The Feisol CT-3342 and its four sections sister, the CT-3442, are two of the most unique tripods available. Despite looking like small systematic tripods, they are lightweight, designed to be used on the go. Unlike most travel tripods however, they are tall enough to get the camera to eye level for most people. This is achieved through minimalism in design, but also by using an uncommonly narrow leg angle. The uniqueness of these specifications will become dominant factors of this review, in both good and bad ways.
This tripod was purchased through retail channels. I was no paid by any party to write this review, and the opinions are entirely my own.
| Name | Feisol CT-3342 |
|---|---|
| Class | All Purpose |
| Yaw Stiffness | 374 +/- 1 Nm/rad |
| Yaw Damping | 0.086 +/- 0.009 Js/rad |
| Pitch Stiffness | 1960 +/- 6 Nm/rad |
| Pitch Damping | 0.247 +/- 0.025 Js/rad |
| Retail Price | $410 |
| Weight | 2.54 lbs (1.151 kgs) |
| Manufacturer weight rating | 55 lbs |
| Maximum Height | 56.8 in (144.3 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 8.5 in (21.6 cm) |
| Center Column | No |
| Base Diameter | 2.7 in (6.9 cm) |
| Folded Length | 23.3 in (59.2 cm) |
| Folded Circumference | 14.5 in (36.8 cm) |
| Folded Volume | 390.0 cu. in. (6.4 liters) |
| Leg Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Primary Leg Angle | 19.0 deg |
| Leg Locks | Twist |
| Top Tube Diameter | 28.0 mm |
| Second Tube Diameter | 24.1 mm |
| Third Tube Diameter | 20.4 mm |
| Exchangeable Feet | No |
| Foot Type | Rubber |
| Bottom Hook | Yes |
The test results are included here as I consider them to be part of the tripod’s specification. For full discussion of the stiffness and damping, see the test results page of the review.
The most obvious aspect of the specifications is how tall the CT-3342 is for its weight. At 56.8 inches (144 cm) tall, the tripod is tall enough to get the camera to eye level for most people. I have tested no other tripod that is this tall (without extending the center column) and this light, and it isn’t even particularly close.
What’s in the Box?