September 3, 2013

Latest Updates of Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod

As I keep receiving e-mails from readers who are confused with the different Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod versions available in the market, I thought it would be convenient to write a small article with the most recent Triopo tripod updates.

Starting about six months ago all Triopo GT series tripods have been upgraded at two points.

First a rubber ring around the neck of the removable (monopod) leg in order to give a better grip when screwing/unscrewing the leg.

And second, the pull-push leg-angle locks have been replaced with spring-loaded automatic leg-angle locks.

This is actually the most important upgrade, because as I had mentioned in the Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Review the leg-angle locks were somehow week and needed enhancement.

With the new reinforced leg-angle locks, you don't have to pull out the locking mechanism in order to release the leg as in the original version, but push the edge of the button-like mechanism downwards.

When unfolding the legs for tripod setup, the mechanism automatically clicks to the next stop until you reach the desired angle/position.

Other than the above, you may encounter some color differences in the center column rubber rings that were mentioned in the previous Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Update article but these are rather cosmetic than functional updates.



Reminder

All recent production Triopo GT and GX series models should be equipped with retractable steel spikes on their rubber feet.
All other versions available are old stock.



Note!
Another important fact is that Triopo has changed the GT series code numbers probably in order to anticipate for the confusion caused by the various versions of tripods under the same model label.
Therefore the new upgraded/updated GT-3228X8C is marketed under the GT-2804X8C model name.
Some samples I have encountered differ by red colored leg-angle locks and a red ring around the center column twist-lock.

As there are variations of the height and versions offered by different suppliers, I should once again point out that caution should be taken before ordering. I suggest that you communicate with the supplier first.

I hope you found the information useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos & Photosynths: © 2013 S.C.Vlachos

Price & Availability:
Latest GT-3228X8C or GT-2804X8C CF Tripod prices vary per country between EUR 175-195. There are also versions combined with the Triopo B-2 ball head at very attractive prices.
Triopo models are available from Amazon and from eBay


Relevant Articles:


Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Review

Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Update

Triopo Tripod Spare Parts & Accessories Reference

How to Upgrade Triopo GT-3228X8C Tripod with Retractable Steel Spikes

Triopo GX-1328 Carbon Fiber Classic Tripod Review

13 comments :

  1. 2804X8C-GT and GT-3229X8C are the same thing or are they two different models?

    ReplyDelete
  2. As I mention in the Note above GT-2804X8C is the latest GT-3228X8C equivalent with 4 leg sections. The GT-2805X8C is the equivalent of GT-3229X8C with an extra thinner leg section, total 5, thus taller.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for the good information

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can you tell me if the Triopo MT-3228X8C is basically the same as the GT-3228X8C? They seem to be exactly the same, with the difference that the GT is made out of carbon fibre and the MT magnesium alloy...?
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. All MT-nnnnnn and GT-nnnnnn equivalent models share the same structure but the legs are made of different material. So you should expect to find also the same updates and improvements.
      Regards

      Delete
  5. Hi,
    Thanks for the good information because of this I went for a more expensive store and ordered a updated model with the spikes.

    I went for what they market as the GT-3232X8, do you happen to know the new model name for that one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linus,
      You're welcome.
      As far as I know models GT-3230X8 and GT-3232X8 were taller variations of the GT-3229X8 (5 section equivalent of the GT-3228X8) marketed only in Europe by Foto-tip in Poland.
      Unfortunately, I cannot verify if these models are also updated with all the enhancements described in the post above. So I would suggest that you check with your supplier before buying.

      Delete
  6. This was a great review! I was hoping it would include information about the ball head. The reason is there are three twisting style control knobs on mine. One loosens and tightens the lock down on the ball itself, another locks the rotation dimension but the last (middle in size to the other two ) is locked and does not seem to want to loosen plus I don't know what its function is. Can you help please?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This article is an update to the original Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Review which was more extensive. There wasn't any Triopo ball head review back then since their clamps quality was mediocre. As seen in Triopo B-2 Quick Release Clamp Review.
      Nevertheless, all ball heads featuring three control knobs operate by the same principles. Usually the largest knob is the Main ball lock-knob, the middle sized is applying minimum friction to the ball so it doesn't loosen abruptly when un-tightening the main knob and the smallest is responsible for the panning base lock.
      You may find more info about the three knob operation in my article
      Benro B-2 Ball Head Review which is very similar.
      Note that, if your middle knob was completely locked you wouldn't be able to move the ball, therefore better check if it completely loosened instead.

      Delete
  7. I have just received Triopo 2504x8 tripod with b1 head. Its the most cheap horrible product I have ever had in my hands, and I had more than a few cheap stuff from China.

    The legs lock is flimsy, cheap, sharp (cut my finger).. the centeral lock is twisted so I have to make to hard truns to open it... Really cheap copy of Sirui.

    The head is actually ok, nothing close to Sirui k10x but for an 30-40 dollar head, it's more than I expected.

    Can't recommend this product to any one. I bought for $120 and the funny part, it was after 50% discount.

    I hope O can return it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the feedback.
      Unfortunately, QC was never between Triopo's strong points.
      Since we have lost contact with Triopo completely we cannot recommend either any more.

      Delete