Peak Design Travel Tripod - Long Term Review

[@riverhe2852]

I've watched tons of reviews on this tripod but none of them covers so many details of onsite use especially how the head works. Thanks Shane, great job!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Awesome, thank you! I like to spend a few months or more on reviews when I can just cause it is so hard to judge a product based on a first impression, especially one as intricate as this tripod 😅

[@Seegurke.]

By far the best review on this tripod. very informativ & detailed, pleasant to watch and listen your calm presentation, glad you dont need to clown around as other reviewers think they need to do. Thank you for your effort, glad i discovered you channel.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you very much 😊

[@KTW001]

I have had the carbon version of the PDTT for a couple of years now and have really enjoyed it. Your review hands down is one of the best reviews I have watched. Thank you for sharing it.

[@joelmulder]

I'd never thought of hanging the carrying case from the bottom of the Everyday Backpack. That's genius! I've been looking at this tripod since it came out, and I think I'm finally getting fed up enough with my BeFree to bit the very expensive bullet. Oh and a tiny little bit of feedback, the plural of axis is axes. ;)

[@thomasbyrne7480]

This month I discovered Peak Designs. To use my ball head and gimbal head with this tripod I used a $1.50 1/4'-20 female to 3/8 - 16 male adapter from Amazon and $19.95 plate from PD to mount each head. This maintains the original head with quick change to standard or gimbal. Now I have the best of all worlds including smooth pano and added height without sacrificing the unique design and compactness. (Pictures available)

[@ShaneBethlehem]

This is a great idea, I have seen similar solutions with quick release plates on tripod heads, but not with just using the PD plate, I'll give it a go to :)

[@mikecooper1234]

Great video. You mentioned that getting this tripod for use with a phone was not a good fit, but actually that is what I got it for to start with. I have just started making videos for my KZbin channel, using a combination of a GoPro and my phone. When using my phone with the Rode wireless go and lavalier microphone, I often need to do some standup video in my back yard. I have been putting the camera on a ladder, or strapped to fencing around my back porch. I wanted a tripod to make it much easier to place it anywhere in the yard, and don't mind paying for one that will easily fit into a backpack or even bike bottle holder. Over time if I do lots of videos I will probably invest in a more sophisticated camera, but for now I am hoping that this will work for my needs. I'll probably use my Ulanzi holder for the phone rather than the Peak Design one since it may be more stable. Anyway, thanks for the video.

[@BradenLimb]

Great video Shane! Definitely the most thorough and non-biased review I've seen this tripod. Keep up the great work!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you very much it was a fun video to make 😊

[@adamrizla3611]

Great review. You have such a lovely, calm voice. It's enaging but also relaxing - almost ASMR vibes. Love it, keep up the good work!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you so much!

[@nicolahguy]

Hi there, I've just come across your channel. Great video, you have a nice, calm way of presenting which I appreciate.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you so much!

[@dissx]

Agree! A bit tired of overexcited presenters

[@wcsdiaries]

@@ShaneBethlehem what piece do I need to buy so I can mount a fluid head on top? Or does it come with the tripod?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

@JacksMagicBean it's a separate purchase unfortunately, they have it listed as an accessory on the website

[@wcsdiaries]

@@ShaneBethlehem do you have a reference link?

[@ronaldcaimi5720]

Great review. Having been through a lot of tripod brands, I'm looking forward to using this one which I have on order. I think the compact size and weight alone will justify its price.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you! I am still using this as my go to tripod for most situations, only reason I prefer another one on occasion is when i know I will be shooting telephoto more, but that’s rare

[@sygnus2164]

Excellent user review with real life honest pro and con points. Well done.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Much appreciated!

[@karenlamerick]

Thanks for a really comprehensive review of the Peak Design Travel Tripod - I really enjoyed it! I'm looking for a travel tripod and love PD's design and weight but do you think it would have enough stability for using for shooting star trails with a Sony A6600? I'm wondering if I might need something more heavyweight? Thanks for any advice.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I have used it with a7 cameras for astro without issue. A heavier tripod will always do better, but if you add some weight via the hook below you can be pretty steady

[@armandoagudelo7718]

Hi Shane. Do you recommend this kind of tripods for compact cameras (e.g. Sony Cybershot)? is it compatible? Do I need to buy something additional to be able to use it with these type of cameras? Thank you.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

This tripod will work fantastically with a small camera, the only thing that will come into play is that sometimes the tripod plate is going to be wider than the smaller base is on compact cameras but there is unfortunately no real work around for that.

[@armandoagudelo7718]

@@ShaneBethlehem Thank you

[@sunil3135]

Very nice review. Curious on what video head you are using?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you! It's the Sirui VH-10X, it's not fancy but it's relatively affordable and reliable

[@pianoman1973]

Great review ! I'm using Sony a1 + telephoto lens as well ( never used tripods before ) - should I purhcase anything else expect the tripod itself to mount both camera ( in case not using telephoto lens ) and the telephoto ones ( 100-400 and 200-600 ) thanks !

[@skipper4114]

Another great review. I have been debating on one of these for a long time as it would be great for when I go back to Japan. Cheers from the Northwest Territories.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thanks you, I hope this video helped! I am excited to be able to travel with this tripod out of Ontario some time 😅 I was planning to go to Japan as well this fall but I don't think that's going to be happening as things stand

[@skipper4114]

@@ShaneBethlehem I can because my wife is from there and my daughter is to go to school there. If you ever go I can help you if you need anything. Cheers. What part of Ontario?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Oh that works out quite well then, thank you also! I'm like 40min drive west of Toronto and work in Burlington/Hamilton

[@skipper4114]

@@ShaneBethlehem cool I have lots of family around there. Take care.

[@MathieuRousseau]

Finally, i got the answer i was looking for after 30 vidéos. Thanks a lot|!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Happy to help

[@kjl6138]

Shane, how do you feel this would do shooting macro pointing down towards the ground? Thanks for the review!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Unfortunately it’s not ideal, I’ve tried it but just because of the way the ball head articulates it’s a little bit limited compared to traditional designs. With that said, it’s entirely functional, it’s just not the setup I use because I’m fortunate enough to have several sets of sticks.

[@kjl6138]

@@ShaneBethlehem thank you

[@amingalwan]

Hi Shane Great video... i was still questioning this.. what do you suggest as a replacement for video on starter level

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you! Quite honestly for the longest time I got by with just a regular solid ball head tripod, and anything works but it just it more a matter of convenience, with a ball head it may take a couple extra tries to get a stable shot that a fluid head tripod could do easier. These days there are many more affordable video tripods out there from when I started and i am looking into getting a new one myself, but I don't have any recommendations at this time, there only thing I would suggest is to look into sirui tripods, I find their products are generally a very good value/quality.

[@teemer1282]

Thanks for the review. I've been watch many reviews, but yours was very in depth. With the ball head modifier, which tripod head did you use in this video?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thanks, it's the Sirui VH-10, its a pretty robust fluid head, its not necessarily the best out there but its a great value and a tank

[@marclabro]

very nice review. For my z6ii + Z14-30mm F/4, I think i am going to choose the alu version, 300euros cheaper. Where did you find the clip to attach the bag to the hook ?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I just got it off amazon, if you look up 'night ize s-biner' there are many options

[@drharveyshahnam]

Thank you for the wonderful discussion. With an L bracket in the vertical position can you still access the USB ports?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

No problem, yup you can still get at the USB port (both the micro and the type C)

[@dezzi2592netscape]

What plate are you using for your L bracket heavy lens? I have a 70-200mm Canon and wonder what I need to be compatible with the Peak Design tripod and if the tripod will work for using this type of lens.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

The tripod is compatible with standard Arca plates. The L-bracket I was using is by smallrig

[@dezzi2592netscape]

Thank you so much for your prompt response. Really enjoyed your review!

[@lisaparsons8125]

Well done. Thanks for getting to the point and giving relevant thorough information!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@zataraadventures]

@@ShaneBethlehem if i get the fluid head universal adapter is it worth getting for video? I am a filmmaker and need something higher tha a gimbal for travel.

[@davidluo9682]

Hi Shane! Thanks a lot for this amazing video. Just one question, the little double - clip you are using to hang the your bag on the tripod. Does it come from peak design? or any other brand? Thanks.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you, they are made by 'nite ize' I've used them for years to help carry random gear and they have held up really well and look sleek www.niteize.com/product/S-Biner-Stainless-Steel.asp

[@christianzayco4287]

Nice review, real world pros and cons. I like your sense of humor there at some points where you talked about diminishing returns using the tripod for cellphones and also removing the legs for using as a tabletop. You said it calmly while trying not to laugh. Haha. By the way, what size peak design bag are you using? The 20L or 30L? Thank You

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you very much! I often have multiple takes on these videos cuz I end up not being able to keep a straight face with some of my statements 😅 I used the 20l v1 of the everyday backpack but I also have their larger travel backpack for when I need to carry more gear. I kind of regret not having a 30l some days, but I've gotten by with the 20l for like 3 years now and I love it to death

[@Nochift138]

Great review, I subscribed to your channel

[@kss9931]

As usual good review! I picked this up and had a question when you are using with an L-bracket. When you are locking the camera L-bracket on the tripod head. Are you actually able to lock it although to the lock symbol? I can’t even go as far as the first dot symbol, that is between the unlocked symbol and locked symbol when attaching my camera and RRS l-bracket. Ive been hesitant to use it, since I can’t twist all the way to the lock symbol. I’d appreciate if you can let me know if you are able to twist the lock on the head all the way to the lock symbol.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Unfortunately not all arca plates are standardized so I think what you're dealing with right now is that your L bracket is a little bit wider than standard, so it can't quite be as snug. I have the same issue with some of the plates that I have. You don't need to have it pushed past the lock symbol in order to have it locked into place, it isn't actually a mechanical locking mechanism, but rather it just relies on friction. so having the locking ring tighter is going to be better but realistically if it stops turning it means it is as tight as it can go. To circumnavigate this I actually have used a file to make some of my plates a little bit smaller so that the tripod head can grip them a little bit tighter.

[@kss9931]

Thanks! I appreciate the prompt reply, and suggestion!

[@dissx]

Great review!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@briansullivan1353]

How is it with larger telephoto lens acting as a quasi gimbal? (I think I see the 200-600 f4 in the background of your desk) Thanks for the detailed review!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Eh, it works but I don't think it's ideal, I've used it as a pseudo monopod but the legs are too loose/thin to do that well as round legs do and it's different head makes its less convenient as a weight. With that said I use it still with my long lenses, but it isn't ideal

[@rachel7550]

Do you have any other videos on another tripod that would be best for video? Or that you also use? Thanks!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I recently purchased an Ifootage tripod, the tc9 that is what I'm trying for video 😊 I'm still deciding on my opinion on it, though so far I've been very happy, but it is quite large

[@rachel7550]

@@ShaneBethlehem yea.. it’s hard to choose between something light but limited or more bulky and useful lol. I’m sure both are awesome, I’m curious how you will like it as time goes on.. thanks for sharing!!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Check out Leofoto. In stability testing it was in top ten but at a much lower price point.

[@rachel7550]

@@Burritosarebetterthantacos ended up going with carbon peak travel, since I’m a wimp when I comes to adding anything bulky to carry. So far so good. Thanks!!!

[@Reynold5up]

Hi, thanks for the great review. One question, does the tripod lock all the way with L bracket or it lock strong enough but unable to reach the lock icon?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thanks for watching. It locks on nice and tight, the sliding lock mechanism won't go all the way across depending on the plate you have mounted depending on who made it. Arca is standardized but I find it's +/- a millimeter depending on the make. The locking mechanism basically you slide until it goes tight, it's friction based rather than having a pin or something to hold it in place.

[@Reynold5up]

@@ShaneBethlehem i see, thanks for the reply :)

[@eleazartzar]

Can I use this tripod with my Nikon d800 and 70-200 mm lens?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

It works well for my Sony 70-200 f2.8 so I imagine it can handle a comparable Nikon setup

[@sergijejovanovic8337]

What L Bracket do you use. Thank you

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I use an old discontinued one made by Smallrig

[@pattons3rd]

I just went to my local camera store and checked it out. Theres a lot of flex to the legs especially the bottom 2 sections, its no go for me

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I do find there is a bit of flex in the bottom sections when it's not clamped tight, though when you do have a load on the top of the tripod I haven't had an issue with a lack of stability, if anything it has a decent amount of dampening for micro shakes because of that flex. With that said that's totally fair if having that flex is a no go for you, it's certainly not the only tripod I use because it's not going to be as durable as other tripods with more material. Thank you for the comment and best of luck in your tripod shopping!

[@pattons3rd]

@@ShaneBethlehem thanks for the reply. It’s become painfully obvious to me that there is no perfect tripod. There’s always trade-offs here and there. Gotta prioritize what’s most important for me. The search continues… Thanks again Shane

[@railpressureflip]

Amazing review, thank you for this!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you 😁 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mirkolanux]

Great and clear review👌🏼 it helps me a lot for the last purchasing decision 😁

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Glad it was helpful! It's still by far the favorite tripod I have

[@cpulleyb]

Great video! How is the lock security with the L bracket?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

It locks very well with my small rig bracket, most L brackets are perfectly spec'ed arca plates, and I haven't run into any issues

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I painted my aluminum to look like camo. Its awesome.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

oh that would be sleek in a camping/hiking kit

[@petrub27]

08:47, lol how are you going to level the camera now?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Exceedingly tediously 😅 or I suppose a small leveling bowl but that whole setup is a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster of hyper light and heavy

[@wario2472000]

Great Video! How did to attach the tripod to the bottom of the backpack?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

It depends on the day I either just use some little hooks or I'll just use the straps that come with the peak design backpacks

[@owainsphotography397]

Great video with loads of useful info, thanks for sharing 👍

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Glad you enjoyed it! thank you for watching

[@Tudorguy-zw1ik]

Is the aluminium tripod good?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

it's an extremely solid tripod, I personally just prefer the carbon fibre option as it is a little lighter

[@DiscoverWithDima]

Great review man just came across your channel! I'm looking to get one myself for my own filming shots. Keep it up!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you very much! It's an ideal tripod for solo setups, its so easy to walk around with, it feels like it's not even there

[@leef3167]

How does it hold up in a little wind?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

it depends on the payload, a large lens will introduce some drag so using a bag to weigh it down helps immensely. with a normal/small set up its fine in the wind

[@charlesnetzler2262]

Hi, thanks for the review, what is the video fluid head that you are using?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I use the Sirui VH-10X Head, its pretty heavy but reliable and built well

[@charlesnetzler2262]

@@ShaneBethlehem Thanks!

[@michaellaskin6645]

Is the leg releases are plastic or metal?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

They are metal

[@highvaluemanproject]

Hey can the tripod fit in the side pocket of your backpack? Also what size is your backpack?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I have the v1 20l Peak design backpack and it fits in the side pocket but I need to use the strap, the V2 pocket is larger and fits it considerably better. Really though any backpack with a water-bottle pocket will fit this tripod.

[@highvaluemanproject]

@@ShaneBethlehem thanks. Does it stand out though?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

On the V1 back it sits flush but as I walk I find it climbs up so I just use on of the included straps to hold it in place and that works very well, just was walking with it this morning like that

[@highvaluemanproject]

@@ShaneBethlehem thanks

[@jaymeez]

Can you do top down videos with it?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

You certainly can but there are other tripods with articulating arms actually which might do a little better

[@AliKazi]

You have such a nice calm voice wow 😊👍❤️

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you 😊

[@bourdon845]

Intéressant

[@jeremyk2740]

Great video and review, just wish you would talk less softly. Will be checking out the rest of your channel though. Cheers!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I working on optimizing my mic setup 😅 one day I'll find the right volume for my voice! Thanks though 😊

[@jpadventures7880]

very helpful, thank you!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I'm glad it helped! Thanks

[@pauswing]

So cold is the carbon that you put that ugly adhesive strip on it?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

It's just my preference, it's for grip and prevent condensation/ice from forming and I don't mind the look

[@edc5338]

Great balanced video of pros/cons. I feel it is overpriced though.

[@FilmDad]

It's the only one of its kind. I kind of expect it to be a little over priced lol

[@PEqualsN.P]

I got the carbon fiber one, and went to the beach to shoot. While i was shooting, accidentally, the tripod fell into the water (I was hand holding the camera). Sand went inside and its ball head is pretty much unusable. I'm planning on getting the external ball-heads.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Oh shoot that's super unfortunate, that's the issue with a lot of ball heads and even worse for fluid heads or solutions like this that are a little bit over engineered. I bet you've come across them already but the options from Acratech are great if you're looking for a open design.

[@Superpowerless1]

Everybody says it's the size of a "water bottle"..3litre bottle presumably

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I was reading the quote from their website, that's probably why it's often mentioned. It is about the size of an average 1L water bottle though

[@LightenupandshootMikey]

he's a little wimpy

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Myself?

[@mediumcool1]

VERY unique? NO!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I'm not familiar with a similar design on the market, if you know of one I'd love to check it out!

[@mediumcool1]

@@ShaneBethlehem UNIQUE is absolute, and cannot be modified by a verb or adverb.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Oh lol, my apologies, proper use of verbs and adjectives is not my forte

[@javea23]

So glad I’m not the only pedant, ‘very unique’ made my teeth grind. Other than that it was a useful and enjoyable review of the tripod. Thanks.

[@user-kb9uh4ww8d]

Thank you for this great review. I wanna buy this tripod but my intent is to use it manly for video. With the one I have now (a classic aluminum travel tripod with a ball head) my configuration is to mount a video head at the top of the ball head because it makes it easier for me to level the shot and lock it first, and then pan, tilt etc... Do you think it could be a good configuration with this peak design tripod?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

In my experience when I've mounted a standard ball head or fluid head onto this tripod it has been functional however I can't say it's the best experience, just because usually you'll be mounting a little bit of a heavier setup and though tripod can technically speaking sustain the weight, a heavier tripod without a centre column and longer legs will always perform better. so if you're looking for the lightest set up I think this is a great option to consider however if you're looking for something that's going to be dedicated for video I highly recommend checking out iFootage’s gazelle series.

[@user-kb9uh4ww8d]

@@ShaneBethlehem thanks for the advice!