Seeking advice on Peak Design Travel Tripod

[Tim Karels]

I was hoping that some of you may have experience in using the Peak Design Travel Tripod. I'm aware of some of the benefits such as it's weight (2.8 lbs for the Carbon Fiber version) and it's compact size. Are there any other less publicized benefits that you like or are there any dislikes? I currently have a meFoto Roadtrip (Carbon version) that I use for landscape and macro photography. I really like it, but I still find it a bit bulky for travel and hiking. The Peak Design tripod is slightly lighter and folds down into a smaller space which is what really attracts me to it. I also like that it has locking levers rather than twist-lock legs. I've never been a fan of twist-lock legs as I occasionally don't have one of them tight enough and find myself slowly sinking to one side while trying to compose a shot.

Any other thoughts on the Peak Design Tripod?

 

[splatbass]

I like the head for most landscape photography, it is convenient and easy once you get the hang of it. Overall it is great. I can put it in the side (water bottle) pocket on my pack and not even feel it.

 

[dorthzyx]

I like the size and quick release on ballhead. Downside is that It has very slender bottom legs and experiences a good deal of vibration in wind. Overall, I have been pleased with it. I also have a mefoto road trip which I like but use the peak design more for the reasons you specified.

 

[RichF]

I got one as part of the funding project. really not to excited about it, though I guess I could get use to it. Spoiled by RRS tripods

 

[Bill M]

Purchased mine as part of the original funding deal. Got the carbon fiber. It is the tripod with me most of the time. Really like the ease of use with the head once I got used to it. Find it more than adequately stable for my D7500 and Tamron 100-400mm. Recommend expressly for more stationary fixed subjects. Not a panoramic capable head without extra equipment. I use my beefy 16 year old Manfrotto when doing focus stacking using a rail as the PD tripod does not handle the shifting center of gravity well. I do agree in windy conditions it can struggle to do the job. But all that said most importantly there is never a reason not to bring it along due to lightness and compactness.

 

[Hermann]

I don't like it much. Had a long look at it as I like many of the Peak Design products, but their tripod doesn't really work for me. Sure, it's a light and neat tripod, but I find it far too flimsy. My lightweight tripod is a Gitzo 1545T, that's a different beast altogether.

 

[Karl]

I love it! I have the aluminum version and I replaced the head, which I didn't like because it allowed the camera and lens to flop all over, with a relatively inexpensive gimbal. With both the camera and lens having IS I feel the camera is more than steady enough, especially since I lean towards handheld most of the time (with Sony A7R4 + 200-600). The small size and weight make it easy to take along in case I decide to use a tripod.

 

[Doug Herr]

I have the carbon fiber version. I like the head (once I got used to it), the light weight and the compact size; it's always with me. I don't use it for steadiness (camera and lens are both stabilized), it's more to keep the camera's weight out of my hands while I'm waiting for a critter's activity. For maximum stability I use the Gitzo.

 

[Nimi]

Gave mine away quickly. Too flimsy and with a D6 atop, unstable. Like mentioned above, RRS spoils.

 

[GrandNagus50]

I considered getting one, but I really don't want to use their tripod head, and it really is designed to be used as a single unit; instead, I usually use a Flexshooter mini ballhead because I am photographing birds with a smallish telephoto. I ended up getting a RRS tripod instead (model TQC14), which admittedly cost more. I have been very happy with it.

 

[FB101]

I don't like it much. Had a long look at it as I like many of the Peak Design products, but their tripod doesn't really work for me. Sure, it's a light and neat tripod, but I find it far too flimsy. My lightweight tripod is a Gitzo 1545T, that's a different beast altogether.

Same experience here. i didn’t like the PD for the same reason and have since moved to a gitzo traveler series 1 with no regrets.

 

[Amasaback]

I have one and do like it a lot. It is very thoughtfully designed. It is light and compact if you consider it has a built in head. It is no the most stable.

 

[MangoYak]

I have an Oben CT-3546 Tripod and like it. Carbon-fiber and light-weight enough for my taste. The legs are sturdy but without using the stone bag, they have some play. But hey - you said "travel tripod". Right?