Benro Tripod C2970T vs C3580T

[investmenttechnology]

hey guys, I have been looking for my first tripod for the past few days or so, and when down to my local Benro distributor and had a feel at the Benro range. After playing around, I definitely wanted the carbon fibre and twist lock, and after taking into my height (175cm) and future photographic needs (will be getting more lens in the future), I have decided to go with size 2 (max load of 12kg) or size 3 (max load of 18kg).

so basically I have decided on two particular models, the C2970T and the C3580T.

The C2970T has 3 sections, normal height of 142cm/max height of 169cm and max load of 12kg, the centre column can be turned horizontally.

The C3580T has 4 sections, normal height of 160cm/max height of 187cm and max load of 18kg, the centre column can not be turned horizontally.

Without taking price as a factor, is horizontal centre column of the C2970T worth giving up the extra height, load capacity and sturdiness of the larger C3580T?

And also, I can just get a Manfrotto lateral arm for the C3580T and basically adds the horizontal function, which mean their is no point in getting the C2970T?

 

[Big Mike]

I recently read an article about tripods, and one man's search for the perfect tripod. It was a good read, but I almost choked when I checked the price of what he was talking about.

Is this the world's best tripod?

 

[investmenttechnology]

so after reading the article you've provide, for the best IQ, it is best to avoid centre column?

 

[Big Mike]

Technically speaking, yes...for the best IQ, you should use a tripod without a centre column. But that's not always practical solution.
But it is important to note that if your tripod does have a centre column, it's best to keep it lowered, because extending it will greatly increase your chance of vibration. This is important when choosing a tripod, because you shouldn't buy one that is so short, that it requires you to raise the centre column to reach a comfortable height for you.