The OP likes red, hence the red references.I don't get the red reference? Why would I care what color someone else's tripod was?
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The OP likes red, hence the red references.I don't get the red reference? Why would I care what color someone else's tripod was?
True and one of the most challenging birds to photograph at my house is a Red Cardinal. They never sit still. Figured they would be ok with the red, but alas, I still haven't decide on which apex to get, and the modular one is the only one with the red choice.The OP likes red, hence the red references.
Wow you are right about the feet. $96. So that makes the price for the similar Long 34MM tripod:I don’t know what the actual numbers are, but the PMG is ever-so-slightly narrower than the RRS. It’s just enough to notice a difference in when the legs are in their default positions. But, again, it’s not a big deal. I almost never shoot with the legs in their default positions, and if I have any concerns, I just unlock one and reposition it so that the rig is stable. And so that it doesn’t seem like I am being overly negative about the PMG, I do like it’s twisting knobs better than RRS. I can certainly deploy it faster than I could the RRS, and of course, the PMG comes with spikes for the feet, whereas you have to buy those separately from RRS (and they’re not cheap).
Right. I have always been kind of offended at the price RRS charges for spikes.Wow you are right about the feet. $96. So that makes the price for the similar Long 34MM tripod:
RRS = 1195+96= 1,291
PMG = 1,170
so $121 difference. With that I could buy the Rock Claws from RRS for the PMG.
Right. I have always been kind of offended at the price RRS charges for spikes.
The other advantage to PMG’s system is that you don’t need to remember to carry the spikes separately because they’re built into the feet. I think it would be pretty annoying to spend $100 on spikes and then not have them on the few occasions they’d be useful.
All that said, I have only found one situation where spikes worked meaningfully better than the regular tripod feet: soft, shifting sand. If sand won’t settle and keeps shifting due to the tide, spikes are the only way to go. I think others use spikes more often than I do, but I can almost always feet the regular feet to “grab” the terrain I’m in. So, while RRS’s approach is annoying, it’s far from a dealbreaker.
Oh wow; photography weapons. That's a whole other thread.Quick note about $100 spikes: TSA has mine...
Just wondering how important these Uber tripods are in a shutterless, mirrorless, light lens, incredible VR world?
Eric,A beer sounds great. I'm more of a data and statistics guy, so this reflects the desire to use a formula.
Here is the detail for the two tripods you referenced. As you can see, I have both Center Column weights and my composite score. My score for stiffness had a maximum value of 2 because they are all pretty good, and a breakeven target of 1500 because stiffness was important. Height was based on a target height of 65 inches and a maximum score of 2.5. Weight was based on a target weight of 4 pounds so lighter tripods were penalized for less stability and robustness.
Tripod Price Stiffness Nm EHB Stiffness Score Height in EHB Height score Weight lbs EHB Weight Score Ctr Column Score Total EHB rating RRS TVC-34L $1,160 1656 1.31 67.8 2.43 4.53 -1.27 1589 2.48 ProMediaGear TR343L $850 1783 1.57 59.3 1.12 4.12 -1.06 1591 1.63
The ProMedia model evaluated was stiffer but shorter than the RRS which is why it was stiffer. It's relatively short so it would depend on terrain. The RRS is quite good, but is targeted for a big, long lens - a 600mm f/4 in my case. The RRS TVC-24L is probably better for most people, and while it is not as stiff it makes up for that by being 12 ounces lighter and the total score was about the same. If you are not using an f/4 500mm or 600mm lens or a 400mm f/2.8, it might be a better choice.
The other thing I saw was the weight differences were largely inconsequential. I was not going to compromise performance over 8 ounces.
I don't own anything from ProMedia Gear, but I have handled their gear and it is well made. Their designs are innovative and they intend to directly compete with RRS.
I just bought the FLM CP34 - had it about 3 months. So far, I think its great, no center column but extends to my eye level (I'm 6'4"), well made and sturdy.Thanks I will take that into consideration.
I realize you didn’t ask me, but a TVC-24L does have a load capacity of 40 lbs. The new 600mm f/4 only weighs 7.2 lbs. That leaves a lot of headroom.Eric,
Do you still feel that the Z600TC requires a 3 series tripod, given that the weight is lighter than the FL-E and much less than my old "G" version? I would like to move down to the TVC-24L as my "big" tripod from a TVC-34L for weight savings.
I used my 600mm f/4 on a 3 series Gitzo - about the same as the 2 series RRS. Most of the time it worked pretty well, but on occasion I did see visible flexing in the bottom leg sections. If you try to only partially extend the lowest leg sections, it will probably be okay with the TVC-24L. The weight difference between the RRS 2 series and 3 series is relatively small, so my preference would be the 3 series if possible. Now if you had the 800mm PF, the Series 2 would be fine.Eric,
Do you still feel that the Z600TC requires a 3 series tripod, given that the weight is lighter than the FL-E and much less than my old "G" version? I would like to move down to the TVC-24L as my "big" tripod from a TVC-34L for weight savings.
Tripod | Price | Stiffness Nm | EHB Stiffness Score | Height in | EHB Height score | Weight lbs | EHB Weight Score | Ctr Column Score | Total EHB rating |
RRS TVC-34L | $1,160 | 1656 | 1.31 | 67.8 | 2.43 | 4.53 | -1.27 | 1589 | 2.48 |
RRS TVC-24L | $1,030 | 1132 | 0.26 | 66.1 | 2.17 | 3.75 | -0.13 | 1271 | 2.31 |
Thanks for your input.Late to the party.....
But - FWIW - I use the RRS TVC 24L. Although Steve Perry recommends the TVC 34.........I chose the 24L because of 2 things. I'm short and don't often fully extend the bottom leg. And another 3/4 lb was too much for me to deal with.
I used the TVC 24L with the 600mm E and now with the Z 600mm TC. LOVE my tripod for wildlife and architecture! It almost always goes with me whether I'm doing wildlife or walking a city. With proper technique and the weight reduction in the long teles over the last few years, I consider the 24L a great all-around tripod.
BTW - I don't think I will ever have to buy another tripod. Choose carefully and consider more than price...............
I will second Karen's thought of "Choose carefully and consider more than price"Thanks for your input.
I've got a Gitzo 55-series as my primary tripod, and am intrigued by your statement that the RRS is better than your Gitzo Systematic. As I am looking for a smaller and lighter tripod for a backup, can you give some details?I'm an avid collector and have many of the tripods on that (excellent) list. My favorite is the RRS Versa Mk2 TVC-34L. I actually owned the Mk1 but it failed the test (being run over by a backing 4 ton Toyota Land Cruiser). I have the Gitzo Systematic but I find the RRS to be better, simpler, and lighter.
And gets more speeding tickets!?It’s a known fact that anything red goes faster...........
I am not sure what it is. I just observe that when they are next to each other and I reach for one, it's invariably the RRS. I also have a good experience picking up the phone and having a leg section overnighted when I shattered one on a smaller RRS (my 200lb assistant stepped on it).I've got a Gitzo 55-series as my primary tripod, and am intrigued by your statement that the RRS is better than your Gitzo Systematic. As I am looking for a smaller and lighter tripod for a backup, can you give some details?
And gets more speeding tickets!?
I few winters ago a friend and I were in northern Montana to photograph wildlife. There was several feet of snow. My friend pushed the legs of his Gitzo into the snow and one leg snapped off where it meant the hub. Found out later that Gitzo would not honor their warranty.The Center Column list is pretty good, but it leaves out some popular mid-priced models such as Benro. I also found the ranking overly simplistic. Testing was always done at maximum height, which meant a short tripod had less vibration than a tall tripod and was ranked higher. For me, height is a priority and I could deploy a tall tripod at a lower height for less vibration, so my weights changed. The Center Column ranking also placed a premium on lower weight, but at some point lighter weight means compromises in functionality or durability. I also considered travel tripods with weighting for a lighter desired weight and shorter height. So I created my own ranking using some of their data and my priorities.
Here is my ranked list of full size tripods. I have only used the Gitzo and RRS tripods.
I also looked closely at tripod design and specific features. For example, the hub and leg castings on the Gitzo CF tripods are cast, and in my experience vulnerable to cracking or fracturing. The casting on the leg tubes are very thin. In contrast, RRS, ProMedia and others use CNC milling for the hub and other components. I also like the teardrop foot on the RRS tripods - particularly for rocks and streams. And I found customer service for replacement parts was much better with RRS than with Gitzo.
- FLM CP38-L4 II
- RRS TVC-34L
- RRS TVC-24L
- Feisol Elite CT-3472 M2
- Gitzo GT3533LS Sytematic
- RRS TVC-33
- Gitzo GT4533LS Systematic
- RRS TVC-33S
- ProMediaGear TR343L
- RRS TVC-23
- RRS TFC-33S
- Leofoto LN-404C
If you are shopping for a tripod or ballhead, be sure to check eBay and KEH for used stock. Used RRS gear is still expensive, but you can likely save 10-15% off retail. The gear is incredibly durable. My RRS ballhead is 15 years old and still works perfectly.
Fair enough! Thank you.I am not sure what it is. I just observe that when they are next to each other and I reach for one, it's invariably the RRS. I also have a good experience picking up the phone and having a leg section overnighted when I shattered one on a smaller RRS (my 200lb assistant stepped on it).
Were there any reasons given as to why Gitzo didn't warranty it?I few winters ago a friend and I were in northern Montana to photograph wildlife. There was several feet of snow. My friend pushed the legs of his Gitzo into the snow and one leg snapped off where it meant the hub. Found out later that Gitzo would not honor their warranty.