RSS Tripods: I'm considering the purchase of a RRS tripod and narrowed it down to the TVC-24L and BH-40LR or the TVC-34L and BH-55LR. Heaviest current equipment is D800 and 70-200 f4.

PACSMAN Loc: MA

I'm considering the purchase of a RRS tripod and narrowed it down to the TVC-24L and BH-40LR or the TVC-34L and BH-55LR. Heaviest current equipment is D800 and 70-200 f4. I'm concerned about packing the 34L in a bag for traveling. I'm hoping someone has experience with either of these, in particular, packing for traveling. Thanks.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

PACSMAN wrote:

I'm considering the purchase of a RRS tripod and narrowed it down to the TVC-24L and BH-40LR or the TVC-34L and BH-55LR. Heaviest current equipment is D800 and 70-200 f4. I'm concerned about packing the 34L in a bag for traveling. I'm hoping someone has experience with either of these, in particular, packing for traveling. Thanks.

I have the 34L. I usually pack it in my suitcase (full sized) with the ball head detached. It is not the best size for packing for travel, but that is one of the trade-offs for a tripod that extends to such a height while maintaining the build needed for its stability. Many other tripods will collapse to a shorter length, but do so by using more and thinner leg sections (which increase vibration) or by gaining its maximum height by adding a center column (again, sacrificing stability). For me, the quality of the tripod out weighed the small inconvenience of not being able to fit it in a standard carry on suitcase. It is a truly supurb tripod. I doubt I will ever need to replace it.

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

PACSMAN wrote:

I'm considering the purchase of a RRS tripod and narrowed it down to the TVC-24L and BH-40LR or the TVC-34L and BH-55LR. Heaviest current equipment is D800 and 70-200 f4. I'm concerned about packing the 34L in a bag for traveling. I'm hoping someone has experience with either of these, in particular, packing for traveling. Thanks.

Read their Tripod Selection article - what tripod you get has nothing to do with how heavy your gear is. The head you select must be chosen based on the weight, however.

The BH-40 is a great head, but if you only want to buy one head, get the 55 and deal with the extra size and weight. Ditto for the tripod the 34L is going to serve your current and future needs, if you decide to get anything longer than 400mm.

Either setup will work for you today, but only the 34L/55 will work in the future, if you go that route.

rmw0001 Loc: Lake Mills, WI

I have the TVC34L with case plus the BH55 and it serves me very well. I also have the Pro Media Gear "Katana" gimbal head. I would have gotten the RSS gimbal but saved $300 getting the katana 2nd hand from eBay. I use it with my D7100, D800 and D4s bodies and a 200-400 f4 lens.

I agree with the advice to go with the 34L/55 combo as it will cover all your current and future needs.

Philosophically, I've spent $000's on good gear and to get the most out of it, I need good support

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Are you very tall? Remember to consider the height of your ballhead, plus the height of the camera to the view finder, plus any other attachments before deciding on the height you need. I have to lower the regular 33 series to keep the viewfinder at eye level. But I am not quite 5'10".

I definitely concur with the 33, BH55 comments of others, if you're using long lenses, or only going to have one tripod.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

My 34L and BH55l fit in my suit case intact. Even based on your current needs it is a great choice as the longer legs are great shooting down a slope and on windy days you can hang your gear for a little more stability. I have a BH 40 pano head on a lighter Manfroto and there is no comparison.

ras422 Loc: Virginia

PACSMAN wrote:

I'm considering the purchase of a RRS tripod and narrowed it down to the TVC-24L and BH-40LR or the TVC-34L and BH-55LR. Heaviest current equipment is D800 and 70-200 f4. I'm concerned about packing the 34L in a bag for traveling. I'm hoping someone has experience with either of these, in particular, packing for traveling. Thanks.

I also have the 34L and theBH55LR. It makes me smile every time I use it --great gear! Never thought I would spend that much but now glad I did.As far as travel,I pack the tripod in its case without the ballhead. Less room without the case of course. It does take up space in the suite case. Ball head travels
with the lenses and camera. As previously stated the extra length come in handy on uneven surfaces. You cannot go wrong with RRS. Also make sure to get an L bracket for the camera. Rich ---also have aD800 and a 70-200 F4

PACSMAN Loc: MA

Thanks for all of the responses - I've decided to go with the 34L and 55 ball head. You've all confirmed what I suspected; if I purchased the 24L and 40 ball head I most likely would've been second guessing my decision.

ras422 Loc: Virginia

PACSMAN wrote:

Thanks for all of the responses - I've decided to go with the 34L and 55 ball head. You've all confirmed what I suspected; if I purchased the 24L and 40 ball head I most likely would've been second guessing my decision.

GOOD choice. :-) --Rich. You will not regret it.

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

ras422 wrote:

GOOD choice. :-) --Rich. You will not regret it.

I have never heard of anyone complaining they got "too much" tripod or spent too much on one. However there are 1000s who tried to buy cheap and are unhappy, looking to replace a cheap tripod with one that is less cheap but also considerably less than they need. None of the latter 1000s have ever experienced the solid feel of quality support. If they did, they wouldn't be buying junk.

PACSMAN Loc: MA

Gene51 wrote:

I have never heard of anyone complaining they got "too much" tripod or spent too much on one. However there are 1000s who tried to buy cheap and are unhappy, looking to replace a cheap tripod with one that is less cheap but also considerably less than they need. None of the latter 1000s have ever experienced the solid feel of quality support. If they did, they wouldn't be buying junk.

Been there done that - RRS aren't cheap but a haven't heard a bad review

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

PACSMAN wrote:

Been there done that - RRS aren't cheap but a haven't heard a bad review

And you won't. Same for Gitzo. But you will see lots of great reviews for all the cheaper stuff. I made that mistake too. Now I read reviews very critically and try as best as I can to assess the expertise of the author. I believed everything I read on the Internet, I'd have a dozen Dolicas and Vanguard Manfrotto 190s and meFoto tripods because those who have them rave about them - but they have never used the good stuff.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Gene51 wrote:

And you won't. Same for Gitzo. But you will see lots of great reviews for all the cheaper stuff. I made that mistake too. Now I read reviews very critically and try as best as I can to assess the expertise of the author. I believed everything I read on the Internet, I'd have a dozen Dolicas and Vanguard Manfrotto 190s and meFoto tripods because those who have them rave about them - but they have never used the good stuff.

I totally agree, but appreciate that most can't afford to drop 1500 on a 34L and a 55BHL but do your research. Most people buy tripods that they eventually trade up one or more times. If you have nice camera(s) and lenses invest in the best tripod you can afford. Don't skimp as you will eventually spend more trading up. Any tripod is better that no tripod but I would much rather buy a quality used tripod/ball head combo than invest in junk.