p.3 #1 · Which brands are the best for tripod, I'm looking for the best of the best!
Daniel Smith wrote:
RIES wooden tripods are what will do the job.
No bells and whistles. No crazy materials and wild promises.
Just quality that works and lasts.
I would agree.
I ordered mine (H100), and it took a PAINFULLY long time to actually be manufactured and ship. Months and months. I ordered an extended version, not a stock one.
I am preferring the "infinite adjustment" of the leg angle compared to the set stops that are on my RRS tripod. The Ries is also a little more than 1/2 the cost of carbon fiber with a big name on it.
It is heavier, which is good for picture taking but bad for carrying. I didn't order the bag, and that might be a good idea to get. Travel? not really, unless it is in the vehicle with me. I have only had it out a couple of times, but it certainly seems more stable than the RRS I have in slightly windy conditions. The RRS is faster to adjust height though.
They have a version that comes apart, the J600. I have been mulling over selling the RRS and getting one of those. The two of them are maybe a little more $$ than a new RRS...
Pro Media Gear is relatively close to me, maybe sometime I can check out their tripod.
There is a company called Berlebach on the big auction site selling wood tripods made in Germany, and they look pretty good too.
p.3 #2 · Which brands are the best for tripod, I'm looking for the best of the best!
From Brett Weston and his 11x14 to current shooter Tillman Crane and Fuji medium format gear - RIES is what works. The RIES heads are rock solid and on their tripods vibration problems seem to disappear.
p.3 #5 · Which brands are the best for tripod, I'm looking for the best of the best!
Yes that's seems to be in line with just about every impression you can find online. I will know first hand soon enough. My 42 series with a custom apex color is getting assembled this week hopefully. 😉
