xtian312 Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · ProMediaGear Tripods - worthy alternative to RRS/Gitzo? | |
I toss and turned for almost 2 months between the Really Right Stuff (RRS) TVC-33 and the ProMediaGear(PMG) TR344 and at the end of the day I went with the PMG TR424L! The price point to offering ratio it offered (height and load capacity) was just too hard to pass up! So I bit and bought it... During the wait to get to me, I felt, "maybe I made the wrong decision". However, when it finally arrived, I was ecstatic and doubt and regrets were gone!
The aluminum twists locks do not bother me one bit, however, I have taken it out in the cold (26 deg F) but I had on my Vallerett gloves which had tacky materials on the palms that help with grip... So I can see how the synthetic twist locks on the RRS has a "grippy-er" advantage when wearing normal gloves without the tacky grips...
The quick release for the top plate makes switching it out a breeze! I have put in a 75mm half bowl leveling base on there and love, love, LOVE IT!
Since I have yet to experience the ratcheting lock mechanism of the RRS tripods for the legs, I can't say one thing or the other about it in comparison to the push/pull locking mechanism of the PMG tripods...
It is "heavy", but it's still lighter than my old Benros, Manfrottos, and Giottos tripods... And to be honest at 9lbs with my GKJr Katana, that's still light. Considering the load capacity and max height this combo gives.
The downside to this purchase (if you can call it that) is it's bit large/bulky for walking around/hiking. But, I was so happy with it that I just ordered a TR344 along with their 75mm half bowl leveling base so that my RRS BH-55 has a permanent home to live on.... That combo will serve as my "travel" tripod, for when I know I will be walking around a lot and need something smaller to lug around...
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