New Really Right Stuff Carbon Fibre tripod!

[dandig]

EDIT: Sorry for the title typo

I love the quality of the really right stuff ball heads. I just spotted on their website that they are launching a new high quality carbon tripod!

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=TVC-33&eq=&Tp=

http://reallyrightstuff.com/mmrrs/Images/full/TVC33.png

The price is high but I would expect the quality to be right up there if their other products are anything to go by.

Seems to be similar in spec and size to the Gitzo 3540 3530 range that is so popular amongst wildlife and landscape guys.

Theres also a note at the bottom of the page indication that there will be a monopod available soon too!

[ed rader]

EDIT: Sorry for the title typo

I love the quality of the really right stuff ball heads. I just spotted on their website that they are launching a new high quality carbon tripod!

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=TVC-33&eq=&Tp=



The price is high but I would expect the quality to be right up there if their other products are anything to go by.

Seems to be similar in spec and size to the Gitzo 3540 3530 range that is so popular amongst wildlife and landscape guys.

Theres also a note at the bottom of the page indication that there will be a monopod available soon too!


bold move pricing their tripod well above the industry standard (gitzo). good luck with that one :D!

ed rader

[mike_d]

bold move pricing their tripod well above the industry standard (gitzo). good luck with that one :D!

ed rader

Yeah, plus I'd have to pay tax on anything from RRS while I can get Gitzo from NYC without tax. When the items get this expensive, that's a pretty significant amount too.

[jgrussell]

bold move pricing their tripod well above the industry standard (gitzo). good luck with that one :D!And not just a little higher, either....

[ed rader]

Yeah, plus I'd have to pay tax on anything from RRS while I can get Gitzo from NYC without tax. When the items get this expensive, that's a pretty significant amount too.


especially in this economy :D!

ed rader

[tvphotog]

They make superb plates, ballheads, etc. Why this? It's like Gitzo ballheads...not on par with their tripods.

[mike_d]

They make superb plates, ballheads, etc. Why this? It's like Gitzo ballheads...not on par with their tripods.

Have you used an RRS tripod?

[dandig]

They make superb plates, ballheads, etc. Why this? It's like Gitzo ballheads...not on par with their tripods.

How on earth do you have any idea, the RRS tripods are not even available yet!!:rolleyes:

[WillOPhotos]

love my RRS ballhead but think ill keep my gitzo tripod :) looks nicer :cool:

[argyle]

Comparing the RRS tripod to the Gitzo 3531 Mountaineer:

Max Load: Gitzo 39.6#, RRS 50#
Weight: Gitzo 4.7#, RRS 4#
Max Height: Gitzo 52.4", RRS 58" (neglecting any center column)
Min Height: Gitzo 17.3", RRS 4.5"
Folded length: Gitzo 26", RRS 26"

For the extra $200 difference in price, I don't think the RRS model is worth it. Made in the USA, unfortunately, does mean higher labor and material costs (especially when not mass-produced). Like other RRS items, I'm sure that it'll be of the highest quality and workmanship, but good luck selling at that price differential.

[JohnJ80]

bold move pricing their tripod well above the industry standard (gitzo). good luck with that one :D!

ed rader

You know, until yesterday I would have thought the same thing. I was talking to a friend whose a senior exec with a lot of contacts in the high end retail industry. Those companies have only seen something like a 15% drop in business through the recession because their customers have high disposable income - they may gripe, but they still buy top end stuff (buy quality). I'd bet the same is true here. That said, this thing is ridiculously expensive.

That said, I'm not sure I'd buy an RRS tripod. I wish they would stick to their knitting more and do some updating on their ballheads and remove some weight instead.

Above all - what I do REALLY like about what they have done though is to demonstrate their vibration damping capability as a function of frequency and to compare to the "industry standard" (presumably Gitzo). If we could see that on all manufacturers, wouldn't that be fantastic? Finally an objective and quantitative measure of tripod performance - presuming RRS makes their test specs and methodology public.



J.

[JohnJ80]

Comparing the RRS tripod to the Gitzo 3531 Mountaineer:

Max Load: Gitzo 39.6#, RRS 50#
Weight: Gitzo 4.7#, RRS 4#
Max Height: Gitzo 52.4", RRS 58" (neglecting any center column)
Min Height: Gitzo 17.3", RRS 4.5"
Folded length: Gitzo 26", RRS 26"

For the extra $200 difference in price, I don't think the RRS model is worth it. Made in the USA, unfortunately, does mean higher labor and material costs (especially when not mass-produced). Like other RRS items, I'm sure that it'll be of the highest quality and workmanship, but good luck selling at that price differential.

None of that is worth it. The whole benefit they are selling is better vibration damping than the "industry standard." Hard to say how that plays out.

J.

[argyle]

True, but you have to take their frequency chart with a grain of salt. I also assumed that the "industry standard" they're referring to is Gitzo, and more than likely it is since RRS also sells Gitzo tripods (or will they now be dropping the Gitzo stuff?). But why take RRS' word with regard to their published chart, but not that of other mfrs with regard to their load ratings? As an engineer, it would be nice to see RRS' test methodology and procedure though.

[JohnJ80]

oh, I agree for sure. I just like to see that sort of performance data. Much better than "load" ratings - whatever that means.

I'd like to see some method that becomes industry standard that causes tripod mfgs to publish their data like this - then we could have something to compare to. Right now, people walk into a store and whack a tripod and pronounce it "stable." They also tend to get hung up on the paint job and confuse that with real performance. I've done some testing and know that there are significant differences between tripods.

j.

[justrussfm]

Yes, the vibration dampening graph is surely a step in the right direction... and surely we can't take RRS's word on it without an open methodology that others can repeat.

You know, we as a community (and I mean DSLR shooters, not just on this particular forum) have a lot of prowess with engineering, physics, and photography... and I bet we could start a thread in which we discuss what kind of testing suite would be appropriate for tripods/heads/general support.... we could have someone in charge of compiling it all, making final decisions about what to include... and we could publish the methodology and reporting standards...

Then, we start asking retailers we have a close relationship with (say, Really Big Cameras) to start testing limited lines of gear. Of course, we could also test our own setups and develop a database (not everyone has the time, gear, eetc, but some do)...

The point is, we've been griping about this for a while, but I wonder if we can get the ball rolling ourselves?

[JohnJ80]

That's a good idea. The trick is in getting the sensors to detect the small vibrations and the equipment to generate the vibrations. It's expensive stuff.

This is getting frustrating enough, that I'm willing to back something like that. I'm tired of these threads where we debate this stuff over and over. Either the stuff is good or it's not. Either it justifies it's price or it doesn't.

j.

[Treat me like a tourist]

Yes, the vibration dampening graph is surely a step in the right direction... and surely we can't take RRS's word on it without an open methodology that others can repeat.

You know, we as a community (and I mean DSLR shooters, not just on this particular forum) have a lot of prowess with engineering, physics, and photography... and I bet we could start a thread in which we discuss what kind of testing suite would be appropriate for tripods/heads/general support.... we could have someone in charge of compiling it all, making final decisions about what to include... and we could publish the methodology and reporting standards...

Then, we start asking retailers we have a close relationship with (say, Really Big Cameras) to start testing limited lines of gear. Of course, we could also test our own setups and develop a database (not everyone has the time, gear, eetc, but some do)...

The point is, we've been griping about this for a while, but I wonder if we can get the ball rolling ourselves?

Great idea, have often thought this myself, the forum as a whole must have considerable knowledge and by now respect, not to mention great buying power. This all combines to drive our credibility to receive equipment loans for tests. But where to start......

[Wilt]

Comparing the RRS tripod to the Gitzo 3531 Mountaineer:

Max Load: Gitzo 39.6#, RRS 50#
Weight: Gitzo 4.7#, RRS 4#
Max Height: Gitzo 52.4", RRS 58" (neglecting any center column)
Min Height: Gitzo 17.3", RRS 4.5"
Folded length: Gitzo 26", RRS 26"

For the extra $200 difference in price, I don't think the RRS model is worth it. Made in the USA, unfortunately, does mean higher labor and material costs (especially when not mass-produced). Like other RRS items, I'm sure that it'll be of the highest quality and workmanship, but good luck selling at that price differential.


It carries 26% more but is 15% lighter in weight. It goes 10% taller, yet it also goes 74% closer to the ground. Folded up it is identical to the Gitzo. Those are pretty impressive credentials, if you ask me. Is it worth 1/3 more...that is an individual decision, but I speculate some would find those characteristics and premium to be worth it. After all, look at the premium paid for carbon fiber vs. aluminum!

[jhom]

The RRS tripod appears to be a hybrid with regard to specifications. It is closer to a 5 Series Gitzo in load ratings, but weightwise it resembles a 3 series. The RRS info doesn't mention the size of the tubes. However, RRS talks about a "big and thin" philosophy. That makes me wonder if the tubes are as large as the 5 series. The RRS tripod has a number of features that addresses some of the criticisms leveled at Gitzo as well as some new features.

I'm wondering about the vibration comparison. If the RRS tripod is structured like a 5 series Gitzo, then a comparison against a 3 series Gitzo may reflect greater vibration damping because of the size of the tubes. IMO, a 5 series-sized tripod weighing in at a 3 series weight is a good thing. Also, the price would be comparable to a 5 series.

I assume RRS did not include g-locs because of patent issues. Personally, I think g-locs add to the strength of a tripod/monopod design. It is ashame RRS could not add it to its design. I wait to see how the RRS legs turn out.

[jdizzle]

bold move pricing their tripod well above the industry standard (gitzo). good luck with that one :D!

ed rader
I agree. For the price of the RRS tripod, I'd rather get a Gitzo tripod and get the Gitzo jacket while I'm at it. :);)

[NicolasRubio]

I assume RRS did not include g-locs because of patent issues. Personally, I think g-locs add to the strength of a tripod/monopod design. It is ashame RRS could not add it to its design. I wait to see how the RRS legs turn out.

How do G-Locks work? What is their advantage?

[jhom]

How do G-Locks work? What is their advantage?

Here is a link for Gitzo's explanation and illustration of g-locks, http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/cache/off/pid/15934.

Essentially, they are shims in the twist locks that increase the stability of the joints. The more vertical pressure, the greater the force on the shims causing more rigidity at the leg joints. Anything that increases the stiffness of the legs the greater the vibration damping. The leg joints are a very vulnerable area because of the gaps between the leg segments. The engineers out there probably can explain it better.

[ray_stinger]

Did anyone notice that the design of this tripod is similar to the Feisol CT-3342? Looks like an improvised version of it. :D

[argyle]

It carries 26% more but is 15% lighter in weight. It goes 10% taller, yet it also goes 74% closer to the ground. Folded up it is identical to the Gitzo. Those are pretty impressive credentials, if you ask me. Is it worth 1/3 more...that is an individual decision, but I speculate some would find those characteristics and premium to be worth it. After all, look at the premium paid for carbon fiber vs. aluminum!

I don't concern myself too much with the weight/capacity ratings. Most claims are pretty dubious at best. When a mfr claims 40#, and a competitor claims 50#, to me its pretty much a wash. Just how often does one have upwards of 40# of gear on the tripod, even if using a weight bag for extra stabilization? The Gitzo 3-series does include a short center column (total height 65"), so the height advantage from the taller RRS is pretty much negated. And with Gitzo's G-locks, using a short center column really isn't a disadvantage and won't have much of an effect on stability. Gitzo does use 6 layers of CF...no mention by RRS of a similar spec. I'm sure that its a quality piece of gear, but at that price I doubt that RRS will cut much into Gitzo's market share. But I'd definitely give one a look should the prices come down a bit...God knows I have enough of their gear already. :)

[argyle]

Did anyone notice that the design of this tripod is similar to the Feisol CT-3342? Looks like an improvised version of it. :D

A knockoff of a knockoff? Now that's blasphemy... :D

[JohnJ80]

Did anyone notice that the design of this tripod is similar to the Feisol CT-3342? Looks like an improvised version of it. :D

I see your point. they both have three legs.

j.

[Wilt]

I don't concern myself too much with the weight/capacity ratings. Most claims are pretty dubious at best. When a mfr claims 40#, and a competitor claims 50#, to me its pretty much a wash. Just how often does one have upwards of 40# of gear on the tripod, even if using a weight bag for extra stabilization? The Gitzo 3-series does include a short center column (total height 65"), so the height advantage from the taller RRS is pretty much negated. And with Gitzo's G-locks, using a short center column really isn't a disadvantage and won't have much of an effect on stability. Gitzo does use 6 layers of CF...no mention by RRS of a similar spec. I'm sure that its a quality piece of gear, but at that price I doubt that RRS will cut much into Gitzo's market share. But I'd definitely give one a look should the prices come down a bit...God knows I have enough of their gear already. :)

I agree it is very difficult to do any comparison based upon any claims of load bearing, with no test standard. You did ignore (conveniently?! ;) ) the low level capability of the two tripods, and the weight savings.

[argyle]

I agree it is very difficult to do any comparison based upon any claims of load bearing, with no test standard. You did ignore (conveniently?! ;) ) the low level capability of the two tripods, and the weight savings.

I wouldn't say 'ignored'...maybe 'overlooked' is a better word. ;) Plus, I never shoot at that low of a position (or just haven't had the need to). Can't dispute the weight savings, though. If you're a hiker like me, any weight reduction is a blessing. Time will tell if RRS has a good seller on their hands...

[Rey]

I see your point. they both have three legs.

j.

They are also both black and made of CF :lol:

Bottom line is that people will pay for performance. If the RRS tripod performs to spec then there are pro's who will see the value. From my experience with RRS they manufacture quality products. Though they may not have G-Lock ala Gitzo, I'm sure they've engineered a similar system that could equal or possibly outperform Gitzo. I'll wait for reviews before I pass final judgement on the Versa because the only way you'll get my 3530 away from me is to pry if from my cold dead fingers (but if RRS wants to send me one to compare to my Gitzo, they should feel free ;))

[JohnJ80]

It would take a lot to get me away from my 3540LS too. What I'm really happy about though is their detailed information on performance. Long, long overdue in this industry. Gitzo will respond with similar data and performance information and then maybe we can put some pressure on some of these other guys selling the great paint jobs.

J.

[20DNewbie]

Sorry, but if we're going to compare tripods it should be against the 3531S not the Mountaineer(given the RRS is sans center post).

That model has a shorter folded length, shorter minimum height, lighter, and makes the price difference even greater.

Of course, that's JMO.

[jhom]

I spoke with RRS this morning. The tube size of the tripod is larger than the 3 series but smaller than the 5 series Gitzo. It has the g-lock feature. The vibration graph compared the RRS to a 3 series Gitzo. I asked about the quality of the carbon fiber makeup but the person did not know.

From what I can put together I think the RRS tripod has some very interesting potential. I would be curious to see some field reviews. It should be available in the next 10-14 days.

[c2thew]

Hmmmm...... Do i purchase a carbon fiber tripod or a carbon fiber road bike.....

decisions decisions....

[tvphotog]

It'll be interesting to see if sales of this one prompt them to develop a line including a travel tripod.

I'm also interested in the torsional stability of this compared to the Gitzo 3 and 5 series.

[JohnJ80]

Hmmmm...... Do i purchase a carbon fiber tripod or a carbon fiber road bike.....

decisions decisions....

Carbon Fiber road bike. You won't believe the difference over Aluminum or steel. Simply amazing.

J.

[Bob_McBob]

It's a little misleading to show that range of vibration frequencies. Most of what you're likely to encounter in normal shooting situations will be under 100Hz, with quite a lot of it in the 0-60Hz range where there isn't any advantage. It's obviously better at damping quite a range of higher frequencies, though.

[JohnJ80]

I agree that the high freq is unlikely to be as much of a problem. I am glad to see them putting up information that directly addresses ability to dampen vibration. That's a good step forward.

j.

[c2thew]

Carbon Fiber road bike. You won't believe the difference over Aluminum or steel. Simply amazing.

J.

heh i was being sarcastic, and yes i do agree a carbon road bike would be friggen sweet.

[JohnJ80]

I know.

You'd need to make the trade off between two RRS tripods or a CF road bike.

J.

[ed rader]

heh i was being sarcastic, and yes i do agree a carbon road bike would be friggen sweet.


the smoothest road bike that i've owned was the kestrel 200 SCi. it was a monocoque CF bike made in santa cruz waaaay back in the day, not to be confused with the kestrels massed produced in china these days.

i've also owned titanium, aluminum and steel bikes. my only bike these days is ti with a CF fork. it's smooth but it rides more like a steel bike.

ed rader

[ed rader]

how come the benro is a knock-off and the RRS isn't :D?

ed rader

[M3Rocket]

It's easy to knock something that no one has gotten their hands on. OTOH, at the asking price, I do think the expectations are going to be really high. I'd be surprised if RRS doesn't deliver a product befitting their well-deserved reputation. But at the same time, it's going to cost a premium for that extra bit of performance.

And one can hope for some standardized industry-wide testing method, but the reality is that there won't be one. It serves no purpose for Gitzo to submit to this standard testing when nearly everyone sees them as the standard already. Why risk their design being beaten by one costing half as much Chinese clone? Besides, anyone with some common sense knows that the load ratings on these things are not worth the paper it's printed on without knowing all the parameters of the testing.

[RiaGurl]

Whoa $925!!! It doesn't even have a center column.:oops: I wouldn't even buy their plates, let alone a tripod.

[jhom]

Whoa $925!!! It doesn't even have a center column.:oops: I wouldn't even buy their plates, let alone a tripod.

Yep, it is expensive. But, they do make high quality products. Once you use them and experience the quality and convenience they have, you quickly forget the cost.

[jacobsen1]

WANT!!!!

I have a really nice set of $600 gitzo legs, and the RRS legs are still too expensive for me right now, but I'd love to get a set if I could. I LOVE their stuff (it's funny, I don't like their ballheads though).

Some day...

[SunTsu]

And not just a little higher, either....

Gitzo is already pretty expensive and their stuff is pretty darn good. Diminishing returns really has to set in here. I also own a bunch of RRS gear and although I'll agree the machining of the products is very good, the gear is CRAZY expensive. It's obviously worth it to me because I bought it and there isn't really a decent alternative (aside from Kirk). For tripods, however, Gitzo is an amazing alternative so I personally can't see myself buying RRS tripods.

You know, until yesterday I would have thought the same thing. I was talking to a friend whose a senior exec with a lot of contacts in the high end retail industry. Those companies have only seen something like a 15% drop in business through the recession because their customers have high disposable income - they may gripe, but they still buy top end stuff (buy quality). I'd bet the same is true here. That said, this thing is ridiculously expensive.

That said, I'm not sure I'd buy an RRS tripod. I wish they would stick to their knitting more and do some updating on their ballheads and remove some weight instead.
J.

I'm a senior person at a HUGE consumer electronics retailer and I can tell you our top line numbers are EXTREMELY weak. Camera sales have been pretty good for some retailers, but as a whole, consumer electronics is WAY WAY WAY down. A 15% drop in POS sales would be great. In reality, we're seeing as much as a 30% drop in certain product categories.

The RRS tripod appears to be a hybrid with regard to specifications. It is closer to a 5 Series Gitzo in load ratings, but weightwise it resembles a 3 series. The RRS info doesn't mention the size of the tubes. However, RRS talks about a "big and thin" philosophy. That makes me wonder if the tubes are as large as the 5 series. The RRS tripod has a number of features that addresses some of the criticisms leveled at Gitzo as well as some new features.

I'm wondering about the vibration comparison. If the RRS tripod is structured like a 5 series Gitzo, then a comparison against a 3 series Gitzo may reflect greater vibration damping because of the size of the tubes. IMO, a 5 series-sized tripod weighing in at a 3 series weight is a good thing. Also, the price would be comparable to a 5 series.

I assume RRS did not include g-locs because of patent issues. Personally, I think g-locs add to the strength of a tripod/monopod design. It is ashame RRS could not add it to its design. I wait to see how the RRS legs turn out.

G-locs make a huge difference. I owned both the 1540T and the 1541T (which was the newer model with G-locs). I was so disappointed with the 1540 that I gave it to my sister after a week of ownership.

[jhom]

I agree about the g-locks. I feel a legset without them would be at a disadvantage. When I spoke with RRS, they indicated that the new legs have the g-lock feature. However, it is not mentioned in their posting on their site.

[JohnJ80]

WANT!!!!

I have a really nice set of $600 gitzo legs, and the RRS legs are still too expensive for me right now, but I'd love to get a set if I could. I LOVE their stuff (it's funny, I don't like their ballheads though).

Some day...

I agree.

I wish they had a 4 segment leg. Carrying a 26" long tripod when collapsed is out of the question for me.

J.

[Lowner]

"I'm a senior person at a HUGE consumer electronics retailer and I can tell you our top line numbers are EXTREMELY weak".

I used to work for a large regional Electricity Utility Company here in the UK. We always offered three price lines for everything. The customer logic went "I cannot afford the most expensive, I'm not a cheapskate, so I'll buy the middle one". Guess which line had the largest profit margin?

The others were only offered as a means of using customer psychology and were never stocked in the same quantity as the main seller. We are more predictable en masse than we care to think.

[jhom]

i just received an email flyer from RRS. Here is a link to the owner's manual for the new RRS legs, http://reallyrightstuff.com/mmrrs/Others/Versa-User-Manual.pdf.

[argyle]

Hmmmm...... Do i purchase a carbon fiber tripod or a carbon fiber road bike.....

decisions decisions....

CF road bike...I used a Look KG193 during my triathlon days...unreal beast of a bike, and much easier than my original steel Trek.

[RiaGurl]

I agree.

I wish they had a 4 segment leg. Carrying a 26" long tripod when collapsed is out of the question for me.

J.
wow i thought 26" collapsed is short!

what does 4 legs make a difference for anyway...shorter???

[JohnJ80]

I've found that the difference between 22" and 26" is significant for travel in almost any vehicle (plane, car, boat), for strapping on a backpack and for hiking in the woods.

J.

[RiaGurl]

ok. does having more (4 legs) make it shorter, or just happens to be that way with whatever model you are referring to as 22". what does 4 legs offer...stability?

[ed rader]

ok. does having more (4 legs) make it shorter, or just happens to be that way with whatever model you are referring to as 22". what does 4 legs offer...stability?


four leg sections as opposed to three sections, not four legs :D.

the more leg sections you have the shorter the collapsed length of the tripod.

ed rader

[RiaGurl]

four leg sections as opposed to three sections, not four legs :D.

the more leg sections you have the shorter the collapsed length of the tripod.

ed rader
i feel stupid now.

i was wondering cuz i never have seen a 4 legged tripod. guess it might be called a quadpod.

[JohnJ80]

LOL. Been there. ;)

most 4 section legs get to 22" or less which nicely matches airline carryon size if you take the ballhead off.

j.

[jacobsen1]

most 4 section legs get to 22" or less which nicely matches airline carryon size if you take the ballhead off.

yeah, I just carry on my legs as another carry on, NOT IN ANYTHING. It's worked so far for me. Just toss it in the bin when you get on. They're probably over legal length, but no one has ever questioned it as it's kinda a "personal item" I guess (and it's my second item, my first is a small enough backpack to go under my seat).

I will say this last trip I tossed me "trunk pod" in my checked baggage. It's an old bogen with a cheap $50 chinese kirk knockoff head. Carried the head on with the legs in the bag w/o any issues. If it were "borrowed" a replacement would be cheap enough and on my insurance companies (or the airlines possibly) dime. :lol:

[ben_r_]

Wow, what a company! They are out of their minds pricing that thing above a high end Gitzo though!

[WillOPhotos]

My tripod is prety big and I have no problems trekking quite long distances with it, I dont see anything wrong with my Gitzo where Id want the RRS the gitzo is built like a tank, the RRS ballhead has been working flawless through some prety rough treatment so I think there tripods will also be good though, you probaly wouldnt go wrong with either of them :lol:

[JohnJ80]

I've never had much issue with airlines and carryons and I travel a ton. I have been careful to be really to spec on my main pieces - backpack and wheelie. My wheelie is the same one you see a lot of pilots use. Makes it sort of hard to have them reject mine and then let a deadheading pilot bring his on... ;)

When I have had problems it has been primarily on the non-US carriers (KAL specifically) and then United. My main travel carrier is Delta and they have been fine.

Tripods are actually pretty easy to store on an airplane. They fit pretty easily in an overhead.

J.

[MDJAK]

Is it a lot of dough, but if it's a high quality product, which I'm sure it is, and if it's lighter yet just as strong as a Gitzo, perhaps, just perhaps it'll be worth the price difference.

AFAIK, it's too expensive.

me

[mikekelley]

It will be a cold day in hell before I spend that kind of money on a tripod. Unless it weighs in at like under 2.5 pounds with ballhead, there's just no way, for me.

[RiaGurl]

sure they are strong, but it depends on what you're shooting. i'd rather have a heavy tripod if i'm shooting in the wild. carbon fiber is strong, but it would be susceptible to being knocked over easier (if that is a concern). i don't think the carbon fiber makes it stay in place better does it?

[JohnJ80]

Carbon fiber is not susceptible to being knocked over, any more than a big heavy tripod is. That's why they have three widely spaced legs. ;) It's only a problem if you wind up with a grossly oversized camera on top of a far too small tripod. In practical usage, it is not a problem.

In addition, CF is a better vibration damper than is Al. Essentially, size for size, the CF tripods are better and more stable and they weigh a ton less.

J.

[jhom]

Most CF tripods have hooks that allow you to put additional weight to hold down the tripod. Getting knocked over is not a common problem.

[RiaGurl]

Most CF tripods have hooks that allow you to put additional weight to hold down the tripod. Getting knocked over is not a common problem.
any recommendations then for a set of good carbon fiber legs for ~$200 price range or less? Just wondering.

[ed rader]

any recommendations then for a set of good carbon fiber legs for ~$200 price range or less? Just wondering.


take a look at benro pods. i really like them. of course unlike the RRS legs they are a knock-off of gitzo :D!

ed rader

[RiaGurl]

benro...will do thanks.

[sparkin]

take a look at benro pods. i really like them. of course unlike the RRS legs they are a knock-off of gitzo :D!

ed rader

I read somewhere that the Benro legs are ok, but that the ballheads are junk. Is this a valid assessment ?

[JohnJ80]

My choice for knockoffs would be Feisol. http://www.feisol.com

You've probably seen this on Benro ballheads:

http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essays/Benro/benroks2.htm

j.

[dandig]

I read somewhere that the Benro legs are ok, but that the ballheads are junk. Is this a valid assessment ?

I would say so yes. I love my benro legs but their ballheads all self destructed on me.

[sparkin]

My choice for knockoffs would be Feisol. http://www.feisol.com

You've probably seen this on Benro ballheads:

http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essays/Benro/benroks2.htm

j.

Yep, that was it.

[RiaGurl]

benro, feisol, feisol benro...what to do. will stick with my al manfrotto for now, since weight is not an issue.

[ed rader]

I read somewhere that the Benro legs are ok, but that the ballheads are junk. Is this a valid assessment ?


i've never used a benro head but it wouldn't surprise me. the legsets are excellent tho. and i also use a benro monopod. made the mistake of selling the benro monopod and buying a gitzo 2541 but sold it at a $100 loss and bought another benro, which is lighter and shorter (much easier to carry).

the one thing i like about benro is the sizing makes more sense to me, and i am of average height -- 5' 10".

with benro i feel like i'm getting into a toyota and gitzo is more like VW where the ergonomics just feel a little off.

ed rader

[ed rader]

I read somewhere that the Benro legs are ok, but that the ballheads are junk. Is this a valid assessment ?


i've never used a benro head but it wouldn't surprise me. the legsets are excellent tho...especially when you factor in cost, and i also use a benro monopod. i made the mistake of selling the benro monopod and buying a gitzo 2541 but sold the gitzo at a $100 loss and bought another benro, which is lighter and shorter (much easier to carry).

the one thing i like about benro is the sizing makes more sense to me, and i am of average height -- 5' 10".

with benro i feel like i'm getting into a toyota and gitzo is more like VW where the ergonomics just feel a little off.

ed rader

[JohnJ80]

benro, feisol, feisol benro...what to do. will stick with my al manfrotto for now, since weight is not an issue.

Of the two, Feisol would be my choice.

j.

[Lowner]

Ed,

"with benro i feel like i'm getting into a toyota and gitzo is more like VW where the ergonomics just feel a little off".

Interesting analogy. I'd rate VW above Toyota as an "interested outsider" (never having driven either). Or is that your point?

[Thomas Hopkins]

So has anyone bought one of these yet?

[jdizzle]

So has anyone bought one of these yet?
I'd rather have a Gitzo. :) Plus, it's overpriced. You can get a Gitzo and ballhead together for what RRS is charging.

[bohdank]

Some would argue that Gitzo's are overpriced. It's all relative.

[JohnJ80]

Some would argue that Gitzo's are overpriced. It's all relative.

Not when compared to the (admittedly excellent) RRS tripod.

J.

[bohdank]

Yes, as I said, it is all relative ;-)

When you think about it, a $100 tripod is pretty much the starting point of dimishing returns.

[robscomputer]

I was actually really interested in this tripod setup. I called RRS and they said there is a 6 week wait which didn't bother me but I didn't like design of the spider ring. On the RRS it's appears stronger but is held by small set screws, while on the Gitzo it's held in by a main tension bolt.

Just from my personal experience I rather have one screw than three, and a larger bolt than small set screws. But I have no doubt that RRS will make a great tripod, I'm using their heads and L plate now which I really like. I never heard of any problems with Gitzo so I felt little need to buy more expensive legs.

[ben_r_]

bold move pricing their tripod well above the industry standard (gitzo). good luck with that one :D!

ed rader
Thats EXACTLY what I thought when I first learned this was coming out!

[Jannie]

As important as a tripod can be, it depends upon your need. I have the GT3531 with the center column and the largest RRS ball head with a really solid quick release and love it. When I bought it I thought it was going to be overkill but I knew I'd use it primarily for tabletop product work. My brother who's also a photographer and whom I'd gotten my Manfrotto carbon tripod from had told me in the beginning and again later on that once he bought this Gitzo/RRS combination he couldn't believe the difference and only regretted all the years working with setups that weren't as good. He said it took one shoot to convince himself that yes it was worth every penny. I bought the same setup and have had the same experience.

But I've looked at that new RRS tripod and knowing what I know now, I might have gone for it simply because of my experience with RRS gear, and because it is coming out with a column that can be used or not. Compared to what we spend on the rest of this stuff, it's not really out of line, especially since I've started wanting a Zeiss 100 ZE which is 2 thousand, it just depends on your perspective. Now my Gitzo tripod is way more than good enough but I can still look at anything that someone is trying to improve on.

I know in shooting advertising, no matter what you are doing, they really expect you to show up with the best of everything - and why shouldn't they, they're paying for it. They tend to get to know what the preferred tools the people they hire use and expect that across the board.

[JohnJ80]

As important as a tripod can be, it depends upon your need. I have the GT3531 with the center column and the largest RRS ball head with a really solid quick release and love it. When I bought it I thought it was going to be overkill but I knew I'd use it primarily for tabletop product work. My brother who's also a photographer and whom I'd gotten my Manfrotto carbon tripod from had told me in the beginning and again later on that once he bought this Gitzo/RRS combination he couldn't believe the difference and only regretted all the years working with setups that weren't as good. He said it took one shoot to convince himself that yes it was worth every penny. I bought the same setup and have had the same experience.

But I've looked at that new RRS tripod and knowing what I know now, I might have gone for it simply because of my experience with RRS gear, and because it is coming out with a column that can be used or not. Compared to what we spend on the rest of this stuff, it's not really out of line, especially since I've started wanting a Zeiss 100 ZE which is 2 thousand, it just depends on your perspective. Now my Gitzo tripod is way more than good enough but I can still look at anything that someone is trying to improve on.

I know in shooting advertising, no matter what you are doing, they really expect you to show up with the best of everything - and why shouldn't they, they're paying for it. They tend to get to know what the preferred tools the people they hire use and expect that across the board.

Well said.

When I bought my Gitzo 1258 (like 2541) I thought it was better than pockets in terms of what it did for my image quality. When I added a companion 3541LS, I was equally astounded in the additional sharpness I was able to achieve.

I shouldn't have been surprised because the 3541 is rated for a 400mm focal length and the 1258/2541 for roughly 200mm. That's a magnification factor difference of 2 and so the 3541 is twice as good at damping vibration as the smaller Gitzo is.

Here's an excellent article that explains most of this:

http://markins.com/charlie/report4e6.pdf

and is worth a read although it's a bit dry.

So, back to a previous comment - the $100 tripods are largely junk unless, of course, you use them in the absence of vibration.

J.

[Thomas Hopkins]

I ordered both the tripod and the BH-55 ballhead on Monday. I had been trying to decide between the Gitzo 3 and 5 series and think this tripod will fit right where I want it.

[rklepper]

Let's face it. All things photographic are over-priced.


Some would argue that Gitzo's are overpriced. It's all relative.

[rklepper]

Please post a review when you get it. It would be nice to have at least one person talking about it that actually has it. :)



I ordered both the tripod and the BH-55 ballhead on Monday. I had been trying to decide between the Gitzo 3 and 5 series and think this tripod will fit right where I want it.

[JohnJ80]

Let's face it. All things photographic are over-priced.

yep. The most flagrant example I've seen recently is the Lens Align thingie for $180.

J.

[RiaGurl]

$250 actually for their best model. lol. wonder if anyone here ever bought one.

[JohnJ80]

oh yeah, they have. Every time I bring up the LensAlign example of photographer gadget infatuation, I usually get flamed. LOL.

That said, I think that the RRS tripod probably does break some new ground in stability vs weight. I just don't like the 3 section legs though. The collapsed height gets too long or me for the travel and usage I do.

J.

[Thomas Hopkins]

Please post a review when you get it. It would be nice to have at least one person talking about it that actually has it. :)

will do but it's six weeks out... :)

[Karl Johnston]

Holy...1 grand for a tripod? :roll:

[robscomputer]

Holy...1 grand for a tripod? :roll:

Actually I think it works out to $1200 total with the legs, head, not including l-plates as needed.

I don't know, I think it's worth it if you noticed problems with a current tripod setup but also know people perfectly happy with a plastic tripod that flexes in a light breeze.

[JohnJ80]

Holy...1 grand for a tripod? :roll:

... about what you would pay for a good lens.

Without the stability provided by a tripod, it is difficult to get the full resolution out of that good lens over a wide range of exposure.

J.

[NicolasRubio]

They say they'd release a smaller tripod, a monopod, and a gimbal head... still waiting, though!

[Thomas Hopkins]

Actually I think it works out to $1200 total with the legs, head, not including l-plates as needed.

I don't know, I think it's worth it if you noticed problems with a current tripod setup but also know people perfectly happy with a plastic tripod that flexes in a light breeze.

Actually $1442.96 with shipping... My kids might go hungry :o

[Lowner]

Expensive as it is, I could justify that price if I needed to. We spend fortunes on cameras, then on lenses, but a tripod is possibly a greater contributor to a high quality image than either. Some people spend more on a flashgun than they do on a tripod!

[bohdank]

Yes, but is this one of those... a Gitzo will work in 100mph winds and the RRS one will work in 110mph. A poor example but, at some point, all of this becomes academic.

[RiaGurl]

i bet no one actually tried or torture tested these high enders on video.

[JohnJ80]

i bet no one actually tried or torture tested these high enders on video.

back to the need for industry standard testing methods that all manufacturers subscribe to.

J.

[Thomas Hopkins]

I've had my RRS tripod for a few weeks now, just haven't had time to do a review and wanted to use it some first. I did want to let anyone else that has one or is getting one and wants to order leg covers for it, I got mine from lens coat. They don't have this model listed, but I measured and ordered the ones for the Gitzo 1410 and they fit perfectly.

[jeppoy]

If I don't get my Gitzo 2541, I'll be looking into this. I ordered a BH-55 last week and it's here today. If the tripod is the same quality as their heads then it's worth the $925. I better start going to the gym more so I can carry the weight both of this combo on my back for long hikes.

[tvphotog]

Get the 1541 t and save your back.

[jeppoy]

We'll see if I don't get the tripod in the next 3 weeks.

[JohnJ80]

The fact that its closed length is so long (3 sections) is a show stopper for me.

J.

[NicolasRubio]

We'll see if I don't get the tripod in the next 3 weeks.

The RRS is backordered 3 weeks, too.

[mzbarsk]

I don't know. It is pretty expensive. I have their BH-55 ball head and I think it's a work of art. Feel super-solid, smooth operation, low-maintenance, but pretty pricey.

Whether this tripod is worth the extra cost or not is another question. I could see some people choosing this for a very specific purpose (being able to shoot very low to the ground while having higher extension at the same time). With the price they have set, they are competing with Gitzo directly and it won't be easy.

[jeppoy]

Well, my situation is a combination of not getting the items I bought and since RRS delivery is pretty efficient and I'm already $700 in the hole, the $225 really doesn't bother me at this point as long as it gets here. If it's already on back order, it only means that its either that good or they just can't keep up with the orders. The other reason I'm getting it is for bragging rights (just kidding). I was reading a review last night and it says it made the gitzo looks like a knock off.

[Thomas Hopkins]

Get the 1541 t and save your back.

I've been using the RRS tripod for several weeks now but I'm going on a trip this week so I pulled out the 1541t and I forgot how light that dang thing is. I mean, it's like picking up air. Crazy.

[jeppoy]

So for practical use, how does the new RRS tripod stands. Do I have to be Rambo in order to take it with me on a hike?

[jeppoy]

might be too late, I got a note from the mail, I think its my Gitzo 2541 waiting for me to be picked up.

[NicolasRubio]

Well, my situation is a combination of not getting the items I bought and since RRS delivery is pretty efficient and I'm already $700 in the hole, the $225 really doesn't bother me at this point as long as it gets here. If it's already on back order, it only means that its either that good or they just can't keep up with the orders. The other reason I'm getting it is for bragging rights (just kidding). I was reading a review last night and it says it made the gitzo looks like a knock off.

Is there a review online already? May we see it?

[Thomas Hopkins]

So for practical use, how does the new RRS tripod stands. Do I have to be Rambo in order to take it with me on a hike?

No, it's quite light considering it's load capacity. Obviously heavier than a 1541t but they are two completely different animals. So you're also thinking about the 2541? I don't see that as a substitute for the RRS tripod either. It falls somewhere between the Gitzo 3 and 5 series.

[jeppoy]

I bought the GT2541 already, I'm just waiting for it. I started from BENRO C-269M8 to Gitzo GT2541 then if the Gitzo get lost in the mail, I'll get the RRS tripod. I'm on the conquest to get a tripod and have no luck receiving it because of USPS. I will keep upgrading to a better one till I get the actual tripod. As for the review, sorry I'll have to find it again, I been researching for a month about tripods and I came accross to someone using it and he said it made the Gitzo looks like a knock off. If I find it I'll link it.

[jeppoy]

this the link where I got the post from the bottom http://photocamel.com/forum/camera-accessories-forum/90504-rrs-tripod.html


yep at $925 a copy it makes the top two gitzo tripods 55xx/35xx irrelevent. it has the weight of a 35xx and the support capability of the 55xx. i have one and it i also own a gitzo. it makes the gitzo look really second tier. hard anodized machined billet stock componentry vs painted alloy castings. the platform security system is top of the heap. where gitzo platform is actually a structural part of the apex whixh oh by the way is split in its design. i'll say that i definitally got the better designed and manufactured product.

the price of a base 55xx tripod is $850 and a 35xx is about $675. in one tripod i got the best of both.

[Jannie]

I think if I was going to travel the world shooting scenics with the IDsMKII or a medium format camera with the intent of selling 40" wide prints, I would probably get this. I however mostly use my 55/3531 when shooting tabletop and need the column.

I don't mind the extra cost of the tripod much at all if it's a primary tool in my system. I would however like a 22" minimum size to carry on a Shapeshifter and if I start traveling more might get a Gitzo flat top 3500 series as a second tripod or sell my 3531 and get the longer RRS with the center column if it is removable as the tripod height without it would be perfect for me.

[dandig]

For those of you thinking the tvc-33 is too heavy, they have a tqc-23 coming out soon. Ken rockwell has posted photos of the prototype. It is designed to partner the BH-40 just as the 33 partners the BH50. This new one is 4 section tripod and look like a beuty! I hear a while back that there would be a 3 section version too but i dont know if that is still the deal. The new one looks to be simila to a 2 series gitzo in dimensions, but its claimed that much like the tvc-33 , its boxes above its weight and has performance comparable to gitzos of one rung higher up the ladder, ie the 3 series.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/trips/2010-06-california-central-coast/17/D3R_2266-tripod-460.jpg

http://www.kenrockwell.com/trips/2010-06-california-central-coast/17/D3R_2259-460.jpg

[avwh]

Are these really selling at this price point, vs. the Gitzo?

[dandig]

Hard to say , but RRS has an apology on their site saying they are sorry that their manufacturer cant keep up with demand. Of course they will not sell as many as gitzo as RRS is a tiny company but it seems that they are shifting more than they bargained for.

[jeppoy]

what?????

[dandig]

what is so confusing ?

I also stumbled across what seems to be a new website for RRS that is in development. ON that site it lists a TQC-23 tripod which is a match for the BH40. SO i guess thats what it will be called, the on on Ken Rockwells site.

BUT is also lists a TQC-13 tripod as a match for the BH-30 ballhead ! So this must be a planned super lightweight travel style tripod. Hopefully we see these things soon....

[jeppoy]

crap.........the TVC-33 is too tall for me.

[Wilt]

crap.........the TVC-33 is too tall for me.

Why do so many think that you have to extend all sections fully ?!:confused: Extend the last section of one leg partially, lock it and set it on the ground...then pull down the last section of the other two legs to the ground and lock them, too.

If you take the time to figure out best height, you can put marks on all three legs, so that when you extend the last section of the first leg out, you look for the mark before locking the section. Then you follow the rest of the instruction in the above paragraph, to have all three match length without looking for the mark on the other two legs.

[jeppoy]

Why do so many think that you have to extend all sections fully ?!:confused: Extend the last section of one leg partially, lock it and set it on the ground...then pull down the last section of the other two legs to the ground and lock them, too.

If you take the time to figure out best height, you can put marks on all three legs, so that when you extend the last section of the first leg out, you look for the mark before locking the section. Then you follow the rest of the instruction in the above paragraph, to have all three match length without looking for the mark on the other two legs.

i have my own preference when using a tripod, so if i say it's too tall for me, its too tall for me. marking a $925 tripod? are you kidding me?

[JohnJ80]

i have my own preference when using a tripod, so if i say it's too tall for me, its too tall for me. marking a $925 tripod? are you kidding me?

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs064.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[Wilt]

i have my own preference when using a tripod, so if i say it's too tall for me, its too tall for me. marking a $925 tripod? are you kidding me?


Was not kidding, because I have in fact encountered others who did not think to partially extend the tripod. And they had to be told how to make the three legs of equal length.

If yours isn't a matter of not thinking about it, but merely disliking to do that, that is your perogative and I am not trying to counter to your preference for use. I was merely offering a way of using it, if it had not crossed your mind. It happens. Sorry if I offended your sensibilities.

[Thomas Hopkins]

I'm fairly short at 5'8" and I don't think it's too tall for me. Maybe if I was on perfectly flat ground and shooting down on something. But I'm almost always on some type of incline so I need to adjust the legs anyway. If I'm shooting up in a tree with the lens tilted up it's in a perfect position.

As far as marking a $925 tripod I don't see what the cost has to do with it. It's mine so if I chose to permanently mark it I would have no problem doing so. If I was concerned I could always use a non-permanent marking...

It's amusing to me how many interesting comments the cost of this tripod illicit. I don't see similar comments in the camera or lens sections. Maybe they need to add some glass or electronics to this tripod so it wouldn't offend people so much.

[JohnJ80]

The reason why people complain about tripod pricing is that there are no industry standards on performance (i.e. specifications that are meaningful across manufacturers) so one really doesn't know what one is paying for. That makes people question the premiums.

That leaves people like me who then eventually wind up with a premium tripod after trying the others and finding out what the differences really are.

I think it is a huge failing of the tripod manufacturers that they cannot come to closure on this issue. The result is that many people tend to pick their tripod based on the paint job instead of how it really performs.

J.

[Quad]

i feel stupid now.

i was wondering cuz i never have seen a 4 legged tripod. guess it might be called a quadpod.


In this crazy world you only have to think it for it to exist at times. The don't call it a quadpod but a QuadroPod.

http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/camera-support-systems/quadropod/

[bohdank]

I would think that part of the high price has nothing to do with it's quality but with it's small production. Their are no efficiencies of bulk purchasing, assembly line parts manufacturing etc. so labor costs are considerably higher.

[NicolasRubio]

And RRS has an EXTREMELY INEFFICIENT manufacturing processes. At least that's what I can tell from watching the video they released.

[Lowner]

Inefficient or not, the quality of the finish is superb. They have a deserved reputation for good design and manufacture that is second to none.

[Yno]

In this crazy world you only have to think it for it to exist at times. The don't call it a quadpod but a QuadroPod.

http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/camera-support-systems/quadropod/

How many times have you been to a restaurant or cafe and tried to stabilize a four legged table? Three legs were good enough for Ansel, and they are good enough for me! :D

[JohnJ80]

4 legs is a very bad idea for exactly that reason.

J.

[jeppoy]

well they won't start shipping the rrs tvc-23 until mid august so i order "AGAIN" for the 3rd time and hopefullly its a charm that I get my Gitzo gt2541

[NicolasRubio]

Inefficient or not, the quality of the finish is superb. They have a deserved reputation for good design and manufacture that is second to none.

Yes, but if they reviewed their manufacturing processes and made them more efficient, they could maintain the quality of their products, as well as their reputation, and lower costs... consequently, their prices too.

[BTBeilke]

Yes, but if they reviewed their manufacturing processes and made them more efficient, they could maintain the quality of their products, as well as their reputation, and lower costs... consequently, their prices too.

From what I understand, a good portion of what some consider to be overpriced is due to the fact that RRS products are 100% made in the USA. They almost certainly could reduce their costs by outsourcing portions of their manufacturing overseas or buying purchased components from foreign vendors, but they choose not to.

Also, it would be more efficient to mold/cast many of the parts that RRS produces. However, they mill their metal components because it gives them greater dimensional accuracy. In addition, the parts that are milled from solid aluminum are significantly stronger than the same parts produced from cast magnesium. And, they could lower the costs of items such as L-plates by producing fewer, less customized versions. But then they wouldn't have the same precision fit that the current line of L-plates exhibit.

Another factor with any production process is that you may reach a point where you simply max out your current facilities. Taking the next step to ramp up production may require a very, very substantial capital investment. Even if a company has the resources to do so, that is a very risky move to make if you are unsure of the sustainability of the current product demand.

Now, whether or not some of these benefits are worth the cost premium or the excellent quality for which RSS is known is worth the wait is a personal decision each of us will have to make when evaluating these products.

[Lowner]

RRS's business model is similar to a low volume car company here in the UK. The company was used as a subject by a "Business Guru" some years ago and were slammed for the gross inefficiency of their production methods. Yet waiting lists for these old fashioned little cars is counted in years, not days or weeks and they make steady if not exorbitant profits. In other words, they do know their own business best. The Guru was made to look very stupid as many more efficient companies have collapsed and Morgan remain.

I'd say RRS are in a a similar position.

[JohnJ80]

RRS's business model is similar to a low volume car company here in the UK. The company was used as a subject by a "Business Guru" some years ago and were slammed for the gross inefficiency of their production methods. Yet waiting lists for these old fashioned little cars is counted in years, not days or weeks and they make steady if not exorbitant profits. In other words, they do know their own business best. The Guru was made to look very stupid as many more efficient companies have collapsed and Morgan remain.

I'd say RRS are in a a similar position.

That's probably close to the truth. They are a small company, with low volume production. They have to buy stuff pretty much at min order quantities and there are little, if any, advantages to subcontract manufacturing either in Asia or domestically.

Besides that, rule #1 of marketing - if they are standing in line, raise the price. If RRS can get that for their products, more power to them.

J.

[jeppoy]

i wish i can wait for the tvc-23 but i'd like to have something special for my birthday...the rrs bh-55/gitzo gt2541 combo...can't wait for the marriage of the two....still waiting on the tripod...

[argyle]

i wish i can wait for the tvc-23 but i'd like to have something special for my birthday...the rrs bh-55/gitzo gt2541 combo...can't wait for the marriage of the two....still waiting on the tripod...

The BH-55 is basically oversized for the 2-series tripod...its more at home on a 3-series. You'd be better off with a Markins M-10 or RRS BH-40, to be honest, for a 2-series Gitzo. You may wish to rethink your decision, or not...just my opinion.

[jeppoy]

not in practical use...i'm using it with an induro ab1 right now and its a good marriage, i thought it would look odd but when i was actually using it in the field, i didn't even notice that it was too big as it was a pleasure to use, now carrying the whole thing is a different story...too late...i ussually keep everything i buy so maybe later on i'll buy the bh-40. I haven't use the markins but since it was almost the same as the photoclam and i'm not too impress with the quality of it...i have th pc-33ns and although it holds my gear good...i feel cheap everytime i use it...

[Jannie]

I could have dreams about owning a Morgan car!!!

I think highly of my RRS ballhead and quick release plate on my monopod, I could easily go for their tripod had I the expendable cash, and I'd want the center column as well.

[Quad]

4 legs is a very bad idea for exactly that reason.

J.

Not to mention the extra weight and another leg to get in the way. It is one of those "what were they thinking?" products.

[I Simonius]

It's a little misleading to show that range of vibration frequencies. Most of what you're likely to encounter in normal shooting situations will be under 100Hz, with quite a lot of it in the 0-60Hz range where there isn't any advantage. It's obviously better at damping quite a range of higher frequencies, though.

when Im out and about with a my Gitzo CF tripod, the last thing Im worrying about is vibration frequencies. AFAIC that is covered by getting the heaviest CF tripod I can comfortably carry.

Any slight improvements in vibration is going to pall into insignificance in the face of external sources of vibration,e.g. lorries driving past or the strength of the wind, etc all this assuming of course that a cable release with MLU is being used.

What does interest me is ease of use: getting low is a pain with the model I have (Gitzo 1250 ) adjusting height and angle in 4" mud are the sort of improvements Ill be looking for in my next trip[od, not 'whats the vibration frequency' of anything:cool:

[JohnJ80]

when Im out and about with a my Gitzo CF tripod, the last thing Im worrying about is vibration frequencies. AFAIC that is covered by getting the heaviest CF tripod I can comfortably carry.

Any slight improvements in vibration is going to pall into insignificance in the face of external sources of vibration,e.g. lorries driving past or the strength of the wind, etc all this assuming of course that a cable release with MLU is being used.

What does interest me is ease of use: getting low is a pain with the model I have (Gitzo 1250 ) adjusting height and angle in 4" mud are the sort of improvements Ill be looking for in my next trip[od, not 'whats the vibration frequency' of anything:cool:

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are saying, but good tripods (i.e. Gitzo) do an excellent job of damping vibration that comes up through the legs - like your examples.

j.

[bohdank]

RRS's business model is similar to a low volume car company here in the UK. The company was used as a subject by a "Business Guru" some years ago and were slammed for the gross inefficiency of their production methods. Yet waiting lists for these old fashioned little cars is counted in years, not days or weeks and they make steady if not exorbitant profits. In other words, they do know their own business best. The Guru was made to look very stupid as many more efficient companies have collapsed and Morgan remain.

I'd say RRS are in a a similar position.

People buy these cars more for the prestige/exclusivity than any inherent properties the car may have. Intangible qualities. Maybe people are nostalgic.

The quality is not matched by the asking price.

Sort of like hand formed and hammered body panels. There is nothing better about that process yet costs orders of magnitudes more than metal stamping.