Honestly, I don't know which was the more obvious red flag - a fashion company thinking they know how to make a tripod, or an established company having so little faith in a concept they are unwilling to risk any of their own capital...
trstahly wrote:
I got mine and as soon as I saw the size of the box and lifted it up I knew I was dissapointed.
A very good point was made on another thread: DaveTCC wrote:
Note that humans are much more perceptive of density than actual weight. This is why the PD tripod feels heavy in hand when folded up and lightweight when fully set up. At 2.75 lbs the PD tripod is certainly not on the ultralight end of the range, but is very light when compared against tripods of similar height.
I'd encourage you not to be rash, but try the tripod out for awhile. It's different, so it's alien at the start. As I use it more, I'm LOVING it.
Matti6950 wrote:
Until end of year Gitzo tripod are tiny bit cheaper on calumet.de then normal (-15%).
I'm now thorn between a GT1545/gt1555 Gitzo (490/560 euro without ballhead)
And this Peak design tripod.
I already have a Gitzo, but the pin, retracted the wrong side from the tripod to ballhead, making it impossible to install a new ballhead. It's also not arcaswiss compatible.
But i want a working tripod for all occassion, so any user experience with the PD would be nice.
I've been using a 1555T for a couple years now and it's a great travel tripod when portability is a priority. I have it paired with an RRS BH-25 to keep the folded size down. I still prefer this to what I've seen from the new PD tripod, though I haven't handled one yet. Frankly, the only tripod I'm awaiting is the RRS travel pod. sjms posted pics of a prototype and it looks to be a better execution of what PD was going for, and at a commensurate price premium.
uscmatt99 wrote:
I've been using a 1555T for a couple years now and it's a great travel tripod when portability is a priority. I have it paired with an RRS BH-25 to keep the folded size down. I still prefer this to what I've seen from the new PD tripod, though I haven't handled one yet. Frankly, the only tripod I'm awaiting is the RRS travel pod. sjms posted pics of a prototype and it looks to be a better execution of what PD was going for, and at a commensurate price premium.
I was with sjms at the RRS booth at PhotoPlus looking at the new Prototype tripod. It and the head are very nice, but it is going to be expensive.
I like my PD tripod. I don't see differences to the specs except the ones they acknowledged like aluminum center column. Posted my quick impressions in the General Gear forum.
molson wrote:
Honestly, I don't know which was the more obvious red flag - a fashion company thinking they know how to make a tripod, or an established company having so little faith in a concept they are unwilling to risk any of their own capital...
Peak design is more than fashion company.... They've proven their ability to thoughtfully design a good product in things like the capture clip, their straps, and the whole anchor link system.
Obviously, a large company like Peak Design does not need Kickstarter to generate development funds. It uses Kickstarter as a marketing ploy. As an added benefit PD is not required to backup its product.
Mystik wrote:
Peak design is more than fashion company.... They've proven their ability to thoughtfully design a good product in things like the capture clip, their straps, and the whole anchor link system.
Designing bits of string with plastic disks on the end is not the same as a designing (and manufacturing) a tripod.
Pchi wrote:
I will wait until version 2 or 3 to consider buying PD.
I've participated in 3 PD Kickstarters now... Capture, Everyday Bag, and Tripod.
The Capture worked GREAT. But, then they came out with new Captures that are smaller and smoother and not backwards compatible. I was PISSED. But I sold my original Captures and love my new Captures.
I have taken my Everyday Bag all over the world. It still looks and functions as new. It is a GREAT BAG. Yes there is a new version but my original is still great, no intention of upgrading.
Tripod? So far so good... Taking it on a trip next month so we shall see how that goes.
This is the same guy who started a thread here and on DPReview castigating B&H for having the audacity to close on Jewish holidays because it inconvenienced him.
I paid for Arsenal, the "Smart" camera assistant, another kickstarter project. Good thing it was delayed, saw all the youtube reviews and canceled and got the money back. I saw this tripod as well, didn't like the specs, also read lot of reviews and didn't bite it. So I am wary of kickstarter ones now.
The solution here is not to request a refund (it’s a kickstarter, there’s no refunds on Kickstarter), it’s to sell the tripod. When you kickstart something, you’re not buying a product but rather supporting an idea that hopefully becomes a product.
Victor
trstahly wrote:
I got mine and as soon as I saw the size of the box and lifted it up I knew I was dissapointed.
When I opened it I knew in two seconds it's going back it is too heavy too large and a screwy design just to save an inch and a half in diameter and a tripod that is easier to slide into a backpack which I do not use or have anyway.
Well what a suprise and my last kickstarter project all sales are final no returns. see screenshot
I will dispute it with VISA since a reputable company like PD whom I own about fifteen of their straps apparently does not accept returns on their goofy tripod.
I am not a huge Tony Northrup fan but he and his wife voted thumbs down also it is a gimmick IMO
I had trepidations about buying it and almost cancelled my pledge a few times but I figured if I did not like it Peak Design would at least let me return it especially since they will be selling for $120.00 more or I can sell on Ebay which it is already listed.
Actually if you do not already use a RRS or similar dovetail base on your camera and do not have a Gitzo traveler or two its not a bad setup. But I will not use a PD square plate everytime I want to use it or screw one in to my lens feet on my larger lenses either it is too much of a hassle.
The Gitzo Traveler 2 is a far superior and almost twice the price tripod and I have two and so it simply is not a fit for me....Show more →
Thanks to OP for the warning. I was interested in buying the PD tripod. They are not a new company trying an idea. Tripods are not revolutionary. They are an established company making small changes to design. They should stand by their product. I do not support any company that does not stand behind their products.
I’ve seen good things said about Promediagear. Pricing is a little less than Gitzo and RRS.
There’s another company whose name evades me right now, but I’ll post again if I recall.
Edit: check out Robus tripods. Their carbon fiber is highly
Rated and very affordable.
Matti6950 wrote:
Until end of year Gitzo tripod are tiny bit cheaper on calumet.de then normal (-15%).
I'm now thorn between a GT1545/gt1555 Gitzo (490/560 euro without ballhead)
And this Peak design tripod.
I already have a Gitzo, but the pin, retracted the wrong side from the tripod to ballhead, making it impossible to install a new ballhead. It's also not arcaswiss compatible.
But i want a working tripod for all occassion, so any user experience with the PD would be nice.
sandycrane wrote:
Obviously, a large company like Peak Design does not need Kickstarter to generate development funds. It uses Kickstarter as a marketing ploy. As an added benefit PD is not required to backup its product.
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Pkash wrote:
Thanks to OP for the warning. I was interested in buying the PD tripod. They are not a new company trying an idea. Tripods are not revolutionary. They are an established company making small changes to design. They should stand by their product. I do not support any company that does not stand behind their products.
I don't disagree that PD should consider taking returns if a customer is unsatisfied with the final product, but to say they don't back up or don't stand behind their products is a little misleading as you can still exchange your tripod if there is something not working or have it fixed under warranty. They are still supporting the tripod, just not allowing returns.
Pretty sure Peak Design has a 30 day return on all products purchased via their website. I see no language in their return policy excepting tripods or any other product.
The issue is returns for Kickstarter products which I feel has always been clear (no returns) and part of the risk you take participating in a kickstarter and for which you typically receive compensation thru lower prices and earlier access to the product.
Looks like the tripods were 289/479 on Kickstarter instead of 349/599 retail or thru pre order on peak design.com where the return policy is added to the lifetime warranty.
I agree, stylish and they work. I don't mind the emails, Google does a good job of sorting for me.
1bwana1 wrote:
All the products i have from PD are well designed, and manufactured. One irritant for me is the constant political emails I get from them.
