RRS Tripods

CameronCameron Registered Users Posts: 745 Major grins
edited May 22, 2011 in Accessories
Has anyone here used the TVC-33 or the new smaller TVC-23 (or 24) models from RRS? There aren't many reviews out there and I'm curious to hear from anyone that has used one. I'm particularly interested in how people feel they compare to the Gitzo line. I've long been a fan of the RRS ballheads (LOVE my BH-40). There's an old thread from around the time of the TVC-33 release but nothing since.
Anyone?
Photos
«13

Comments

  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    Marc got one, and he loves it. I quickly followed suit, and got a TVC-23. I'm going to actually use it for the first time tomorrow night. But I can tell you, I like it a lot and had no trouble putting my Gitzo 2531 up for sale (although actually SELLING it is a different story!)

    I got mine with the spike feet, which I thought would be handy. I was unable to remove the rubber feet and found out from them that they had a batch of the tripods made with too much loctite on the threads of the feet. The only way to fix it is to replace the feet, which requires destroying the original ones. They offered me the choice of sending in the bottom section of the legs or doing it myself, and I opted to do it myself. They sent out the replacements and I cut off the offending feet. All is good now.

    Things I like over the Gitzo, so far:
    • thicker legs, seems more stable, feels better
    • the spiked feet! clap.gif
    • the ratcheting angle stops
    • the shape of the rubber feet
    • and to be honest, I like that it's RRS. Brand loyalty. :D

    So, with the caveat that I haven't actually used it yet, I highly recommend it. If you're planning on swapping out feet on it, you might want to have them check yours first before shipping out to make sure that the rubber ones will come off, that's my only nit.
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  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    Oh, they say the 33 is better with the BH55 and the 23 is better with the BH40. They were slightly relieved, in fact, when I opted for the 23. "You'll be happier with this and the BH40, it's a better pairing," is basically what they said. It was less than an inch off in height from my 2531 (minus the column, which I removed from the Gitzo).
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  • Dan7312Dan7312 Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    I have the TVC-24. I wanted the most compact I could get. I had Gitzo before, but it was the aluminum Explorer. Besides being light and as far as I can tell really solid, it's quicker to set it low to the ground than the Gitzo was.

    Their customer support is great. When I received the tripod it, it had an incredibly small flake out of one of the legs, I could only see it after I felt it (about a week after I had received it). I'd never had a CF tripod before so I didn't know if this was a problem or not so I send a picture of it to RRS. The first thing they asked in their email reasonse was to confirm where to send the replacement tripod.

    I like the twist lock legs, I liked them on the Gitzo too. I really like the way the legs pull out and lock against detents. On the Gitzo I had to snap levers on the legs to lock them.

    The Gitzo had rubber feet you could screw back to expose metal points. I just have the regular rubber feet on the RSS, but that works for me.

    I got the BH-40 head too, RSS give you a small discount if you order legs and a head at the same time.

    CSwinton wrote: »
    Has anyone here used the TVC-33 or the new smaller TVC-23 (or 24) models from RRS? There aren't many reviews out there and I'm curious to hear from anyone that has used one. I'm particularly interested in how people feel they compare to the Gitzo line. I've long been a fan of the RRS ballheads (LOVE my BH-40). There's an old thread from around the time of the TVC-33 release but nothing since.
    Anyone?
    Dan

    http://www.danalphotos.com

    http://www.pluralsight.com

    http://twitter.com/d114
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    DavidTO wrote: »
    Marc got one, and he loves it. I quickly followed suit, and got a TVC-23. I'm going to actually use it for the first time tomorrow night. But I can tell you, I like it a lot and had no trouble putting my Gitzo 2531 up for sale (although actually SELLING it is a different story!)

    I got mine with the spike feet, which I thought would be handy. I was unable to remove the rubber feet and found out from them that they had a batch of the tripods made with too much loctite on the threads of the feet. The only way to fix it is to replace the feet, which requires destroying the original ones. They offered me the choice of sending in the bottom section of the legs or doing it myself, and I opted to do it myself. They sent out the replacements and I cut off the offending feet. All is good now.

    Things I like over the Gitzo, so far:
    • thicker legs, seems more stable, feels better
    • the spiked feet! clap.gif
    • the ratcheting angle stops
    • the shape of the rubber feet
    • and to be honest, I like that it's RRS. Brand loyalty. :D

    So, with the caveat that I haven't actually used it yet, I highly recommend it. If you're planning on swapping out feet on it, you might want to have them check yours first before shipping out to make sure that the rubber ones will come off, that's my only nit.
    So you've had both... Why did you change? Now I want that one!
    I looked for a youtube on it and all I could find was this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Bdn2_b_PA
    Does it have the same stuff as the 33? like that loop thing to attach a beaner? I mean now I feel like a sucker dude! Maybe I could return my 2531? Help! rolleyes1.gif
  • Marc MuenchMarc Muench Registered Users Posts: 1,420 Major grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    "Hands down" the very best tripod I have ever used!

    I too, have brand loyalty, but not to the extreme that would make be feel what is stated above. After using my TVC 24 for 10 days in the tropics on beaches, I can testify that all moving parts are still movingclap.gif

    what I like :

    "Made in the USA"
    spirit level on the collar
    hook below ball head to hold extra weight "swiveling weight hook"
    twist locks work very well, even after salt and sand exposure.
    Angle stops slide easily, same tight tolerances as used in their ball heads.
    marriage with BH-40 ball head
    18" folded length to fit in luggage

    I will be getting the TVC-33 with video bowl next!
    Marc Muench
    Muench Workshops
    MW on Facebook
  • CameronCameron Registered Users Posts: 745 Major grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    Wow - great feedback everyone!

    Marc - nice to know that it survived your 10 days of punishment. I imagine you, like Dan, chose the TVC-24 over the 23 for the portability factor? I owned a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod with 4 leg segments and it drove me crazy extending it each time, but I suppose if portability is essential... The absolute height isn't much of an issue for me - at 5'6" I'm actually comfortable on most airplanes. :giggle It looks like the TVC-24 is about 3 inches shorter than the 23 at full extension.

    David - report back once you've played with your new toy! I appreciate your comments about why you chose it and what you liked better over the Gitzo.
    Photos
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    CSwinton wrote: »
    Has anyone here used the TVC-33 or the new smaller TVC-23 (or 24) models from RRS? There aren't many reviews out there and I'm curious to hear from anyone that has used one. I'm particularly interested in how people feel they compare to the Gitzo line. I've long been a fan of the RRS ballheads (LOVE my BH-40). There's an old thread from around the time of the TVC-33 release but nothing since.
    Anyone?
    I see what you mean... There aren't many reviews. I also could not find any videos other than for the TVC-33. I would expect there to be at least some pictures other than what is on the rrs site for the TVC-23 and 24. On there they don't show or say if there is the hook under the head like the 33.
    I'd like to see them first hand before buying them or at least see videos on youtube. or SOMETHING! Has anyone seen anything? I mean do you have to buy it to check it out? that would be crazy.
    Thanks.
  • Dan7312Dan7312 Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    Actually the rss web site does show the hook. I think they have a 30 day no questions asked return policy. There are quite a few people here on dgrin that have RSS heads and tripods. It's a pretty small place so I think they only sell direct. I think they do have a show room if you are in the area.

    1193090871_LMZvd-L.png
    FIGHT ON wrote: »
    I see what you mean... There aren't many reviews. I also could not find any videos other than for the TVC-33. I would expect there to be at least some pictures other than what is on the rrs site for the TVC-23 and 24. On there they don't show or say if there is the hook under the head like the 33.
    I'd like to see them first hand before buying them or at least see videos on youtube. or SOMETHING! Has anyone seen anything? I mean do you have to buy it to check it out? that would be crazy.
    Thanks.
    Dan

    http://www.danalphotos.com

    http://www.pluralsight.com

    http://twitter.com/d114
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    Dan7312 wrote: »
    Actually the rss web site does show the hook. I think they have a 30 day no questions asked return policy. There are quite a few people here on dgrin that have RSS heads and tripods. It's a pretty small place so I think they only sell direct. I think they do have a show room if you are in the area.

    1193090871_LMZvd-L.png
    Thanks Dan. I still can't find this image on their site. Where is it exactly? Does it say the tripods other than the TVC-33 have this hook as well? I did find their return refund page. http://reallyrightstuff.com/WebsiteInfo.aspx?fc=6
    I guess I'll get it and compare it with the gitzo and keep both! lol. What I'd like to know if the stability between the 24 and 23 is noticeable. No way am I having them send all of them and just keeping one.
    It sure seems like there should be a better way to shop than this. headscratch.gif
    Anyway thanks again Dan. I love that hook!
  • Dan7312Dan7312 Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    1193203833_pKUpk-L.png
    FIGHT ON wrote: »
    Thanks Dan. I still can't find this image on their site. Where is it exactly? Does it say the tripods other than the TVC-33 have this hook as well? I did find their return refund page. http://reallyrightstuff.com/WebsiteInfo.aspx?fc=6
    I guess I'll get it and compare it with the gitzo and keep both! lol. What I'd like to know if the stability between the 24 and 23 is noticeable. No way am I having them send all of them and just keeping one.
    It sure seems like there should be a better way to shop than this. headscratch.gif
    Anyway thanks again Dan. I love that hook!
    Dan

    http://www.danalphotos.com

    http://www.pluralsight.com

    http://twitter.com/d114
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    Dan7312 wrote: »
    1193203833_pKUpk-L.png
    lThanks Dan. But what about the 23 and 24? They don't show the hook on those. ne_nau.gif

    http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TVC-23&type=4&eq=&desc=TVC-23-Versa-Tripod&key=it

    http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TVC-24&type=4&eq=&desc=TVC-24-Versa-Tripod&key=it
  • Dan7312Dan7312 Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    The apex plate the head goes on is made to hold a hook so it would be knd of strange to not include one. I have the TVC-24 and it has a hook. The image of the TVC-23 shows the hook on the end of the center column, but the center column does not include a hook, so it must have come off of the apex. In any case give them a call. I you get one you will be very happy with it.
    FIGHT ON wrote: »
    lThanks Dan. But what about the 23 and 24? They don't show the hook on those. ne_nau.gif

    http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TVC-23&type=4&eq=&desc=TVC-23-Versa-Tripod&key=it

    http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TVC-24&type=4&eq=&desc=TVC-24-Versa-Tripod&key=it
    Dan

    http://www.danalphotos.com

    http://www.pluralsight.com

    http://twitter.com/d114
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    DavidTO wrote: »
    Marc got one, and he loves it. I quickly followed suit, and got a TVC-23. I'm going to actually use it for the first time tomorrow night. But I can tell you, I like it a lot and had no trouble putting my Gitzo 2531 up for sale (although actually SELLING it is a different story!)

    I got mine with the spike feet, which I thought would be handy. I was unable to remove the rubber feet and found out from them that they had a batch of the tripods made with too much loctite on the threads of the feet. The only way to fix it is to replace the feet, which requires destroying the original ones. They offered me the choice of sending in the bottom section of the legs or doing it myself, and I opted to do it myself. They sent out the replacements and I cut off the offending feet. All is good now.

    Things I like over the Gitzo, so far:
    • thicker legs, seems more stable, feels better
    • the spiked feet! clap.gif
    • the ratcheting angle stops
    • the shape of the rubber feet
    • and to be honest, I like that it's RRS. Brand loyalty. :D

    So, with the caveat that I haven't actually used it yet, I highly recommend it. If you're planning on swapping out feet on it, you might want to have them check yours first before shipping out to make sure that the rubber ones will come off, that's my only nit.
    David:

    Why didn't you get the 24? Did you compare it with the 23? Does the 23 feel more stable?
    Can you post a few pictures of your tripod with the spikes? Did it come with that hook?
    Thanks man.

    FIGHT ON
  • CameronCameron Registered Users Posts: 745 Major grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    Dan7312 wrote: »
    I got the BH-40 head too, RSS give you a small discount if you order legs and a head at the same time.

    So I went ahead and ordered the TVC-23. I sent a few emails back and forth to Mark at RRS who was VERY prompt and helpful. I mentioned that I was looking forward to using my BH-40 on the TVC-23 and said they would give me $30 off since I previously purchased the BH-40 head. So, it seems they offer the bundle discount to those who've already purchased a piece of that kit. It's only a small dent in the large price, but good customer service to even mention it on his part. clap.gif
    Photos
  • Dan7312Dan7312 Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    You will iloveyou.gif it!!
    CSwinton wrote: »
    So I went ahead and ordered the TVC-23. I sent a few emails back and forth to Mark at RRS who was VERY prompt and helpful. I mentioned that I was looking forward to using my BH-40 on the TVC-23 and said they would give me $30 off since I previously purchased the BH-40 head. So, it seems they offer the bundle discount to those who've already purchased a piece of that kit. It's only a small dent in the large price, but good customer service to even mention it on his part. clap.gif
    Dan

    http://www.danalphotos.com

    http://www.pluralsight.com

    http://twitter.com/d114
  • dlplumerdlplumer Registered Users Posts: 8,081 Major grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    Dan7312 wrote: »
    You will iloveyou.gif it!!

    I am considering the same move
    Dan
    http://danielplumer.com/
    Facebook Fan Page
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    dlplumer wrote: »
    I am considering the same move
    I ordered one this morning, It will arrive tomorrow? insane! pretty cool.:D
  • puzzledpaulpuzzledpaul Registered Users Posts: 1,621 Major grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    Certainly a nice looking bit of kit - just wish someone'd tell RRS there's no w in ratchet ...
    I assume the procedure for removing the top plate - should the locking ring become distorted - would be a return to base job?

    pp
    Website

    Flickr
  • CameronCameron Registered Users Posts: 745 Major grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    FIGHT ON wrote: »
    I ordered one this morning, It will arrive tomorrow? insane! pretty cool.:D

    Nice! You must live closer to CA than I do. ;) Which did you end up getting?
    Photos
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    CSwinton wrote: »
    Nice! You must live closer to CA than I do. ;) Which did you end up getting?
    the 24!!! clap.gifivarwings.gif ya I live in Pasadena, and what's funny is that the gitzo I ordered from b&h is scheduled to arrive on wednesday. So I get to check em both out! cant wait to see how small this thing gets. 18 inches? Laughing.gif!rolleyes1.gif
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 22, 2011
    FIGHT ON wrote: »
    the 24!!! <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/clap.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" >ivar<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/wings.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" > ya I live in Pasadena, and what's funny is that the gitzo I ordered from b&h is scheduled to arrive on wednesday. So I get to check em both out! cant wait to see how small this thing gets. 18 inches? <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/Laughing.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" >!<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/rolleyes1.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" >
    wow looks like it's gonna be here today! I just ordered it yesterday!!! lol
    <table class="dataTable" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="odd"><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">Baldwin Park, CA, United States </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">02/22/2011</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">5:34 A.M.</td> <td valign="top">Arrival Scan </td> </tr> <tr> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top"> Vernon, CA, United States </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">02/22/2011</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">4:22 A.M.</td> <td valign="top">Departure Scan </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">
    </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">02/22/2011</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">12:36 A.M.</td> <td valign="top">Arrival Scan </td> </tr> <tr> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top"> San Luis Obispo, CA, United States </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">02/21/2011</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">7:59 P.M.</td> <td valign="top">Departure Scan </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">
    </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">02/21/2011</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">6:28 P.M.</td> <td valign="top">Origin Scan </td> </tr> <tr> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top"> United States </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">02/21/2011</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top">7:47 P.M.</td> <td valign="top">Order Processed: Ready for UPS </td></tr></tbody></table>
  • ZerodogZerodog Registered Users Posts: 1,480 Major grins
    edited February 22, 2011
    Anything from RRS is pretty sexy. I looked at their tripods and have to say they are looking really nice. I have a Gitzo now. But it is pretty skinny. I think it is rated for 20lbs. It does the job but it only feels safe if I put a pretty good weight on the center hook for ballast. I like a camelbak bladder or a 1 liter bottle. Without it, the thing feels like a spring when fully extended.
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited February 23, 2011
    It came. now that's fast! It's so cool. I remember messing with the gtizos at samys and this is more stable. does not move. not at all! It really is better, I can feel it.

    sold!
  • CameronCameron Registered Users Posts: 745 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2011
    FIGHT ON wrote: »
    It came. now that's fast! It's so cool. I remember messing with the gtizos at samys and this is more stable. does not move. not at all! It really is better, I can feel it.

    sold!

    clap.gif Glad it arrived and that you're happy with it!
    Photos
  • CameronCameron Registered Users Posts: 745 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2011
    Got mine yesterday - I'm going to LOVE it! Build quality is amazing, and it seems very sturdy. My BH-40 is very happy atop its new home.
    Photos
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited March 1, 2011
    CSwinton wrote: »
    Got mine yesterday - I'm going to LOVE it! Build quality is amazing, and it seems very sturdy. My BH-40 is very happy atop its new home.
    Yep! gonna send it back??? rolleyes1.gif
    I just got the center column and finally set up both the gitzo and the monster side by side. The gitzo moves when I mess with it. The 24 moves less.
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2011
    I never use the center column, just removed it completely from the Gitzo. They're just not stable. Although the RRS may be better!
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited March 13, 2011
    DavidTO wrote: »
    I never use the center column, just removed it completely from the Gitzo. They're just not stable. Although the RRS may be better!
    I hope this question doesn't require a whole new thread. The stud that comes out of the top of the rrs tripod is 3/8" and I bought this gopro hero camera. It has a 1/4" female thread. Is there a trick adapter that I can use? I think I saw a salesman at Samy's camera screw a 1/4" female on a 3/8" stud that he pushed down first and it revealed a 1/4" stud inside the 3/8" stud! Was I seeing things? is there such a thing. Seems like there should be something simple like a 3/8" nut that has a 1/4" stud on the other end that I can screw it on. Thanks for any advice.
  • FIGHT ONFIGHT ON Registered Users Posts: 84 Big grins
    edited March 13, 2011
    FIGHT ON wrote: »
    I hope this question doesn't require a whole new thread. The stud that comes out of the top of the rrs tripod is 3/8" and I bought this gopro hero camera. It has a 1/4" female thread. Is there a trick adapter that I can use? I think I saw a salesman at Samy's camera screw a 1/4" female on a 3/8" stud that he pushed down first and it revealed a 1/4" stud inside the 3/8" stud! Was I seeing things? is there such a thing. Seems like there should be something simple like a 3/8" nut that has a 1/4" stud on the other end that I can screw it on. Thanks for any advice.
    never mind, I just figured out that I can take one of those quick release clamp things and screw it in and it works with the ball head...rolleyes1.gif
  • MDalbyMDalby Registered Users Posts: 697 Major grins
    edited March 13, 2011
    Someone sell me your Gitzo!
    Nikon D4, 400 2.8 AF-I, 70-200mm 2.8 VR II, 24-70 2.8
    CBS Sports MaxPreps Shooter
    http://DalbyPhoto.com
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