Tripod Comparison, 4 Companies ($1,000-1,500)

[@stevethornhill8383]

Keep up the great work!!! I have a question all good tripods have a accessory port but I haven’t found accessories for it or how it can be used… have a great day

[@OzarkBill]

Another great one, Scott. Thank you. I have to take this opportunity to warn about Gitzo/Vindendum. I bought a high-end set of Gitzo legs with a $250 mail-in rebate. No matter what I tried, including getting the store I bought them from involved, they never honored the rebate. I sent them all the possible information I had three separate times and it still never came. Since Gitzo has been bought, customer service has taken a nosedive while prices continue to soar. I still love my three Gitzo tripods, heads and bags, but I will never again let a mail-in rebate affect my decision on purchasing.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I get slack as many "old school" people covet Gitzo, but more and more I hear about them and it is less and less favorable, especially with service.

[@KristenSmith]

Even though I'm almost never in the market for the things you review, I like your presentations and review style. Thanks for doing them - the information is always interesting. Just chiming in to say I've had a RRS tripod and ball head for 10 years and they've been everywhere and in a lot of harsh conditions. Top notch gear. Beautifully made. Highly technical craftsmanship that you can feel when you use them and I have confidence that nothing is going to let me down in the field. I have the TQC-14 which is discontinued and I don't know if it's been updated or replaced, and the BH30 which switches out to other supports as needed. Oh and when I finally got around to cleaning the legs for the first time last year - there was nothing in them! No grit, no dirt, no nothing. So the seals are amazing in the twist locks.

[@WildlifeInspired]

That's good to know! I can tell you, the legs I use definitely get a little gritty inside

[@georgedavall9449]

Speaking as a Subscriber, I am in full agreement, although Scott has helped tremendously in a few of my purchasing decisions. All I could ask for would be a change in the ‘Intro’ music? It sounds similar to that ‘Chickanic’ Channel? He does have a good narrative style, and really covers all the bases in reviews. Happy Shooting!

[@MexximusUK]

Thanks for this video it has been very helpful indeed. After 2 Gitzo series 5 tripods with very poor quality control I went for the Pro Media Gear. I'm in the UK so glad I found a supplier

[@WildlifeInspired]

super, enjoy!

[@bejijoseph]

Thank you Scott. Really appreciate you making these videos and going into the level of detail that is super helpful for photographers. For me personally, it is hard to get a comparison of these pods in person. You made it very easy for us to learn more about these models. I was researching for tripods in this range, and was comparing 2 of the 4 models you have here in the comparison. I trust your comparison and it helped me make my selection. I used your affiliate link and placed my order. By the way, you have the RRS TVC-34L in the comparison, but the B&H link is for TFC-34L. For my purpose, TFC was better, so I ended up ordering that.

[@dexon555]

I've been using a FLM tripod for about three years now, It's absolutely incredible. The model is a CP34-L4II, I use it with a Promedia Gear BH50 head. I believe FLM is a German company that has manufacturing in China. So far, I can't find one flaw with my FLM tripod. I live in South Florida, so the lower leg sections have been constantly exposed to salt water. FLM is a great, high-quality option for the price point. IMHO

[@Charles_Middleton]

Great detailed review. I really appreciate the time it took to produce this.

[@Ivorberry]

Hi thanks for interesting, balanced and informative review. Look forward to watching more items on the channel

[@mikebrownhill4662]

Great review - very comprehensive. I'm very fussy about tripods and I use a Gitzo 5 series, which is rock solid and has never given me any problems. I also use the Gitzo levelling bowl because it helps a lot when I'm balancing a 600mm prime on a Wimberley gimbal. It works for me. I have used an FLM tripod (not mine - it was borrowed) and I was very impressed. It was well built and felt really solid. I'd have no problems using an FLM tripod again.

[@WildlifeInspired]

It's great hearing that having used both.

[@michaelauer3675]

Excellent review! Thank you for taking the time to make this!

[@joshuahorner2639]

I really appreciate this video and knew it would take some time for you to put it together. You did a great job of explaining your bias and still put together a fair comparison. I learned a lot about PMG. I have used a RRS TVC 33 Mk 1 as I wanted stability and lighter weight. I have also used a Gitzo G 1228 Mk 2 Tripod with a Bogen 3063 Tripod Head for a Questar Field Model Spotting Scope. I learned a lesson many years ago that sometimes paying more in the beginning saves you in the long run. I purchased a pair of Leica rubberized 12 x 50 binoculars in 1985? for around $2000 (a huge $$$ at the time). I still use those binoculars today, so relatively spending $54/yr. has given my a lifetime of memories.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I also have an appreciation for well made things. Maybe not my wardrobe but theres something to be said for timeless craftsmanship

[@withvinayak]

Thanks for putting so much effort into making a detailed video on this. Just the video I needed when I am looking for a tripod. 🎉

[@WildlifeInspired]

You're very welcome!

[@MrBPM75]

Love this video comparison! Could you kindly help me in Promedia gear what's the difference between "TR344L Carbon Fiber Tripod | 4 sections 71"", "TRS344L Pro-Stix Compact Carbon Fiber Tripod | 4 Sections 71 inches" and "TR344LBL Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod with Leveling Head | 4 sections 71 inches"? They all are 71 inches which is perfect and weights 4.3 lbs.

[@WildlifeInspired]

the second one include a half ball leveling base, the first one is flat on top. the leveling base is needed for video and nice for regular still images as well but you cant flatten it down to the ground with the leveling base on it. Appreciate if you shop with this link to promedia directly: www.promediagear.com?aff=36

[@MrBPM75]

@@WildlifeInspired Thank you for the reply.. I will use you affiliate code link. Last question - For Faroe Islands travel for shooting landscape, long exposures photography, do I really need leveling base? I understand the concept of easy tweaking on uneven surface to level the ball head or camera itself on top of leveling base. Also what I understand is TRS344L has smaller apex and hence more compact when folded over TR344L & TR344LBL. I am not a pro-photographer but more enthusiasts. My camera would be Nikon D850 w/ 16-35 lens. So getting TRS344L means I won't be able to put theirs leveling base as it is bigger and fits only TR344L. Most of my itinerary would be parking car near the hike location and hike to top vantage point to take photos. Hikes are usually 30 mins to some are like 1.5 hrs. So trying to decide which one I need to get one tripod between TRS344L, TR344L & TR344LBL. What's an optimal option for my usage - high stability, and easy to carry in hiking on travel landscape photography and also day to day tripod in my local city or park landscapes photography.

[@taklebury]

I do like the PMG foot set up. The fact you can stash spikes or rock feet inside the rubber foot and when needed they can deploy onto the other side of the rubber foot which will protect the bottom section from being dinged on gravel or rocks when spikes are fitted.

[@vladyslavkosulin6413]

Magnesium alloys provide best resistance to unwanted mechanical vibrations, an essential feature for a tripod. Magnesium has the highest known damping capacity of any structural metal, capable of withstanding 10x more than aluminum, titanium, or steel. It is also flexible, making it easy to machine and cast and meaning it can be injection moulded. And with a density of 1.7g/cm3, magnesium is also the lightest structural metal available. Its alloys provide a weight advantage over aluminum up to 33%.

[@jameshyde149]

Nice review! Thanks for taking the time and effort. I have both a Gitzo Traveler and a PMG 34. The problem with the Gitzo is I had a spring break on it sending it back under warranty would take months. Contacting Gitzo and talk to someone didn’t seem possible just unreturned messages. So I just ordered a new spring at cost to do myself that had to be shipped from England. That took weeks to get to me. With the PMG there are no springs or rubber that ever need replacement. I have called them before a few times with questions and they answer the phone. All three times the persons that answered were the same guys as in their videos. I believe two of them are brothers that founded the company and are the machinist that make them. And the first time I called I ordered the tripod from them they put one together for me ( glued the carbon fiber to hardware the size I wanted) and shipped to me the next day. 😊

[@WildlifeInspired]

Their customer service is fantastic, glad you shared that. Gitzo definitely has a "corporate" vibe (automated messaging and service)

[@Pengranger]

Interesting view on the base on the RRS. I use a levelling head on my RRS all the time - for both photo and video, including with a gimbal.

[@ravibindra565]

I have PMG 424L for almost 4 years now and it is awesome. Even at 1.83m tall (6‘) with the A-S G4 geared head, the bottom leg does not need to be pulled out. Minor issues only but from lack of maintenance (should have washed more thoroughly after immersing bottom section in sand and sea water) it is still perfect. However, I am watching this because i realize i need something a little lighter in the 1.9-2.1Kg when hiking in mountains and i am getting old and saggy. I have the Gitzo traveller which i take when flying. I need to play with the tripods in a shop before making a choice. Has anyone tried a King Joy tripod? I need something that can hold a 4x5 camera too. Does the FLM with bowl and half ball have a hook underneath? The PMG combo doesnt have it. RRS does.

[@WildlifeInspired]

As I send the gear back, I do not remember the hook option, though I THINK it does. Their customer service was pretty good about answering.

[@Gazzab6]

A lot of pro photographers are moving to Kingjoy tripods and many of them have been Gitzo owners. The reviews I’ve seen from some of them claim that the Kingjoys are delivering the same quality as their Gitzos did but at less than half the price due to the bowl, levelling base and stainless steel spikes all coming as standard. Their customer service is fantastic as I can vouch for that and the main suppliers are Kase Filters.

[@WildlifeInspired]

i will check it out!

[@Gazzab6]

@@WildlifeInspired not sure if my reply went to you Scott because it contained a link to a review of the Kingjoy C85 (which is the model I have and I do wildlife photography). The review can be found by searching for Daniel Wretham Photography Kingjoy C85 Review. Hope you manage to get one for review and if you need any further information, don’t hesitate to contact me. Keep up with the fantastic content and Channel. The original version of tripod was the A86 and is still available from Mc2 Photography and Kingjoy do a C86 in black carbon fibre and also a camo version which has similar specs to the A86 (same max load and leg thickness). The C85 is a bit lighter yet easily performs well for wildlife photography.

[@JohnPokocky]

At the start of the Gitzo review your screen says correctly GT4543LS. At the end 20:29 minutes in it says GT4345LS(Typo). Great review. I loved your gimbal heads reviews. Now I’ll be buying one of these tripods for wildlife. Love your work.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I swear i cant read or type its a real struggle!

[@sabas7007]

the flat top mount of the promedia gear is compatible with other brands? the official page does not sell it and it is very useful to have several

[@ChaseDaigle]

Have been exceptionally happy with everything i have from RRS. I have bought a fair bit of it second hand too and it just built like a tank and considerately designed. Looking at other brands for my next tripod because I'm biased towards the rrs and want to see how the other options stack up.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Good to hear

[@balintk.9373]

Hey Scott, Great review and a little constructive criticism. In the future could you please use metric system as well. I am pretty sure you have subscribers\viewers outside of the states ;)

[@WildlifeInspired]

Already on it! Keep watching last 2 vids I shot, I included metric I listen!

[@markjensen663]

Nice review Scott. I'd be interested in your opinion as to weather some of these beefier diameter legs are getting to be overkill for some of the lighter weight telephoto lenses being released lately.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I think they are good if you are going to hyper extend to like 7 feet for some reason. But for MOST applications under 6 feet and under 10lbs I think you can EASILY find tripods for $500 and you'd never know the difference in a blind study

[@cathyklimes1289]

Thank you, these type of comparisons help me understand and make better choices.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@simonmiles1972]

PMG also make one of the lightest 3 series tripods. Build quality is amazing. No springs because they fail. No rubber because it fails. Legs with secondary locks to prevent the main bolt loosening over time. Parts readily available online. Exceptional customer service, even for me all the way over in the UK. Outstanding tripods IMHO.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Agree!

[@unclebuck5957]

Watching some of your videos all which are very good. You were doing a pod cast with Josh Galicki he is from the Wilkes Barre area are you from Pa . I live North of WB in Harding . Thanks for the very useful videos

[@WildlifeInspired]

That is awesome!

[@georgedavall9449]

Scott and B&H Rocks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Woot!

[@joebecker3107]

I have the rrs tvc 34L with ta3 leveling base with lever quick release clamp for switching out heads. Its an awesome set up and very light but solid. It was the best investment I made into tripods. It'll most likely last longer than me. I do like gitzo too. Definitely would try pro media gear if I needed a new one. But, I actually don't use the big tripod as much after selling my 500f4 and now using the 500pf. Now my most used support is the 'heat a seat' or monopod.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Yes, the mirrorless systems and lighter lenses have made tripods less important for birds in flight, but still required for things like long exposure blue hour (perched owls come to mind)

[@jonathansmithies]

I'm slightly shorter than 6 ft (5ft 10) so the taller tripods are not such a requirement for me. Personally I use the Gitzo GT4553S which has 5 leg sections - ideal for photographers who like to travel and need to fit the tripod in a suitcase, or where carrying the tripod attached to a backpack and shorter collapsed length is a priority). When it comes to overall height, one thing I found is that depending on the type of head you're using, the tripod head will give you that extra height on top of the actual height of the tripod. Great video Scott. I like how thorough your reviews are. Even though my tripod will hopefully last me the next 30 years, I still enjoyed watching your reviews here.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks!

[@stevethompson8154]

I'd likke you to consider running another one through these tests. The Leofoto LM-404CL Summit

[@WildlifeInspired]

Ill try to do a different price point soon.

[@sabas7007]

Promediagear compatibility with other bowls brand ?

[@sabas7007]

Promedia gear compatibility with other bowls RRS ?

[@Photogal]

Would really love your thoughts on the Sirui Explorer Series Carbon Fiber Tripod! A future video idea!

[@WildlifeInspired]

I'll check it out!

[@kerrygrim7934]

Scott, your review on tripods was excellent and carefully done. It was also good to see one for wildlife tripods as many, many KZbin videos were made recently on travel tripods. I got a RRS tripod maybe 9 years ago. Expensive, but excellent. I forgot the model off hand but it was designed tor lenses up to 300mm. I do landscape so did not go for a heavier model. Wanted three sections and was willing to sacrifice having maximum height with three sections instead of four. Expensive but glad I got it. Could not do it again as I am retired and on a fixed income. As I stated , your review was excellent. When I got the RRS, I did so because it was made in the US and their reputation for service was excellent. It was to replace an ancient Gitzo that was actually falling apart and the damn thing weighed 9 pounds! If I were to buy again (barring money issues) I would definitely go for one of the to U.S. models. I have to pay more attention to the landscape photographers I watch on KZbin…only the ones that are definitely professionals and well known. Surprisingly, the do not use the more expensive tripods and I believe most use Manfroto. However, it is shocking to see them frequently taking photos with the center post extended. Not good examples. I did not want a center post and don’t miss it.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks Kerry!

[@ForWildsSake]

Great video, I am shopping for a new Tripod and the time and effort your put into this video were very helpful. Much Appreciated!!

[@WildlifeInspired]

You're very welcome!

[@djack4125]

I had an accident which destroyed a leg on my loved RRS TV-34L. I sent the tripod back to RRS with a letter. The letter stated the damage was all my fault and would they make repairs. About 10 days later, the tripod arrives at my home as good as new. RRS provided a long list of parts that were used to make the repair and wrote across the list of parts........NO CHARGE The RRS tripods are exceptionally good and RRS customer service is the gold standard.

[@WildlifeInspired]

That's amazing!

[@LightTheShadows]

I guess no one has considered or ever heard about Kingjoy as a serious option but their A86 / C86 tripods are outstanding. I stumbled across the brand while watching the "photography online" YT channel from Scotland and took the risk of getting a A86 at a bargain price directly from China. Kingjoy is an OEM manufaturer for quite a lot of brands and their own series are relatively unknown. Stay away from the K-series though - they are crap in my eyes but the A- and C-series are fantastic.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I will look into that and I am guessing I know some of their 3rd party retailers. I have seen parts from various companies that are identical.

[@LightTheShadows]

@@WildlifeInspired My A86 is on par with my Gitzo GT5543 without having tested it scientifically. It is solid like a rock. I originally bought a K-xxx and returned it immediately. Wasn’t sure if I should buy another model from the same brand but luckily I did so. For wildlife I mostly use it with the Markins Q20i plus BV-22 but that is not an ideal solution. I am relatively new to wildlife and I am still testing things out.. I also own a Benro GH-1 but it’s not carbon fibre and heavy as hell. So before I spend more money I need to figure out what’s best for my needs. Your videos are very useful for me to figure out what my options are - thank you so much for your work. Currently I lean towards the Leofoto PG-1.

[@sabas7007]

Promedia gear compatibility with other bowls ?

[@WildlifeInspired]

the bowl size is really the only regulator as long at its 70/75mm (75 is most common) or 100mm, you should be fine with a bowl/leveling base.

[@garethwilliams976]

Great review but as far as tripods go, good ones last forever unless abused therefore always but always buy used. Nothing to lose and huge saving.

[@wingsandthings.]

Definitely out of my budget, but great comparison.

[@WildlifeInspired]

thanks!

[@danielson_9211]

Went with Gitzo (actually the same model), working great take it everywhere thought about the RRS but they were having problems with the leg locks at the time 2 years ago and I like the Gitzo feet better.

[@WildlifeInspired]

cant go wrong

[@houserhythm]

I got some off-brand tripod off of Amazon. It's 65" tall, 4 sections (40/36/32/28mm), claims to hold 88lbs, but I can hang off it and I'm 250lbs, it's weather sealed, has 3/8 feet (comes with spikes too), has 1 3/8 and 3 1/4 accessory threads on the base, comes with both a flat base and a leveling bowl and even a quite nice carrying bag. Been using it for 2 years and it still looks brand new. It's been in fresh water, salt water, sand and mud. The kicker is it was a bit under $300. Nothing feels cheap or badly macined/glued on it and it's on par for features with the ones presented here. Will it last as long as these? Probably not. But I also doubt these will last 4-5 times as much. And considering the max weight I put on it is ~15lbs, I'm pretty confident there will be no catastrophic failure that would lead to gear damage. What I expect to fail in time is the twist locks slowly starting to require more and more torque to lock, to the point of not being able to completely lock anymore. But that should be gradual and give me enough advance warning to buy another one. I get that US/EU manufacturing is more expensive, but even the one made in China presented here is 4x the cost. And as much as I'd like to support local manufacturing, I have a not unlimited budget and spending 4-5x for that support is just too much. Just to put it into perspective, you could get an entry level wildlife camera and lens (Canon R10 + RF 100-400mm) with a bit of patience for a small discount, just for the difference between my tripod and the most expensive here; and that's electronics, precision glass, sensors, screens, buttons etc.

[@vudo2555]

OK....I am very much an amateur hobbiest photographer so don't have a full understanding of what true professional standards are for various equipment but when it comes to tripods it would be great to see some lower priced comparisons to these and what the differences are directly in quality and 'in field' use. One brand and model that comes to mind would be the Benro Mammoth Tripods....just curious how these might stack up in comparison at the sub $400 range. Great video once again and thank you for all you do in helping guys like me understand equipment before making regrettable purchases 😊.

[@jonathansmithies]

Not sure if it's happening for anyone esle, but the chapters don't seem to be showing up for me?

[@WildlifeInspired]

ill fix!

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Very thorough and biased!!Thank you, Scott!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad you liked it!

[@andimendiandimendi1778]

FLM is actually a german brand. I don't know if some part of the tripod was made in China, but the design and the brand itself are german.

[@WildlifeInspired]

They are made in China. I spoke to the person that makes them. They have separate divisions. One division is based in Germany, but the tripods are FULLY made in China and the whole division in based there. (the ballheads are different!)

[@s2sailorlis]

Quick release platforms without a safety are an invitation to a disaster…especially if you carry the rig on your shoulder, once that “1/4 turn “ loosens…. Bye bye kit…. Lmfao

[@RobsKoiPond]

Innorel RT90c Comes in a durable padded heavy duty zipper bag, 400 bucks. 63' height, 4 section carbon fiber legs 40 mm tubes, leg locks, rubber and spiked feet, bowl adapter, with an 88lb weight capacity and zero movement even with a 25lb PRs rifle shooting off it. I laugh at the ones that are over $1000 bucks when you can save the cost because of the name you end up paying for.

[@WildlifeInspired]

good mention. I wanted to get the "big names" in this one but will do another review in the near future

[@attacker7124]

No. You’re paying for a high quality made in USA product. Not some POS chinesium. i’ve been through countless cheap tripods, including a smaller amazon special innorel. After a handful of dunks in the sand and water, full of grit. Not to mention the hinge bolts constantly come loose, and inevitably get stripped. Buy once cry once has never failed me and certainly wouldn’t have here, had I avoided the cheap shit off the bat.

[@RobsKoiPond]

@@attacker7124 so sad too bad for you. I've been running mine for 3 years with a camera / 600 mm lens, and mostly with a 20 lb precision rifle in prs shooting. Beating on it WAY more than you will with any camera. You got a bad one because mine has been in sand, mud, rain, snow, temps of over - 30 and its been perfect. Unless you have used this particular model you don't know what you're talking about.

[@exitar1]

Really if a company can’t make a good tripod for a 1000 dollars.....

[@WildlifeInspired]

I mean, lets hope.... but some people might be stuck on a brand or curious about pros and cons of a brand.

[@blacksheep6888]

If you have spent more than 250 on a tripod your nuts

[@dutchtubeuser]

you missed Leofoto

[@WildlifeInspired]

Im doing a dedicated review soon, stay tuned

[@maziatr]

FLM is German

[@DLCOrganization]

And it just so happens that ALL of them are carbon fiber! THAT is quite the pill to stomach for this particular review.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Allergic to carbon fiber? or did I miss something. Is carbon fiber bad in a way that I am not aware of?

[@DLCOrganization]

@@WildlifeInspired -- Just the fact that it wasn't mentioned in the title. (FTR, this is not a criticism, just an observation.) Usually for a _general_ comparison of tripods, one would figure that it would include tripods of both aluminum AND carbon fiber varieties. Since aluminum is the default standard, this common thread stuck out like a sore thumb.