Fighting the sticker shock of RRS, or settle for less?

[aaron_s4]

<p>Well, I've made an upgrade to a Canon 5D Mark III last year, and with taxes this year, the idea of getting a tripod has surfaced. The only problem, of course, is that there's a MASSIVE selection of tripods. However, after meticulous shopping and research, I've narrowed it down to a few brands (all of which are carbon fiber):</p>

<ul>

<li>Induro CT214 (legs only)*</li>

<li>Gitzo GT2542L (legs only)*</li>

<li>3 Legged X2.1 Eddie (Comes with "AirHed 2" ballhead)</li>

<li>Really Right Stuff TVC-33L (would likely purchase with BH-40 ballhead)</li>

</ul>

<p>*I would likely purchase a RRS BH-40 Ballhead with either of those two tripods.</p>

<p>I've decided to shop for carbon fiber because I like the combination of rigidity and light-weight. However, I'm questioning whether or not a tripod as costly as an RRS would be right for a first tripod, or if the cheaper of the group would suffer in performance. Some of the products, like the Induro and the 3 Legged Thing I haven't had much luck finding any sort of customer reviews on. The Gitzo I've heard great things about performance-wise, but negative things customer support-wise when things went wrong. Then again, there's RRS, which I've heard great things all across the board about, but the price comes up.</p>

<p>Currently, I'm in the military, and I have some financial freedom (as is evident by my purchase of a 5D Mark III). I feel as if I should invest in something higher-end because I would like my investment of a camera to be safe atop a tripod, especially when working at my height (5'9"/175cm)</p>

<p>I'm currently limited to what kind of photography I am trying to dabble in. I have aspirations for working in specific fields, but I'm currently messing around in candid photography and capturing moments of my platoon training and events related to the military.</p>

<p>All insight provided is appreciated. </p>

[JDMvW]

<p>My "always" advice is only to make sure that any tripod you buy is tall enough for your height. I'm only an inch taller than you and find most tripods way too short without extending a column, which sort of defeats the point of it, so far as I can see. After going through several shorter ones, I finally ended up buying a cast-iron (I think) 72" tripod which is ideal in everything except toting it around.</p>

<p>Someone else who uses tripods more than I do will have to help with the specifics on your choices above. It sounds like you've done your homework.</p>

<p>Depending on the lenses you put on the camera, you may want to investigate gimbal-type heads for telephotos (in my case, a <a href="http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html">Manfrotto 393</a>), though I use a couple of Manfrotto pistol-grip heads (<a href="http://www.nikonians.org/reviews?alias=manfrotto-222-ball-head">222</a> for monopod, and 322 for tripod) for lighter lenses. I like all these a lot and there are often good prices on them.</p>

[howard_m]

<p>Remember that by the time you're finished w/ legs, ballhead height etc, you *may* not need the L version of anything. The camera/head/bracket adds about 6" of height from the leg platform to the viewfinder</p>

<p>Also look into the Feisol line of legs.</p>

[Andrew Garrard]

I'm extremely happy with my TVC-34L (the premium over the 33 was a smallish percentage, the 34L

is head height for me with the bottom section retracted, and I figured I'd rather have the flexibility for

shooting at and on slopes). If head height is enough, the 33 is reasonably tall.

 

While the TVC 3 series are much lighter than the Gitzo 5 series, I buy RRS's claims that they're in the

same support category - I was choosing between the RRS and a GT5532L, and after some

comparison still went with the RRS even ignoring the weight advantage.

 

Bear in mind, with a 33L, you're paying for much more capacity than the others listed. RRS position

their 2-series against Gitzo's 3-series; compared with a 2-series Gitzo you're in very different

territory, hence the price (5-series Gitzos, 3-series RRS tripods and Sachtlers are roughly

competitive).

 

I can't vouch for the other tripods. I've briefly seen a 3-Legged Thing set of legs and wasn't blown

away (which is unpatriotic of me), but I didn't give it much of a test because it wasn't in the support

category of the big boys. My impression was of aesthetics over design.

 

I second the Manfrotto 393 as a cheap alternative to a Wimberley. If you have a big lens - I got mine

for a 500mm f/4 - consider something like this. (A conventional gimbal head is probably lighter but

costs more.) If you don't need something like this, you quite possibly don't need a RRS 3-series!

 

I'd also suggest a look at the Manfrotto 055CXPro range. They're not as solid as the RRS, but much

cheaper and still decent (it's only my 500mm that causes mine trouble).

 

I'll make my broken-record recommendation of the Triopo RS-3 ball head with an Arca-compatible

clamp added - it's as solid as much more expensive ball heads and very cheap; at least consider it,

and mine is my default ball head now. I've heard only good things about the RRS heads (along with

Markins, Acratech, Burzynski, and the Arca-Swiss ball heads), but I blew my budget on high-end

heads with an Arca-Swiss d4 (very cool, but specialist), so I can't claim personal experience.

 

What lenses are you planning to mount?

[aaron_s4]

<p>The biggest lens I currently own is the one that came with the camera, but I have plans in the future to mount upwards of at least a 70-200.</p>

<p>Plus, what adds on to RRS' appeal to me is that they're American-made. So in a sense that's where part of that premium is as well.</p>

[mikeperrotta]

<p>I just bought an Induro, the CT213 (3 section legs), and their BHD2 ballhead, as an upgrade from Manfrotto/Bogen. I'm also 5'9" and the combined height is perfect for me, without any center extension. The angle locking mechanism on the legs looked a little funky to me at first, but they work, and after 2 weeks I couldn't be happier with the combination of steadiness and light weight. For less than $600.</p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>You don't need a tripod as tall as you are, and seldom need a column. The head adds about 4" to the height and the camera adds another 3" inches or so (bottom to the viewfinder). If the viewfinder were exactly at eye level, you would find it difficult to see if it were pointed down even a little. That said, you can always shorten a tall tripod, but you can't stretch one. Most of the time it's OK to stoop a little, unless you are pointing skyward.</p>

<p>The GT-2541 is barely tall enough at 52" (62 with column). IMO, the legs are a little thin for best stability. I have a GT-3541LS, which is 10" taller, and serves as my go-to tripod. I use it with one section closed, and it's still a little tall for me (5'9"). Mine has no column, but a leveling platform. A column is optional, and can be added at any time. I actually use a column from an aluminum tripod when needed (closeups, portraits and such, for fine adjustments in height). If you have only one tripod, then a #3 "Systematic" is probably a better choice. Sometimes I would like a smaller tripod for travel, but I get by with this one if I pack light. It fits in a 24" suitcase if you remove the center section. The spider is 6" in diameter, compared to 4" for the #2 "Mountaineer."</p>

<p>The RRS BH-40 is an excellent head. For about the same money, an Arca Z1 is even better. The Arca has one knob for both tension and lockup, and an oblate ball which increases tension with tilt.</p>

[aaron_s4]

<p>Well, I took a look at Feisol. Anyone by chance have insight on the Tournament CT-3442? </p>

[david_henderson]

<p>I have the RRS BH-40 with a 5Dii and thoroughly recommend it. I like their camera plate, L plate and clamps too. I use it with a variety of L zooms including a 70-200 f4. It does what I need.<br>

I thought about buying Gitzo, and didn't for two reasons, despite the fact that lots of people like them. The first is that I couldn't find any evidence that my photographs would be better if I paid twice as much for a Gitzo as I needed to for apparently comparable products from Benro, Induro, Manfrotto. I tried quite hard to find it, across internet searches and asking a question on here. The second reason is that I prefer flip locks to twist locks. So I bought a Manfrotto 55 series carbon fibre 3 section tripod thats tall enough for your 5 feet 9 though much taller and I think you'd be bending your head down a bit. Again I'm pleased with that and as a sample of one , and based on quite a bit of work, I think the money spent on the RRS head, plates and clamp were well spent, but decided that I could save money on the legs. A lot of people who buy Benro/Induro etc seem happy with their purchases, and don't live with a constant feeling that they should have spent the extra on Gitzo.<br>

Finally, back on ballheads, I considered products from Arca Swiss, Markins, Acratech and Kirk as well as RRS. I was left in little doubt that most or all of these would have been satisfactory too, but its RRS that I bought so have experience with. </p>

 

[Andrew Garrard]

Aaron: even the Manfrotto 055CXPro I mentioned is plenty capable of holding a 70-200. I got mine for

a 150-500 zoom, and it's only really my 500mm prime and thoughts of large format which made me

get the big RRS. The gimbal heads help more with bigger lenses. There's an argument for planning

ahead (see Thom Hogan's page on support), but I suggest you think about whether you're likely to get

very big glass before burdening yourself with a huge tripod.

 

Respectfully, speaking as a non-American, Corvettes are American-made - and have very shoddy

internal plastic, a body shell that bends under finger pressure, and panel gaps you can stick your hand

in. (I'm not actually picking on the 'vette - there's good engineering in some - just suggesting that

American-made isn't a guarantee of quality control. The same applied to much of the native UK car

industry, lest I seem biased.)

 

...However, the RRS tripods are very well-made. I didn't take their country of manufacture as an

advantage (it's easier for me to buy Gitzos), but I'm still happy with my choice. If you want to be

patriotic, at some premium, I'd not steer you clear of the RRS - though I'd suggest you check whether

the 2 series would suffice. Gitzos are also very well made (they've fixed most of their historical

issues) and they have a wider range, so take your pick.

 

I agree that a tripod needn't exactly hit eye level - I like to be able to see the top LCD and check

composition over the top of the camera, so although it's bad to have to crouch too much for the shot,

too tall can be annoying. I'm about 5'9" and the Manfrotto I more comfortable for me if I under-extend

it slightly; I find the RRS perfect. More height - whether from a centre column or in the legs - is

convenient when pointing the lens skyward or when shooting horizontally with the tripod below you

on a slope; I chose to pay for this flexibility, but YMMV. I keep my Manfrotto for the flexibility of the

centre column, but my RRS keeps the stability of a flat platform. For the record, I've never had a

suitcase problem with a tripod, but maybe I have large suitcases.

 

The Arca-Swiss Z1 is more aligned to the RRS BH-55 - the BH-40 is slightly more lightweight. I've

always been intrigued by the oblate ball. Some seem to get on well with it; some prefer the Markins or

RRS ranges, some swear by Burzynski. A Z1 is over-specified for holding a 70-200, though you'd still

benefit from its ergonomics; the mid-range heads like the BH-40 or Acratech may more than suffice.

Heads are a very personal thing - unfortunately, some of the better brands don't seem to be found on

shop floors to try out. To be fair, they're likely all very good. If you're worried, try my Triopo suggestion

first on the basis that it's a quarter the price of anything else with the capacity so you're risking less -

but I'm certainly not going to claim it's better than these heads.

 

Good luck, and you have my sympathy about the range of choices.

[GerrySiegel]

<p>I have had good luck with durability and stability of my 3 Bogen/ Manfrotto aluminum tripods all over 15 years plus. One carbon Manfrotto monopod, also very solid... So that if I were shopping today I would probably, most likely, look at one of the Carbon Fiber Manfrottos as a cost effective way to do the job for me. I have been more splurgy or picky with ball heads and have owned three styles , Foba (used) and Arca Swiss and RRS BH 40. The RRS is probably my favorite head if I were limited to one with my modest camera and lens combos. <br>

I am impressed with their deluxe no holds barred tripod line from the on line RRS ads, but it would exceed my budget to get one of them, unless I had a pile of cash and no other expenses on a hobby. They are obviously for those with a more flexible or rarefied budget than moi. I guess I am saying that you can probably do very well and be happy, very happy, with anything with three legs from Manfrotto or Gitzo and be assured it will do the job for you very well. I have to say the leg closure and weight thing is a good factor to heed...as you read the reviews on line.... There are so many opinions on these kinds of items and the competition of brands is great, and the value is there for sure in all contenders. My sense is that there are no losers in your selection. A good choice, you have granted a good amount to camera support, smart fellow you... You have also pretty good taste in brands. <br>

You may wind up with several pair of different<em> legs</em> over the years.. and a couple heads as well later on.So not a make or break decision methinks. Good luck anyhow.</p>

[aaron_s4]

<p>I was rather surprised to see what Feisol had to offer, compared to the likes of Induro and Gitzo. Tall, light, and stable for a fair price. I was looking into that Triopo head, but it appears to be a sorta Europe only item, and I'm a little skeptical on how well it would withstand abuse. I think a set of RRS legs would be something to consider farther on down the road.</p>

<p>I'm kinda straying away from the Manfrottos because I'm not really a big fan of those flip lever locks. I got to try out a 190CXPRO4, and it was iffy to me. Plus I like how the rotating locks work a little quicker.</p>

<p>However, I've noticed though, there's a sale on the Gitzo tripod on Amazon for pretty cheap compared to their normal price ($539 compared to $780 and up).</p>

<p>I think I'm gonna set myself on the RRS BH-40 because it's a nice small ballhead compared to something like the Arca Swiss Z1, and a little cheaper. Plus, if RRS holds up to their name it could be a one-off purchase for a ballhead (until I'd possibly have to buy a gimbal for larger tele's).</p>

[Andrew Garrard]

Aaron: The triopo certainly holds a lot of weight; I can't vouch for its robustness other than that I've

not broken mine! (The lever could probably be wrenched off because it's spring-loaded to allow

repositioning.) My d4 has survived the tripod being knocked to the floor without apparent damage,

which worried me more for a gear head than a ball, if that vouches for Arca's engineering. I'm sure

you'll be happy with the BH-40, though.

 

The 055 Manfrotto is appreciably bigger and more solid than the 190 (which isn't bad for its size). It's

not in the class of the RRS, but I've never tried the bigger 057 series. It took me about a week to lose

the little tool for adjusting lock tightness on the 055, but it's never needed it; not a concern for the

twist lock designs. I did break a lever lock on a smaller Manfrotto, if that's relevant.

 

I'm sure you'll be happy with a Gitzo if you find a bargain. A good tripod is a good tripod, so I'd not

lose too much sleep on it so long as you're comfortable with it. (The last time I played with a Gitzo -

one of the smaller Ocean series - it bit me. Less an issue with the rounded locks on the RRS. But don't

take too much from my incompetence.)

[ford_kristo]

<p>I use a Wimberley Sidekick on a Markins ballhead with 400mm and 600mm lenses. Although Wimberley recommend a full gimbal and not the Sidekick for a 600mm, I find that it performs quite satisfactorily. So you may not need dispense with your ballhead to get the benefits of a gimbal style mount. Wimberley provides some good information on their site on lens loads with respect to ballhead capacity and suitable tripods. Consulting the tables provided can really crystallise your thinking and simplify decision making. (http://www.tripodhead.com/products/sidekick-compatibility.cfm ) If you buy a head that has a higher capacity now, this could provide some flexibility when you purchase heavier lenses in the future.<br>

I agree with your point on the lever locks on Manfrottos. I used Manfrottos for 15 years. While they are excellent tripods, I found that the levers frequently broke and spares where extremely difficult to obtain in Australia. I ended up moulding my own with fibreglass. I now use a couple of Gitzo carbon fibre tripods that are impossible to fault. All the rotating collars on each leg can be unlocked simultaneously with one hand, allowing for very rapid setups. The Gitzos are also easy to dismantle for maintenance. If you spend a bit more and buy well, some of this stuff will probably outlive you.<br>

Good luck with your choices - it can be a bit bewildering.</p>

[howard_m]

<p>I have the Feisol 3342 (3 leg section version whereas 3442 is 4 section), Markins M10 and RRS clamp/bracket. It's wonderfully light and rigid and does what I need it to do. Works very well w/ my longest lens (300 f4 + 1.4TC)</p>

[mel_cox]

<p>Bottom line. RRS all the way. Do not hesitate. It's the very best there is.<br>

If there's any way you can afford the RRS tripod and ball head, buy it.<br>

It really is as they say.........buy the best once! <br>

I have the RRS TVC-33 and BH55 and I can't see myself owning anything different. </p>

[jeff_bubis]

Not American made, but I've been very

happy with my Benro carbon fiber

tripod. It was a good value and has

proven quite durable.

[aaron_s4]

<p>Well, I've purchased a Triopo RS-3 ballhead, with a Really Right Stuff QR clamp to top it off. As for a tripod, I bought the Feisol 3442. Saved myself a good bit of money, and it should serve me well enough for the time being.</p>

<p>Thank you everyone for your help!</p>

[ellis_vener_photography]

As someone who has spend a few thousand dollars on RRS gear I want to point out that there is something resembling a

cult like worship of their products. I also have two aluminum legset from Gitzo that are pushing thirty years. I also have

been using an Induro Carbon fiber legset for traveling with for the past three or four years. Bottom line: they all make

good enough to do the job with and no one will ever ask you what tripod you used to make a photo with.

[ellis_vener_photography]

There is certainly a pride of ownership factor to consider, but I'd rather see you put any money you save by not buying the

highest priced tripod legset and put it into either better lenses or a workshop with someone whose work you really

admire.

[peter_n1664876959]

<blockquote>

<p>Well, I've purchased a Triopo RS-3 ballhead, with a Really Right Stuff QR clamp to top it off. As for a tripod, I bought the Feisol 3442. Saved myself a good bit of money, and it should serve me well enough for the time being.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Aaron I also have a Triopo RS-3 but as yet no clamp but I've taken the circular base off it and I have a clamp on the way. Hopefully you ordered the RRS clamp with an M6 screw. I think your purchase of a Feisol CT-3442 was a good one, I do not own a Feisol tripod but people who's judgement I respect think very highly of it. When it arrives tell us what you think of it.</p>

<p>I'll be using my Triopo indoors but if you shoot in extreme environments you might want to take a look at the Acratech ballheads if you run into trouble with the Triopo. They all have very open designs and if you get snow, ice, sand, mud or dust in one you just run it under a faucet and you're all set.</p>

<p>BTW I live in Boston and we've had something of a traumatic week here. The authorities did a brilliant job in catching the perpetrators so quickly, but two of those who protect the public from harm have paid dearly for their bravery. I would just like to say thank you for your service, it is very much appreciated.</p>

[Andrew Garrard]

Oops, failed to ckeck back on this thread. Aaron, Peter, I'll be interested to hear how you get

on with the Triopo. If you have issues and my advice is bad, I'd like to know; if you're happy,

that'll make me happy too.

 

And Peter: the world (well, at least the UK) has been watching, and we feel for those who have

suffered. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.