Peak Design Travel Tripod on Kickstarter

fotopaul wrote in post #18871270
Neither did I at first, but after reading a lot of comments I've broken it down to the following 3 categories of people:

1. PD fans that simply love PD design regardless of what it is. I've read comments like, "everything they PD is magic" "PD is the most innovative company.." etc.
2. People who simply lack experience when it comes to camera support and tripods
3. People who value light and compact form-factor above all else, usually do not need to do long exposures in demanding conditions. (a very group that I certainly respect)

All 3 groups seems to have a hard time to understanding that (at least I) the only thing I'm critiquing is the way PD market this tripod, as they market it as a tripod that can take anything from a cell phone to large format camera, only their fine print (FAQ) do they go into detail and explain that their tripod just like every other in its size and with so many sections is prone to vibration under high enough load or demanding circumstances.

I would definitely fall into a combination of 1 and 3. I've been a backer of several PD kickstarters from the v1 of the Capture Clip, enjoy the simplicity and functionality of their products. I, also, have not found any real difference in performance, for my usage, between my Globetrotter and the much larger and heavier Benro. So, having a smaller, compact tripod will make it more likely that I'll pack it along with me; and I can support them being around to come up with new additions to their system.

I'm not entirely clear on why there is such hostility toward them, in particular, in this thread. They're offering a different procuct, just like RSS, Gitzo, Manfrotto and any other manufacturer of any product that has multiple versions on the market. If you find an offering from someone else that suits your needs better, great! But, why do these guys not have a right to offer their own product and why do the rest of us not have a right to make our own choices on what we buy without being considered dimwitted or ill-informed?

EDIT: I *do* understand the hostility toward their marketing materials and a number of their sales points....but, the same goes for almost all sales pitches and materials for ANY products out there.

Snydremark wrote in post #18871515
I would definitely fall into a combination of 1 and 3. I've been a backer of several PD kickstarters from the v1 of the Capture Clip, enjoy the simplicity and functionality of their products. I, also, have not found any real difference in performance, for my usage, between my Globetrotter and the much larger and heavier Benro. So, having a smaller, compact tripod will make it more likely that I'll pack it along with me; and I can support them being around to come up with new additions to their system.

I'm not entirely clear on why there is such hostility toward them, in particular, in this thread. They're offering a different procuct, just like RSS, Gitzo, Manfrotto and any other manufacturer of any product that has multiple versions on the market. If you find an offering from someone else that suits your needs better, great! But, why do these guys not have a right to offer their own product and why do the rest of us not have a right to make our own choices on what we buy without being considered dimwitted or ill-informed?

EDIT: I *do* understand the hostility toward their marketing materials and a number of their sales points....but, the same goes for almost all sales pitches and materials for ANY products out there.

Let's get a few things straight

1. NO ONE denies their right to offer a product, as far as I know, their campaign is still active. So stop talking about rights..
2. Just like everyone else that makes bold marketing claims they will be met with opinions good or bad.
3. I haven't seen any similar claims from RRS, PMG, GITZO, none of them claims that a tiny 5-section tripod will be a great option for large format cameras to cell phones.

PD has pumped out sponsored "reviews" like mad and they have successfully got everyone talking about their little tripod, so I'm quite sure they can handle both positive and negative opinions..

A lot of their partners "reviews" are downright embarrassing...

fotopaul wrote in post #18871544
Let's get a few things straight

1. NO ONE denies their right to offer a product, as far as I know, their campaign is still active. So stop talking about rights..
2. Just like everyone else that makes bold marketing claims they will be met with opinions good or bad.
3. I haven't seen any similar claims from RRS, PMG, GITZO, none of them claims that a tiny 5-section tripod will be a great option for large format cameras to cell phones.

PD has pumped out sponsored "reviews" like mad and they have successfully got everyone talking about their little tripod, so I'm quite sure they can handle both positive and negative opinions..

A lot of their partners "reviews" are downright embarrassing...

Can you cite exactly the quote or link the specific section where you are having issues with their marketing and/or misleading statements? I am asking because I might have missed something but I have watched all of their official promo videos and I'm nowhere as negative as you are about PD or their affiliates. Just FYI, I am not purchasing the tripod nor do I plan to in the near future.

EDIT: I just looked back at the threads and it seems you are most upset with their claim that it is capable of holding a fullframe camera with 70-200 lens. And you are not that impressed overall with their lineup of products.

This is their official statement: "The Travel Tripod is designed to handle pro photography gear, easily handling a full-frame DSLR with a 70-200 lens. Combining a 20lb weight capacity with a 60" max height, the Travel Tripod performs as well as any other in its class. "

A lot of their pictures are exactly this setup.

Anyways, thanks for the energized discussion

minsoochoiphoto wrote in post #18871619
Can you cite exactly the quote or link the specific section where you are having issues with their marketing and/or misleading statements? I am asking because I might have missed something but I have watched all of their official promo videos and I'm nowhere as negative as you are about PD or their affiliates. Just FYI, I am not purchasing the tripod nor do I plan to in the near future.

EDIT: I just looked back at the threads and it seems you are most upset with their claim that it is capable of holding a fullframe camera with 70-200 lens. And you are not that impressed overall with their lineup of products.

This is their official statement: "The Travel Tripod is designed to handle pro photography gear, easily handling a full-frame DSLR with a 70-200 lens. Combining a 20lb weight capacity with a 60" max height, the Travel Tripod performs as well as any other in its class. "

A lot of their pictures are exactly this setup.

Anyways, thanks for the energized discussion

Have you watched their promo video? Which pretty much start with a large format camera on the tripod, Have you watched their partners "review" videos?

We obviously have a very different definition of upset. it's called an opinion...

Some people are liking the PD. See https://gearjunkie.com …sign-travel-tripod-review

John from PA wrote in post #18874257
Some people are liking the PD. See https://gearjunkie.com …sign-travel-tripod-review

i stopped reading after the first sentence...

DreDaze wrote in post #18874313
i stopped reading after the first sentence...

LMAO!!! Spot on.

DreDaze wrote in post #18874313
i stopped reading after the first sentence...

This seems to be a common theme of many of the people that rave about this tripod.

fotopaul wrote in post #18871270
the only thing I'm critiquing is the way PD market this tripod, as they market it as a tripod that can take anything from a cell phone to large format camera, only their fine print (FAQ) do they go into detail and explain that their tripod just like every other in its size and with so many sections is prone to vibration under high enough load or demanding circumstances.

They are doing something right! When my friend told me that they are kickstarting a new tripod - my reaction was that the world certainly doesn't need another tripod. But they have the guts to try it and the backing certainly tells them that the world is indeed waiting for a tripod from them. For my part, I will wait until I've seen some reasonable reviews.....

drmaxx wrote in post #18876069
They are doing something right! When my friend told me that they are kickstarting a new tripod - my reaction was that the world certainly doesn't need another tripod. But they have the guts to try it and the backing certainly tells them that the world is indeed waiting for a tripod from them. For my part, I will wait until I've seen some reasonable reviews.....

Millions eat at McDonalds every day, doesn't mean it's awesome. Mcdonalds as a company obviously does something right.

I'm sure the tripod will be great for those who do not have high demands on their tripods and people who appreciate the aesthetic design rather than the function and performance.

Officially released for purchase on April 7th. Definitely pricey at $599 (carbon fiber) and $350 (aluminum alloy.

See https://www.slrlounge.​com …l-tripod-donates-profits/

Horrible time for a release. I wish them well.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #19038797
Horrible time for a release. I wish them well.

With $12 million from the Kick Starter I figure the Tripod's probably doing fine...

Could have been 24m.