CF tripod or Aluminium tripod

[adakshi]

Hello,
I am shopping for tripod. 2 tripods drew my attention, Manfrotto 190XPROB and 190CXPRO3. CF tripod legs (190CXPRO3) costs $269 whereas aluminium(190XPROB) costs $130. Now my question is, how a lower mass tripod can provide better stability than a higher mass one. Even if CF is good at damping vibration, how does it cope with wind? I thought heavier tripod is better in windy situation.

Also, is CF better in wear and tear?

I don't see much wight advantage either, 2,8lb vs 4lb.

Load capacity is also same 11lbs.

If anyone has used both the types, please let me know in which context do you find CF is a lot (at least 1.5X) better than aluminium

Also, how long do these legs can last

Thanks
Ayan

[David Kilpatrick]

Can't say for Manfrotto, but I have used the much more expensive Gitzo carbon fibre and the stiffness is amazing - very rigid with even the lightest travel pod. And very durable.

David

[Dr. Harout]

Put it this way Ayan.
Suppose a tripod made of Carbon Fiber of 1 Kg can bear 5 Kgs weight and the same can an aluminium one of 2 Kg.
Which is supposed to be more solid?
Of course the first because if we took a CF tripod of the same weight as the aluminium tripod it will bear twice as much as the aluminium would tolerate.

Bottom line: if price is not a problem, go for the CF.

[peterottaway]

I have owned an older aluminium Manfrotto 190 since about 1995 and it has only slight cosmetic damage but otherwise is working as new.

But it has only been used in a mainly warm, dry climate with only a small amount of time getting it's legs wet in streams, marshy areas or being rained on. Never has been used in below - 5 C temperatures. It has also never been carried on extended walking tours.

However had both models been available when I bought the tripod, I would have chosen the carbon fibre as the most flexible ( bad word for a tripod) choice. So as Dr Harout says if price not a concern then go for the CF.