Sienna Plein Air Tripod - Worth Buying?

MChesleyJohnson · #1 02-08-2013, 05:19 PM

Hi - I'm looking at getting a new tripod. I want something lighter than the one I have now. The Sienna Plein Air Tripod comes in at 3.4 pounds and is reasonably priced.

Now the question. Is it any good? Does anyone have any experience with it?

I have had students bring tripods with plastic ballheads or plastic non-ballheads that wiggle, no matter how much you tighten them. IMHO, the ballhead should be rigid metal, not plastic. I can't tell with the Sienna what it's made of. Website says "magnesium alloy components."

Davkin · #2 02-08-2013, 05:32 PM

I used one for about a year and a half, (which for you is about 2 months of use.

) and loved it. I have no complaints.

David

MChesleyJohnson · #3 02-08-2013, 05:36 PM

Thanks, David! Yeah, I do tend to put them through their paces.

And curious minds want to know - did you replace it with something else?

Revilo · #4 02-09-2013, 09:58 AM

Judging by posted dimensions on the Craftech website, it will fit in a carry on when folded. This might influence your decision.

MChesleyJohnson · #5 02-09-2013, 12:22 PM

Good point. I did go ahead and buy it...so we'll see. I'd like to get a second QR plate if I can find one. I like to have on on my oil box and the second on my pastel box.

timonsloane · #6 02-09-2013, 12:35 PM

I don't know the Sienna. I'd be curious to hear what you think if you get it.

I agree the head is usually the weak link. To that end I was looking at this Manfrotto head. Has anyone tried it:
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-496R...pr_product_top

I was thinking of trying to put this in a lightweight set of Dolica legs that I already have:
http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B1.../dp/B001D60LG8

The combo of these two together is quite reasonable in price, and I'm thinking I'd get the quality of the Manfrotto head.

MChesleyJohnson · #7 02-09-2013, 04:44 PM

If you get those two items, Timon, let us know how they work. The price of the two is cheaper than the Sienna.

Davkin · #8 02-09-2013, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MChesleyJohnson

Thanks, David! Yeah, I do tend to put them through their paces.

And curious minds want to know - did you replace it with something else?

I had the whole Craftech setup which was too heavy/bulky to backpack with and had a friend that liked my setup so I sold it to him.

David

MChesleyJohnson · #9 02-14-2013, 07:53 AM

Got my tripod yesterday - and I love it! So much better than the old, heavier and bigger tripod I was lugging along.

tuzigoot · #10 02-14-2013, 06:29 PM

Timon - please let us know if that head works on the Dolica - I have that tripod and the head is definitely the weak link.

timonsloane · #11 02-14-2013, 06:40 PM

Linda - I'm not going to make the investment at this time in a new head. I have a different tripod that is doing me fine right now. I'm hoping someone else might give it a go (and I'd love the hear the results).

Michael - glad it's working out for you. Is it all metal parts?

MChesleyJohnson · #12 02-15-2013, 06:52 AM

Yup, all metal in the head. The only plastic is in the little levers that tighten/loosen the legs for telescoping.

Revilo · #13 02-15-2013, 08:50 AM

MCJ, will it fit in the carry on with a pochade and kit?

MChesleyJohnson · #14 02-15-2013, 04:10 PM

I just checked. If you take off the ball head, it fits easily diagonally. Should be room in there for a thin box like the Open Box M panel/palette holder plus brushes, etc.

Montana Mountain Man · #15 03-13-2013, 08:23 AM

Did you ever find extra plates for the Sienna?

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