You keep on using the argument. There is no argument. There are views that can and should be discussed otherwise there are misconceptions made. This limits critical thinking
Talking about the tripod....I like it because when zipped up in its case it doesn't stick out at airports. The volume is meaningful to me. So, for me, it's a global travel tripod. I don't use anything heavier than a 100-400 on it anyway.
So what's the final verdict on this? Is PD tripod worth the price? If not, what other options are there that cheaper and are just as easy to travel with? I have been using a MeFoto tripod for years but looking for something more compact and lighter that can easily fit in a bag. I looked at Sirui T1205SK which seems to be just as light.
ajamils wrote:
So what's the final verdict on this? Is PD tripod worth the price? If not, what other options are there that cheaper and are just as easy to travel with? I have been using a MeFoto tripod for years but looking for something more compact and lighter that can easily fit in a bag. I looked at Sirui T1205SK which seems to be just as light.
I've only briefly handled a friend's PD tripod. I'm not enamored with the flip locks and the tripod head. I still prefer my Gitzo 1555T with am RRS BH-25 head for my compact setup. The demands on a small travel tripod are not that great as one is readily giving up a bit of stiffness for compactness, many of us with mirrorless cameras nowadays. If the Sirui fits your size and budgetary needs, why not give it a go?
I have the carbon fiber one, as well as several RRS tripods. No question the RRS tripods are more pleasant to use, more robust, and palpably more stable. It may be a personal thing, as some people seem to prefer flip locks, but I greatly prefer twist locks. The built in head on the PD is a similar clever design to the Arca P0, which I appreciate, but its build quality feels toyish in comparison to high end ballheads I've handled.
All of that said, the PD packs up so compactly that I end up carrying it at times when I otherwise wouldn't bring a tripod at all. It can discreetly fit in even pretty small bags. So it's valuable if you find yourself in that situation, and I end up using the PD a lot as a result. But if you don't need absolute minimal size, I'd go with something else. If you're willing to spend money on a high end travel tripod, I'd buy a Gitzo or RRS.
ajamils wrote:
So what's the final verdict on this? Is PD tripod worth the price? If not, what other options are there that cheaper and are just as easy to travel with? I have been using a MeFoto tripod for years but looking for something more compact and lighter that can easily fit in a bag. I looked at Sirui T1205SK which seems to be just as light.
While the “RRS or nothing” adherents may howl in condescending derision I happen to love my PD tripod.
Used it again today to hold an LED light for a quick session. Use it frequently for holding my iphone and iPad for video calls.
Not having to “unfold” the legs like my Benro Travel Angel and a few other travel oriented tripods is a real plus. Super easy to deploy.
And yes - it’s small enough to bring along when you wouldn’t normally take a tripod. That is a huge plus imo. It isn’t the most stable tripod you can buy.
It isn’t exactly cheap but I end up using it far more often than all my other tripods combined.
liggy wrote:
While the “RRS or nothing” adherents may howl in condescending derision I happen to love my PD tripod.
Used it again today to hold an LED light for a quick session. Use it frequently for holding my iphone and iPad for video calls.
Not having to “unfold” the legs like my Benro Travel Angel and a few other travel oriented tripods is a real plus. Super easy to deploy.
And yes - it’s small enough to bring along when you wouldn’t normally take a tripod. That is a huge plus imo. It isn’t the most stable tripod you can buy.
It isn’t exactly cheap but I end up using it far more often than all my other tripods combined. ...Show more →
Thanks for the reply. How do you mount iPad with to the tripod? I know it comes with a camera holder but I don't think it would be wide enough to hold an iPad.
If you don’t care about actual tripod use I have this one too. Back when we could perform live in clubs. Clamps onto your mic stand or similar. Much more robust than the B&H stand.
If you don’t care about actual tripod use I have this one too. Back when we could perform live in clubs. Clamps onto your mic stand or similar. Much more robust than the B&H stand.
Everyone who re-invents the wheel assumes it's a better wheel. Since the PD is just a lot of tweeks on a traditional design it is up to the buyer to decide if it is practical or just trendy.
PD might not have reinvented a better wheel but they did create a tripod that is quite but small to pack and carry around. It might not be the lightest but does occupy very little space.
sandycrane wrote:
Everyone who re-invents the wheel assumes it's a better wheel. Since the PD is just a lot of tweeks on a traditional design it is up to the buyer to decide if it is practical or just trendy.
was something like $7 on DealZone. Feels cheap but worked just fine: