RRS Tripods

Are they great tripods? I say great tripods based on their price which would imply they should be, any thoughts or comments would be very helpful,

Btw, I am considering the "TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Tripod"


Thank you, Kyle

Very little information is out on the web yet as far as reviews. I've seen a few brief comments on FM, but nothing that convinces me just yet that the price premium is worth it.

I'm either buying a Gitzo or a RRS to go with my RRS BH-40 head in the next couple of months. Moose Peterson has a video review: http://www.moosepeters​on.com …cc9b19e988c2617​1&s=tvc-33 but I'd like to see a direct comparison to a Gitzo.

Also, Ive seen where someone said that the measurements listed in the specs on the RRS website might be off a bit as to length folded of the TVC-24, instead of 18.7 inches it's closer to 20.

There's a decent RRS Tripod thread over on Dgrin... http://www.dgrin.com/s​howthread.php?t=190971

I like the specs on the TVC-33, but I am curious how much shorter when folded the soon to be released TVC-34 4-section will be.

Kyles wrote in post #12091542
Are they great tripods? I say great tripods based on their price which would imply they should be, any thoughts or comments would be very helpful,

Btw, I am considering the "TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Tripod"

Thank you, Kyle

Probably the best tripod you will ever own.

I've debated doing a full-on review here comparing my experiences so far with the TVC-33 and my previous Gitzos - if I can find the time I probably will at least post some notes.

IMO I wouldnt bother with RRS tripods. Im sure they are great, but why would I spend more on an RRS tripod and take a chance when I could spend less, get a Gitzo and KNOW I have purchased a tried and true, top of the line tripod?

ben_r_ wrote in post #12092145
IMO I wouldnt bother with RRS tripods. Im sure they are great, but why would I spend more on an RRS tripod and take a chance when I could spend less, get a Gitzo and KNOW I have purchased a tried and true, top of the line tripod?

Yeah, that's my problem. Gitzo has been building tripods for a while, this is RRS first foray into them.

Has anyone come accross a tangible reason why they are priced about $200 more than a compariable Gitzo?

MGW172 wrote in post #12092260
Has anyone come accross a tangible reason why they are priced about $200 more than a compariable Gitzo?

What are you comparing? A Gitzo GT5541LS has a 55-lbs. max load and is about $825 @ B&H, the TVC-33 has a 50-lbs. rating and is $925. All other things being equal, I'll pay the extra $100 to know that I can pick up the phone and call a US manufacturer for support, rather than a US distributor of a foreign product... but that's me.

MGW172 wrote in post #12092260
Yeah, that's my problem. Gitzo has been building tripods for a while, this is RRS first foray into them.

Has anyone come accross a tangible reason why they are priced about $200 more than a compariable Gitzo?

I spoke with RRS on the phone and they pointed out that their tripods have a built in, “screwed in” SUREGRIP™ APEX LOCK. This assures that the head and camera and or lens can not fall off of the tripod. Gitzo charges extra for such a plate while RRS has it included with each tripod. I believe I got that right? Here is the link. http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …-33-Versa-Series-3-Tripod

RRS is also easy to reach by phone for any issues and they back their products which are made here in the states.

PilotBrad wrote in post #12092451
What are you comparing? A Gitzo GT5541LS has a 55-lbs. max load and is about $825 @ B&H, the TVC-33 has a 50-lbs. rating and is $925. All other things being equal, I'll pay the extra $100 to know that I can pick up the phone and call a US manufacturer for support, rather than a US distributor of a foreign product... but that's me.

Decent point, however there are two other things to consider along those lines: 1) most who have dealt with Gitzo's customer service and warranty repair have had good experiences (at least that I have read), and 2) Do the RRS tripods come with a lifetime warranty like the Gitzos do?

Indecent Exposure wrote in post #12091869
Probably the best tripod you will ever own.

I've debated doing a full-on review here comparing my experiences so far with the TVC-33 and my previous Gitzos - if I can find the time I probably will at least post some notes.

that would be great either way, the more info from anyone who has owned both RRS and Gitzo tripods would be very helpful.

ben_r_ wrote in post #12092551
...Do the RRS tripods come with a lifetime warranty like the Gitzos do?

Also a good point... as you probably know RRS is 5 yrs.

MGW172 wrote in post #12092260
Has anyone come accross a tangible reason why they are priced about $200 more than a compariable Gitzo?

Which Gitzo are you comparing to the TVC-33?

RRS products are all made in the United States. Just the higher cost of labor alone explains the cost difference. Italian workers get paid well compared to somewhere like China, but don't demand the premium that US workers do.

TaDa wrote in post #12092750
RRS products are all made in the United States...

That's the ace in the hole to the argument of the price difference. But spec for spec, compared to the closest model Gitzo (which is difficult to agree upon) the TVC-33 shouldn't need you to use that ace.

Indecent Exposure wrote in post #12092684
Which Gitzo are you comparing to the TVC-33?

Well, I'm not looking at the TVC-33, I'm interested in the TVC-24 and comparing it to the GT3541LS. I should have stated that orginally.

The Gitzo is $660 and the TVC-24 is $910, so about $250 difference. The Gitzo expands to 57 inches, the TVC-24 to 49. The RRS is lighter by 1/2 pound and does fold up to be 3 inches shorter.

I agree with the above comments that the Gitzo 5 series and the TVC-33 are very close in costs and spec, it's the pricing and specs of the TVC-24 I dont see comparing very well to the same specs of the Gitzo.