If you tend to shy away from using tripod centre columns, the L version of the Ascend-14 might be the one for you. I live in Canada too. Weighing in at only 4.3 pounds while being capable of supporting 50 pounds, a TVC-33 Versa Series 3 tripod combines the Really Right Stuff ideal of soul-satisfying feel and finish with best-in-class strength and resilience. Im not sure. Thank you again! 1203 Lycoming Mall Circle In 2019 RRS updated all carbon tripods to Mk2 versions and now you will only find the Mk2 variants for sale online. Of course, when the legs are fully splayed, they are locked solid, but in all other positions, you are simply relying on friction to hold the legs at other angles. is critical to longevity. What we can see from that, is that the L version of the Ascend-14, with its Quick Column lowered, is only 2 inches shorter than the regular Ascent-14 with its column raised. Now it totally defeats one of the main purposes of having a 3 series tripod having such thin legs at the bottom but for the rare occasion when I need that extra length shooting sea cliffs and want to get away from the cliff face it can come in handy. I also got a new RSS monopod head for my CF Manfrotto monopod. Professional photographer based in Yukon, Canada, and founder of Shutter Muse. We cannot guarantee compatibility with third party tripods. The photos of the Basic version in the gallery were shot many years ago before the Microball was available. Hey Eric. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. If you dont think you will use it, you might as well get the TFC-14 version which has the added virtue of a removable 3/8 16 stud. RRS. Im after a travel tripod with no center column, packed length of max 50cm, and fully expanded height of at least 150cm. Thanks, too, for recently updating both guides. I have been using RRS tripods for over a decade now, and in that time I have used all manner of different sizes and capacities. Now, their customer services says, maybe late fall? and can only say Im not sure or I dont know when asked questions such as why would you discontinue a product before you had its replacement ready to go? Theyre always working to improve their products and have a few exciting plans for 2023. In Stock . in-depth review of the Peak Design Travel Tripod. RRS boasts the largest selection of custom-fit camera, lens and multipurpose plates in the industry. Although the folded diameter of the Ascend tripods is the same as the TFC-14 tripod, the Ascend-14 manages to fit a quick column in between the folded legs by using a clever scalloped design. Roundup: Six Large Tripods For Heavy Duty Use - DPReview So, yes, the Ascend-14 has a fancy column with a lever release. Originally a photographer by trade, I knew even the slightest movement in the wrong conditions would ruin a shot. However, its also a little shorter in its maximum height, and theres more chance that strong winds or heavy loads could cause some instability due to the thinner lower leg. Once you see it explained below, you'll be able to understand the spec sheets and details in this guide much better. They are simply smaller and larger versions of a particular series base model, delivering either a taller or shorter maximum extended height. Anyway, the 34L is back to its normal configuration and the tfc-14 has regained its limbs, but it was a fun exercise. I had narrowed it down to RSS (after a lot of research), because I also wanted to support an American Made company. The series 3 version fits into our 75mm Versa apex, lowering its center of gravity. As part of Really Right Stuffs SOAR lineup (Sport Optics and Rifles), they also introduced their first inverted tripod, called the TVC-22i. Big rubber feet - rubber is a shock absorber, and as such, rubber feet on the ground help absorb and distribute recoil. Really Right Stuff SOAR - Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head This is the biggest, baddest, most well rounded head on the market. | 1203 Lycoming Mall Circle, Muncy, PA 17756 They feature interactive functions and allow users to view the entire line of RRS products. The ARCA clamp itself features a twist knob for securing the ARCA plates, and has its own small bubble level, ensuring you can keep the ball level. Scott Rupp gets a chance to talk to Aaron Oelger about a few new products from Hodgdon and why reloading store shelves are empty. Ive been using RRS tripods for many years and have one of the original 24L versions. Really Right Stuff: TFCT MK2 Tripod 34L w/ Anvil-30 ARC Head Note on pricing: I used to include the current price in the second column of this table, but prices fluctuated so much in recent years that I have given up constantly tweaking them. This is a 2-series Carbon tripod with a Versa apex and 3 leg sections. The system is catching on in the photo world. 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From Cinema set to city sidewalks, Stockholm to studio, we have a tripod that fits your needs no matter where your photography takes you. The same goes for the TVC-24 and the TVC-24L. Sitemap More leg sections decrease the folded length of a tripod to make it more packable, but it also slightly reduces the maximum capacity and increases the price. These are the currently in-stock RRS tripods at B&H. The two exceptions are the Ground Pods. Despite being the smallest in the lineup, I wouldnt hesitate to use an RRS 1-Series tripod for professional landscape and travel photography with wide-angle lenses and medium zooms such as 24-70mm. This means you can buy one strap to use for your tripod, and use that same strap as a single point attachment on your camera. For the 3-Series, its a 75mm bowl, and for the 4-Series, its a 100mm bowl. Once you see it explained below, youll be able to understand the spec sheets and details in this guide much better. 100lbs in the case of the TVC-45. On the other hand, the top of all their levelling bases is batched to the size of the BH-55, so a BH-40 looks a little oversized when placed on one. Its also affected by the maximum height. Working on flat ground you can safely buy a tripod that simply puts the camera at eye level when all legs are extended. Choosing a tripod is about balancing a whole bunch of different compromises, which is why there are so many variations in the RRS lineup. Since its founding, RRS has only changed ownership once when Joe and Joan Johnson bought the company in 2002. One single rubberized knob controls tension on the 60mm ball head. Really Right Stuff: TFCT MK2 Tripod 24L w/ Anvil-30 ARC Head. Prior to RRS, camera plates with dovetail rails were by and large extruded from dies, cut to various lengths, then either slotted and/ or tapped. I had to pay duties when I ship the first tripod back to California. Well done and folks should appreciate all of your effort putting this kind of information out there. A centre column has two purposes: Firstly it allows you to add additional maximum height to a tripod while keeping the folded length smaller than simply buying the taller version of the tripod. RRS was based in California for almost three decades when Joe and Joan decided to build a brand-new headquarters and move the company to Lehi, Utah. Because of the way the legs are offset in their hinges, they are able to fold in nice and tight to each other, keeping their packing dimensions to a minimum. | If the plate is under spec it will slide freely. The process was inherently imprecise compared to CNC machining operations. The 3-Series tripods offer the kind of stability that is recommended for long-term usage of super-telephoto lenses, and the damping that is necessary for critical sharpness with high megapixel medium format cameras. We analyzed a collection of plates from various manufacturers and found many inconsistencies, as there was no industry standard for a dovetail rail. The polymer lining keeps the movements both smooth and quiet. This is available for compaines who what to use our standard and to machine their own rails confidently. TFA-01 with BC18 is my most used and well traveled accessory Absolutely 100%. With an Accu-Fit stock and left hand adjustable bolt, this rifle is a perfect choice for anyone! I personally found myself drawn to the Recon V2 from Two Vets Sporting goods. Since then, the RRS product lines have significantly expanded from a handful of custom camera body plates to an extensive line of support products. I would be remiss if I didnt say I found myself wanting with some of the design on this tripod. Sorry for the long delay in responding but I went ahead and ordered a TFC-34L, because I wanted one, not to prove a point ;). But what if you want both? Really Right Stuff QD Strap System SET: No Straps, No Swivel. Please Note: This program is not compatible with other offers and programs, and specifically military, guide, law enforcement, and dealer programs that already offer incentives will not stack RED shipping speeds on top of other benefits. Tripods can level the playing field, making difficult shots in awkward positions a lot more manageable. The new Deathgrip Infinite from BOG comes down from their long line of affordable, thought-out hunting products. But with larger mirrorless cameras, heavier lenses or DSLRs, you definitely need the TFA-01 Ultra if you want to have varied leg angles. If you dont raise the centre column, it comes in at 1.42m. Fresh off the success of our 200%-funded CP26-Travel tripod comes its much bigger brother (or sister): the Berlin 38.4. We designed a discrete air vent to port air out just under our pull-tabs towards the centre of the tripod. It only has a single leg lock on each leg, and the inverted design means the locks are up at the top when closed, which makes it fast and easy to grab when you need to deploy the legs at speed during rifle competitions. Thanks for following up and letting everyone know that it worked. All Rights Reserved. A TVC tripod has what RRS call a Versa apex. While many people fixate on tripod weight capacity, they often forget to factor in the resolution of their cameras. The little brother to the BH-55, the BH-40 is now equipped with the SC-ARC R-Lock clamp. Lastly, the Mark 2 version of the tripods now feature an updated Sure Grip that uses the same hex screws as Really Right Stuff's L-plates. Great source of information for anyone looking to buy or upgrade a tripod. Simply get the legs roughly in the right place, then loosen the leveling head and use the built-in bubble level to create a perfectly level platform. Again, was there a defect in the previous one that none of the reviews (which were all raving about it) detected? The plate can be changed later if I decide I need a screw type plate correct? His editorial work has been featured in publications all over the world, and his commercial clients include brands such as Nike, Apple, Adobe and Red Bull. The inward-facing vents also ensure airflow is directed towards the center of the tripod and away from mounted lens elements. To view more information on the second-generation tripods, head on over to Really Right Stuff . This is a bit cumbersome when speed is of the essence. If I had something like a Fujifilm GFX-100, Id be using a 3-Series tripod. Note that the 3-Series and 4-Series Leveling Heads come with a video bowl, so if you are already planning to buy a leveling head, you wont need to purchase the video bowl. There is nothing special about the versions which RRS sell, they are identical to versions sold directly by Magpul. RRS tripods have either 1 (tabletop tripods only), 2, 3, 4 or 5 leg sections. It helped me confirm my choices and I made a small change to a TFC-24L type, instead of TVC-24L type to save a little weight, with a BH-40 ball head after reading. I was actually planning to do a how to clean your tripod guide at some point. Sadly, many people screw this up and buy the cheapest one they can find, only to have it break within a year or two, having done more harm than good to their photography. Adding on to this: a tripod like this is exactly what Im looking for. Choosing a Tripod: Part II | Really Right Stuff Blog What I initially was basing my theory on was the tube dimensions listed on https://thecentercolumn.com and it makes total sense to have standard tube sizing cut to length for the various tripods. This is necessary when shooting stitched panoramic images so that your horizon remains level, and its also necessary for video shooting so that panning motions maintain a level horizon and dont drift upwards or downwards. Secondly, it allows you to quickly modify the height of your camera without needing to alter all three legs. While this option may be a bit big and heavy for backcountry hunts, it is sure to be a solid platform for predator hunting, competition, and regular range day shenanigans. All rights reserved. Irrespective of whether I buy an RRS tripod or not, (I am about to succumb to a TFC 24 L with a BH 30 head to support my Fuji X Pro 3) this is one of the most thoroughly researched, well thought-out, well-written and just damn informative reviews that I have ever seen on the internet (or elsewhere). The legs have three adjustable positions with ratcheting locks that automatically engage when adjusting from horizontal to vertical positions. Im lucky enough to have multiple tripods so this isnt too much of an issue for me. You can find a post comparing screw-clamps to lever-release clamps here: https://shuttermuse.com/lever-release-clamp-vs-screw-knob-clamp-for-ball-heads/. The L designation means its the Long variation, so all of the leg sections are slightly longer than the regular version of the TFC-24, thus making it taller when extended to maximum height. On top of paying a small fortune in customs and shipping fees, RRS sent me a used TVC34L. Larger in diameter than the fixed apex, they allow for the center platform to be moved and substituted for a leveling base, quick column, or the apex adapter. It needs to support my rifle and any weight I put onto it while stabilizing my shot. Being very involved in the competitive world is a big part of why companies like MPA, Nightforce, Applied Ballistics, Vortex, Hornady, Really Right Stuff, and others are typically the innovators in the rifle industry and most others just try to keep up. And again, if you made a mistake when ordering your tripod, why should RRS take the hit on the shipping fee as well? The 2-Series tripods are the true all-rounders of the RRS tripod lineup. However, the optional 100mm video bowl does mean that they are excellent choices for cinematography, where a video bowl is a necessity. Wow, thats on hold. If you can try one before you buy one, even better. Hi Dan, what a great review. I guess the leg diameters might be handy. 4-Series Update: For some reason, RRS has discontinued 4-series tripods. Some of these make a big difference and some of them make a smaller difference, but they are all worth discussing. All features, materials, fit and finish in a Versa tripod meet and exceed the best in the world. As far as Im concerned, the decision doesnt have to be any harder than that. Leofoto make the LS-365C, which is a 5-section tripod with 36mm outer tubes. On TFC tripods, the stud is reversible and removable. You can also find this brand via Amazon and their own online store. Both tripods collapse to roughly the same length - about 23.5, but the TVC-24L manages to be 14 inches taller thanks to its 4-section "long" design. Personally, I chose to go with the spikes because they are more suitable for the landscapes I tend to shoot in, which are sandy, snowy or to some extent, muddy. Personally, I would just recommend spending the extra money and getting the Ultra version right off the bat, whatever camera you plan on using it with. Have you ever tried replacing the lower leg section of your TVC-33S with the three lower leg sections of your T?C-14 to create a five section Frankenpod? About 20 years ago, I made this mistake by buying one of those cheap SLIK tripods. Twist locks on the stout carbon fiber legs are fast and easy to use, thanks to being rubberized. You can also remove it entirely to leave a 1/420 threaded hole which can be used with the BC-18 Microball or the BPC-16 Panning Microball. Even if it was lightly used then it should have been refurbished and sold at a discounted price. Kudos to you and your experimentation! The Vortex name and warranty carry a lot of weight, and despite my misgivings, it is still a solid option. I used to use the TQC-14 version with the centre column, but I found that the instability introduced by extending the column meant that I often didnt use it. To help you with this part of the decision, I have created a separate Really Right Stuff Tripod Head Guide. To use one, you need to have a TQC tripod with the removable Apex plate. Universal/Multi-Purpose Rails & Nodal Slides. The USR features a modular slotted mounting system, offering a wide range of compatibility across multiple types of devices and mounting systems. Spinning the threaded spikes from the inside to the outside gives you even more traction in soft terrain. The rubberized knobs and twist locks all feature aggressive texturing, ensuring ease of operation in any condition. Their customer service has, in my experience been top-notch, and I often found my questions being answered by the owner of the company himself. They are small and light, yet they are easily able to hold a 50lb load which is more than any camera setup Ive ever seen. Both the collar and cup feature a QD-compatible connection. These are extremely short, designed for specialized situations where you want your camera to be just a few inches off the ground. But if you are a landscape or wildlife photographer often working on uneven ground, Id urge you to consider buying a tripod that will, according to the max height dimensions, put your camera at least 6-8 inches above your eye level. 1 Single-Shot Rifle: Tips to Improve Its Accuracy, How to Clean a Rifle Barrel the Effective and Harmless Way. In fact, they dont even know Im writing this guide. As they are both 3-Series Ground Pods, albeit, with slightly different designs, they are themselves considered to be the TV/TF pair that you would choose from. In this section we will take a close look at the accessory feet options, leveling heads, quick-release carrying strap system, tripod bags, centre columns and video bowls and even a special multi-tool that you can add to your Really Right Stuff tripod. I use mine with the larger BH-55 because I prefer the larger locking knobs for cold weather work when wearing gloves. RRS Carbon Fiber Fixed Apex Tripod Line. If you feel like carrying some more weight, then the 33 legs are worth considering. I can only back you in advising your readers to buy from B&H, because I bought myself many times from this store and never had to deal, not once, with this kind of issues. If you want both, the cheapest way to do it is to buy the tripod with the built-in head. After that comes another time in a photographers life when they decide to buy a proper tripod that will last them for the rest of their life, and its during this second search that many people come across the made-in-the-USA tripods from Really Right Stuff. Looking for some panorama photography basics? As my work and photographic interests have changed, so have my camera support requirements, but the constant throughout that change has always been an RRS tripod under my camera. If you are choosing to buy either of those tripods, you are already deciding to sacrifice stability in exchange for size and weight. L and S versions of the tripods are fairly self-explanatory. If you prefer a tripod with a center column this will work well though. Reading the customer questions on B&H Photo for these products, its clear that one aspect, in particular, is confusing people. You have convinced me to spend a lot of money in the coming week hahah. (Pro tip: keep the leg locks away from sand if possible.) NightforceUSA, Demo, Used, Blemished, and Refurbished Products, Compare up to But Im just going to call it research, and now you can all benefit from a decade of in-field testing. RRS plates are CNC machined, and have been from the very beginning. RRS carbon fiber tripods provide superior strength and vibration absorption with minimum weight. Those arent exhaustive lists, but theyre there to be thought provoking when looking for your next shooting support. The price for me, however, was a breaking point. All your questions will be answered if youre considering buying one. The Vortex Radian Carbon, while a bit hefty, still finds a home in the worlds of competition and hunting. I had a question for you! Really Right Stuff Tripods | Sniper's Hide Forum Its amazing how much it can hold. As you can see in the comparison photos, this has a considerable effect on the folded diameter of the tripod. When learning about our tripods it's important to know: - The middle letter refers to the apex style, - The first number depicts the series of the tripod, - The second number refers to how many sections or extensions each leg has in total, Typically, the more extensions you have, the more collapsed a tripod can be when traveling in stored positions. 4 There are also differences in the design of the cup, depending on whether you have an Mk I or Mk II tripod. I would also say that if you find a good deal on a second-hand Mk1 tripod, go right ahead and buy with confidence! As for the legs, The US-made carbon fiber legs are incredibly stout, even for their comfortably narrow dimensions. But what many people dont consider is the huge effect that working on a slope will have on the height of your tripod. I know RRS recommend the 3-Series tripods for super-telephoto lenses, but I have been using a 2-Series tripod with their PG-02 Mk2 gimbal for my wildlife work for many years, and I appreciate the perfect combination of travel-friendly weight and huge 85lb capacity. It meant that I had to go through customs three times (I live in Canada), meaning I had to pay three times the customs fee. The Ascend-14L versions are a little bit taller than the non-L versions. After 6 years using my TVC34L, there is no doubt in my mind that its a good tripod, but its way overrated as being the ultimate tripod. In terms of size and packability, its pretty much a draw. All our tripods have the built-in ability to change the leg angles and be positioned from ground level all the way to standing with our pull tab technology. The platform on the PL versions has the same diameter as the platforms on the other 1-series tripods, so it is sized to perfectly match the RRS BH-30 ball head. The new Sako Finnlight II sports an innovative stock and Cerakote metal paired with the terrific 85 action. Dan, fabulous information. If looking to acquire an automated powder-charge dispensing unit to speed up precision reloading, don't judge the RCBS ChargeMaster Lite powder scale and dispenser by its name; the Little Green machine packs a heavy-weight punch with speed and accuracy. Cheers, Dan. Both the PD tripod and the 1-Series RRS tripods are considered to be high-end carbon travel tripods that really prioritize small size, and both can be equipped with a similar style of the inverted ball head. For more info check our privacy policy. Ideal for users who need to do a little bit of everything while supporting a heavy load. To make my shot more stable, I can tie off to heavy objects, or even myself if need be. We also make items that fit a multitude of products if you don't wish to outfit every item you own with an independent plate. Our aluminum tripods are the strongest, most versatile, feature-rich ground and tabletop tripods on the market. Choosing The Right Shooting Range; Concealed Carry Clothing And Accessories; Concealed Carry Permits; Finding A Firearms Instructor; They are as follows: In the next part of this guide, I will discuss each of these factors in turn, and compare the variations where appropriate. Really Right Stuff - Home UNMATCHED QUALITY, INNOVATION, & MADE IN THE USA Learn More TRIPODS From Cinema set to city sidewalks, Stockholm to studio, we have a tripod that fits your needs no matter where your photography takes you. This lever-locked column can be inverted for ground-level shooting, or shortened to save some weight. You have most definitely earned your keep, so to speak! I have the TFC-33 mk2 and had no idea that RRS sold conversion kits to turn it into a versa. Your email address will not be published or shared. Really Right Stuff TVC-22i Mk2 SOAR Series Tripod. Ill try and use your affiliate links to help you out when i buy from BandH, Appreciate the use of the affiliate links, that is what keeps this site ticking over . Which Gitzo tripod for GFX100 and hiking - dpreview.com I guess it wasnt enough . Hooray: we were finally able to order our RRS tripod gear today! Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Tripod Modular Quick Column w/Platform AC-14-PFQC. As I learned to shoot rifles from tripods, especially at extended ranges, I found the same to be true. $1,645.00. In short, they did nothing about it, refusing to offer any kind of discount or rebate. Discover all the details of this magnificent new tripod, which is built to typically high FLM standards. Ball heads get their name from visually being able to see a ball mechanism inside of the head. With the L versions maintaining the same 4-section design, their folded length is a little longer. I asked them why they discontinued the previous one was there some defect?