My wonderful wife Tracie (a Dallas based photographer) bought me a great tripod for Christmas.  I’ve been looking for a good carbon fiber tripod and had been looking at the Gitzo line but a recent review on Luminous Landscape of an Induro 413 gave me another option to look at.

What I found was the Induro CT314 Carbon Fiber 8X Tripod (Check Prices: Adorama, Amazon, and B&H)….and I’m glad I found it.

Initial Thoughts on The Induro CT 314

This tripod is solid!

The legs are solid. The leg locks are solid. The center Column lock is solid. Everything is solid on this tripod. The tripod is rated to hold 39.6 lbs, which should be enough to hold any tripod head + camera / lens combo.

I found no slipping or wavering on this tripod like I had on my previous Manfrotto tripod. The leg locks are solid and, while not the same design as the well regarded Gitzo leg locks, they feel just as solid as the ones on my Gitzo GM5561T 6X monopod Check Prices: Adorama, Amazon, and B&H).

Height

The tripod will get tall (for you tall folks) and will get low for those of you who are into macro and/or if you are looking to change the perspective of your photographs.

I took a few minutes to run the tripod through all of its configurations so you can see how low and high it can go..take a look at the photographs below:

Induro CT314 8X Tripod at it's lowest point

Induro CT314 8X Tripod at the second lowest point

Induro CT314 8X Tripod after unfolding

Induro CT314 Tripod with one leg extended

Induro CT314 Tripod with all legs extended

Induro CT314 Tripod with all legs and center column extended

Changing Leg Angles

One of the interesting features of this tripod is the locking mechanism for changing the angle of the legs. The locking mechanism is easy to use and provides great support.  Below is a photo of the locking mechanism pulled out in preparation for changing the angle of the leg.  To change the angle of the leg, you pull the leg in a bit and then pull the leg angle lock out and place the leg at the predetermined angle (24 degrees, 55 degrees and 80 degrees) and then push the leg angle lock back into place.    This approach seems much more stable (and easier to use) then the one on my old Manfrotto.

Induro CT314 Tripod leg angle lock

Column Locking Mechanism

While I’ve never been a huge fan of columns on tripods (I’ve always thought they took away from the stability), the column on the CT 314 is solid and the column lock is as solid and easy to untighten/tighten as I’ve seen (a photo is below). The center column is grooved, which keeps it from turning while using the tripod.

I’m told that there is a short column for use with this tripod but I’m pretty happy with this one so far.

Induro CT 314 Center Column Lock

Features

• Wide Stance Cross-braced Magnesium Alloy Spider provides ultimate core system stability
• Extra Long Grooved Center Column extended camera positioning without unwanted column rotation
• Full Width Leg Locks maximum support at any angle
• Dust and Moisture Resistant Ergonomic Rubber Grip Leg Locks ensure an easy positive 1/2 turn all-weather lock
• Interchangeable Rubber Feet and Stainless Steel Spikes in Carbon Fiber mount provide the right contact on any surface or terrain
• Slip Resistant Top Plate with Reversible Tripod Head Mounting Screw assures compatibility with virtually any tripod head
• Spring Loaded Weight Hook allows additional weight mounting stability during windy conditions
• Oversized Center Column Lock adds vibration reducing structural support
• Non-Rotating Carbon Fiber Leg Sections offer quick and easy setup
• Reversible Locking Center Column allows low angle shooting (optional ballhead not included)
• Adjustable Leg Angles with Lock accommodates uneven surfaces and awkward shooting situations
• Integral Bubble Level allows adjustment to prevent uneven pans and tripod head movements
• Triple Closed Cell Comfort Grip provides comfortable handling during cold or hot outdoor conditions
• Double Threaded Accessory Mount fits wide range of accessories (optional PocketWizard and bracket not included)

Specifications

Conclusion

This is a great tripod for anyone looking for a sturdy professional level carbon fiber tripod.  I would easily recommend this tripod (or any other Induro tripod) to any photographer out there…great tripods and great prices.

If you are looking for a great tripod for about half the cost of the Gitzo’s out there, check out the Induro line.

Check prices on the Induro CT314 Carbon Fiber 8X Tripod at the following retailers

• Adorama
• Amazon
• B&H

Related posts:

1. Gitzo GM5561T 6X Carbon Fiber Monopod Product Review
2. Really Right Stuff Monopod Head Product Review
3. Wish List additions – Tripods: Gitzo GT5541LS and Gitzo GT3530LSV

I’ve officially added the Gitzo GT5541LS Series 5 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod with G-Lock to my Wish List. This tripod will easily hold my Camera and big lens(es)…once I get the big lens

In addition, I’ve been looking at the Gitzo GT3530 6X Carbon Fiber 3 Series 3 Section G-Lock Mountaineer Tripod but some folks have said the GT5541 is more resistant to vibration than the GT3530.

The GT5541 is heavier than the GT3530…but I don’t plan to do a lot of long-distance hiking with a big lens and big tripod….so for now, I’m leaning toward the GT5541 as the tripod of choice.

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Related posts:

1. Gitzo GM5561T 6X Carbon Fiber Monopod Product Review
2. Really Right Stuff Monopod Head Product Review
3. Induro CT314 Carbon Fiber 8X Tripod – Product Review