I have to replace my old tripod with a new one. To better compare the different models in terms of quality, manufacturer, reliability, I selected two models from the same producer (Manfrotto):
MT055XPRO3:
- good price/quality ratio (around 240$)
- made in aluminium
- a bit heavy (5.5 lb = 2.5 Kg)
- 3 leg sections
MT055CXPRO4:
- pricey (around 500$)
- made in carbon fibre (should better compensate vibrations)
- slightly lighter (4.6 lb = 2 Kg)
- 4 leg sections (instead of 3 as in the model above).
Questions:
What are the benefits of having one more leg section? Being I am 175 cm tall, I will never use the legs fully extended on a plane floor.
Is carbon fibre really more stable than aluminium?
Does 0.5 Kg make a big difference in terms of overall weight? I am not a professional photographer. My heaviest gear consists of a Nikon D610 and a Tokina 11-16, no extreme telezooms.
Can someone provide some comparisons or explanation about the previous technical aspects, keeping the scope on the previous models? It would help to better understand the real meaning of those features.