Leica tripod vs RRS

[andalus]

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I sent my Leitz tabletop tripod off for sale to Popflash, along with a Pradovit 150 and some filters. I have coming this week an RRS ground level tripod plus the BH 30 ballhead with Lever Release. Of course I had to buy the RRS baseplate for the M9, too.

 

So, I'm wondering if anyone else in Leicaland has deployed the RRS ground level tripod? And how you like it, or not. It's an expensive item and I'm still not sure whether I will keep it, but must try it out and have a look. Any comments welcome! Thanks.

[MEB]

Andalus,

 

I don't have the RRS tripod (I have the Gitzo traveler 1541t) but I have purchased many of their products and they are universally well designed and well made. I do have the same ball head and the RRS baseplate (with grip) for my M9 as you have. They are ideal for the M9 and I'm sure that you will enjoy the combination.

 

Mark Blumer

[chuckw]

I don't have that RRS tripod either. I do have an RRS ball head, several plates, quick release clamps, and the new M9 base plate and grip. If the quality of the tripod is anything close to the quality of their other equipment it should be worth the price.

 

Let us know how you like it.

[andalus]

I will report back once I have the RRS goods in hand and use it. Thanks.

[peter_n]

The knee-jerk reaction of most here (including me) is to get Gitzo tripods. They have a long track record of quality and reliability that is justifiably well-earned. However they're now slipping behind the Chinese manufacturers like Benro in terms of design and functionality. OTOH Gitzo ballheads have never been particularly good. Arca-Swiss and Markins seem to be the choice there. RRS have the track record with Arca-Swiss type QR clamps and plates that are excellent with terrific build quality. But they don't have a track record with tripods as yet and that would give me pause in purchasing one, to be honest.

 

You got a ballhead with a RRS lever clamp. The clamp will only work with RRS or Wimberley plates as unfortunately the Arca-Swiss QR system is a "type" and not a dimensional standard. If you already use Arca-Swiss type camera plates from other manufacturers the RRS lever clamp may not work with them.