Giotto adds four Vitruvian compact tripods
Giotto's latest Vitruvian tripods; the carbon-fibre VGRN8225, and the aluminium VGRN9225.
Lightweight, portable tripods can hold 4-6kg of camera equipment.
Author: Simon Bainbridge
02 Aug 2011 Tags: TripodPhoto accessoriesGiotto
Giotto is introducing four additional models to its Vitruvian range of compact, lightweight tripods.
They include the VGRN8225 and VGRN9225, which hold up to 4kg of camera equipment, while the VGRN8255 and VGRN9255 accept up to a maximum of 6kg.
All tripods in the range feature “reverse technology” legs that fold through 180°, allowing the tripod to become a compact and portable unit. The more load-bearing of the new additions (the VGRN9255 and VGRN8255) include a built-in monopod, while the smaller versions (8225 and 9225) fold down to just under 33cm (compared to 40cm on the 8255 and 9255).
The 8225 and 8255 are made from seven-layer carbon fibre, while the 9225 and 9255 are manufactured using aluminium tubing.
The 8225 weighs just under a kilogram (0.95kg), while the 9225 weighs 1.12kg. Both have an operating height of 118cm, and with the centre column extended reach a maximum 135cm. The 8255 weighs 1.38kg, and the 9255 is 1.55kg, delivering an operating height of 142cm and a maximum of 165cm with the centre column extended.
The tripods are fitted with compact ball and socket heads fitted with a quick release plate, spirit levels and pan lock. All feature five-section legs and a splittable centre column for low-level use.
The 9265 and 8265, two larger models launched earlier this year accepting up to 9kg, also have a friction control on the ball head and feature retractable spiked feet.
In addition, they are supplied with a carry bag and have a five-year warranty.
Prices were not available as we posted this story.
Comments
I have a heavy metal tripod from the 1980s which i am still using albeit with a different Manfrotto ball and socket head which also weighs quite a bit. I'm thinking of getting a modern lightweight tripod but i wonder what they are like in the wind?
I had a small metal tripod once which would fit in a suitcase although it would still extend to a reasonable height but the metal got fatigued and a leg fell off (not when the camera was on it thankfully :))
To my experience, the maximum load tripod makers advertise for their products often needs a downwards correction. The rigidity of a tripod is the result of many factors, i.e. materials, leg construction & clamping, the sturdiness of the leg connection plate and the way the legs are connected with that plate. Extending the centre column, especially with heavy gear on top, usually destroys all good properties of a tripod.
Be on your guard when a tripod comes with a head: it might be the weakest part of the combination. Apart from the heaviest Gitzo and Manfrotto tripods, you can’t buy a tripod on-line: test them in a shop with your heaviest gear and longest lens.
How? First buy yourself such a small & cheap laser device at the Handy Man’s and tape a piece of a broken mirror (or a flat piece of chromed metal) on the lenscap of your longest lens. Have your gear at the tripod to test and the laser device at another tripod (or so), in front of a white wall. Aim the laser at the lenscap and find its reflection on the white wall. Now, use a cable release and make pictures with several long and short exposure times, with and without mirror lock-up, and see how the reflection behaves. The less movement of the reflection during exposure, the sturdier the tripod/head-combination.
Only mass can keep your tripod upright in strong winds. Most centre columns have a hook to hang your bag as an extra weight.
Disclaimer: Never look directly in the laser light and don’t aim it in the uncapped camera lens or in the direction of humans and animals. Don’t give the laser device to kids.
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