The CT-3472 is the four section version of Feisol’s top of the line ‘Elite’ series. These are full fledged systematic tripods due to their size, stability, and the flexibility that an interchangeable top plate can provide. Despite this, the CT-3472 is one of the lightest and most compact systematic tripods available, making it a great choice for those looking for a general purpose tripod as well.
| Name | Feisol Elite CT-3472 M2 |
| Class | Systematic |
| Yaw Stiffness | 995 +/- 3 Nm/rad |
| Yaw Damping | 0.189 +/- 0.019 Js/rad |
| Pitch Stiffness | 3508 +/- 17 Nm/rad |
| Pitch Damping | 0.474 +/- 0.047 Js/rad |
| Retail Price | $600 |
| Weight | 3.88 lbs (1.76 kgs) |
| Manufacturer weight rating | 66 lbs |
| Maximum Height | 58.3 in (148.1 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 3.6 in (9.1 cm) |
| Center Column | No |
| Base Diameter | 2.81 in (7.1 cm) |
| Folded Length | 21.3 in (54.1 cm) |
| Folded Circumference | 17.4 in (44.2 cm) |
| Folded Volume | 513.0 cu. in. (8.4 liters) |
| Leg Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Leg Sections | 4 |
| Primary Leg Angle | 22 deg |
| Leg Locks | Twist |
| Top Tube Diameter | 37.0 mm |
| Second Tube Diameter | 33.1 mm |
| Third Tube Diameter | 29.3 mm |
| Fourth Tube Diameter | 25.5 mm |
| Exchangeable Feet | Yes |
| 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.
Feisol consistently misrepresents the primary leg angle of its tripods, and the CT-3472 is no exception. On its website, Feisol claims that the leg angles are “– Preset leg angles at 25, 50, and 75 degrees.” I have measured the primary leg angle at 22 degrees however. 22 degrees is on the narrow side of what I consider acceptable. 25 degrees is much more ideal. That being said, the performance of the tripod is still strong despite the narrow leg angle. This naturally begs the question, how good could this tripod have been if Feisol had only just manufactured it to the leg angle they claim in their marketing material?
Aside from the leg angle, there are no major discrepancies in the specifications, and they largely speak for themselves. The CT-3472 is on the light side for a systematic tripod, and lighter than roughly half of the ‘All Purpose’ tripods I have tested. The tripod is tall enough to get the camera to eye level or above for most people. Despite this, the CT-3472 manages to stay fairly compact due to the design of its apex, leg locks, and feet. The folded length makes it possible to get it into a carry on bag, albeit without a head and while taking up an obscene amount of the total volume.
What’s in the Box?
The CT-3472 comes with a carrying case and itself. Many of the direct competitors try to load up the package with semi useful accessories, and I am find with Feisol not taking this approach. I even find the included bag unnecessary, and wish they didn’t include it and dropped the price.
Feisol sells accessories for the CT-3472 such as spikes, and a custom center column for very reasonable prices. One accessory though is conspicuously absent, the video bowl. Most systematic tripods allow the top plate to be exchanged for a 75mm video bowl, allowing the easy use of fluid heads and leveling bases. Normally a 3rd party one would work, but Feisol has a custom locking system for its top plate. If you want a video bowl on this system, you are out of luck.