Auroragasm

That is one fabulous shot

Man, Bcaps...What a shot!...with that said, your flickr stream is equally as impressive, and inspiring!

tigerotor77w wrote in post #17399587
Fantastic photo!

As this was a backpacking trip, what tripod did you carry with you? Any regrets or "wish I also had a..." moments when using it?

Thanks!

I was using the Really Right Stuff TVC-24 with a RRS BH-30 ballhead. That's my normal tripod, I have yet to find a "travel" tripod that has a significant enough weight advantage that would make me consider not taking my RSS tripod. I don't much care how small it is when folded, as long as I can fit it in my suitcase when I travel, that is small enough for me. I used the BH-30 ball head over my BH-55 as it's about 1.25 lbs less, but in the end I didn't like the trade-offs, so next trip I will go back to the BH-55 and try and save weight elsewhere.

Having said that, I am contemplating hiking the John Muir Trail this summer (faxing in my application next week), and if I do go I will absolutely use a lighter tripod for sure.

Hatch1921 wrote in post #17399604
Stunning shot! Glad I clicked on the thread... great work all around.
Hatch

Davinor wrote in post #17399607
That is one fabulous shot

plantastic wrote in post #17399683
Man, Bcaps...What a shot!...with that said, your flickr stream is equally as impressive, and inspiring!

Thanks all!

Gorgeous shot congratulations.

The only problem with this image is that I didn't take it!!. Seriously, absolutely gorgeous. Gives us all something to aspire to.

Bcaps wrote in post #17399756
That's my normal tripod, I have yet to find a "travel" tripod that has a significant enough weight advantage that would make me consider not taking my RSS tripod. I don't much care how small it is when folded, as long as I can fit it in my suitcase when I travel, that is small enough for me.

I'm glad you took that photo -- now I've managed to detail the thread and talk about tripods instead! I'm happy to take this into a PM so it's your choice if and how you'd like to reply. Unintended threadjack.

When you travel with the TVC-24, do you carry it on or check it? When you bought it, if you also considered the TVC-23, what made you favor the TVC-24? Finally, if you end up getting a lighter tripod for the John Muir Trail, any thought to what you'll choose?

I'm in a similar boat -- I'd also like a TVC-24 -- but am not totally sure if I want to just get a solid setup (like a TVC-33) for the majority of the photography that doesn't require compactness and a separate travel tripod (like a Gitzo 1542T) where plane travel is involved. The TVC-2x appeals to me because I also do a bit of hiking, but I'm worried the TVC-24 would be too short in cases where I want to shoot from above me.

WOW!!

Hatch1921 wrote in post #17399604
Stunning shot! Glad I clicked on the thread... great work all around.
Hatch

Davinor wrote in post #17399607
That is one fabulous shot

plantastic wrote in post #17399683
Man, Bcaps...What a shot!...with that said, your flickr stream is equally as impressive, and inspiring!

Gary Wiant wrote in post #17399767
Gorgeous shot congratulations.

cerett wrote in post #17399884
The only problem with this image is that I didn't take it!!. Seriously, absolutely gorgeous. Gives us all something to aspire to.

verzy wrote in post #17399999
WOW!!

Thanks!

tigerotor77w wrote in post #17399940
I'm glad you took that photo -- now I've managed to detail the thread and talk about tripods instead! I'm happy to take this into a PM so it's your choice if and how you'd like to reply. Unintended threadjack.

When you travel with the TVC-24, do you carry it on or check it? When you bought it, if you also considered the TVC-23, what made you favor the TVC-24? Finally, if you end up getting a lighter tripod for the John Muir Trail, any thought to what you'll choose?

I'm in a similar boat -- I'd also like a TVC-24 -- but am not totally sure if I want to just get a solid setup (like a TVC-33) for the majority of the photography that doesn't require compactness and a separate travel tripod (like a Gitzo 1542T) where plane travel is involved. The TVC-2x appeals to me because I also do a bit of hiking, but I'm worried the TVC-24 would be too short in cases where I want to shoot from above me.

You know, I don't recall my thought process on why I went with the TVC-24. There has been times when I wish it were taller (I'm 5' 9").
The biggest issue with the tripod is that legs don't stay tightened and flop around. I have to tighten them every time I use the tripod and by the end of the day they are again loose. I've had my fingers pinched HARD a coule of times when I pick up the tripod and one of the legs just collapses and crushes my finger. I've run into a number of other RRS owners who say the same thing. I don't think I'd get a RRS tripod again just for that reason. I do just pack the tripod in my checked baggage.

I haven't looked too hard at other tripods yet for the JMT as I'm not sure I'm going to be doing it. Ideally I'd like to be in the 2.5-3 lb ballpark for a tripod/ball head combo.

Bcaps wrote in post #17400091
Thanks!

You know, I don't recall my thought process on why I went with the TVC-24. There has been times when I wish it were taller (I'm 5' 9").
The biggest issue with the tripod is that legs don't stay tightened and flop around. I have to tighten them every time I use the tripod and by the end of the day they are again loose. I've had my fingers pinched HARD a coule of times when I pick up the tripod and one of the legs just collapses and crushes my finger. I've run into a number of other RRS owners who say the same thing. I don't think I'd get a RRS tripod again just for that reason. I do just pack the tripod in my checked baggage.

I haven't looked too hard at other tripods yet for the JMT as I'm not sure I'm going to be doing it. Ideally I'd like to be in the 2.5-3 lb ballpark for a tripod/ball head combo.

Good information -- thanks. Without a camera store around me, I'll continue to do some thinking over my best option... which might be just to stick with my current, cheap legs! (Time to take a pill for gear acquisition syndrome...)

WOW............... SPECTACULAR


As someone who watches the solar forecast almost more then the weather, and has plenty of spectacular vantage points to shoot from if I have time to get there and access is available that time of year. I will be lucky get a shot like this in my lifetime....

Just Awesome, love it.