Gitzo, RRS, and now, ProMediaGear tripods! I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod for a few months, and had a hard time deciding between Gitzo and RRS. I was about to place...

photoMark Loc: South Texas

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod for a few months, and had a hard time deciding between Gitzo and RRS. I was about to place an order for a Gitzo when I ran across ProMediaGear. I liked what I saw on their website, but was disappointed that I couldn’t find very much in the way of reviews for their tripods. I called their office and talked to Tom, one of the owners of the company; he was very nice and answered all of my questions. After he told me that they had a thirty day return policy and that they even pay for return shipping, I felt I had nothing to lose. Later that day, I ordered a Pro-stix TR344L with a red anodized apex; it comes in black, also. When I received it, I was amazed at the quality of the machine work. The apex and the twist locks are machined aluminum. The apex also has a bubble level and three 1/4-20 accessory ports. On the bottom of the apex is a place to hook the included caribiner to hang a bag or something from it. One design feature I really like is that they use a method where you push out the leg angle lock from behind and push it back in when you have it at the desired angle. This works great with gloves on; I have another tripod that you have to pull the lock out from the front and I cannot grab it with gloves on. They also use 10X layer carbon fiber; I don’t know how much stronger this actually makes it, but everyone else uses only 6 or 8X. I know weight ratings don’t mean much, but this thing is rated at 60lbs., and I think it will hold more than that; it is stout and rock solid. They also include stainless steel spikes that Gitzo and RRS charge extra for. I also like how low to the ground this tripods gets. A friend of mine recently bought a Gitzo series 4 tripod, so I took mine over to his house to compare and make a decision to either keep or return my TR344L. His Gitzo is a nice tripod that has legs that are a little larger in diameter, but mine seems every bit as stable if not more so. I do prefer the machined aluminum over the cast apex that Gitzo uses. I didn’t do any kind of controlled comparisons, but all things considered, I decided to keep the ProMediaGear. I’m sure the others deserve the reputation they have, but I believe ProMediaGear is right up there with the best of them. I have nothing to gain by writing this and have no affiliation with ProMediaGear other than being a very satisfied customer, and I believe these guys deserve consideration when purchasing top quality photo gear. There website is…..http://www.promediagear.com

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Nice, but for those prices, I'll stick with my 20+ year old Gitzo.
--Bob

photoMark wrote:

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod for a few months, and had a hard time deciding between Gitzo and RRS. I was about to place an order for a Gitzo when I ran across ProMediaGear. I liked what I saw on their website, but was disappointed that I couldn’t find very much in the way of reviews for their tripods. I called their office and talked to Tom, one of the owners of the company; he was very nice and answered all of my questions. After he told me that they had a thirty day return policy and that they even pay for return shipping, I felt I had nothing to lose. Later that day, I ordered a Pro-stix TR344L with a red anodized apex; it comes in black, also. When I received it, I was amazed at the quality of the machine work. The apex and the twist locks are machined aluminum. The apex also has a bubble level and three 1/4-20 accessory ports. On the bottom of the apex is a place to hook the included caribiner to hang a bag or something from it. One design feature I really like is that they use a method where you push out the leg angle lock from behind and push it back in when you have it at the desired angle. This works great with gloves on; I have another tripod that you have to pull the lock out from the front and I cannot grab it with gloves on. They also use 10X layer carbon fiber; I don’t know how much stronger this actually makes it, but everyone else uses only 6 or 8X. I know weight ratings don’t mean much, but this thing is rated at 60lbs., and I think it will hold more than that; it is stout and rock solid. They also include stainless steel spikes that Gitzo and RRS charge extra for. I also like how low to the ground this tripods gets. A friend of mine recently bought a Gitzo series 4 tripod, so I took mine over to his house to compare and make a decision to either keep or return my TR344L. His Gitzo is a nice tripod that has legs that are a little larger in diameter, but mine seems every bit as stable if not more so. I do prefer the machined aluminum over the cast apex that Gitzo uses. I didn’t do any kind of controlled comparisons, but all things considered, I decided to keep the ProMediaGear. I’m sure the others deserve the reputation they have, but I believe ProMediaGear is right up there with the best of them. I have nothing to gain by writing this and have no affiliation with ProMediaGear other than being a very satisfied customer, and I believe these guys deserve consideration when purchasing top quality photo gear. There website is…..http://www.promediagear.com

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod ... (show quote)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

photoMark wrote:

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod for a few months, and had a hard time deciding between Gitzo and RRS. I was about to place an order for a Gitzo when I ran across ProMediaGear. I liked what I saw on their website, but was disappointed that I couldn’t find very much in the way of reviews for their tripods. I called their office and talked to Tom, one of the owners of the company; he was very nice and answered all of my questions. After he told me that they had a thirty day return policy and that they even pay for return shipping, I felt I had nothing to lose. Later that day, I ordered a Pro-stix TR344L with a red anodized apex; it comes in black, also. When I received it, I was amazed at the quality of the machine work. The apex and the twist locks are machined aluminum. The apex also has a bubble level and three 1/4-20 accessory ports. On the bottom of the apex is a place to hook the included caribiner to hang a bag or something from it. One design feature I really like is that they use a method where you push out the leg angle lock from behind and push it back in when you have it at the desired angle. This works great with gloves on; I have another tripod that you have to pull the lock out from the front and I cannot grab it with gloves on. They also use 10X layer carbon fiber; I don’t know how much stronger this actually makes it, but everyone else uses only 6 or 8X. I know weight ratings don’t mean much, but this thing is rated at 60lbs., and I think it will hold more than that; it is stout and rock solid. They also include stainless steel spikes that Gitzo and RRS charge extra for. I also like how low to the ground this tripods gets. A friend of mine recently bought a Gitzo series 4 tripod, so I took mine over to his house to compare and make a decision to either keep or return my TR344L. His Gitzo is a nice tripod that has legs that are a little larger in diameter, but mine seems every bit as stable if not more so. I do prefer the machined aluminum over the cast apex that Gitzo uses. I didn’t do any kind of controlled comparisons, but all things considered, I decided to keep the ProMediaGear. I’m sure the others deserve the reputation they have, but I believe ProMediaGear is right up there with the best of them. I have nothing to gain by writing this and have no affiliation with ProMediaGear other than being a very satisfied customer, and I believe these guys deserve consideration when purchasing top quality photo gear. There website is…..http://www.promediagear.com

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod ... (show quote)

It's pretty - but the cost and 4 leg sections would nix it for me ......

The weak link in the set up you have is the tripod collar and the short foot. I would seriously consider a unified camera/lens stabilizer such as this - https://www.ebay.com/itm/220mm-Y-ty-Telephoto-Lens-Support-Clamp-for-Arca-Hejnar-Benro-Fluid-Video-Head/172143858639?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

RRS makes a version of this for triple the price ! ....

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photoMark Loc: South Texas

rmalarz wrote:

Nice, but for those prices, I'll stick with my 20+ year old Gitzo.
--Bob

I would too if I already owned a Gitzo, but alas, I don't! Based on today's prices, I think they are competitively priced with the competition!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

photoMark wrote:

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod for a few months, and had a hard time deciding between Gitzo and RRS. I was about to place an order for a Gitzo when I ran across ProMediaGear. I liked what I saw on their website, but was disappointed that I couldn’t find very much in the way of reviews for their tripods. I called their office and talked to Tom, one of the owners of the company; he was very nice and answered all of my questions. After he told me that they had a thirty day return policy and that they even pay for return shipping, I felt I had nothing to lose. Later that day, I ordered a Pro-stix TR344L with a red anodized apex; it comes in black, also. When I received it, I was amazed at the quality of the machine work. The apex and the twist locks are machined aluminum. The apex also has a bubble level and three 1/4-20 accessory ports. On the bottom of the apex is a place to hook the included caribiner to hang a bag or something from it. One design feature I really like is that they use a method where you push out the leg angle lock from behind and push it back in when you have it at the desired angle. This works great with gloves on; I have another tripod that you have to pull the lock out from the front and I cannot grab it with gloves on. They also use 10X layer carbon fiber; I don’t know how much stronger this actually makes it, but everyone else uses only 6 or 8X. I know weight ratings don’t mean much, but this thing is rated at 60lbs., and I think it will hold more than that; it is stout and rock solid. They also include stainless steel spikes that Gitzo and RRS charge extra for. I also like how low to the ground this tripods gets. A friend of mine recently bought a Gitzo series 4 tripod, so I took mine over to his house to compare and make a decision to either keep or return my TR344L. His Gitzo is a nice tripod that has legs that are a little larger in diameter, but mine seems every bit as stable if not more so. I do prefer the machined aluminum over the cast apex that Gitzo uses. I didn’t do any kind of controlled comparisons, but all things considered, I decided to keep the ProMediaGear. I’m sure the others deserve the reputation they have, but I believe ProMediaGear is right up there with the best of them. I have nothing to gain by writing this and have no affiliation with ProMediaGear other than being a very satisfied customer, and I believe these guys deserve consideration when purchasing top quality photo gear. There website is…..http://www.promediagear.com

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod ... (show quote)

Seems robustly built - but no less expensive that RRS or Gitzo. As opposed to some "old" thinking, there is nothing wrong with 4 section legs. I use 2 different carbon tripods with 4 section lens and even the 2.1 lb one with the 28mm dia top tube is considerably more stable than my old and gone 2 section, 14 lb aluminum Bogen 3051. There is not much to support that a properly designed 3 section leg is functionally more stable than a 4 section leg. At this level of quality and price, this is what you'd expect. Gitzo rates their tripod by the top tube thickness, as do other quality tripod manufacturers (ProMedia, Induro, RRS and others) and I have yet to see a Gitzo series 3, 4 or 5 stability rated by the number of sections in the leg. Their series 3 is conservatively rated to be stable with a 300mm lens, regardless of whether it has 3, 4 or 5 sections.

I second the thought on the cast vs machined apex - any flaw in the casting, like a tiny bubble in a critical area, would mean disaster, which is why I use Feisol, also machined from aluminum alloy. With those nice hefty looking hinge points between the apex and the legs - and the 10X carbon fiber, it sure does look like a very good tripod for up to a 400 or 500mm lens, or longer if you use an unlocked gimbal to track active subjects.

I've never seen one in person, but based on what I have read and your excellent assessment, I may start recommending it as an alternative to the other three pricey options. And their gimbal head options look to be of equal quality and stability as their legs.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

imagemeister wrote:

It's pretty - but the cost and 4 leg sections would nix it for me ......

The weak link in the set up you have is the tripod collar and the short foot. I would seriously consider a unified camera/lens stabilizer such as this - https://www.ebay.com/itm/220mm-Y-ty-Telephoto-Lens-Support-Clamp-for-Arca-Hejnar-Benro-Fluid-Video-Head/172143858639?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

RRS makes a version of this for triple the price ! ....

..

If you do much traveling with your equipment, you'd quickly learn to love the four section legs.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am sure you have a very good and stable tripod. I saw the price for their tripods and they are as high as those from Gitzo. We all know what a Gitzo tripod is.
When I was in the market for a carbon fiber tripod I went with a reasonably inexpensive brand called Desmond. The tripod has served me well, it is light and very steady and I paid $200 for it. It has a Cullman ballhead on it. I can use heavy gear with it with no sweat.
My tripod does not come with spikes like yours which is a superior tripod compared to mine. I can order spikes and have it on the legs in a blink of an eye if so I desire. I have not seen the need yet.
I noticed that the tripod is made here in the USA and that is great to me. Practically everything we buy today comes from China, not saying that their manufacture of tripods is not good. We get what we pay for.
Congratulations. I believe from what I have read in their website that you have a great tripod and it should be an important accessory for your photography.

photoMark Loc: South Texas

imagemeister wrote:

It's pretty - but the cost and 4 leg sections would nix it for me ......

The weak link in the set up you have is the tripod collar and the short foot. I would seriously consider a unified camera/lens stabilizer such as this - https://www.ebay.com/itm/220mm-Y-ty-Telephoto-Lens-Support-Clamp-for-Arca-Hejnar-Benro-Fluid-Video-Head/172143858639?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

RRS makes a version of this for triple the price ! ....

..

Actually, I don't normally use it as seen here; I just mounted that camera/lens to show some scale. I usually use a gimbal or monopod with that camera/lens combo. I just happened to be at a wildlife refuge that day using my monopod so it was easy to slap it on this tripod; my gimbal was on another tripod. The reason I went with this 4 section was that it is tall, and for normal use, I never have to extend the bottom section; the height is there when I need to shoot at high angles without bending over, but I don't see any loss of stability when all legs are extended.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

mikegreenwald wrote:

If you do much traveling with your equipment, you'd quickly learn to love the four section legs.

Yes, I do understand that aspect - then it is a compromise for convenience .....

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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

photoMark wrote:

Actually, I don't normally use it as seen here; I ... (show quote)

Well, sure, if you have 4 sections and only use three - you are pretty OK ! - except you are carrying weight that you may or may not use. 8-(

"but I don't see any loss of stability when all legs are extended.[/quote] - You may not see it - but it IS there.....

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speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

photoMark wrote:

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod for a few months, and had a hard time deciding between Gitzo and RRS. I was about to place an order for a Gitzo when I ran across ProMediaGear. I liked what I saw on their website, but was disappointed that I couldn’t find very much in the way of reviews for their tripods. I called their office and talked to Tom, one of the owners of the company; he was very nice and answered all of my questions. After he told me that they had a thirty day return policy and that they even pay for return shipping, I felt I had nothing to lose. Later that day, I ordered a Pro-stix TR344L with a red anodized apex; it comes in black, also. When I received it, I was amazed at the quality of the machine work. The apex and the twist locks are machined aluminum. The apex also has a bubble level and three 1/4-20 accessory ports. On the bottom of the apex is a place to hook the included caribiner to hang a bag or something from it. One design feature I really like is that they use a method where you push out the leg angle lock from behind and push it back in when you have it at the desired angle. This works great with gloves on; I have another tripod that you have to pull the lock out from the front and I cannot grab it with gloves on. They also use 10X layer carbon fiber; I don’t know how much stronger this actually makes it, but everyone else uses only 6 or 8X. I know weight ratings don’t mean much, but this thing is rated at 60lbs., and I think it will hold more than that; it is stout and rock solid. They also include stainless steel spikes that Gitzo and RRS charge extra for. I also like how low to the ground this tripods gets. A friend of mine recently bought a Gitzo series 4 tripod, so I took mine over to his house to compare and make a decision to either keep or return my TR344L. His Gitzo is a nice tripod that has legs that are a little larger in diameter, but mine seems every bit as stable if not more so. I do prefer the machined aluminum over the cast apex that Gitzo uses. I didn’t do any kind of controlled comparisons, but all things considered, I decided to keep the ProMediaGear. I’m sure the others deserve the reputation they have, but I believe ProMediaGear is right up there with the best of them. I have nothing to gain by writing this and have no affiliation with ProMediaGear other than being a very satisfied customer, and I believe these guys deserve consideration when purchasing top quality photo gear. There website is…..http://www.promediagear.com

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod ... (show quote)

I've been using PMG gear ( L-brackets, flash brackets, ball heads, etc.) for many years and I'm a happy camper, all their stuff is well thought out and of high quality! Have fun with your new toy, I'm sure you will enjoy it for a long time!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

imagemeister wrote:

- You may not see it - but it IS there.....

..

The best measure of functional instability is if it is in the result (the pictures),- if you don't see it then it really isn't there after all - or it is so minimal that it has no relevance. Theoretically, I agree with you. But from a functional point of view, if it is not affecting image quality, then it is of no consequence, whether it is there or not.

What is real, is that you pay for what you get, and you don't get what you don't pay for - especially when it comes to tripods. And if you don't need to lock everything down, you CAN get by with a lighter duty tripod - like when you are using a gimbal. If you shoot macro at high magnification, then the most stable tripods are the best choices.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

Gene51 wrote:

The best measure of functional instability is if i... (show quote)

True, and also true with very long lenses.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

photoMark wrote:

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod for a few months, and had a hard time deciding between Gitzo and RRS. I was about to place an order for a Gitzo when I ran across ProMediaGear. I liked what I saw on their website, but was disappointed that I couldn’t find very much in the way of reviews for their tripods. I called their office and talked to Tom, one of the owners of the company; he was very nice and answered all of my questions. After he told me that they had a thirty day return policy and that they even pay for return shipping, I felt I had nothing to lose. Later that day, I ordered a Pro-stix TR344L with a red anodized apex; it comes in black, also. When I received it, I was amazed at the quality of the machine work. The apex and the twist locks are machined aluminum. The apex also has a bubble level and three 1/4-20 accessory ports. On the bottom of the apex is a place to hook the included caribiner to hang a bag or something from it. One design feature I really like is that they use a method where you push out the leg angle lock from behind and push it back in when you have it at the desired angle. This works great with gloves on; I have another tripod that you have to pull the lock out from the front and I cannot grab it with gloves on. They also use 10X layer carbon fiber; I don’t know how much stronger this actually makes it, but everyone else uses only 6 or 8X. I know weight ratings don’t mean much, but this thing is rated at 60lbs., and I think it will hold more than that; it is stout and rock solid. They also include stainless steel spikes that Gitzo and RRS charge extra for. I also like how low to the ground this tripods gets. A friend of mine recently bought a Gitzo series 4 tripod, so I took mine over to his house to compare and make a decision to either keep or return my TR344L. His Gitzo is a nice tripod that has legs that are a little larger in diameter, but mine seems every bit as stable if not more so. I do prefer the machined aluminum over the cast apex that Gitzo uses. I didn’t do any kind of controlled comparisons, but all things considered, I decided to keep the ProMediaGear. I’m sure the others deserve the reputation they have, but I believe ProMediaGear is right up there with the best of them. I have nothing to gain by writing this and have no affiliation with ProMediaGear other than being a very satisfied customer, and I believe these guys deserve consideration when purchasing top quality photo gear. There website is…..http://www.promediagear.com

I had been shopping for a new carbon fiber tripod ... (show quote)

You have made a very good decision on ProMediaGear, don’t let these naysayers on this post get you down. Enjoy many years of use with this fine equipment.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Gene51 wrote:

The best measure of functional instability is if i... (show quote)

Yes, it is sort of like using protective filters, or shooting raw - you would have to do serious testing to know the practical limits for YOUR case. But, still we know the theory ......and how much you pay has no affect on the theories !

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