Serious competition, the Induro C414
SPEC (exc ball-head)
Max Height (column down): 66.8 in (170cm)
Max Height (column up): 77.2 in (196cm)
Min Height: 23.1 in (58cm)
Leg Sections: 4
Closed Length: 25.2 in (64cm)
Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.8kg)
Load capacity: 26.5 lbs (12kg)
Quality 5/5
Features & Design 4/5
Value for Money 5/5
Overall 4.5/5
The Induro C414 is the top-of-the-range model with 4-section legs and column made of carbon fiber while the body casting is magnesium alloy for low weight. Both the tubing and twist lock leg design resemble that of Gitzo, as does the build quality generally. In terms of tubing diameter the legs fall somewhere between the 3 and 5-series carbon fiber Gitzo in size (series 4 is aluminium). It’s very impressive.
Like the pricey rival, the C414 uses the usual three-position lock for adjusting the leg spread, up to a full 80 degrees from closed to nearly horizontal. This allows a good deal of versatility while maintaining excellent rigidity. Also similar is the anti-rotation legs and rubber faced twist-locks for the leg-sections. They’re dust and moisture sealed, but more importantly, they lock off positively and very firmly. There were no accidental slips at any time during the test period. Non-slip rubber feet can be replaced with the supplied steel spikes.
Induro C414 + Markins M20 Q-ball
You could use a gimble head like the Wimberley Version II, but you would want to make sure the column was retracted and locked off firmly. If I can, I will try posting some sample shots with these heads.
The small pack-down size and reasonable weight make it more suitable for location and landscape work than you might expect. But price is the most likely limiting factor. All the same, if you're looking for a solid tripod, capable of supporting a decent load, then the Induro C414 really should be on your shortlist.
Links:
Links:
Induro has kindly featured an excerpt of this concise review on their very informative blog.
UPDATE: Please note the C414 has been replaced by the CT414, with modified leg column locks, and a reduced price of $665.
UPDATE: Please note the C414 has been replaced by the CT414, with modified leg column locks, and a reduced price of $665.
Some added pluses to the C414 Induro is that it comes with spiked feet for use on surfaces like lake ice. It also has an excellent, durable carrying case and strap that can be used on either the case or the tripod.
ReplyDeleteI bought the 4-section version to gain the small pack-down size. At 6' tall I find myself only extending two sections in most situations, with the center post all the way down. I'm not experiencing any twist in my center post. I wonder if they fixed that, or if my usage is not causing a problem
why wouldn't the rrs bh-55 be 'appropriate'?
ReplyDeletesantishi,
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, the RRS BH-55 is a mighty fine head (I have one), but it's too big to fit 'properly' on the 70mm head plate. It's meant for the Gitzo Studex tele (3 and 5 series) tripods, that don't use a column. The Markins M20 is actually quite small, albeit immensely capable.
thanks....I am just trying to have my 'cake and eat it too'!!
ReplyDeleteI want the 'cheaper' Induro CT-414 (looking at the Gitzo 3541xls just in case) and the RRS head just looks 'too cool':))
A dilemna of biblical proportion!!:((