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The “World’s First” Titanium Tripod System
by Matt Meisenheimer
In a recent blog post I discussed tripods, additionally listing potential models to consider. The topic is coming back to the forefront, though, because a new company is making serious waves on Kickstarter that are necessitating additional discussion.
Colorado-based tripod company, ‘Colorado Tripod Company’ (clever, eh?), is introducing what they claim to be ‘the world’s first titanium tripod system’. They are making some pretty bold claims on their Kickstarter page, like that their new tripods are more stable than Gitzo tripods, and better constructed than Really Right Stuff ballheads.
Colorado Tripod Company’s(CTC) claim that they are making the “world’s first titanium system,” is not exactly accurate. They must be forgetting Gitzo’s 90th anniversary titanium system release. Sure, only 390 were produced, and they sold for about $2,500, but technically they did get there first.
CTC promises to offer a titanium system that is also affordable. The main allure of a titanium system is the amazing strength-to-weight ratio that titanium possesses. Although titanium is denser than aluminum (which is what most tripods are constructed from), titanium has double the strength of aluminum. Thus, either titanium tripods will be much stronger or the same strength at a much lighter weight. The idea is interesting so let’s look at the specific models that CTC is introducing.
Titanium Versus Aluminum
Colorado-based tripod company, ‘Colorado Tripod Company’ (clever, eh?), is introducing what they claim to be ‘the world’s first titanium tripod system’. They are making some pretty bold claims on their Kickstarter page, like that their new tripods are more stable than Gitzo tripods, and better constructed than Really Right Stuff ballheads.
Colorado Tripod Company’s(CTC) claim that they are making the “world’s first titanium system,” is not exactly accurate. They must be forgetting Gitzo’s 90th anniversary titanium system release. Sure, only 390 were produced, and they sold for about $2,500, but technically they did get there first.
CTC promises to offer a titanium system that is also affordable. The main allure of a titanium system is the amazing strength-to-weight ratio that titanium possesses. Although titanium is denser than aluminum (which is what most tripods are constructed from), titanium has double the strength of aluminum. Thus, either titanium tripods will be much stronger or the same strength at a much lighter weight. The idea is interesting so let’s look at the specific models that CTC is introducing.
Titanium Versus Aluminum
- Titanium is stronger – 2x the strength at the same weight as aluminum
- Aluminum is an easier material to work with for manufacturers
- Titanium is a more expensive material
CTC is introducing the Highline as an aluminum head and a titanium head. The thing that instantly stands out, in my mind, is the price tag. $499 MSRP puts it up there with the most expensive offerings from Gitzo and Really Right Stuff, which means that the titanium head is going to have to really deliver to live up to its price. As hinted above, the titanium head is lighter than its aluminum counterpart, and it delivers the same locking force.
CTC is also releasing two tripod models, both dubbed the ‘Centennial;’ one is made from carbon fiber and machine aluminum and the other is made from carbon fiber and machined titanium. Both models are competitively priced, with the Al version at $299 and the Ti version at $899. CTC is aiming to do business similarly to Gitzo, where they have high-end offerings, but also ‘budget’ offerings in their Aluminum series. CTC is using a very interesting machining process that aims for the highest quality possible, they also say their $299 Centennial Al will be just as stable as $700 offerings from Gitzo due to their machining process and the quality of their raw materials.
CTC is also releasing two tripod models, both dubbed the ‘Centennial;’ one is made from carbon fiber and machine aluminum and the other is made from carbon fiber and machined titanium. Both models are competitively priced, with the Al version at $299 and the Ti version at $899. CTC is aiming to do business similarly to Gitzo, where they have high-end offerings, but also ‘budget’ offerings in their Aluminum series. CTC is using a very interesting machining process that aims for the highest quality possible, they also say their $299 Centennial Al will be just as stable as $700 offerings from Gitzo due to their machining process and the quality of their raw materials.
My Impressions
- CTC claims that their ballheads solve ‘the right-hand problem’ and increase range of motion
- Worlds first titanium hollowballs and tripods
- Innovative Manufacturing Process
Most of the market uses magnesium casting as their production process of choice when it comes to manufacturing tripods. Gitzo, Induro, and Manfrotto all use this process, along with many others. Magnesium casting allows for fast production times and is less expensive. CTC uses a different method, one called CNC machining. CTC is able to use this process to machine productions from solid blocks of metal. This allows for the creation of more precise and durable parts, with beautiful finishes – something not really possible with cast molding. Cost of business is definitely higher for CTC with this method, but they are using this method of production for all tripods. Which means, we could actually see a $299 tripod that truly is stable and high quality. We really don’t have that on the market right now.
- No Quick Lever-Release?
- Marketing? Or Real Deal
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AUTHOR
Matt Meisenheimer is a photographer based in Wisconsin. His artistry revolves around finding unique compositions and exploring locations that few have seen. He strives to capture those brief moments of dramatic light and weather, which make our grand landscapes so special. Matt loves the process of photography – from planning trips and scouting locations, taking the shot in-field, to post-processing the final image.
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com
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