Peak Design Travel Tripod Review + Demonstration | 4K

[@dialac1]

The fact that your channel is still under 100k subscribers is beyond me. The quality of your videos is top notch!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - I'd love that to not be true...but it is what it is.

[@marshall5]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Hey ~1 year later and I'm seeing 102K, congrats!

[@panagiotistsiverdis]

How come nobody doesn't even mention in the various reviews out there the simple fact that this tripod can't pan? This is an important feature for people who want to shot panoramas..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That is a valid criticism, actually, and one I should have mentioned.

[@marghalla]

All these reviews are sketchy the way they almost all have the same conclusion.

[@panagiotistsiverdis]

@@marghalla Nothing sketchy here.. Dustin Abbott makes really solid reviews. I think he is one of the best reviewers on KZbin. His work has helped me a great deal when it came to gear buying decisions. Nevertheless no review is perfect. But you shouldn't confuse imperfection with sketchiness. It's really bad to though shit in the fan.. I'm sure you don't have any evidence for saying what you're saying about sketchy reviews.. People like Dustin Abbott produce amazing content and help so many people... Don't forget that

[@marghalla]

@@panagiotistsiverdis the thing is they all came at same time and they all follow same theme for a product video which is still on Kickstarter. I know they all are saying that videos are not sponsored, but they are providing free marketing. This tripod is like 2% improvement over others and at that price they should be comparing it to Gitzo not a Befree or something.

[@patrickgilmour1221]

some of the reviews do mention that fact.

[@sumitsawai]

Excellent video , really helpful thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Mr Abbott. Very impressed and yes, out of my price range. Thanks again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That won't be an unusual response.

[@TheMarsgia]

What a work of art!! This will be my go to Hiking tripod for years to come. Unless Manfrotto designs a better. But I dont see it. This is a keeper for years

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Someone who gets it

[@TheMarsgia]

@@DustinAbbottTWI The compactness of this is why I'd join the kick start. I will receive my tripod in December. I have many tripods. Manfrotto travel, Benro, Sirui monopods etc.. None of these come close to this. This is revolutionary. This reminds me when the Iphone was first introduced . Peak hit the mark hugely. If you travel i.e. hike, urban, country, etc... This is it! The competition just got owned by a none Tripod mfg company. Great Job Peak Design

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

A delightful tripod, if a little on the short end when extended. The blessing to the competition is its price. For half the price, it would instantly put most of the competition out of business.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're not wrong.

[@scb2scb2]

Can you quickly test if the smallrig a7iii L-brackets work (2122v1 or better 2212v2 / 2236) would help...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid I don't have those on hand (and the tripod has already moved on to another reviewer, anyway).

[@scb2scb2]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Ok didn't know they made reviewers 'move' the tripods to next person i guess ill mail peakdesign if they want to test it for me.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There's only so many of these in circulation right now as the main manufacturing hasn't yet begun.

[@scb2scb2]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah i was kinda shocked how many ive seen in reviews and assumed they already made like 1000+ but i guess they really demand 2 or 3 day reviews..

[@olewiseone1079]

Always love your reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you.

[@anandsraam]

Could you please give a suggestion for a good monopod?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Oben brand is pretty reasonable, and they have a wide variety of options. Choose what works for you: bhpho.to/2WZowqo

[@Noealz]

was waiting for your take on it

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hope it helps.

[@ctzerbe1]

Is the Arca Swiss mount “universal”. I want to use my existing L bracket. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't vouch for every device. My L brackets fit tightly...but they did fit.

[@LeoKleemann]

What is the difference betewen aluminium and Carbon fiber?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Weight, mostly. The carbon fiber weighs roughly 20% less.

[@LeoKleemann]

​@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah, but thats will be worth for 70% mor pricy?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That depends on how big of a deal weight is to you. For photographers that travel by plane, for example, that's the different of bringing an extra lens or two along.

[@BernieBeginner]

I can't seem to find an answer... the peak design spec sheet says the cam-levers/leg clamps are made with aluminium, is that true? or it's just plastic?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't have one on hand right now to verify, but I suspect that if the spec sheet says that, it's probably true.

[@Yalelax]

There appears to be very little doubt that this tripod is unique and wonderfully engineered. Is the height of the tripod a bit short for one of your stature Dustin? At full extension the camera is well below your eye level. Am I mistaken? Can the center column be raised further? Is the production model different in the ability to raise the center column?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

What you see in the video represents maximum height. I guess you could call it short if I were to stand there all day looking through the viewfinder, but it is more likely that I would tilt the LCD screen up and use that. You aren't going to find a greater height from a compact travel tripod, though.

[@photofreak126]

Very good review, thanks! You mentioned that with arca plates its hard do slide on. As far as I know, with the peak design head, you don't have to slide the plate in but actually just click it in from above?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, though it is a tight fit for several of my devices. I found I needed to slide it in from the side rather than click in.

[@irishbokeh]

Dustin Abbott does the small rig l bracket work with it!? Would appreciate knowing.

[@christophermarks6260]

@@DustinAbbottTWI How did you remove the two pins from the quick release plate?

[@Celestialrob]

As always Dustin, very well done and thorough review. 90% of my tripod work is done at home or within 100 yards of my car. This price is way off base for me for that other 10%. Cool design, but $$$, and I just paid almost $2k for the Sony GM 135. Thanks. It’s a mark of just how good your reviews are, that I watch the whole thing even when I know I will not be buying.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think it is important to have a realistic understanding of what your needs are and aren't. That certainly helps your buying decisions to be more informed.

[@Celestialrob]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yup, we all have varying degrees of GAS and sometimes it's hard to balance need versus want :). Keep up the amazing work!

[@lucasmdonald7486]

Great review , I sold my Gitzo to order the carbon fibre on kick starter . For me it is worth the extra price for the size and functionally, I can see me taking this bad boy everywhere where as it is so compact .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy it. It's pretty sweet

[@PK-ql5en]

Is it me or the ballhead doesn’t pan (right to left)?

[@82300sd]

no panning features for a tripod that expensive

[@PK-ql5en]

82300sd if that really is the case I am shocked that Dustin didn’t mention this....

[@82300sd]

@@PK-ql5en he mentions it as a reply to soemone's comment below "That is a valid criticism, actually, and one I should have mentioned."

[@PK-ql5en]

82300sd thanks for pointing that out. Well that tripod has just tanked for me then.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually meant to cover it in the review, as I noted it while shooting some of my tests. Sometimes not everything comes to mind when I'm doing the live recording.

[@zackchoy1969]

Thanks for the great review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome, Zack.

[@artmaltman]

Thanks so much for this excellent review. (How did you get your hands on one?!) Question: do you find the ball head as smooth to use as an actual Arca Swiss? Or how close? Close enough? Thanks! ps: As for the price, can one find a high quality combination of carbon fiber tripod with ball head for less money?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I got my hands on one because Peak Design wants me to have my hands on one ;) The behavior of the head is smooth, though the logistics work differently than what you're familiar with. You have to do a little mental retraining, but it all works fine. You do have to extend the center column up a little to free the ball head to move around.

[@bobroberts3968]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have the aluminum version. Very nice but heavier than you might expect.

[@cheongmj]

It is a premium product and i'm loving the features and its weight but looking at the overall price tag inclusive of shipping, its a little over half a grand. It's a tough pill to swallow. Hopefully a competitor is able to come up with something similar at a competitive price point.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Half a grand in what currency?

[@cheongmj]

Dustin Abbott it's 509 USD 😅

[@francescolongobardi8291]

Thanks for the review! It would be interesting to test it with a really long exposure and a lens like the Tamron 15-30 f2.8. Is it possible for you to do such a test and post the results online?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I did shoot some astro with it, actually. Those results will be part of an upcoming Aurora Aperture filter review. Short answer is that it was just fine.

[@francescolongobardi8291]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you! looking forward to it then

[@sidehustlers336]

I’m going to get this

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I love mine. It's what goes with me when I want to travel light.

[@ahmet665906]

i dont have dslr or camera. i dont know why i am watching all of your videos. u are the man thanks for all of your videos . . .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - I'm not sure, either, but I'm not complaining.

[@pizzapiglet]

Nice review. I would need to call the Fire Dpt. if I sat cross legged on the floor that long. I hope you could replace that quick release plate screw with a D-Ring screw from Amazon and just go ahead and lose the hex tool now instead of later when you needed it on the road? I am not good with tools. I am stoked about this tripod!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a valid point about using the D-Ring screw. I see no reason why that couldn't work as long as it was shallow enough to fit under the QR plate when laid down. As for the sitting cross-legged - I do a fair bit of yoga as a part of my exercise, so that's (fortunately) still pretty easy for me.

[@travelstagram6198]

Amazing video!! Thank you for sharing it ✈️

[@McJurrie]

Love the review of this tripod, seriously considering this. However i wonder if you tested it with big Tele lens such as 150-600? I know it's not really meant for it, butt I do like to know how it is. Thanks for this amazing review Mr. Abbot l!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The biggest I have on hand at the moment is the 100-400L II, which, as you saw, worked just fine.

[@NeXMaX]

I've actually managed to convince a friend of mine who's vehemently anti-tripod to pick up the carbon fiber version, simply because it packs down really small, which is a big deal to him as he hikes. As for me, it's definitely on my radar though the price for the carbon version is hard to swallow. I can't overlook the appeal of having a tripod that packs down to a really small size though.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I completely understand regarding the price, though I really, really love this thing. It is so nice and compact, and it just comes along far more often than any other tripod would.

[@NeXMaX]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah, the size is the big reason why it appeals to me. And I do understand why it's expensive due to it sharing very little in commonality with a typical tripod, especially the non-circular leg sections. I'll give it a try at my local store eventually.

[@thevagabondlawyershivangis6179]

So Awesome ❤️

[@HartenDylan]

Great and honest review, as always! I personally don't think it's as ridiculously expensive when considering the ball head comes with it. Something like a gitzo carbon fibre travel tripod (850$ CAD) would require the purchase of an additional head adding to the bill, or something like the manfrotto befree (400-500$) where now you need to stow two pieces of gear, after buying a separate head which average prices start at around 500$ (200-1000+). To have a compact design with tripod, head, compatibility with all of their other gear, all for around the same price or cheaper... I'd say it's at the very least 'reasonable'.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Reasonable might be slightly kind, but I don't think it is radically priced (and the Kickstarter response suggests they have gauged the market value just fine).

[@joelcleare]

Peak redesigned the tripod industry.

[@dunnymonster]

Some innovative concepts here to be fair although I'm not sure if much of it is form over function. Kudos however to Peak Design for pushing out something new all be it at a price many will shun. I suspect it'll be one of those love it or loathe it products 😊

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

While KZbin has been somewhat critical (not unusual), the Kickstarter results (6.2 mil pledged in a week) indicate that they've done a pretty good job with this launch.

[@VoxPopuli911]

Yes you put it aptly its form over function. I played with this tripod for hours only to realize that I had to immediately cancel my pledges. This tripod is for Smartphone & Go Pro users and not seasoned professionals. I bet my hard earned $$$ all those who are promoting this tripod here on youtube will never end up using it because, it cannot be used as is without using 3rd party Ball head via universal adapter with that you loose all the compactness spiel then there is that need to raise that thinnish center column to be able to access the original head, try doing that for long exposure photography and or Macro and you will know how worthless this tripod will end up being.

[@jhellier]

The best comparison would be to a 1545t + markins q3i-tr. So far no YT reviewer has done a proper stability (vibration dampening) test to show how quickly the tripod dissipates vibrations. This will prove whether the tripod is worthy of its price or just a gimmick.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Just out of curiosity, what kind of test are you looking for?

[@r6201sk]

I guess if somebody does light travel photography a lot it could be worth. Not necessary for outdoor photographers, but in cases where you really benefit from smaller profile .. other than than tripods like Veo 2 are light a small enough for most cases .. Peak design as usually brings us great product ..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Every tool is only useful if you actually need it. This is a tool for some photographers, but not everyone.

[@careyriddell7780]

As alway Dustin, best review of this tripod

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you, Carey.

[@TheMightyAtomm]

Peak design is eating very well

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are certainly very successful with their Kickstarter campaigns.

[@officialMainspring]

best review of this tripod. but then what else would you expect from Mr. Abbott! good job sir!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's kind - thank you.

[@bandofbros8112]

I question the stability of this tripod with these thin legs, I am not sure I would trust it with long exposure timelapses or astrophotography.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I understand that visually, but the tripod is actually far more stable than what you might think.

[@mortezakhobzi3651]

That is silly coming from you, this is one of the best tripods ever made. It is perfect in every way. Don't be a looser

[@ekphotography]

Still too expensive...But thanks for the review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a pretty typical response.

[@MIchaelMiranda77]

journal.peakdesign.com/sticker-shock

[@sumanhazra8731]

The quality of this product is awesome, i have tested it in a Camera Expo, but its too costly for INR.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's the general viewpoint, I would say.

[@actionphotopassion5082]

Thank you for this review. One grip I would make against this tripod, appart from the price, is the fact that on the contrary of your other carbon travel tripod, none of the leg becomes monopod wth... And for me it definitely is steps backwards in term of travel tripod design...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting observation, though I can't say that I've ever actually used a tripod leg in this fashion.

[@digitalvizun5678]

Great design and form factor. Wish it was more around the $250 range for a carbon fiber version. Great review nonetheless.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't disagree, though it's pretty clear there is a lot of R&D that went into this.

[@stevetqp9152]

Very nicely done video "Intro" to the PD Tripod, Dustin! As a landscape and product photographer obsessed with image detail and sharpness, I always use a good tripod, optimum exposure and post processing, to obtain the most highly detailed images possible with my current gear (the Fujifilm X-System). While I am a PD fan and have a few of their products, unless I can get this tripod to test, based solely on this video,it seems that its' main "claim to fame" is "Compactness" of design. For me, the main criterion of any tripod is STABILITY and RIGIDITY, rather than simply "compact" design! To that end, I found a Chinese brand called Leofoto, that makes an Amazing travel tripod for only a few dollars more than this Sirui, AND it includes a fantastic ball head with one feature that I've not found INCLUDED on any other ball head...namely, a panoramic head! This allows the single ball head to function as a pano head, plus, if you swing it into the notch, turns the pano head into a "poor man's " gimbal head! (Max payload = 22 lbs.) Also, another feature of this tripod/head combo, is that the knobs/controls on the ball head each have a different shape and texture (ALL metal, CNC aluminum)! Simply ingenious design, because it eliminates the possibility of inadvertently loosening the wrong knob!! Why ALL ball head manufacturers don't do this is beyond me...actually, probably because of design and manufacture costs! In any case, this Leofoto LN-254CT Tripod is awesome...10X carbon fiber legs, included quality metal spikes (with rubber gaskets), included handy carabiner allen tool, and a very nice carrying case. Well worth $380, IMHO. That said, if PD wants to send me a copy to test/photograph/review, I'd be happy to do so! Thanks again!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That sounds like a pretty good option.

[@lomarvgc1580]

Well you are paying for the innovation, the arca swiss plate, size, design, the ball head, the phone mount and weight

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly. There is a lot R&D costs here that people are overlooking.

[@VoxPopuli911]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I checked this tripod out in person recently and canceled my pledges because for what this tripod does the premium is totally unjustifiable. 1. This tripod for any professional use will need a fluid-head via universal adapter which negates the entire compactness argument 2. The head is useless unless the center column is extended that means unreliable for long exposure and even Macro Photography 3. This tripod is made for smartphone and go pro users there is no way a seasoned professional will get any use from it. 4. The fact that on Kickstarter both the backers & people from Peak Design are spending gazillion hours discussion where the goddamn HEX key needs to go should tell you, this tripod is totally dependent on that tiny tool pretty much for everything, and that SUCKS big time. 5. Forget Panorama All this buzz about it is very much limited to its brilliant design and stellar marketing by Peak Design via paid in cash or paid in kind videos such as these. Cost to Productivity this tripod will score 4/10. Even Weight wise the Befree's & the Veo 2 Carbon Fiber ones knock this tripod out of the park. Speaking plainly this Tripod is all Fart no shit.

[@VoxPopuli911]

@@DustinAbbottTWI PD Travel tripod is design innovation if you really want to see what R&D truly is just checkout Sachtler Flowtech 75 & 100 and Cortini. You will be forced to change your definition of R&D

[@Flashback_Jack]

And funding the rest of their business. They are MILLIONS of dollars beyond their Kickstarter run at this point, and I'm sure we're not going to see a return on our investment; i.e., cheaper prices because of it.

[@VoxPopuli911]

@@Flashback_Jack What do you mean by "They are MILLIONS of dollars beyond their Kickstarter run at this point, and I'm sure we're not going to see a return on our investment; i.e., cheaper prices because of it." Since I am no longer pledged I haven't been following up on their developments on KS.

[@pauswing]

600$ ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not quite that high, but it is definitely expensive.

[@ksneoh3572]

One big problem with this tripod is that its legs have far too many sections (5 total). It would be a big hassle to just pull out these, and click the locks. By the time everything is set, the action might just be gone. Peak Design does not provide a feedback or suggestions facility for users and potential users to channel their comments or recommendations. This is BAD. I suggest PD develop a 3-section model, and sell for say, US$100. Am sure the sales would skyrocket

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'd be surprised to see any kind of PD tripod at $100. They aren't cheap. I can also say this (I now own one of these tripods) - that compact size while still being highly usable makes this a fabulous real world product.

[@DaveBowman]

Not a fan of clips on tripod legs, they break too easily in my experience. Think I’ll stick with my Gitzo Traveler

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Have you actually had some break before? I'm curious, as I've had Manfrotto and Vanguard tripods with the clips that I never had issues with.

[@DaveBowman]

Dustin Abbott yes, twice on Manfrotto’s. Never owned a Vanguard.

[@diatomsaus]

@@DaveBowman Manfrotto befree right? Those are downright horrible. The last section legs are almost as thin as chopsticks.

[@DaveBowman]

@@diatomsaus I can't recall the models as it was a number of years ago now. One was a small, travel style tripod, the other was a large one. They both gave way at the side, cracked at the pin connection point after which the leg became unlockable rendering the tripods useless. That was enough to put me off clips for life. Plus the screw system of the Gitzo's allows for segments to be removed for maintenance/cleaning. Also much quicker to operate (IMO)

[@diatomsaus]

@@DaveBowman I agree with your opinions there. The latches aren't my cup of tea. I maintain my tripods about once a month if used heavily to clean out the dirt and debris inside. There's a reason why high end tripods such as Gitzo and RRS do not use those latches.

[@stevetqp9152]

Dustin, while I appreciate the time and effort you spent on this review, why does no one mention the obvious MAJOR design flaw of this tripod...namely, the inability to do a level horizontal pan??? IMHO, this would be a deal breaker for ANY landscape photographer, don't you agree? Thank you sir, and be safe!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Steve. I don't use a tripod that way, typically, but I can see why it would be an issue for some.

[@kinachahue]

Et tu Brute?

[@raymondpan5961]

Absolutely good deign, absolutely expensive, the aluminum version is better value. For a travel tripod you are not mounting 150-600 mm etc.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think that's probably true all around, though for those counting every ounce the carbon fiber version might be worth the money.

[@shanespafford8283]

I just can’t get past the cost of this tripod.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It seems like you aren't alone in that, though the Kickstarter has earned over 7 million...so there are definitely interested parties!

[@slhibbs]

the center bar just looks to flimsy only time will tell.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Flimsy for what, exactly? Most typical combinations (camera + lens) fall well below the threshold of the 20lb limit here.

[@diatomsaus]

This tripod has been everywhere recently, while it's pretty unique and has some clever quirks, it's just not suitable as a serious tripod. As a travel tripod, that $500+ pricetag will put most people off, and frankly there's more compact options such as the RRS MT-02 and travel clamp, albeit a tabletop tripod, it's both smaller and cheaper. There's many problems as well. 1. Thin leg sections. I will personally not extend the last two legs 2. No option to purchase without a ballhead 3. Adapter for other tripod heads is an extra $25. Why not just offer a ballhead-less version? 4. I hate centre columns Also, not a fan of the annoying latches. I prefer the twist lock mechanism. That being said, tripods at the same length retracted are all shorter when fully extended. The tripod also goes into a camera bag easily, which is a must for me. Up until now, all the reviews I've seen are the preview types. People just showing features and what-not. No testing whatsoever. If PeakDesign wants to send me one which they won't (they shouldn't because I'm harsh and cynical when it comes to such premium products), I'll put the tripod through a legitimate test to examine its stability and performance under typical conditions. I wouldn't mind sending it back after the test. If it proves itself worthy, I'll certainly get one.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

While I would consider some of these criticisms valid, some of their are just personal preferences, and some of them are just not correct. You are making an assessment regrading stability and the "thin legs" without having tested or using it, and I just don't feel those criticisms are valid.

[@diatomsaus]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have tested a couple thin legged tripods. Exposure of 0.5 seconds, and it's all blurry. Even does poorly with 1/30. Lens was an 85mm tilt-shift. The larger cheap aluminium one did fine. In fact, I did better handholding at 1/30 than using that thin legged tripod. If you really do not believe me, visit a place such as a busy station with many people walking by and try out the PD tripod fully extended VS a larger one with thicker legs. I do hope it does well. My small sample size of 2 makes me a little less optimistic. Tripods are suppose to dampen vibrations, not exacerbate it, which was the case with the one I had. I never claimed this one would perform as poorly, I simply said I need to be convinced that it performs well under situation such as some wind and in busy places. I don't make assessments unless I have tested it. I will only speculate. Only the centre column thing (in the list, notice how I didn't put latches there?) was personal preference, the rest are objective. I do not need or use ballheads, an option without it would be great.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I shot long exposures with heavy combinations and didn't have an issue. It does have a hook, so you could hang a bag or something similar to help further reduce vibration.

[@albertnicolau4139]

10:25 that's a lot of wobble...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I own one of these now, and it's actually a remarkably stable tripod for something so compact.

[@everardovaliente6666]

Too expensive

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a pretty common sentiment