Finally! - Really Right Stuff TVC-34L is on it's way to me.

This is a short, quick post. Well, it only took a little over a month, but I recently got word (email) from Really Right Stuff that a brand spankin-new RRS TVC-34L tripod was on its way to me.  I have to give some thanks to Casey over at RRS as he was one of the best CS reps I have had the pleasure of dealing with.  He even forwarded my requests to the Higher Ups to try to get me my tripod in time for my trip to Alaska.  Not sure if it helped, but it definitely made me feel good knowing that they are looking out for people wanting their products.  I will be getting the RRS TVC-34L tomorrow and will work on a comparison between it and the Gitzo GT5541LS as well as pictures showing them next to each other.  I hope to get this up tomorrow night.  Stayed tuned!

Rethinking RRS TVC-34L Tripod Choice for upcoming trip to Alaska

Well, after giving it a lot of thought, I am rethinking my tripod choice for an upcoming trip to Alaska.  I currently have the Gitzo GT5541LS which is a beast of a tripod - strong and stable.  The big issue is the weight.  I am 6'-1" and it is plenty tall for me along with my wimberley head.  I originally wanted, and am currently on the waitlist for, a RRS TVC-34L as it goes plenty high, packs small and weighs almost 2lbs less than my Gitzo.  Now the reason I am rethinking is solely based on packing.  I do not have a lot of room for things and a huge tripod is a big concern.  Katmai is the main place for the trip and I feel I might be on my knees most of the time while photographing, which would negate the need for a tall tripod.

After reading many blogs and forums and asking a few questions from a fellow photographer Michael Fullana, Creative Edge Photography, about what he brought to Alaska when he went this past September, it made me re-prioritize my needs.  He told me he just brought a Gitzo 3 section 3 series tripod.  After seeing the Amazing Alaska Images he captured while in AK from the lesser tripod of the 5 series, I seriously am considering getting a 3 series again or trying the RRS TVC-24 or the TVC-24L. The TVC-24 collapses down to 18.7" and can hold 40lbs.  More than enough for a D3s, wimberley and a 600mm VR, especially if all legs are not extended.  The only downfall to the 24 is that it only extends to 49".  The 24L goes to almost 67", holds 40lbs and packs down 1" smaller and is 1lb lighter than the TVC-34L.  I might have to buy the TVC-24 and the TVC-34L to compare and see what will work best.  I will add a follow up post as soon as I can on this.
 

Gitzo & Really Right Stuff Tripods - TVC-34L

    I currently use a Gitzo GT5541LS tripod for most of the shooting that I do with large glass.  Previously I have used the Gitzo GT3541LS, GT3531s (I am sure you have seen a picture of it if you have googled "nikon 600mm f/4" when I had my afs II on a crappy ballhead at the beach), Gitzo GT5530s, and the GT3541XLS.  The GT3541xls was great, sturdy and tall but was too long for traveling when completely closed up. The GT3541ls was almost tall enough for me (I am 6'-1") and alright with a 500mm f/4 or less.  The GT5530s was massive, heavy and sturdy as hell.  It unfortunately was just too short for me and I hated the center column on it.  I have taken the GT3531s with me to Alaska as it proved to be great for packing in checked luggage and strong enough for the 300mm VR that I took along (I wish I took longer glass!).

Nikon 600mm f/4 AF-S II w/ Gitzo GT3531s

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR w/ Gitzo GT5530s

    Now, the GT5541LS is a great tripod and it has been my go to for some time now.  It is a bit on the heavy side at a tad over 6lbs for just the legs.  Add a wimberley head at 3 pounds and you are carrying some weight.  I had always thought that Gitzo was the only way to go as I could not find a comparable product in the market place.  

    Now, I know Really Right Stuff was going to be making tripods for some time now, but I never saw any in action or much advertising of them.  I have been reading a lot about their Really Right Stuff TVC-33 in many online photo forums and really enjoying what I am seeing and reading.  Looking at the specs, the weight of the tripod looks fantastic, but it seems it might come up a little short for me when fully extended and a little long when folded up.  

    Enter the Really Right Stuff TVC-34L.  I am excited about the prospects of this one as it has a full height of 70" when extended and a tad over 24" when fully closed up.  The best part, 4.7lbs and a smaller overall diameter of the top plate.  This is almost 2lbs lighter, opens up taller and more compact than the GT5541LS that I am currently using.  I am heading back to Alaska this summer and will be packing the 600mm VR and I need a good tripod to pack.  Weight and size savings will be welcomed like a new family member.  I am anxiously awaiting the release of the TVC-34L and can't wait to give my review.

Nikon 500mm f/4 VR w/ Gitzo GT5541LS

Size Comparison of the Gitzo GT5544LS vs. Gitzo GT3541LS