Best Wildlife Photography Hiking Tripod? Vs. Peak Design Travel Tripod

[@hobbiesfordays499]

Just bought the Small Rig tripod using your link. There is an Amazon coupon today plus a free mic so it's a good time to buy it. It will be my first CF tripod. Thanks for the review!!

[@WILDALASKA]

That's cool and thanks for using the link. I love this tripod. Makes setups just so much easier when I need to use a tripod.

[@mikeparler]

Just ordered a SmallRig AP-10 based on your recommendation and love it so far. Thank you! My wife and I are planning a trip to Alaska next year and plan to take our camera gear.

[@WILDALASKA]

very cool

[@RayLombardi]

I'm going through your videos and the level of useful information, based on personal experience(as opposed to gear review often obtained for free and thus rendering the review bias) is outstanding. Thank you!

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes Im not in my KZbin career space where anyone is sending me anything and when they do I wouldn't speak to anything unless I used it OR they would tell me that I can say whatever and they don't get a chance to review it before I release it. A few have reached out but so far its been nothing I want to use, trust, or review ;)

[@jackq279]

Thanks so much for this excellent review. I bought this tripod based on your thoughts and am loving it. Now instead of wondering whether to lug along a tripod on my pack, I can just always take this one. As they say about cameras… the best one is the one that you have with you. 😊😊

[@WILDALASKA]

true

[@Sigurd_9230]

I am quite happy with the tripod I have now, a Leofoto LS-325 CEX. Built in leveling base is very useful. And it also has a compact design without a middle column. And I find it to be well built and stable. What I don't like so much is the twist lock system. Especially in winter with mittens on, it often happens that I haven't tightened one of them enough... So I prefer flip locks like on the tripod you recommend here. A quick look and you know if they are locked or not.

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes I used to like the twist locks but after many cold years with gloves the clip locks are much better. I don't use center columns due to needing to get low and they waobble when extended too much.

[@mish_elle_1]

Hi there. Thank you so much for this great review. I bought this tripod on your review. It is so manageable to pack my mtb and takes no space in the back of the car. Thanks

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you like it!

[@ervinslens]

Outstanding upload and so professionally presented my friend! You explained everything so nicely!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MrPhilbautista]

Another negative would be how short it is even when fully extended, but I guess that comes with the territory when it comes to travel tripods. Great review and thanks for putting this on my radar.

[@WILDALASKA]

yeah pretty much all of them are a bit short

[@JimCaputoMusic]

Thanks for the heads up on this tripod. My current tripod is aluminum and I'm trying to get the weight down without giving up too much stability. This looks like a nice option and I just saw it can be ordered with a fluid head. That's another thing I've been thinking about trying and, since I already have a couple of good Sirui ball heads, I'm going to order the fluid head just to see if that's really something I want to invest more in.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad I could help!

[@heymikeriley]

I think you may have just saved me a boatload of money lol. I’m shooting an old 800 5.6 that I love but with the z9, it’s probably a 13-14 pound setup. Can’t handhold, and while my video tripod is very sturdy, it’s very heavy and doesn’t get to ground level. This looks like a fantastic solution!

[@WILDALASKA]

very cool.

[@saugeangel6607]

Thank you for this great review. It was really really helpful in helping me choose

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tintin69rr]

Nice one love the benro gimbal head Ive started using it on the really long 3 legged thing Trent monopod With the R7 and ef 500f4 is Was shooting a kingfisher yesterday and shooting burst mode I managed to get the iso down to 100 at 1/30 I was just testing how low I could go on that set up and I couldn’t believe I managed to get a fairly sharp image out of a 41 shot burst at least one was sound 👍👍👍

[@WILDALASKA]

Very cool

[@rreichar1]

Nice review! I like this tripod. I very rarely use a tripod but when I do I want it to be decent. This seems great for the price.

[@WILDALASKA]

It really is!

[@alfonsohasan]

Great video. Helped me make up my mind.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad I could help

[@toddbailey5198]

Great review, Scott! I've been considering a lightweight carbon fibre tripod and for that price it's hard to go wrong! Just to avoid confusion I think your Gimbal is a Benro not Bento. Loving the content, keep them coming!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks. Yes its a Benro GH5C. It's listed in the description along with an Amazon link. Looks like the autocorrect is changing it to bento :P

[@georgemccormick1247]

Your gonna get me to spend more money but that really looks worth it, I need a light tripod at my age and the two I have are not light at all. By the way what brand is that gamble mount? Thanks for the info Scott, keep ‘‘em coming 👀🎉🎉🎉Happy NewYear.

[@WILDALASKA]

its the Benro GH5C and the tripod is excellent

[@sinetwo]

Actually he's making you spend LESS money, the alternatives are way more expensive :D

[@brianrose2487]

Picked up that tripod on your link! Take care

[@WILDALASKA]

Let me know how you like it after using it for a bit.

[@ucantcme4343]

Thanks for the video it was very informative. I have order the tripod and gimbal that you recommended, found both on EBay open box. Is there any other gear that is needed? I have a Sony A99ii with a Tamron 600mm lens. Thanks again for the video and feedback.

[@WILDALASKA]

get a groundpod

[@jfphotography69]

Thanks, I just ordered one. Have been looking for a light travel carbon fiber tripod that would not break the bank for some time now. I own the Leofoto LN-364C Systematic 75mm Bowl Tripod Legs Carbon Fiber CF, which is a great carbon fiber tripod "which also comes with a ten year warranty" for the price of $400, but a bit on the bulky side.

[@WILDALASKA]

I was very surprised by this tripod and extremely happy with it.

[@jfphotography69]

@@WILDALASKA I received mine, nice carbon fiber tripod but mine seemed to have issues with the bottom two leg extensions on all three legs, when you pull them out the last one to two inches of the leg seems to jam and needs a bit of elbow grease to get the full extension, same goes for when you retract them, I have to use my palm to hammer them back into place. I don't know if this is normal or just a factory defect with my unit. I will be receiving a replacement in a few days, hope that one does not have these issues. The issue is not a serious one and I could have kept it and used it with this slight issue, but why not see if it's my unit and not the way the product comes directly from the manufacturing plant. I how it was just my unit and the next one will not have this issue.

[@sinetwo]

Great overview, I'll go for this. My main concern is the ability (or the non-ability) to clean it. I'll shoot in weird conditions, like salty water and very muddy fields, and stuff will get stuck inside sadly.

[@WILDALASKA]

you can clean it.

[@ChristopherWilhite]

How do you remove the ball-head from the top (4:27)? I just purchased a AP-10 SmallRig tripod and can’t figure out how to get it off. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 😊

[@WILDALASKA]

make sure the pan knob is really tight then just unscrew it.

[@ChristopherWilhite]

@@WILDALASKA I got it. Thanks a bunch!!

[@WernerBirdNature]

Interesting review Scott ! I'm using a carbon tripod from Rollei, but like the Peak Design the legs are flexing a little. My gear is a little lighter compared to your unique Frankenstein, and I mostly use the tripod to assist in weight lifting during a longer shoot, rather than for providing rock solid stability as required for long exposures. Isn't your 52.5" height a little low to be practical ? So far I went for a model with a central colon, giving me an extra foot or so to be more practical when standing. For more stability I can also lower the colon. But it sits indeed in the way when attempting to go lowest. For such lowest position, I can reverse the colon .. but that's not exactly practical. Probably Duade's groundpod is better suited in those cases. For accessories like tripods and lenscoats etc .. there seem to be big price differences between the USA and Europe. Your AP-10 costs like $60 more over here, while European makes are cheaper for us.

[@WILDALASKA]

IM 6'5 so all tripods are too short. Im not keen on center columns as they prohibit on the ground shooting and they wobble when fully extended. If I know im shooting low then its ground paid skimmer. but if im going to do low and higher work, then tripod. not sure on pricing :(

[@WernerBirdNature]

@@WILDALASKA Yeah, I fully understand your arguments, but when I'm shooting standing I prefer the wobbly extension over having to stand in an awkward pose. While shooting Siberian squirrels it was okay in lowest position the center column allowed me, and when shooting extremely low I was handholding it so far. Anyway, if I had known about the light but sturdy carbon legs in advance, I would have chosen the AP-20 instead of my Rollei ;-)

[@duckducktoad]

Great comparison! Was considering the peak design but now questioning it. How do you think the smallrig would hold up in extreme cold doing astro? The smallrig only has a 2 year warranty but the peakdesign has lifetime

[@WILDALASKA]

I use it in -20F all the time

[@CanInelli]

Great review! I am in need of a travel tripod and I have been thinking about PD Carbon TT to use with my Sony A7RV + 100-400GM lens. Do you think this setup will enough enough stability in light winds?

[@WILDALASKA]

It golds my Z9 and EF 500 F4 MKII around 10lbs. so yes it will hold that Sony set up with ease

[@Ed-dv2ij]

Helpful video I am in the market for a tripod and this seems a great option. What is the gimbal you use? is there a budget option to that also? Thanks Ed

[@WILDALASKA]

The benro kimball is like $400 and change. In haven't really explored more budget gimbals. friend has one from some company off of Amazon but it was still around 250

[@mikeparler]

Looking for my first gimbal...would you still recommend the Benro GH5C?

[@WILDALASKA]

Its very good. I will be reviewing a different kimball here very soon. If you need a budget gimball, the neewer ones aren't bad.

[@UNLouise]

This is both eye-opening and somewhat shocking: minus the folded-up size difference, the price-difference is too great to have the PD not hold that weight without so much buckle. But then it may just be physics and the limitations of building a tripod that portable. Either way, thank you for this video, it came at the right time to me and was really helpful!

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes the Peak just isn't designed to really support that weight due to the way the carbon fiber legs are made. and the Smallrig is a great budget priced tripod. I still use it a lot when I need to go farther out with a tripod in tow.

[@Giantcappuccino]

Does this tripod have a set screw to lock the ball head from rotating once screwed on?

[@WILDALASKA]

doesn't need it

[@SuperSuperka]

SIRUI AM-324 or bigger what I'd take for your setup. With tiny smallRig legs wind can be a problem.

[@WILDALASKA]

I use this tripod a lot and haven't had an issue with the wind and wobble but ion also showing wildlife so I don't use slow shutter speeds.

[@ozziesl]

Which is the fluid head?

[@WILDALASKA]

not sure what you asking, but the fluid head on the peak design tripod is the Manfrotoa 502A

[@pathfindercod4638]

Great video, thank you. I was about to order a Leofoto small tripod. I will have to look at this one now before i order one. Much appreciated...

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IanJames56]

Scott, i highly recommend the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod, only $469.00, holds 55 pounds, and only 25” folded. It is the best buy you can make, short of the very expensive Really Rights Legs. Or Gitzo also expensive!😊

[@WILDALASKA]

Its a good rig(Robus) but 2.5x the cost and twice the weight as this small rig. My benro tripod is about the same as the Robus.

[@panariya666]

Is the small rig AP 10 compatible with The Manfrotto 502 AH fluid head?

[@WILDALASKA]

yes

[@mrmichaeltscott]

PD is pretty good stuff is just they are way too proud of it. SMALLRIG is just completely outstanding stuff. I thought I emptied the store in December. And great customer support. If they would have just come around the lens release on the cage for the R7 a little more. I've got like 50 tripods. Every one has a little bug to it. When you slapped the top of the lens it didn't even budge.

[@WILDALASKA]

Its a nice tripod. still holding up well

[@alansparrow6396]

Happy new year👍👍📷📷

[@WILDALASKA]

Happy new year

[@TomasZachar]

thanks for video, im about to buy a new tripod for my canon R7 and Sigma 150-600 and i think , this will be great option, for the price even in europe ( 180 euros )

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad I could help!

[@SB-tn1xm]

Please share the information about that Gimbal Head.

[@WILDALASKA]

Its a Benro GH5C. amzn.to/3X0RxNM

[@MuhammadAsifLatif]

Is that z9 mounted on cannon lens

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes sir. Here's the video on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn3ShmhraNd9o8U

[@jonzmoviebar7580]

Great review! I guess I will have to buy this before the brand company goes bankrupt! JK, but it does look to be a sure investment

[@WILDALASKA]

its still holding up well

[@daymonw]

Thank you

[@WILDALASKA]

Welcome!

[@Raffaele6Barbaro]

Watching this aftern throwing £400 at peak design's carbon fiber tripod... Oh well! 😬

[@WILDALASKA]

I won the peak one also. I feel ya

[@TheDonCucaracho]

My dude either has HUGE hands or is filming with a 24mm lens 😅

[@WILDALASKA]

;)

[@TheDonCucaracho]

​@@WILDALASKA one month later, diving deep into tripods and stuff, this is the best video I've seen on KZbin. Doesn't seem like a paid ad from the brand, good real life application, good comparison with the PD, plus the fact that you use a heavy gear makes me trust your opinions Way too many people here are now into mirrorless, and their setups are significantly lighter, so their recommendations don't work for us broke dslr users Cheers from Mexico, mr big hands 😛

[@WILDALASKA]

@@TheDonCucaracho yeah no-ones paying me yet lol