Customer Reviews

Induro Carbonflex 8x Tripod CX-114

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Upon taking this tripod out of it's box I was pleasantly surprised. The unit looked solid, and provided stable camera support. The first issue I encountered was once the ball head was mounted onto the sticks the unit would no longer fit into the bag that came with it. I contacted Induro, where the representative told me that they were aware of the issue, and that I could buy another bag. I declined since the tripod was to be transported on my camera backpack anyway which turned out to be a mistake. On the second day in the field while transporting the tripod on my back one of the legs quietly slid out and fell to the ground. Fortunately someone hiked behind me, and noticed the loss. Obviously the tightening screws can completely unscrew which allows the tripod to disassemble itself. The separated leg had a multitude of plastic washers on it which fortunately did not fall off, otherwise it would have been impossible to reassemble the unit properly. A couple weeks later on the same trek, one of the spikes went missing. These were mounted with the wrench provided, but apparently are also subject to work their way loose. Another nuisance is the center post. There is one lock down ring which doesn't do anything, and the lock down screw bellow the head requires serious tightening to secure the post, which occasionally still slips down unexpectedly. Long story short: After six weeks of using this tripod I have come to the conclusion that an average $25 tripod would likely have held up better than this unit, and that for my next trip I'll have to invest into something more solid from a different manufacturer. I would not recommend this tripod!

While I have only used this tripod briefly, I am very pleased with it after carrying it around and using it all weekend to capture some long exposure shots in beautiful Rothenburg (odT). It is definitely a "huge" step up from my several cheap plastic $20 tripods. This feels much sturdier in every degree of motion and just locks "solid" like a professional tripod should - except for one case mentioned below.

As others mentioned, the padded carry bag is very comfortable and professionally built aside from it being too small to fit the tripod with a ballhead attached (I have just the small Induro Tripod Head DM-01 and with a strong fight I can get it to fit). I ended up just dropping a leg through the bottom corner of the strap from my Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack (Black) or DSLR Quick Access Pad Sling Camera Backpack Water-resistant while holding the tripod close to my hip and protected with just my lowered left arm. This worked out quite well - thank goodness the tripod is so light! I also just realized I can also unhook the shoulder strap from the bag and attach it to itself and the utility loop on the spider of the tripod as an additional carrying method!

I love the twist grip locks for the legs! This is so quick and perfect for use in cold weather with gloves on - all it takes is 1/2 a turn! I also really appreciate the flexibility to move the legs around independently - as well as the center column - there is just so much versatility! Add on a ballhead and you can get any shot you want at any angle.

While I do wish the other two legs had the foam grip as well (as in the new "CT" models), sadly I do not see the "flexpod" style center column offered in the current (2010) Induro product line. I sure hope they bring it back!

Only problem: I noticed one leg would collapse with a slight amount of weight even after being tightened all the way. After reading another review here I decided to try taking the leg off completely and identified the white plastic washers inside. Apparently the middle "locking" washer got jammed up on top of the other washer preventing the setup from compressing and locking the leg in place. (It looks like this is because the grooves don't match for the washer) I do worry about these thin plastic washers breaking (one already is and another has a crack) or getting lost, even though they shouldn't really be exposed. I've requested a replacement and some extra washer plastic pieces from Induro - I hope they quickly respond. Induro offers up to an impressive 5-yr warranty on their products, so it's always reassuring to see professional warranties to back professional products.

The broken/small washers is the only reason I take off one star from this amazing tripod. (Luckily I also grabbed it at a steal of a price as the outgoing model.) If Induro responds quickly with replacement washers, I would bump it up to a 5 star rating.

EDIT Jan 2011: Induro sent replacement lock clips/bushings so upgraded from 4 to 5 stars due to their quick support.

EDIT Jan 2012: During a week of shooting night scenes while on travel (my first regular daily use), one of the legs locked up. I unscrewed the leg assembly and realigned the bushings which seemed to work though the leg section does not move smoothly now. Perhaps I had tightened too hard and the top bushing got caught up. Will inquire about support.

I have this tripod for 9 months and have been very pleased with the quality so far. In answer to several reviews that I have read here, I have to tell you that the leg locking system is fine if you don't over tighten the legs. A half turn is all you need. I also have an Induro monopod and overtightened the locking mechanism. If you do they will always slip out of place. I am lucky to live 10 minutes from their headquarters in Elmsford, NY. I took the monopod there and they changed the gaskets in ten minutes and explained that only a little pressure is all that is needed to lock the legs. I have not had any trouble with the tripod legs, same system, and have found the tripod to be sturdy and versatile because of the horizontal bar, which can be useful under certain conditions. The second issue which some reviewers commented on was the fact that the bag is too small for the tripod and the head combined. I also was bummed out about this, because I bought a Manfrotto 498RC2 ballhead and I had to remove the ballhead to put the unit in the bag. So I called customer relations at Induro and complained. They were extremely nice to me every time I had a problem. I spoke to Jeff and he said they had a new, bigger bag that he would send me free of charge. I have it and the new bag is perfect! Tripod and ballhead fit quite comfortably, so I'm a happy camper. I can't tell you if they are sending the new bag with the tripod now, but it is available, so that shouldn't be an issue. Overall, I am very happy with this tripod and can recommend it highly.

I received this item and it was missing a leg so I had to return it. I am not knocking the tripod, or the company but the first was the older syle. I needed the tripod so I reordered a more recent model and it is amazing! Light and easy to work. Very happy with this tripod. I have a Manfrotto monopod, but if I were to do it over, I would buy a Induro Corbonflex because of the weight and quality. More money, but after you spend the money you have to live with the product and this product will last a life time and one I am very happy with.

Based on its specification, this tripod is very flexible. But for the price I expect it should include a ballhead for the camera. As is, it is not worth the price it is asking for.