1203 Lycoming Mall Circle They're not limited to tradition front-rifle support, but can be used as rear supplementary support as well. 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. RRS products are in high demand with short supply at the time of this writing in Q2 2022. Clamping adjustments are made with a single oversized, rubberized knob. Really Right Stuff TA-3 Leveling Base with Short Handle and Platform with 3/8"-16 Stud. I have rarely seen 4-Series tripods used by still photographers unless it is in a studio or as an additional tripod kept in their cars trunk. Wow, thats on hold. I chose the ball head for this review. I will add that I probably would not own a 1-Series tripod as my only tripod because they are a little shorter than the higher series tripods. Secondly, it allows you to quickly modify the height of your camera without needing to alter all three legs. If you ever decide to do a part two for RRS, it would be great for you to go in to detail about the clamps, plates and some of the seemingly eclectic attachments, all of which kind of make my head spin. At the moment I dont have the BH-40 as it was sold to fund some other purchases. 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. After offering optic-specific tripods in the past, Vortex has taken the dive into purpose-built, heavy duty shooting tripods. Really Right Stuff makes high quality products and the prices reflect this. I like to think of it as being short for Versatile, although I dont know if that was RRS original intention. That ARCA clamp tops a lined socket which tilts and rotates freely on the 45mm Aluminum ballhead. That said, the bottom of the new universal base is a closer match to the top of a 2 series TFC. The half-ball shape allows for uniform gripping of surfaces even when the contact angle may be different for each leg, and prevents the twist locks from touching the ground even at the . Your email address will not be published or shared. Despite being a relatively new company, Two Vets has come out swinging with a wide product line covering the bases from competition to hunting. And again, if you made a mistake when ordering your tripod, why should RRS take the hit on the shipping fee as well? I live in Canada too. PMG tripods are every bit as good as RRS tripods, and I now own their TR424L tripod myself when I was unable to acquire an RRS 4-Series. Of course, Really Right Stuff are also known for their incredible range of ball heads, gimbals and other camera leveling devices. 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. The Ascend-14 tripods are priced much higher than the other 1-Series tripods such as the TFC-14. Phone: +1 (570) 368-3920 We changed the photography world with our custom-fit camera-body L-plates and have more patents for quick-release plate innovations than anyone. RRS Carbon Fiber Ascend Tripod Line. But what many people dont consider is the huge effect that working on a slope will have on the height of your tripod. This would obviously be much better using the two lower leg sections from a 24L as they are longer to start with and youd end up with a 5 section Frankenpod. If you work mainly in a studio or buildings for architectural photography, this probably isnt a problem for you. There are two different RRS tabletop tripods: The TFA-01 Ultra ($120) and the TFA-01 Basic ($80). The same goes for the TVC-24 and the TVC-24L. There is also a conversion kit to change a 1-Series TFC-14 into a TQC-14 with a Quick Column. The legs are stiff, with the main tube having a diameter of 36mm. Speaking of dedicated purpose, the big and heavy Traverse from Fat Boy begs to be run in competition or out on a coyote hunt. 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. Because the quick-release plate is the heart of the RRS quick-release system and one of the best reasons for choosing Really Right Stuff as your foremost support gear partner. Their Sport Optics and Rifle division has kept ahead of the curve with highly engineered, durable, and lightweight tripods capable of supporting even the heaviest of rifle platforms. 635 N. Loyalsock Ave The center section also features a rubber-tipped set screw, which lets the user snug it into whatever head they decide to use, eliminating the need for any sort of threadlock on the -16 main screw. I noticed there has been no reponse to Mr. Elsayeds post. I planned on adding the PG02 this past Spring 2021, as it seems like the best option for what I need. Professional photographer based in Yukon, Canada, and founder of Shutter Muse. Subscriber Services. I simply dont understand your logic. The grooved aluminum twist locks only require a quarter turn to loosen and retighten, making for fast and solid adjustments in the field. The Ascend-14 tripod is a compact, all-in-one support package available in two sizes: 14which favors a minimum stowed profile, ideal for packing in a carry-on bag, and 14Lwhich provides an extended working height while still being compact enough when collapsed to easily fit in a backpack. Over the last few years, it has become tough to get an RRS tripod as they are almost perpetually out of stock. is critical to longevity. 1-Series tripods are the smallest and lightest tripods with the lowest capacities, up to 50lbs, while 4-Series tripods are the largest and heaviest with the highest capacity. IMPORTANT: The collar size is different depending on which series of tripods you are using. The TVC-32G and TFA-32G are most suitable for stills photography work, while the 4-Series TVC-42G is more suited to low-level cinematography where a 100mm video bowl is needed to level a fluid cinema head. Their logical and wide range of different tripods has always offered up the perfect solution. You can use a TVC 2-Series tripod and remove the apex to fit the leveling head. It also features the all-new R-Lock System. A basic way to describe the "Arca" style would be that "Arca" can mean any dovetail rail that appears similar; however, the critical dimensions can be significantly imprecise. Early on in life, I learned the value of a quality tripod. I have never tried this. products, Alaska Guide Creations K.I.S.S. RRS created the Sport Optic and Rifle (SOAR) Division in 2015 to support customers in the shooting industry who desire soul-satisfying products and reliability no matter the situation or use. The Rock Claws are definitely a more specialized accessory. In addition to improving the feel and operation of the twist locks, the seals extend their life. In my time spent with it, it punched well above the price point at which it is offered. FEATURES Time-tested and proven by professionals in any conceivable field condition, RRS tripod heads set the industry standard for dependability, functionality and elegance. 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. If you prefer a tripod with a center column this will work well though. Even if it was lightly used then it should have been refurbished and sold at a discounted price. Fax: +1 (570) 486-4037, 2023 EuroOptic. The grippy knob doesnt take much of a rotation at all to go from very tight, to quite loose. Enfield No. Utilizing lighter materials like Magnesium and Carbon Fiber, BOG was able to drop the weight of the tripod with Deathgrip head to only 6.5lbs. In this guide, I will share over a decades experience using a wide range of Really Right Stuff tripods. Youll notice a few correlations between the tripod designs and the resulting specifications as you study the specs. Not just out of brand loyalty, but also because the sizes of various heads are designed to perfectly match the apex diameters of the RRS tripods. Thank you again so much for your invaluable guidance based upon your real-world experience. The most popular leveling bases in SOAR are the TA-3-LC (HK) and the TA-2U-SC. Yes, its a little longer in folded length, but itll be more stable than a tripod with 5 sections. Fresh off the success of our 200%-funded CP26-Travel tripod comes its much bigger brother (or sister): the Berlin 38.4. The TFCT 34-L with Anvil-30 ARC head comes in with an MSRP of $1,580.00, making it the highest-priced option on our list. More companies started making plates using the same process by getting their dovetail specs "close enough" to work with any screw-knob style clamp already on the market. The higher the resolution of your camera, the easier it is for micro-vibrations to show up in your images as a lack of sharpness. In 2019 RRS updated all carbon tripods to Mk2 versions and now you will only find the Mk2 variants for sale online. To view more information on the second-generation tripods, head on over to Really Right Stuff . In Stock. 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. The third small knob on the tripod allows the user to loosen and tighten the panning portion of the head, giving glass-smooth horizontal movement. The Ascend-14L versions are a little bit taller than the non-L versions. You can purchase either the flat platform or the built-in head separately from RRS. I asked them why they discontinued the previous one was there some defect? 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. 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. 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. RRS are known for their beautiful designs and faultless machining. Really Right Stuff tripods and accessories. Thats a good reminder to me that I should do it soon , Hi Dan, thank you for this awesome work! I had to pay duties when I ship the first tripod back to California. A TFC tripod has a fixed apex. At the time, Arca-Swiss was one of the most popular photography ball head and plate manufacturers, so the term "Arca" was widely used to describe the style of plate that had a dovetail running on each side. I have such a giant junkyard of faulty Gitzo pieces lying around -most of which Gitzo (aka Manfrotto) refuses to repair due to their usual explanation with each new malfunction we dont repair models which have been discontinued. The USR comes in four different hardware mounting options to cover the majority of rifle mounting needs. You have convinced me to spend a lot of money in the coming week hahah. The BH-40 should be a pretty much perfect match for the top of the TFC-24L. The simpler design, with fewer leg locks and fewer leg pieces, also means its one of the cheapest RRS carbon tripods. Hey James, firstly, thanks for the kind words. The new ARC clamps allow for adjustable tension, increasing compatibility across these rails. Those arent exhaustive lists, but theyre there to be thought provoking when looking for your next shooting support. But Im just going to call it research, and now you can all benefit from a decade of in-field testing. 4 As with anything from RRS, these are top-in-class accessories. Mine had dried Vibra-Tite inside the leg joint, so it was obviously not a brand new tripod. Montoursville, PA 17754, Sunday & Monday: 11 AM - 6PM The main improvement on the Mk2 version is the leg locks. The 3 and 4-Series leveling heads are essentially identical, but one is a little large than the other. Set the smaller of the knobs to the level of tension you like, then use the large main knob to lock and unlock the head quickly. Here is a photo of the new levelling head on a TFC 2 series tripod: https://shuttermuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ta-2u-lb_2.1-06.png. Make sure you look at the specifications table to get the complete picture as there is some capacity crossover between the different series. Thanks for compiling it all. Much appreciated. This pin/scallop combo prevents unwanted movement of the rifle in addition to the friction tension of the clamp. We analyzed a collection of plates from various manufacturers and found many inconsistencies, as there was no industry standard for a dovetail rail. This is a 2-series tripod with two leg sections constructed in an inverted manner. Adpaters are designed to fit RRS Versa Tripods. 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). Christensen Arms Summit Rifle Liquidation. Everything, really. The vendors I deal with dont have any recent records of RRS tripod sales. But when looking to buy your main tripod, once you have determined the capacity you need, you also need to decide between the regular version, the S version and the L version. BOG built this one with a purpose. I guess it wasnt enough . 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. If Im hiking, or travelling a lot, this is the tripod that I choose most often, specifically the TFC-14 version. 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. Then purchase the spare centre column with the flat platform (Part # Ascend-14-PFQC) as an additional purchase. If a 3rd party dovetail is manufactured over spec and is used with a non-ARC SOAR clamp, most of the time it will not shut. But does that justify the huge price difference? Congratulations Dan Carr on a truly professional effort. Over time, our customers were getting more and more frustrated that several non-RRS plates did no work well with our patented and popular lever-release (LR) clamps. The aluminium centre column adds weight to your nice carbon tripod, and instability, particularly in windy conditions. The hinges for the legs are not vented, so I find myself pulling each section to fully extend it. This tube diameter is more in line with what . Ground & Tabletop Tripods. Military, Law Enforcement, Competitive Shooters, and those that want the tallest, baddest tripod on the market, Increased height is ideal for those shooting or operating in steep terrain and or unknown environments, The most reliable and capable TFCT tripod, One of the most stable TFCT tripods with a maximum load capacity ranging from 45-85lbs, Features the Anvil-30 ARC ball head equipped with R-Lock, Backwards compatible with non R-Lock products, Really Right Stuff: TFCT MK2 Tripod 34L w/ Anvil-30 ARC Head, Load Capacity 1st Position Fully Extended:80lbs/ 36kg, Load Capacity 2nd Position Fully Extended:45lbs/ 20kg, Load Capacity 3rd Position Fully Collapsed:65lbs/ 29kg, 1st Position Maximum Height:71.1"/ 181cm, 1st Position 3/4 Segments Extended:54.4"/ 138cm, 2nd Position Maximum Height:49.7"/ 126cm, 3/16" hex keys (required to adjust leg angle tension), 9/64" hex key (required to loosen/tighten Anvil-30 screws), Really Right Stuff: Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head w/R-LOCK (No Adapter), Really Right Stuff: TFCT MK2 Tripod 24L w/ Anvil-30 ARC Head, Really Right Stuff: Ultralight Tripod TFC-34 Mk2, Really Right Stuff: BH-40 Ball Head with SC-ARC. We have three different series of tripods in our carbon fiber line consisting of a number of different models. When splayed out to 85 degrees, shots can easily be taken in the prone. Without further ado, lets get into 5 of the best shooting tripods of the year. Do you have any insights? Featuring R-Lock, this clamp easily attaches to RRS-compatible dovetails and sections of Picatinny. You get the huge maximum height, but a compact package by the TFC-style apex. Ball heads get their name from visually being able to see a ball mechanism inside of the head. I did go with the compact lever plate design on MH-01 because its smaller/lighter and I use a small ThinkTank Photocross 13 (the side pocket is small) a lot. 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. If you do need to clean out the twist-locks in the field, the process just got a lot easier. This is a bit cumbersome when speed is of the essence. Choosing The Right Shooting Range; Concealed Carry Clothing And Accessories; Concealed Carry Permits; Finding A Firearms Instructor; As part of Really Right Stuffs SOAR lineup (Sport Optics and Rifles), they also introduced their first inverted tripod, called the TVC-22i. RRSs build quality and ergonomics, with dimensions like those of the LS-365C would be brilliant. I really wish RRS made a series 2 tripod to compete. Twist locks on the stout carbon fiber legs are fast and easy to use, thanks to being rubberized. 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. The quality control and craftsmanship of the BH-55 is impeccable. Who knew?! 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. Now for anyone else in Canada reading this (it doesnt sound like Eric is going to buy more RRS gear), you can now buy RRS gear from B&H Photo as I have pointed out in the guide. All Rights Reserved. They also feature multiple -20 threaded holes around the center section and hinges for accessory mounting. Identical in all ways, apart from the length of their leg sections. Combined with the price of the tripod, tax included, the full setup can be gotten right around $900. All features, materials, fit and finish in a Versa tripod meet and exceed the best in the world. One of the most packable options that has an industry standard 3/8"x16 male stude, allowing for the use of most ball heads, gimbals, and other common attachments. Universal/Multi-Purpose Rails & Nodal Slides. This new feature is also important in sub-freezing environments, preventing moisture from entering the assembly and freezing, which inhibits the user from either extending or collapsing the legs. 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. The 36.7mm width of the top tubes, and the resulting larger diameter of the three nested leg tubes below, provide the RRS TVC-34 with the most substantial legs of tripods in the Series 3 size. The head itself now has an adjustable ARCA compatible clamp, making swaps between spotting scopes, cameras, and the Deathgrip head itself a breeze. So, if you're shooting with a lot of Really Right Stuff gear, you'll now only need to carry around a single tool. 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. For months, six departments shared the same room with all desks, chairs, and computers inches from each other. So, of course, I ordered my strap set for a Series-2 Mk2 tripod. The LS-365C ticks all those boxes, and since it uses 36mm outer tubes, the inner/lowest sections are a reasonable 22mm, presumably providing good rigidity at full height. The following video is from the RRS Youtube channel. . The Vortex Radian Carbon, while a bit hefty, still finds a home in the worlds of competition and hunting. This zippered pocket doesnt have a lot of room, but it can hold the accessory foot spikes and a few hex (Allen) wrenches or the very useful RRS MTX multi-tool. The jaws open to almost 2.5, and can tighten to just under 1.3. They look extremely similar, but the TFA-01Ultra has a ratcheting leg stop just like a full-sized tripod. There are already a crazy number of options in the lineup to suit such a large range of heights, capacities and folded lengths. Occasional use with a longer lens is acceptable if it isnt too windy. As for the head itself, the 55mm ballhead features a dual-tension system for ball adjustments. UNMATCHED QUALITY, INNOVATION, & MADE IN THE USA. When all four sections are fully extended, the tripod stands 67 inches at the ARCA clamp on the ball head. Choosing a tripod is about balancing a whole bunch of different compromises, which is why there are so many variations in the RRS lineup. I have not been able to purchase a RRS tripod since I started trying June 2021.