Tripod help needed fixed or versa apex: I'm looking to buy a Really Right Stuff tripod. The model I'm looking at comes in 2 styles, fixed apex and versa apex, I like the idea of the...

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

I'm looking to buy a Really Right Stuff tripod. The model I'm looking at comes in 2 styles, fixed apex and versa apex, I like the idea of the fixed apex tripod, it looks easier to pack and travel with however the versa apex maybe more versatile in use, although I don't know that.

If anyone has experience with this would you tell me what you chose and why?

~Kevin

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

"The Versa apex has a removable (interchangeable) plate which allows you 3 options: 1) you can have multiple plates for each of your different heads and more quickly swap the heads out by keeping a plate secured with the fixing screws to each head; 2) you can install a quick column (for additional adjustable height), integrated leveling base, or 3) for the larger tripods a 75mm (TVC-3x) or 100mm (TVC-4x) ball-mount.

The fixed apex versions have two advantages: 1) improved stiffness at the apex, and 2) slightly smaller diameter apex which makes the tripod a bit more compact when folded."

I chose versa mainly because I like using a leveling base and more flexibility for future use or resale. It's not that big a deal because I can use a lever clamp on the leveling base, or apex if you choose, and have an a-s dovetail plate on my heads for quick and easy changing.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I use Versa so that I can change very quickly and easily between heads. I also use the leveling base. You can use a center column and change it out for a fixed plate with a couple of screws or just completely lower the center column and leave it there. The RRS toolkit is nice to have and can be stored in the center column if you go with the center column option too.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

If you call RRS, you will find their staff really helpful and happy to have a discussion about this with you. Best of luck.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

DaveO wrote:

"The Versa apex has a removable (interchangea... (show quote)

Thank you DaveO for explaining it to me in that way.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

I use Versa so that I can change very quickly and easily between heads. I also use the leveling base. You can use a center column and change it out for a fixed plate with a couple of screws or just completely lower the center column and leave it there. The RRS toolkit is nice to have and can be stored in the center column if you go with the center column option too.

Thanks for the info Notorious T.O.D.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

cjc2 wrote:

If you call RRS, you will find their staff really helpful and happy to have a discussion about this with you. Best of luck.

Thanks cjc2 for the suggestion, I have been on the phone with them and they are very helpful but it's been a difficult decision for me to make and I want to be happy with which ever version I purchase, asking what other photographers have chosen and why is being helpful also.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Kevin.M wrote:

Thank you DaveO for explaining it to me in that way.

Have fun and you'll probably do like the vast majority of us and end up with multiple tripods.

When I was cajoled by my wife into photography when I retired, I was primarily interested in landscapes and soon turned to birding and long lenses. That changed my needs, or at least my desires, and the pursuit is seemingly endless.

I finally have my last one, but it's too little too late. Actually too much, too late!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Kevin.M wrote:

Thanks cjc2 for the suggestion, I have been on the phone with them and they are very helpful but it's been a difficult decision for me to make and I want to be happy with which ever version I purchase, asking what other photographers have chosen and why is being helpful also.

If it were me, for that much $$$, I would want to maintain flexibility so I'd spend the extra up front to maintain that. I own two really good tripods, a very large and heavy Bogen and a Carbon Fiber Gitzo (RRS was not making tripods when I purchased either.). Other than that I have about a dozen 'mistakes' that are sometimes very useful, but most often not for holding cameras/lenses. On the top of all of them that matter is some type of RRS head which is what I use pretty exclusively for attachment with the exception of the Wimberly Gimbal most often on the large Bogen. As was said, you'll own more than one! Best of luck.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

DaveO wrote:

Have fun and you'll probably do like the vast majo... (show quote)

I did purchase a tripod years ago that I used probably all of 6 times because it's not sturdy enough for the camera and lenses I use. I'm hoping to buy this tripod and be set, that's why I'm asking for opinions, I like the fixed versa for it's size but the versa apex may be a better choice for it's ability to accommodate other options although I have no interest in a center column.

Thanks for the info you've given.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

cjc2 wrote:

If it were me, for that much $$$, I would want to ... (show quote)

So there I go, that's another thing, do I want a ball head or a gimbal.......?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Kevin.M wrote:

I did purchase a tripod years ago that I used probably all of 6 times because it's not sturdy enough for the camera and lenses I use. I'm hoping to buy this tripod and be set, that's why I'm asking for opinions, I like the fixed versa for it's size but the versa apex may be a better choice for it's ability to accommodate other options although I have no interest in a center column.

Thanks for the info you've given.

Just remember that flexibility to accommodate the future unknown uses may be prudent.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I use my pano gimbal much more than I do my ball head. RRS is not inexpensive but I look at it as a very versatile system that you can grow as you desire over time. I have also found good deals on RRS stuff on eBay.

Kevin.M wrote:

So there I go, that's another thing, do I want a ball head or a gimbal.......?

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

I use my pano gimbal much more than I do my ball head. RRS is not inexpensive but I look at it as a very versatile system that you can grow as you desire over time. I have also found good deals on RRS stuff on eBay.

Thank you for the helpful information. I think I've made up my mind.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

DaveO wrote:

Just remember that flexibility to accommodate the future unknown uses may be prudent.

Thanks for the helpful info and feedback, I think I've made up my mind.