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Archive 2022 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

THD1
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

Howdy Everyone!

So I already own an RRS tripod/BH-55 combo which fits in my carry-on bag with the center column removed, but it is a bit bulky. I bought Peak Designs travel tripod when it was a Kickstarter project. I like the PD tripod but find it somewhat flimsy feeling, as I mainly use it for my iPhone.

I am mulling over purchasing the RRS Ascend tripod for travel.

I am looking for feedback from anyone who owns (or has owned) both.

Many thanks!!!

Todd

Edited on Mar 08, 2022 at 10:01 AM · View previous versions

Mar 07, 2022 at 11:30 AM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

structurally the RRS is a more rigid tripod. my personal preference is the TQC/TFC 14. i have been using it for years and use it with 2 different heads the BH30 and BH40. i also originally purchased the TQC and later purchased the TFC spider and it takes less tan 10 minutes to do the conversion if you use the center post, which i do. the center post on the PD leaves quite a bit to be desired. the legs for what they are are so-so. it's dealer choice here i made mine long before PD even thought of one.

my favorite tripod shot with the TQC with post halfway up w/BH30. in addition a few hundred touristas closeup around me

it goes everywhere with me.

i used to have one of the original TVC33's out their door w/BH55. ran out of uses for it. because the TVC24 did/does most of what i need. with a tear in my eye i passed it on to someone who wanted and had more use for it.

Edited on Mar 12, 2022 at 06:52 AM · View previous versions

Mar 07, 2022 at 12:11 PM

jharter
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

I have the TQC14. Friend has PD. No contest in terms of stability in favor of RRS. TQC fits in carry on luggage with head removed. No experience with the Ascend

Mar 07, 2022 at 12:34 PM

sjms
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

yes, it does travel well in many configurations

Edited on Mar 12, 2022 at 07:12 AM · View previous versions

Mar 07, 2022 at 02:31 PM

Ix4224
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

I own the Ascend Long version with the platform head+BH-40. It just barely fits in my carry on luggage with the head removed if it’s oriented diagonally. I believe the normal Ascend is designed to fit in luggage against the long edge since it’s about ~3 inches shorter.

I went with the Long version so I can use it as my main tripod (still trying to avoid owning multiple tripods but will succumb at some point I’m sure). I’m 5’10 and the camera reaches eye level without me extending the center column.

I considered the TQC14 since it’s cheaper but does require the use of the center column for eye level for me. Same issue with the PD tripod.

Mar 09, 2022 at 02:51 AM

sjms
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

everything is a compromise of ones own choice

Mar 09, 2022 at 11:17 AM

Gusty181
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

Hi, I own the PD and I like it, but I think there's no question that the RRS is a better made and more sturdy tripod. If the price doesn't bother you too much, I would get the RRS.

Mar 10, 2022 at 07:31 PM

elkhornsun
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

I have owned RRS tripods but for travel I much prefer the Feisol ones. With my 600mm lens I use their CT-3472 that has the option of adding a center column at my destination for more height. With lighter lenses their CT-3441 Travelers is what I use. With the Traveler I can push down with all my force and there is no flexing of the legs. It is rated for 44 lbs of load and in my experience this is an accurate rating.

One thing I like about the Feisol tripods is that they include an excellent carry case. With my RRS TVC-34L all I got was a cardboard box and I had to spend another $100 for a good travel case (and Gitzo is no better).

Mar 11, 2022 at 07:51 PM

sjms
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

One thing I like about the Feisol tripods is that they include an excellent carry case

yup. but then your idea of "excellent" and mine are somewhat "divergent".

probably our distinctly different backgrounds.

since i can configure my tripods variably i preferred to have a single bag that fits a single legset+ within the 2 tripods ranges of size and bulk

in addition i can even throw in my monopod with either of them if needed. i haven't seen another bag to match it or my wants/needs

in the end money well spent.

addendum: i owned an early version of Feisols tripod. i don't honestly remember its designation (possibly 3340). it was their biggest modular at the time and was shipped directly from Taiwan. no US distribution yet. it was a good tool. better in some ways than Gitzo. there was no such thing as a RRS tripod then. had the leveling base too. minor niggles with the platform bolts but was easily resolved. optional feet were not too good and a friend helped modify the setup so i could use gitzo's feet. i still have come parts floating around. i don't remember whether it coming with a bag or not. if it did it was not a focal point in my purchase. possible it did but didn't meet my wants/needs.

had 3 of their HD monopods too. they were pretty darn good. gave them away on work assignments to people who assisted me.

in the end for me it is "the devil is in the details".

Mar 12, 2022 at 07:16 AM

THD1
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

Hi everyone,
Thank you for your input! Given my experience with RRS tripods, I do believe I will get the Ascend (long version).

Cheers,
Todd

Mar 16, 2022 at 10:24 AM

elkhornsun
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

Times change and 20 years ago the Gitzo had good designs and solid construction and adequate customer support. That is no longer the situation and with my last 3-series Gitzo the piece used to lock the tripod at an angle was broken off an in the shipping box. It was an inferior case piece of metal.

The carry case for the Feisol is better than anything I have bought from Manfrotto or Portabrace and other companies for my tripods. But if you do not actually have a current Feisol tripod or carry case then your opinion is an uninformed one.

Mar 16, 2022 at 03:43 PM

sjms
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

mine was from neither of the known brands. this one works for my needs and my legsets. in this case i would consider uninformed rebuttal to have fallen short. oh, i did remember having the bag from Feisol and it hasn't changed since mine. the reason why is it remained in its delivery box.

never been a full-length linear zipper fiend and it would have impressed me more if it had a #10 zipper (my preferred size for large closures). and i prefer a more "tailored" fitting capability for the multiple carry options/objects. and i even got a choice of colors too. mine has done its duty over the years well enough to not need to look elsewhere at any price as the quality and purpose exceeds.

Mar 16, 2022 at 05:04 PM

sathsy2017
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

sjms wrote:
mine was from neither of the known brands. this one works for my needs and my legsets. in this case i would consider uninformed rebuttal to have fallen short. oh, i did remember having the bag from Feisol and it hasn't changed since mine. the reason why is it remained in its delivery box.

never been a full-length linear zipper fiend and it would have impressed me more if it had a #10 zipper (my preferred size for large closures). and i prefer a more "tailored" fitting capability for the multiple carry options/objects. and i even got a choice of colors...Show more →

What bag is that one. Looks nice.

Mar 27, 2022 at 09:55 AM

sjms
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

it is very well built and highly functional if you get it for your high use gear. worth every penny in my opinion.

https://sunrisetacticalgear.com/Tactical-Tripod-Scabbard-2500413.htm

Mar 27, 2022 at 10:02 AM

sathsy2017
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

sjms wrote:
it is very well built and highly functional if you get it for your high use gear. worth every penny in my opinion.

https://sunrisetacticalgear.com/Tactical-Tripod-Scabbard-2500413.htm

Thank you. Wondering which packet for tvc-34?

Mar 27, 2022 at 10:54 AM

sjms
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

measure the length the way you are going to carry it first with your minimum head stack then with the maximum stack.

a "stack" being your simple base use head and then your maximum "stack" configuration height

i use it with 2 different tripods TVC24 w/level platform and generally a BH40 and a TQC/TFC14 w/BH30 and sometimes slip in my MP

i have the smallest size scabbard (20")

TVC24 w/leveling platform and BH40 head installed.

TFC14 w/BH30

TFC14 w/BH30 + 25" monopod w/head attached

Mar 27, 2022 at 11:50 AM

THD1
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

That case is awesome!!! I will be traveling to Nepal in November and something like this will be much appreciated!

Thanks for letting us know where to acquire it!

Cheers,
Todd

Mar 28, 2022 at 10:05 AM

sjms
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Travel tripods... RRS Ascend vs Peak Design

THD1 wrote:
That case is awesome!!! I will be traveling to Nepal in November and something like this will be much appreciated!

Thanks for letting us know where to acquire it!

Cheers,
Todd

Mar 28, 2022 at 10:22 AM


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