I decided on the TVC-23 yesterday. For only a few inch difference I felt the 3 segment legs would be a tad bit more stable than the 24 with four section legs.
I'm looking forward to my new light weight, well made stability.
I decided on the TVC-23 yesterday. For only a few inch difference I felt the 3 segment legs would be a tad bit more stable than the 24 with four section legs.
I'm looking forward to my new light weight, well made stability.
I have to say that while I really love the RRS tripod, and I think it's significantly better than the Gitzo I owned previously (the 2531), the prices for the Gitzos have fallen dramatically in the last 6-12 months. Not too long ago the 2531 was about $650. Now it's about $520. Just last month you could have gotten it for about $420 with the rebate that was being offered. The RRS TVC-23 is about $300 more than the current price I'm seeing on Amazon and BH. Is it $300 better? Probably not for most of us, depending on your budget.
I think the price needs to come down a bit on the RRS tripods, but I do think they're significantly better than the Gitzo. I'm just not sure it's enough to justify $300 for most of us.
BTW, Marc, Andy and I recommend RRS gear on our Friends page. We're continually impressed with the quality of their gear, and are our go-to for camera support.
I never use the center column, just removed it completely from the Gitzo. They're just not stable. Although the RRS may be better!
My RRS TVC-23 was delivered yesterday. It is one sweet piece of engineering.
I opted for the center column thinking I could remove it when not needed but after setting it up, the center column feels rock solid to me even when extended.
I'm very happy with this purchase. Thanks to folks in this thread for the recommendation.
I got mine without the center column only because the column prevents you from setting the camera low to the ground, which I want to do. I'm thinking of getting one though, for height, so it's good to hear it is so solid. It's just 3 screws to switch from no center column to center column.
My RRS TVC-23 was delivered yesterday. It is one sweet piece of engineering.
I opted for the center column thinking I could remove it when not needed but after setting it up, the center column feels rock solid to me even when extended.
I'm very happy with this purchase. Thanks to folks in this thread for the recommendation.
Rrs ftw
I went to San Luis Obispo earlier this year to see (and buy one of) their tripods with a head. Before going I looked at Gitzo tripods. I was replacing a aluminum Giottos tripod that served me well but wasn't near stable enough for longer star exposures that I'm starting to do.
I had narrowed my search down to the 35xx series Gitzo and the RRS TVC-23 tripod.
In my opinion the RRS legs blow away the Gtzo legs. While both have great build quality the RRS tripod feels so much better than the Gitzo. The machining of the metal parts and the finish of the carbon tubes is far superior to the Gitzo. And, in side-by-side comparisons I felt that the 23 was more stable than the 35xx Gitzo.
I bought the three section legs because it felt even more stable to me than the four section legs. No matter what, the fourth section is a thinner tube and so less stiff than the tube it fits into.
At the RRS "showroom" they had all of their tripods and a couple of Gitzo models to play with which was very nice and let me compare the two lines up close and personal. The TVC-33 is awesome but quite a commitment in size to carry around. If you shoot very long lenses that tripod along with their pano-gimbal package would be a great setup.
I purchased a BH-55 head to go on my TVC-323 legs. In my opinion it is a great, heavy duty combination, I'm not sure why anyone would think the BH-50 is too much for the 23 although I think the BH-40 would also work well.
My goal was to buy my last tripod and I think that's exactly what I did.
I would think that's a little on the short side for you then. The spec show it as 52.4". My gitzo 3530 LSV is 58.3", and just tall enough for me in some instances. And you're a taller guy than me I seem to recall.
I would think that's a little on the short side for you then. The spec show it as 52.4". My gitzo 3530 LSV is 58.3", and just tall enough for me in some instances. And you're a taller guy than me I seem to recall.
I'm 6' 1" and it's fine. I don't need the camera to be at my eye level exactly. I'd rather have the size portability of the TVC-23.
Makes sense. You saved a almost pound that way. I think at my advanced age, I'd rather carry the extra pound and not have to bend over as much. :rutt
That was my thought as well. I'm taking mine backpacking for three days at the end of April. I could remove the center post to save the weight but I figured the convenience of having it if needed is worth the extra pound.
I'll be sore enough from the backpacking. I don't need to add to it by hunching over a low tripod.
Prior to this TVC 23 I used the Gizto 2530 with no center column (had a Markins plate in it) - and it's nearly the same height (RRS TVC 23 is about 1/2" taller). I never had any issue with the height of the Gitzo 2530. So I'm gonna be way fine.
RRS has come out with a couple new models, extending their lineup. They added a long version of the 2-series, and a short and a long version of the 3-series.
They have also added a leveling base for 2-series tripods. They say it will be shipping sometime early June... hoping that they are overly conservative on their ship dates
RRS has come out with a couple new models, extending their lineup. They added a long version of the 2-series, and a short and a long version of the 3-series.
RRS has come out with a couple new models, extending their lineup. They added a long version of the 2-series, and a short and a long version of the 3-series.
That TVC-24L looks delicious.
Maybe in my next life or after I win the lottery...
Whoa. The RRS TVC-33 is awesome - it just arrived and I can't wait to use it, it'll be my choice for when I want my BH-55 and don't have to go hiking miles and miles. Also for serious stitched pano work, with big lenses.
Whoa. The RRS TVC-33 is awesome - it just arrived and I can't wait to use it, it'll be my choice for when I want my BH-55 and don't have to go hiking miles and miles. Also for serious stitched pano work, with big lenses.
OK, so what do you guys who have bought the RRS tripods see as advantages of them over the Gitzos? For reference, I'm using an old Gitzo 1548 that I got used which is the equivalent of a 5 series, only heavier. I love the stability, but the weight can be a bit much. So I'm looking for something a little easier to carry and maybe travel with.
I had a Gitzo aluminum montaineer before I got an RSS tripod. Of course the RSS is lighter. I don't have the Gitzo any longer to do a direct comparison but the RSS "feels" just as stable, and maybe more so than the Gitzo. I got TVC-24 because it folds up shorter than the other RSS tripods. I don't think you will find stability to be an issue with the RSS tripods.
OK, so what do you guys who have bought the RRS tripods see as advantages of them over the Gitzos? For reference, I'm using an old Gitzo 1548 that I got used which is the equivalent of a 5 series, only heavier. I love the stability, but the weight can be a bit much. So I'm looking for something a little easier to carry and maybe travel with.
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I'm looking forward to my new light weight, well made stability.
http://bgarland.smugmug.com/
I am strongly considering this also, Brad.
http://danielplumer.com/
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If you haven't seen one yet and want to before ordering, your welcome to check mine out once it arrives later this week.
http://bgarland.smugmug.com/
Thanks
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I think the price needs to come down a bit on the RRS tripods, but I do think they're significantly better than the Gitzo. I'm just not sure it's enough to justify $300 for most of us.
BTW, Marc, Andy and I recommend RRS gear on our Friends page. We're continually impressed with the quality of their gear, and are our go-to for camera support.
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My RRS TVC-23 was delivered yesterday.
I opted for the center column thinking I could remove it when not needed but after setting it up, the center column feels rock solid to me even when extended.
I'm very happy with this purchase. Thanks to folks in this thread for the recommendation.
http://bgarland.smugmug.com/
http://www.danalphotos.com
http://www.pluralsight.com
http://twitter.com/d114
I went to San Luis Obispo earlier this year to see (and buy one of) their tripods with a head. Before going I looked at Gitzo tripods. I was replacing a aluminum Giottos tripod that served me well but wasn't near stable enough for longer star exposures that I'm starting to do.
I had narrowed my search down to the 35xx series Gitzo and the RRS TVC-23 tripod.
In my opinion the RRS legs blow away the Gtzo legs. While both have great build quality the RRS tripod feels so much better than the Gitzo. The machining of the metal parts and the finish of the carbon tubes is far superior to the Gitzo. And, in side-by-side comparisons I felt that the 23 was more stable than the 35xx Gitzo.
I bought the three section legs because it felt even more stable to me than the four section legs. No matter what, the fourth section is a thinner tube and so less stiff than the tube it fits into.
At the RRS "showroom" they had all of their tripods and a couple of Gitzo models to play with which was very nice and let me compare the two lines up close and personal. The TVC-33 is awesome but quite a commitment in size to carry around. If you shoot very long lenses that tripod along with their pano-gimbal package would be a great setup.
I purchased a BH-55 head to go on my TVC-323 legs. In my opinion it is a great, heavy duty combination, I'm not sure why anyone would think the BH-50 is too much for the 23 although I think the BH-40 would also work well.
My goal was to buy my last tripod and I think that's exactly what I did.
http://danielplumer.com/
Facebook Fan Page
Congrats, Dan! I see the TVC-23 is only 52" tall. Did you get the center column with it? Otherwise, I think it will be a little short for you.
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They have the hook
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No. Don't want or need that.
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I'm 6' 1" and it's fine. I don't need the camera to be at my eye level exactly. I'd rather have the size portability of the TVC-23.
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That was my thought as well.
I'll be sore enough from the backpacking. I don't need to add to it by hunching over a low tripod.
http://bgarland.smugmug.com/
http://danielplumer.com/
Facebook Fan Page
Link to my Smugmug site
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
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http://www.danalphotos.com
http://www.pluralsight.com
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That TVC-24L looks delicious.
Maybe in my next life or after I win the lottery...
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mine arrived last week, awesome tripod, congrats!
http://www.danalphotos.com
http://www.pluralsight.com
http://twitter.com/d114
http://bgarland.smugmug.com/