Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Anyone have experience with the cheaper (much cheaper) chines made carbon fiber tripods and monopods vs the Gitzos of the world?

I know the highend tri/mono pods are excellent, I have a Manfrotto tripod now and want to get a monopod but not sure if I should invest in the expensive ones.

I need it be light, very light and compact hence the carbon fiber.

While I don't have any personal experience with these, you might look at the MEFOTO ones. See http://www.mefoto.com/products/roadtrip.aspx

They come with a 5 year warranty I believe.

I recently picked up a Sirui N-2204 from China. Quality is really top notch. If you are unsure, downtown Toronto has a whole bunch of Sirui tripods on display.

I've only had it for a month but I do not see any build flaws and I think it will last a long time. One complaint is that it is very light which means you will have to weigh it down using the centre hook. I'm sure Gitzo carbon fibre tripods will have similar problems.

The ballhead that came with it, the K20X was also excellent. I've heard the smaller heads from Sirui are not as good but that may have changed.

I wouldn't see a problem with a cheap monopod as long as the locks keep working. A cheap tripod on the other hand might not be the best for stability...i.e. too wobbly.

godox is not bad