I'm planning at least one trip to Costa Rica in 2011. I've begun to wonder if my fully extended Gitzo 3540LS is a viable option to support a 600mm f4G VR. Assuming it might not be, I have begun to consider the RRS TVC-33 in lieu of the Gitzo 5548LS because it weighs essentially the same as my 3540LS but has a 10 pound higher weight load rating.
The RRS TVC looks like a very nice piece, and I have considered one as well. I would caution against putting too much weight ( sorry, couldn't resist) on the manufacturer's load ratings. Within a company I would expect some consistency, but to my knowledge, there are no consistently applied standards, so you really aren't seeing apples to apples comparisons between different companies.
I have the RRS TVC tripod and have used it extensively with my Nikon 600mm vr. The combined weight of the big Gitzo and 600mm was more than i was willing to endure. I am not a very experienced Bird photographer, but I can tell you that I have been pleased so far with the results of the RRS TVC under load, and, fully extended. I had tried the 600mm with my previous Gitzo 3541 with mixed results, and this was a three leg section tripod!. I woudl not recommend the LS with a 600mm and gimbal head. I love the RRS TVC! It is a beautiful piece of engineering. Light and strong, and with just three leg sections its tall enough for me, at 5'11". I know pros who won't shoot with anything other than the heaviest Gitzo, however, I have incredibly sharp images from this setup. I believe my technique has more to do with it than the RRS vs Gitzo debate...................I am also a bicycling enthusiast and have read quite a bit and invested in carbon tube/frame technology and, can assure you that when it comes to carbon, heavier does not necessarily mean stronger. Hope this helps......................
Thanks for your input. This really adds value to this thread. Have you had the RRS in salt water? I am curious how easy it is to disassemble and clean.
I have been in mud, sand, rapids, and brackish water, but not salt water. I live in Missoiuri! ;) I wouldn't hesitate to put it salt water. Cleaning is a breeze. The collar is some type of plastic and the sleeve inside is also carbon, unlike the Gitzo.
I have two minor quibbles...........the leg locking sleeves needs to be turned quite tight as they can tend to slip otherwise. Secondly, there needs to be a lock washer installed in the leg/platform connection as it tends to loosen over time. Never pick this rig up by one leg! Otherwise, it is just a joy to use. Way superior to my previous Gitzo in features, build, materials, and use. Money well spent.
Charles, I've not used this tripod myself but I'm almost certain this is the same one I saw here in June. Tom Till, with whom I was co-leading a tour, had one of the first. When we were photographing a stream from a little bridge in La Selva Biological Reserve, one of the lower sections of one of Tom's tripod legs slipped out and went in the water never to be seen again. (Well, maybe somebody eventually found it at the mouth of the San Juan River on the Atlantic Coast while fishing for tarpon!). I'm guessing this is related to what Jay mentions above. Tom really loved the tripod up until that point but he wasn't too happy with RRS after. I don't know if they've addressed this issue or not but it's definitely something to keep in mind and be careful when using it.
Cheers,
Greg Basco
Last edited by Greg Basco; 10-29-2010 at 02:58 PM.
Reason: typo
I've been is some pretty muddy conditions with legs sunk in a couple of inches and not had a problem, but I can see where and un-tightened leg section could well be left behind. More the issue to me is the "sinking leg" when I'm trying to focus in...............with the 600mm on it, it's down right scary. Just be sure to tighten every sleeve every time you extend the RRS to a new position. I do plan on calling RRS on the issue. All that said, I would buy it again.
Gitzo 3 series is enough for 600 with gimbal head ..
HI,
I use my 600vr on gitzo 3530LS+Markins M20 and 5541+ wimberly. I have noticed that with a wimberly 3530 is more than sufficient to give a stable platform, even with both pan and tilt knobs locked there is enough flex, so why take the trouble of carrying a heavy pod !! Under windy condition I prefer the 5541 because of the extra safe feel it provides. The new lock of gitzo are a breeze to use, a light twist is all that needed to stay put even when loaded with 600mm.
If you already have a Gitzo 5 series tripod you will not gain much in going to the RRS in terms of increasing image sharpness. More will be gained by increasing your long lens stability technique.
A new golf club will more than likely not make you a better golfer ;).