no i don't need a discount to get a hold of these things. i spent enough time trying one out. what they did offer is a tripod that was somewhat more show then go.
have you noticed that pretty much all the positive comments relate to its compact size and carry. not so many about its capabilities when it’s actually used as a tripod?
Wish Gitzo had today's lower price back when I, after much time spent on researching for the best travel tripod for me, settled on the Gitzo 1545T Traveler. Comparing this with the PD Travel Tripod:
Gitzo:
$469.95
Load Capacity: 22 lbs
Folded Length: 16.7"
Max Height: 60.2"
Min Height: 8.6"
Leg Sections: 4
Weight: 2.3 lbs
PD:
$599.95
Load Capacity: 20 lbs
Folded Length: 15.5"
Max Height: 60"
Min Height: 5.5"
Leg Sections: 5
Weight: 2.8 lbs
For the Gitzo 1545T, I decided on the RRS BH-30 instead of the Gitzo head designed to go with their traveler series. Paired together I've been very happy with my choices to serve as an ideal travel tripod for me. Personally, I've never been much of a fan of PD products; they seem to like to specialize in making attractive products for lighter gear. But like any products, it's a personal choice with the bottomline being whether the product makes the user satisfied and happy. What we call "the best" is nothing but personal.
sjms wrote:
have you noticed that pretty much all the positive comments relate to its compact size and carry. not so many about its capabilities when it’s actually used as a tripod?
Well it's a tripod, not some piece of sophisticated electronics - it either works or is doesn't.
And yes, it's accolades is its compact size and design.
Yes, because that's was the whole idea behind this tripod. To make a compact tripod that can fit in small spaces. Sure there are compromises but when it comes to having a very sturdy giant that I leave at home versus something that's not perfect but gets a lot more usage, for me the choice is clear.
sjms wrote:
have you noticed that pretty much all the positive comments relate to its compact size and carry. not so many about its capabilities when it’s actually used as a tripod?
sjms wrote:
yes, i understand. we all choose our compromises/priorities. it all depends on the logic we use to to reach the balance we think is "right".
we each have our individual backgrounds and experience that helps make our decisions.
Exactly. And they don't have to align with "your" logic
don't forget besides making the best engineered and executed tripods RRS also is working on a mountaineering snow shovel (you know after moving to Utah) that should be under the $750 mark. here is a prototype image.
sjms wrote:
don't forget besides making the best engineered and executed tripods RRS also is working on a mountaineering snow shovel (you know after moving to Utah) that should be under the $750 mark. here is a prototype image.
Lol, hopefully you are joking about the $750 price tag, but with RRS I wouldn't be surprised if they are going to charge that much for a simple shovel that already has a ton of competition with better and cheaper designs.
i'm surprised you don't recognize the shovel as a mountain skier. thats one if the best around from G3 the Avi Tech. ok, so i added a 0 before the decimal point and threw a patch on it.
i'm surprised you don't recognize the shovel as a mountain skier. thats one if the best around from G3 the Avi Tech. ok, so i added a 0 before the decimal point and threw a patch on it.
I haven't backcountry skied in decades. Too many close calls and didn't want to push my luck.
the only thing stopping me other then the obvious world health issues is the fractured ankle i did in mid july*. still limping a little after hiking. working on that (first broken bone in my life and i've done a lot of stupid over my collected years). so this goes in the back of the car for remote dig outs along with the kitty litter (for a little traction).
*there's an interesting story to go along with it.
sjms wrote:
and that's pretty much all that can be said of it: a somewhat smaller denser package.
Just checked back on this forum after a long time away. Wow, over a year after this tripod has been released you are still ragging on it!? Meanwhile I (and thousands of others) have been out in the world making photos with it. No, it is not the perfect tripod for every situation and camera/lens combo. It was never meant to be. But for the combination of packed size, weight, and functionality there is nothing else like it.
You’re right nothing else like it and there is a reason for that.
much overstated.
Your concerns have been noted.
Feel free to come back again whenever you feel its needed to attempt to admonish me.
my perspective is quite a bit different from yours. i tend look at it from a more technical aspect and that balance.
Meanwhile I (and thousands of others) have been out in the world making photos with it
could be a great number purchased it. but its assumption that all of those are out and about with them. could be closet clutter already for a certain percentage. because its still a tripod and has to be carried and it weighs something too. there are many "put offs" and excuses to not carry stuff. sorry the tripod goes first for many.
sjms wrote:
and liggy, at least you admit your disease:
Lol... it’s the truth. I appreciate good design and I like toys. Regarding your brand of choice I do have a few things from RRS and the build quality is impeccable. I do not have the $750 unobtanium snow shovel yet.
My beef with RRS is with the owner supporting denying others the right to get married.
Way uncool. But certainly his right to do so. As a result I am voting with my dollars and not buying any more RRS gear.
And it’s weird how you are laser focused on crapping on the PD tripod. We get that it isn’t up to your use cases.
For many of us it is awesome. I still use it way more than any other tripod I’ve ever owned. Right now it’s holding an
LED panel for some product shots. Friday I’ll be using on a web conference.
I’ll leave this with a quote from someone that I look to for tripod experience that we are fortunate enough to have here on the FM Forums, Dave at The Center Column.
“ While the PD tripod is by no means the stiffest tripod we have seen, this isn’t the point. The bulk and weight is often what prevents people from carrying a tripod on a shoot. If the PD tripod changes that for you, a small difference in stiffness doesn’t matter compared to the massive difference in photographic opportunities created by having a tripod versus nothing at all”
That is exactly how the PD tripod has worked for me. I got a lot more use out of my GFX50R because it so easy to bring and deploy. Of course GAS strikes again and I’ve preordered the GFX100S so it might not get used quite as much.
Time will tell but when we’re able to safely travel again it’s definitely coming along with me.
what can i say, i hope your "interest" in it lasts.
as to your sociopolitical views i totally respect that and i hope you show as much care and carry through with each company/entity you choose to deal with.
