Really Right Stuff TVC-34L - Thoughts after field use in Alaska

Well, this will be a short post as I just returned from my trip to Alaska.  I wanted to give a quick update on my use of the RRS TVC-34L tripod in the field and the things I liked and did not like (which are very few).  First, my choice of the 34L for packing reasons was a savior.  I had just enough space for the 34L that would have put me in a tight spot with the Gitzo.  I hit the 50lb mark exactly going there and coming back with the RRS in the bag.  I would have been about 2lbs over with the Gitzo should I have decided to take that instead (would have been an extra $100 in overage weight fees).  I also decided to wrap the top legs in bicycle bar tape rather than a lenscoat or foam leg wraps, worked perfectly.  

For the trip to Katmai I went with the minimal amount of gear I could (D3s, 600 VR, D300s, 24-70 and 70-200) along with the RRS TVC-34L tripod.  The first thing I found out before I left for Alaska is that I did not extend the first leg (I know, first rule of keeping debris out of the leg locks).  Reason is that I found too much flex in the tripod with the first leg extended.  I feel that the thinness of the diameter of the first leg allowed too much movement and that I only extended the top three legs and left the first one retracted.  It worked fine for me.  Slight bending over, but nothing I could not handle.  I did not more walking over the 5 hours I was there so the times I took shots, it was not for an extended period of time (which is too bad as I could have easily spent 10 hours there).  I will work more on having the first leg extended and see if it really is an issue or not.

I walked with the 34L and the 3 legs extended with the wimberley, d3s and 600 VR over my shoulder the entire time.  The compactness of the top plate and distance between the legs suited my left shoulder perfectly.  I had never walked any length of time with a setup like this on my shoulder, but I perfected it in the time I was there.  The 34L performed flawlessly while there and during the rest of my trip.  The leg locks also were second nature and never thought about them, which is a great thing.  raising or lowering the legs were simple and quicker than the Gitzo, but that is my personal opinion.  Since I was walking so much, I did not have a chance to hang a bag off the hook and my gripe over the caribiner hook change was a non-issue.  I actually received an email from Joe Johnson (President) from RRS alerting me to the change after reading my blog, assuring me that no caribiner would slip off with the new design.  I tried it after the Katmai trip and sure enough, a non-issue.  Thanks for the email Joe!

I can not be more happy with the 34L and glad I was able to get one for my trip, actually saved me some money having it!  Not sure many people could say that about a tripod.  The 34L took everything I threw at it in the wet fields and waters at Katmai and the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.  I will have this tripod for some time and will be selling my Gitzo shortly.  :)

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.
 

Really Right Stuff PG-CC Cradle Clamp for Wimberley Gimbal

I decided to replace my Wimberley version II gimbal clamp with the Really Right Stuff PG-CC cradle clamp as I have always adored the lever action from their quick release clamps.  It is much simpler and quicker (in my opinion) to pop open the release, slap the plate in and close the release.  I do not think there is anything wrong with the Wimberley set-up, it just has become a little pain to screw and unscrew the small diameter knob.  

Here is a quick view of the set-up:

The above pictures were taken at a local marsh and the quick flip of the lever let me get set up a lot quicker and sometimes just a few seconds is the difference between getting a shot and not.  
My Take: Overall, there is not really any weight savings as they are very comparable in weight.  I like that the lever is more compact than the screw knob, which makes it easier to fit a lenscoat pouch over the set-up.  The fit and finish of the RRS cradle clamp is perfect.  Machined and anodized to perfection.  Definitely worth the money.  The set-up shown above is a Nikon 600mm f/4 G VR lens with the Really Right Stuff LCF-13 replacement foot, Nikon D3s on a Gitzo GT5541LS tripod and of course, the Wimberley Version II gimbal head.