oh you can put a full sized biner on but it requires you to unscrew and pop the platform clip one in and drop it back through the hole and lock it down. this makes it a semi permanent part so i opted to do the webbing thing. i don'y like movable metal to metal parts playing together unless its a hinge. there is a few ways to work out the connection too. it turns out to be pretty versatile
I appreciate the comparison to feisol, since I have been close to buying one. However, it's not at all fair to compare the RRS to 3371. The current top-line Feisols are the 3372 qnd 3472. They also use 37mm tubes like the 3371, but the weight is much less, so I suspect they are using a better grade of CF. They also saved weight with their improved, milled bases.
CT-3472: $520 59" max height without column. 3.92 lbs. CNC milled base.
There's no question that the RRS, and the top-end Gitzos, are better tripods, but let's be fair with the comparisons!
The thing making me lean towards Feisol is the integrated, leveling column. To get that with either Gitzo or RRS makes the price difference quite extreme.
Sadly, Feisol still doesn't have anti-rotation legs, and that is why I am hesitating, and reading this thread with great interest. Also, most likely both RRS and Gitzo use a superior type/construction CF.
Still, the Feisol can't be ignored consideration unless one is quite wealthy.
the question was how did it compare to my feisol. so thats what i had to go with.
as you stated there are some great improvement in the 3372/3472 and weight reductions too. but support capability is still in the same ballpark. i gave feisol the nod for being there first with machined parts too.
i do not like integration of some features. built in leveling makes you go with a center post and is limiting and the weight is over 5 lbs. i prefer the half bowl leveling setup with the grip under the bowl and short. an easy swap out if not needed. but then again you probably can purchase a the short CP for another $28 and fit that in.
anti rotating legs are not a big deal to me. the feisols are so close to each other that the rotation is restricted by its fit.
as to the apex retention setup. again feisol is far and away better then the systematic system. RRS took it a step further.
i also modded my tripod to accept the gitzo spikes. added a few ounces ther and also 1" in baseline height.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
So when will the other two RRS tripods be out. The TQC-23 and TQC-24. I belive both are series 2 tripods
well you are going to need to ask them. you know as well as i they run on their own schedule. as far as i see they only have one other model of tripod coming as of now. that would be the TVC-23. yes it will be a lighter weight model. then a 4 section monopod called the MC-24.
no TQC's here and no 4 sections models other then the MP.
Nov 29, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Lars Johnsson wrote:
RRS write a little bit about those two new tripods (TQC-23 & TQC-24) in their latest catalogue.
you are absolutely correct. see, you're ahead of me as usual. i did not go through the 2010 catalog yet. they are going directly head to head with the 25xx series models. let me know when the intend to blow the explorer series out of the water then i'll take another look. its nice to see gitzo is going to be forced to rethink some of their products again.
i predict a new reformulated CF tube from Gitzo soon.
i also see that they are keeping the center column QC-3 for the TVC-33 alloy rather then CF according to the catalog as of its release. is that for economy or another reason?
again the only thing that is in my sights is the TA-LB3 Leveling Base
what more can i say it works and so far no real faults with it except the time its taking to get the leveling head assy. thats now may i have been told.
it is the most compact in its class and the functions well.
as with all the RRS products i work with it is built better then its nearest competition.
ok, here is my biggest disappointment of the TVC-33 and RRS as of this date. the accessories that have been adverted have yet to become available for purchase. the leveling head (TA-LB3) originally promised by the end of 2009 has yet to become a reality and it is now the middle of May 2010. this is frustrating after this sort of investment. this is not like them to drop the ball like this but they sure have. Patience is a virtue that is becoming somewhat strained in this situation.
Come on, sjms, don`t be of faint heart after your robust endorsement
Bear in mind that they are a relatively small company and are probably trying to keep up with existing orders, time-scales can easily slip and mission creep may be a factor as they try to produce the absolute best product. Keep the faith.
PS I wish their products were more freely available in this country. If you think they are spendy in the US, they are monster spendy here and not even very well known.
oh i call them about every 2-3 weeks and my name is on their post it notes for the very moment they churn out their first "usable" one. i have to say though we are talking about a fairly simple halfball setup that in basic design has existed for decades already. i'm hoping that they keep it simple. i used mine all the time on my Feisol. the TVC itself in design and construction has no equal. pricing was never a problem vs the equivelent Gitzos too. standing by to stand by
