Magaliaman Loc: Magalia, CA

Hi Fellow Hogs, I Just ordered and Received a new tripod purchased from Amazon. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement. The item purchased is the Innorel RT-90C, and it is REALLY nice. Considering the cost of some of my other options, I think this is a true Bargain. It has an 88lb Load Limit, stands 63" tall to the top of the mounting screw. The Legs are 1-1/2" in diameter at the top, and can be adjusted from nearly flat to 63" in 3-steps. Leg locks & Carbon Fiber components all seem to be 1st rate quality. Considering it sells for just under $300.00 its a Bargain compared to some other higher end brands. I Weigh 190lbs, and the unit doesn't even deflect when I put my whole weight on it. (Shades of the Old Bogen Commercials)

Another surprise was an included gift card, that if you leave a 5 star review on Amazon with a video, Innorel will send you 5 items worth approx. $170.00 (Camera Strap, Mini Tripod, Z-Type folding tripod Head, Ball head, and Fluid Video Head. Although I doubt the give-aways will be of similar quality to the tripod itself, its just an added nicety to an already fine piece of gear.

Anyhow, I have NO RESERVATION recommending this tripod to Anyone looking for a quality piece of equipment at a somewhat bargain price.

(Download)

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

I don't think you can argue with the value - and it should be excellent with long lenses and high magnification macro.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Looks nice. However, there seems to be an issue with the diameter of the legs. They are off by a factor of 10.
--Bob

Magaliaman Loc: Magalia, CA

Bob,

Okay, I'm lost here. 1-1/2" at the top? How is that off by a factor of 10. I'm missing the humor, or I'm having a senior moment. lol

-Gary

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Looks good to me - except no centerpost
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Magaliaman Loc: Magalia, CA

Nope, No center post, and none available either. It'll take some getting used to without it, but the ability to change heads in seconds with no tools outweighs the center post in my humble opinion. The leveling base in the bowl helps considerably though.

Besides, I cant help believing some of the hype I've read that the center post is a huge disadvantage to mirror slap and other slight camera motion. (dunno)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I change heads right now with Manfro QR - Oh, and I have a leveling base - cost extra tho ...mirrorless do not have mirror slap problems ...

Going up and down quickly with a GOOD centerpost is a versatility I LIKE !
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Magaliaman Loc: Magalia, CA

You know, I Never thought about using a QR Plate for that. That's a great idea. Oh well, we'll see how things work out without a center post. Everything is a trade-off of some sorts. (and no, I'm not going mirroless…. yet) lol

-Gary

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The one I use - (big and heavy - not cheap either) - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-625-RC0-Rapid-Connect-Adapter-with-030-14-Plate/332575935817?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372 ....
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Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

But mirrorless and DSLR can both generate vibrations from mechanical shutter movement - aka Shutter Shock. It plagued the early Sony A7 cameras with mechanical shutters. Now that I do all my bird photography hand held, I don't worry about center columns. I prefer not to have to deal with the vibration inherent in an extended column, and it's corresponding extra weight. But that's me - I try to keep my total load as light as possible. An extra 1/2 lb can feel like an extra 10 lbs when you have to carry it for a while, especially on trails that involve elevation gain.

I agree with a leveling base - I now use a Sunaway Photo DYH-90, which is the middle product in their range of leveling bases, and it works very well.

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

I wouldn't say that it is a "huge" disadvantage, but it's more a factor to keep in mind - it will affect how you shoot. Keeping good contact with your gear - left arm draped over the lens, face gently pressed to the back of the camera - will minimize camera-born vibrations. If you plan to use things like remote shutters, there is no substitute for a rock-solid platform - and any tripod with a center column will be a little less solid than the same tripod without.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The problem with center columns is most are a big design compromise ! The leg apex is another design compromise ! So most apex are smaller than they really should be ( a cheap-out for materials and weight) - and, consequently, since the centerpost is mostly supported by the apex, the centerpost is smaller than it should be also ! I agree, that a properly designed and executed centerpost adds weight (and cost) - but worth it in all but the longer hiking scenerios IMO.
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