Best travel tripod, no budget limit

I currently use a carbon fiber Benro Travel Angel & an RRS TVC-33. My wife's travel angel was lost/stolen so we need another travel tripod. Does anyone have experience with the RRS TCQ-14 versus a carbon fiber Benro travel angel?

I don't mind buying the RRS if it's stability is that much better. I know RRS gear is pretty much top notch, but not sure how much more stable a thin legged tripod can be. The Benro is nice, but the "solid" feel seems to lack, but this can be due to the weight of the tripod and thin legs.

Sorry for another travel tripod thread. All the others seem to have a price point, which eliminates brands like RRS.

Order of importance:
1: Stability
2: compactness (must be able to bring as carry-on airplane)
99: Price

Thank you.

Really like my gitzo 2542t it's a series 2 traveler very sturdy and compact.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …78882%2C&is=REG​&A=details


I have been looking at the sirui t-2204x as a gift for my son, very similar specs.

http://www.ebay.com …d=82&chn=ps&ul_​noapp=true

I don't think you will be disappointed in the Gitzo.

Gitzo aaaaaaand we're done

I recently bought a Gitzo GT1555 and it is amazing. Absolutely tiny but really incredible how solid it is. Admittedly its pretty expensive but the quality is superb.

well best means gitzo according to everyone and their brother especially when money is of no concern.

That GT1555 is very similiar to my Sirui 1205x setup. Mine is strong enough for the 5D3 and 15-30 (2.5lb) or 70-200 2.8 I combined it with the K-10x head. Very good and omg super light setup, folds tiny and is rated for 22lbs same as the gitzo.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Section_Carbon_​Fiber.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …RK10_K_10x_Ball​_Head.html

Total setup for me was 420 seems you can get em now for 388. My other tripod is the big Sirui R-5214XL w/ K-40x head which is a monster large setup.

I'm currently looking for the same thing myself and think I'll go with a Sirui 2205x

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Section_Carbon_​Fiber.html

Very similar spec to the RRS 14, slightly better actually but it has the option to reverse the legs and fold down very compact and its also less than half the price.
So far it beats all the others in its class for the things I want.

OP said no budget. That's the English translation of Gitzo.

Mike Deep wrote in post #18058160
OP said no budget. That's the English translation of Gitzo.

Gitzo are nice, I have the 3542XLS, but they may not always be the best option. keep in mind its "travel" tripod.

Compared to the Sirui I linked to the Gitzo is slightly heavier, has a slightly shorter max height, has a shorter height with out the column extended, it has a longer folded length and is of course 2.5x the price.

Thanks for all the feedback. I've been debating, going back and forth for the past week. I actually really considered the Sirui above for $300, but the 5 sections kept me from making the purchase.

Mike Deep wrote in post #18058160
OP said no budget. That's the English translation of Gitzo.

Actually, just purchased the Really Right Stuff TQC-14 w/ BH-30 package. I've been completely satisfied with all my other RRS gear (TVC-33, L brackets, clamps, etc..) and I'm sure this unit will fit right in with the rest.

Thanks again & hope this thread helps those who are looking for the best camera support.

Let us know what you think of the TQC-14 package. Although I have a gitzo traveler setup, I'm considering the RRS. I just like their products.

I have a Sirui N-2204X on the way after reading a handful of favorable reviews. I have used a Beefree One for several years but it can be unstable and will
not play very well with larger lens.

if budget is no issue: Gitzo (154 series)

personal preference : Manfrotto Befree

I have 2 Sirui tripods I travel with.
If I need the least possible weight, with acceptable stability, holding my 6D with a non-telefoto lens, I use the Sirui T-025X Carbon Fiber Tripod with C-10S Ball Head.
It's not cheap, but its the lightest, most compact tripod I've ever seen. You can also make it more stable with hanging some weight from the base, as well as removing the center column.
For the cases I dn't care about weight, and send the tripod in the luggage and not as carry-on, I use the Sirui N-3204X Carbon Fiber Tripod with a K40x ball head. It's heavier, bigger, but I can put it in the river and it will be stable under a strong water flow.

What ballhead do you use with that? Do you think the combo study enough to support a Canon 5dMrk3 + Canon EF 100-400 IS II USM? Thanks!

Oshad wrote in post #18065289
What ballhead do you use with that? Do you think the combo study enough to support a Canon 5dMrk3 + Canon EF 100-400 IS II USM? Thanks!

The N-3204X with K-40X can hold a massive weight, and the k-40x ballhead is a monster. If you use the tripod mount of the lens, you will have zero sag on the 100-400. I use it with the older version.

The small T-025x MIGHT be ale to handle the weight evenly, but I would be very careful with windy conditions, especially with an extended colums and extended feet.