I've posted previously about my experience with the Peak Design and the Marsace XT-15. I can't really speak to the testing methodology of this review, though some seems questionable. It does confirm some things I already thought, while adding new info.
The Heipi is a more attractive option for me now, although I'll stick with the Marsace for the time being. He confirmed the stability of the Heipi 3-section center column, which I had some doubts about. He was also very positive about the size and stability of the Heipi ball head, which is very important. The data on leg thickness was very helpful, it confirmed my feeling that the lower PD sections are too thin. I didn't agree with his conclusion on the Marsace leg locks- yes, they may be less convenient for partial extension, but they are way faster to fully deploy and retract than any of the other tested tripods.
The important takeaway for me is that the stiffness of all tested tripods was very close at 120cm, but the Heipi is significantly better at 140cm (with center column extended). This makes my current Marsace an easy choice for me over the Peak Design (and I will remember to use the weight hook under challenging conditions, to make up for the overall lighter weight.) I'll consider getting a Heipi as well, in which case I will use the Marsace as an ultra-lightweight and compact light stand with the DIY carbon-fiber boom attachment I've made for it. The RRS, while showing slightly better stability numbers under his testing, is too big and too expensive for me to consider.
I'll spend whatever is needed (within reason) for gear appropriate to my professional needs, but I've actually moved towards less expensive equipment in some cases as long as it does the job. This is why I stopped using Leica rangefinder cameras and lenses years ago- they were just too expensive to feel secure carrying them around and working. I just don't want to put much mental or emotional energy into worrying about damage or theft when I need to concentrate on making photographs. Thus, I'm happier with a sort-of disposable Marsace tripod than I was with the $600 Peak Design, and would feel even more so about a $1000+ RRS.
p.1 #2 · Review of 5 travel tripods- Peak Design, Ulanzi, Heipi, Marsace and RRS
pretty ok. but he does make a few assumptions that are far from correct. so really not so thorough. did he really go out and play or was it a Livingroom test. at least you threw down with a disclaimer on methodology.
the sliders/spacers at the top interior of each section are not just for preventing rotation but primarily for fit and slide so there as a minimal amount of side movement and smooth action. this has been installed on gitzo tripods since their beginning. and back then they did rotate all the way to the early 1990's
i have been using the RRS lever release lock in excess of 10 years with no ill effects in all environments so far. in fact, i just purchased their new ARC-LR clamp just few days ago and its quite a functional tool. it now is part of my BH40 which had the original lever lock. my BH30 and Markins Q10 still use the current RRS lever lock
the use of the leg locks for speed has become a sales point. if you use your noggin you can open most spin lock leg sections nearly as fast as these "special" designs. but then the race isn't always to the swift in the long run.
like he said the TFC14 is a good tripod. I myself am not a fan of the ascend to begin with even in its shorter format. i can attest to that and since i have the conversion kit i can go between the TQC and the TFC versions in about 5 minutes. just did some work in Japan back at the end of October 2022 and i was quite happy to use the TQC for the center post on this trip. it was a question of "balance". i was getting nice clean 30s exposures on it. i play the long game
remember, the devil is in the details. regretfully the more times i watch it the less impressed i am with his conclusions. especially since there are a few other vids review "commercials" popped up by some interesting individuals too. i brought up his choice awhile back as a point of interest. how timely they were to the Kickstarter campaign
addendum: you keep looking and buying and it adds up. i've had mine for over ten years. like i said i play the long game.
Nagasaki
NIKON Z 9NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens70mm30s64 ISO
p.1 #3 · Review of 5 travel tripods- Peak Design, Ulanzi, Heipi, Marsace and RRS
I can't believe I wasted nearly half an hour of my life, watching this garbage. Half an hour of pointless "tests", and not a single moment spent on showing stability (or total lack thereof)
Deducting points from the RRS because the tubes are "thicker"? Yeah, rrriiiight.
Hint for the "tester", mount the same camera on all five tripods, and subject them each to the same "wind test",,,,, use a darned hair-dryer if you must. Show what's happening in the camera's viewfinder or display.
11mm bottom leg on the carbon PD? for O-N-L-Y $600.+.?? ?? ?? ??
p.1 #5 · Review of 5 travel tripods- Peak Design, Ulanzi, Heipi, Marsace and RRS
Insurance does nothing for loss of opportunity, but that's what backups are for.
I'm sure the OP with 40 years pro experience, knows what is practical to use for his needs. I'm not impressed with the video. The (peculiar) tests are of legs+head without testing the tripod legs separately. I would never use some of those flimsy ball heads. I consider a 2 series the smallest tripod size to use and a 38mm ball is the smallest.
p.1 #6 · Review of 5 travel tripods- Peak Design, Ulanzi, Heipi, Marsace and RRS
EB-1 wrote:
Insurance does nothing for loss of opportunity, but that's what backups are for.
I'm sure the OP with 40 years pro experience, knows what is practical to use for his needs. I'm not impressed with the video. The (peculiar) tests are of legs+head without testing the tripod legs separately. I would never use some of those flimsy ball heads. I consider a 2 series the smallest tripod size to use and a 38mm ball is the smallest.
EBH
That’s right if one is worried about lost opportunity, then a backup is the only answer. After all no matter how much your equipment cost, if it’s dropped off a Cliff into the ocean…it is gone.
For other concerns, buy insurance and stop worrying about theft or damage.
