p.1 #1 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
I received this Marsace XT-15 yesterday (mine was sold on Amazon as PVCLUB brand for $200, it's as low as $189 on eBay.) I already own a Peak Design carbon fiber, I ordered this one out of curiosity intending to return it after I checked it out. I think I'm going to keep this and sell the PD. The Marsace is noticeably lighter, but seems equally or slightly more stable. I did an informal test with my Sony A series and 24-105 lens on full height with column up. I flicked the lens then do a 1/4 second exposure. I could see no real difference in the vibration dampening of the two.
I think the Marsace has two stability advantages over the PD: The center column, while similar in being scalloped to accommodated the legs for a compact profile, is substantially wider on the Marsace. Also, the legs are tubular rather than trapezoidal and have noticeably less flex on the thinner segments.
Some may not like that the leg locking mechanism is with a simple friction twist, rather than levers or screwed compression fittings. I think the Marsace design may be just as sturdy IF properly tightened, but can be disconcerting because you don't have visual confirmation like you do with the PD levers. This design takes a little more internal space in the legs, so while the Marsace is the same folded length, it is a few inches shorter than the PD at full extension. The Marsace legs are quicker to deploy and retract than the PD
The ball head has panning (unlike the PD.) The Arca QR lock is with a knob, while the PD is click-in with a tightening lever The ball action is not as smooth as the PD, but locks securely with a lever. I'm not crazy about the PD's concentric dial locks for the QR and ball lock, I find they bind up at times.
It's generally well finished with good build quality, but not up to the premium standards of the PD. The PD is one good-looking tripod, but that's not my top criterion in selecting gear. A few other small details that lead me to favor the Marsace: The case (while an obvious PD copy) actually fits, not requiring the wrestling match that the PD does. The wider center column has more internal space, which will store the DIY extension I plan to add for occasional use as a light stand.
I was happy to back the Peak Design Kickstarter and I applaud them for forwarding the art of tripod design for the first time in maybe forever. That said, their influence has spawned this (and perhaps other) products with some better features and usability. If PD had a V2.0 in the works I'd take a look at it, but for 1/3 the price this Marsace XT-15 seems too good to pass up. I'll report back after some field usage.
(I posted the same thing on DP Review, BTW) https://www.amazon.com/Marsace-Featherweight-Professional-Portable-Photography/dp/B08SQ6SPGN
p.1 #2 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
The Heipi travel tripod looks visually better than the others. can't tell about the mechanicals though as this is Kickstarter thing. i don't buy into things i can't do the touch/feel and possibly return. the push on it is a little hard for me. the influencer vids are amusing to say the least.
i used a PD a few times it was not an exciting tool for use. neat to carry due to is 5 sections but then that's the lesser of qualities overall needed. i'm sticking with my RRS TQC/TFC 14. seen lots of usage over the years and is packed up for yet another trip. gotta find its passport
p.1 #5 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
i have Sachtler too. you can say what you wish. i actually gave another non RRS option. after all we are talking about lower priced models. but i guess your lack of objectivity helped you bypass that. i'll allow for that. yes i mentioned that i'll stick with what i own as it has proven to be a high usability and so far, long term usage winner. i haven't the need to wander looking for a new one after all the years of usage that i've gotten out of their products.
you both enjoy.
addendum: i'm pretty sure i know a bit more about materials and structures then both of you combined.
you’d think he was an RRS employee.
sorry no, primarily because they couldn't afford me and i like what i do. it has advantages.
oh, and in case you think i received their product gratis i'm afraid i have receipts to this day going back to 2008. this is business. ok, they gave me a hat and a few velcro badges with their logo on them. pretty nifty. but then others were getting them too at Photo Plus i believe it was either 2018 or 2019
also, i will admit they did lend me their final prototype for the leveling base designed for the TVC33 back in 2008 for a "project". it was returned after use. i had one on order already but it was running behind schedule.
regretfully every time i have been out near them and i say i'm going to visit some work gets in the way.
p.1 #6 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
This same tripod (or at least clones of it) are being sold under a variety of brand names. Not sure who the actual manufacturer is. Certainly intriguing. I do wonder how the internal expansion lock mechanisms will hold up in dirt and sand.
p.1 #7 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
actually the Marsace XT-15 centerpost is considerably different using a trilobal type centerpost where the sunwayfoto and fotopro use standard CF posts (i believe the CP on the Marsace is alloy which in this case is the better material to use)
just remember you buy it you own it. you break something on it you have no support.
p.1 #8 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
sjms wrote:
actually the Marsace XT-15 centerpost is considerably different using a trilobal type centerpost where the sunwayfoto and fotopro use standard CF posts (i believe the CP on the Marsace is alloy which in this case is the better material to use)
just remember you buy it you own it. you break something on it you have no support.
Yes, definitely some variations in design. I was mainly intrigued by the collarless, internal locking leg designs. Certainly a good way to save weight. My concern with those main legs is that I've have ski poles with that type of locking system fail. They were very temperamental only being exposed to snow. Not sure how such things handle dust and sand.
I can vouch for both Sunwayfoto and Fotopro support. Both exist and both are responsive. I have no experience with Marsace. Seems like many of these products are available under a variety of names. Sometimes you can save a buck buying from one of the lesser known brands. You take on some risk of potential future expense if there's no domestic warranty or support under those brand names. You may still be able to get parts and service. But you might be dealing with expensive cross-border shipping to do it.
p.1 #10 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
sjms wrote:
addendum: i'm pretty sure i know a bit more about materials and structures then both of you combined.
You may be right that you know what tools work best for me and everyone else, because clearly what you prefer must be the best choice for everyone else. Or not. I would venture to say you know quite a bit less about how to engage in a civil discussion. Addendum: I've had quite a nice career with international clients, books, museum exhibitions, and a tenured teaching position at a major university. All this in spite of my apparent lack of knowledge about materials and structures. I just know what works for me, after having owned and used dozens of tripods and heads, from Gitzo (at least 4 different ones), Arca Swiss, Linhof, Acratech, and anything else I could get my hands on that might be best for the job.
p.1 #11 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
I have had the XT-15 for two years now and have used it on at least a dozen ski trips. It has never failed me once, but I use only a very compact Canon M5 on it though. The only accident I had is at one time, after I removed the camera from the tripod, because it is so light, it was blown away by the wind and fell all the way down the mountain, and survived .
Marsace also sells a short center column that can change it to something like a fixed apex type. I don't use the center column so the short column is what stays on my XT-15. It is very stable without the regular center column. I have tested probably over 2 dozen tripods of various sizes in the past year or so, it is right there with the best tripods in the 25mm tube class. Also, after removing the center column, it is less than 2 lbs with head.
p.1 #14 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
i am quite capable of civil discussion when it is available and appropriate. some people do make it difficult. i too have had and still do a relatively well spent history. not like yours as i am less an academic. I'm just a poor tech who takes/took care of business. your proclaimed history in Academia is like mine in certain portions of technology. when I'm not doing that, I'm walking through history wherever i can.
just remember we are all legends in our own minds. it's all inclusive.
i have a few images that tie in with the Bomb book you might find interesting
p.1 #15 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
Why do some feel the need to attack others for giving their opinion?
For the record, I have seen some sjms complimentary posts about Leofoto tripods as well.
p.1 #17 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
I’ve done some field work with the XT-15 over the last few days and I’m impressed. Did some twilight photos around 1/4 to 1/2 second with Sony A7RIV and fairly heavy 24-105 lens shot at longer end of range. Most done with center column extended. Very sharp, even with extended mag pixel peeping. The legs extend and lock quickly and intuitively, quicker than the Peak Design I think. And I’ve had leg slippage on my PD by failing to secure one of the locks, so I don’t see the Marcase lock system as a disadvantage. I’ve already sold my PD and don’t miss it.
p.1 #19 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
Would have uploaded a photo, but this feature is only available to paid Upload and Sell members. But I'm still really liking the tripod. Working on a modification to store an extension inside the enter column to use it as a light stand when needed.
p.1 #20 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
pshambroom wrote:
Would have uploaded a photo, but this feature is only available to paid Upload and Sell members. But I'm still really liking the tripod. Working on a modification to store an extension inside the enter column to use it as a light stand when needed.
