I took part in a Kickstarter project for the first time and took a chance on the new PeakDesign carbon sticks. With the early adopter price I figured I could get most of it back if it didn't work out. I bought it with the intention that it could be my travel (air) tripod, replacing my old carbon Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer, and also stand in for my RRS carbon TVC-33 when I didn't need that much support. Also was anticipating a switch from rotating leg locks to flip levers to give my aging hands a break.
Haven't used it in the field yet, but my thoughts so far:
-Beautifully packaged, with a nice padded pouch. Construction looks top-notch- the leg sections slide smoothly, no catching at all. Flip the levers and the legs shoot out, fully extended.
-Even with the columns fully extended, it's definitely more stable than my GT (although I always try not to use a column- my TVC has none, and rarely used it with my Gitzo.) I think a good part of that stability comes from the slightly wider leg angle in the PD.
-The leg angle adjustment locks are better designed in the PD than either of the others (like my GT, there are two angles, the RRS has three.)
-The built-in phone holder is slick, I could see a use for that on occasion.
-I think I could get used to and like the single rotating collar that locks the head in position. With the right amount of tension one could still rotate horizontally for panos. Also like the cinema-style plate locking system.
-Very compact length when folded (guess it should be, with 4-piece legs).
What I don't care for:
-Although I was aware of it from reviews, the limitations of travel of the ballhead design are a big deal. The issue would be somewhat mitigated with an L-bracket (which I'll use with my EOS R, but not with my M50), but even then there are positions simply not attainable.
-It seems heavier than anticipated. Partly my bad, because I realized that in my pre-purchase comparisons I had miscalculated the weight of my GT. So, the PD is almost 10 oz. heavier. Doesn't sound like much but perhaps because it's in a shorter package, the extra weight seems substantial when you pick them up side-by-side. Although it would fit in my airline backpack, not something I'd want to carry.
-The feet provide secure footing on an indoor surface, but they have a recessed hex nut in their middle. One use outdoors and they'll be clogged with dirt- have to see if there's an option, but don't see a way to avoid that.
-Storage bag is nice, but sure hope it stretches out a bit- such a tight fit that it's a PIA to get zipped up.
For sure I'll be hanging on to my Gitzo for air travel. I could see packing the PD for that big trip to Alaska or wherever. At any rate I plan to test it with the RRS BH-30 head on it (after I buy the adju$tment plate). With that head or my BH-40 I think it could sub for my TVC, especially for car trips.
Hope you found this somewhat informational...
PeakDesign - 1
by Mark Mille on Flickr
PeakDesign - 2
by Mark Mille on Flickr
PeakDesign - 4
by Mark Mille on Flickr
PeakDesign - 5
by Mark Mille on Flickr
PeakDesign - 6
by Mark Mille on Flickr
