- quicker to deploy than the quarter turn locks of Gitzo's (or the multiple turn Benro).

There are also carbon-fiber tripods with flip locks. I actually own one (Manfrotto). I also own a Benro carbon-fiber tripod with twist locks. In my experience, the tripod with twist locks is quicker to deploy since I could hold all of each leg's twist locks with one hand and unlock them simultaneously with just a flick of the wrist.

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