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 worry thing 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.
Jan 02, 2023 at 04:10 PM
Previous versions of pshambroom's message #16134308 « Review of 5 travel tripods- Peak Design, Ulanzi, Heipi, Marsace and RRS »
