Experience /w RRS tripods

Hval

I am loving this thread. I currently have two items on my shopping list & one item on my wish list: -

1/ TP-243 tripod
2/ MH-02 LR: Head with indexing lever-release clamp for my Gitzo GM2541 monopod

At some stage I will get the PG-02 LLR gimbal head as well.

I can't see me getting any of these items this year. A shame. Still, they are for me to look forward to next year. As for the BH-55 PCLR. I am impressed; really impressed. Am still getting used to how much to tighten the ball, and with which knob. I really, really like using it though.

Golf007sd

@Hval: Their most current monopod head (MH-02 LR) is so tempting to get. I have one generation past and I love it. Since getting the 300 2.8, the monopod has found a whole new life in usage. 95% of the time, the 300 is mounted on the monopod vs a body so I do not change the orientation that often.

The PG-02, like many of their other gear, rocks the house. As I have said before, I'm waiting for the VG-02 to come out...men while 2 years have gone by arrrrr.

The BH-55 PC-LR is the cream-dela-cream. My only beaf with it is, when a body (FF or one with a battery grip) is mounted on top, the bubble leveling indicator is covered up. Thus, you have to mount your body in a way or twist the head so that the bubble in facing in the same direction as the lens being mounted on it in order to see it.

Photobug

Great videos @Golf007sd. Thanks for sharing. This forum is loaded with information and the pictures really add to the value. As a "gear head" I love reading this forum and sharing my experience.

Regarding the MH-02 LR, take a look at the Sirui L-10. I upgraded the head on my Monopod 2 years ago and love it. It supports 33 pounds and looks similar to the RRS MH-02 LR. Here is the link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892554-REG/Sirui_bsrl10_L_Series_Monopod_Tilt.html/?m=Y&gclid=Cj0KEQjwjtGfBRCN4-LU9ODG1-wBEiQAy_Xp7y2QGKAQdY3wsYHebuovjCnzl3Gt0lOtVZmX3_UudG4aAv0-8P8HAQ

At half the price its a good alternative to the RRS head. And yes, I ordered the BH-55 LR ball head for my Gitzo tripod. I don't do panorama so I did not get the BH-55 PC-LR.

Hval

Photobug,

Your Sirui L-10 is a tempting option. I love the Really Right Stuff kit, I really do. What I dislike is the tax that gets added when it comes visiting the UK. It isn't Really Right Stuffs fault, it is the UK tax and customs system. The cost increase is considerable. I really want to give my custom to a company like Really Right Stuff as well. If they were in Europe they would be getting all my business for that type of equipment, no questions asked. I believe in supporting local companies who produce quality goods (not that RRS are local for me, but hopefully you might understand).

On my previous RRS order, that cost US $1,489 dollars, I then had to pay shipping (US $86). Then I had to pay an additional US $387.22 for VAT, Customs Duty Customs clearance fee, etc. I then get hit with a currency conversion charge ( GB £ to US $). So, to purchase any Really Right Stuff stuff in the UK you can add a third to USA prices. That really hurts.

I can purchase that Siriu L-10 in the Uk, delivered to me for $120.66. The Really Right Stuff MH-02, delivered to my house, will cost me nearly $500. That is one heck of a saving.

Photobug

Any buyer of USA merchandise in the EU certainly pays a premium but I had no idea it was that bad. I expected higher shipping cost but had no idea how bad the VAT was or the Customs Duty. Thanks for sharing your experience.

You did make me feel good about the affordable cost for the Siriu L-10. I really like mine, it's an affordable option to the RRS monopod head.

Golf007sd

IanG

Wow - that's amazing - the camouflage really makes that tripod almost invisible!!!

Thanks for posting

Hval

After todays macro photography I have the following shopping list.

Really Right Stuff VG-02 Video gimbal head
Really Right Stuff MH-02 LR Monopod Head (or equivalent)
Really Right Stuff TP-243 Ground-Level Tripod
Really Right Stuff TVC-24L
A flash ring and two extenders and brackets for two flash units

Symphotic

no, No, NO! Stop it! I thought I was done buying RRS for a while. No more, Please! Save my marriage and my retirement!

Photobug

no, No, NO! Stop it! I thought I was done buying RRS for a while. No more, Please! Save my marriage and my retirement!

Hey, I am retired and I bought most of my RRS before retirement, but still buying today. Only because my Financial Planner invested my IRA wisely and I have money to buy good tools.

Seriously, buy now to enjoy but continue to invest for the future.

Photobug

@Golf007sd: The above two videos are great, especially the second one. I like the fact that they sell kits with "all the right stuff" (pun intended) so you don't have to hunt and peck to find all the right pieces.

I have run enough RRS videos to appreciate how good they are. This RRS forum has turned into a great place to learn which unfortunately turns into a dream list on items to buy.

Hval

I love the interaction between a Eric and his father. Love the out takes as well.

And yes, I have considered bumping the wife off and asking Eric to marry me, just so that I can get Really Right Stuff for free.

Golf007sd

Photobug

Thanks Golf for the camera strap solution video. I have looked at this adapter a couple of times but not done anything. I want to get away from the over the next strap and go to a sling. However, I have never liked screwing the BlackRapid adapter into the camera tripod socket and putting all that weight and stress on the tripod socket.

I found the Boss strap which uses the normal strap connection points which looks like a good alternative. Then the RRS solution was introduced. All most all of the time I have a "L" bracket on my D7100 so this adapter screws into the threaded bottom socket of the "L" bracket. That still puts stress on the tripod socket that the "L" bracket is screwed into. So I am still sitting on the fence.

Anyone using this RRS solution?

Golf007sd

I've been using it for well over 2 1/2 years. Started out with the D7000 and then onto the D4. Never had an issue with it, specially when I snap the 24-70 or 14-24 2.8 on. The nice thing about this solution is, given that I have also purchased RRS foot plates for my 70-200 & 300 2.8....I attache my Blackrapid, right to the foot plate using the RRS B2-FAB.

Lastly, the tripod screw on Nikon D-SLR's are very well made...don't worry you cannot damage it or your camera.

Symphotic

@Photobug and @Golf007sd:

I have used this mini-clamp adapter for my black rapid strap, but have since re-assigned it to other use. I now just screw the Black Rapid into the L-Plate: I don't think there is enough stress on the tripod socket to worry about, especially since the L-bracket prevents any motion of the screw in the tripod socket itself. The only place to worry about is the black rapid screw into the L-plate. Sometimes, especially when I am at sea, I secure that with a zip tie.

My underwater systems have zip ties all over them securing cables, clamps and retaining pins, so I always have a lot of zip ties handy. I destroyed a D800 once by not having it all well secured in place on an elevated rig I was making, so now zip ties are part of my daily routine.

I just got notification from RRS that my new D810 L-Plate is on the truck for delivery today.

Photobug

@Golf007sd and Symphotic
Thanks Golf for the feedfback. So your actually using the RRS clamp adapter and just not applying the BR connector to the bottom of the L plate?

It certainly makes sense to use the RRS foot plate on the 70-200 & 300 2.8. I have the RRS foot replacement on my 70-200 2.8. That is so logical I overlooked it.

Thanks Symphontic. Using the RRS clamp adapter would be faster but you really don't really need to change it to the lens foot that often. When I watched the video my first thought, why not just secure the BR screw into the bottom of the "L" bracket.

So which BR strap did you two buy, the Sports model with an under arm strap or the standard single sling strap?

Photobug

For those who have not seen an RRS ballhead, here are photos of the BH-55 LR (lever release rather than knob release) model. The RRS head is mounted on a Gitzo tripod and in some of the shots I have a RRS "L" bracket installed on the head.
Front View:

Top view:

Base View

Shooter's Position:


Have used the Markins Q20 ball head for 6 years. After having the RRS BH-55 LR for one day I can tell you it is significantly better. The drag knob is so much easier to use and the main control knob is significantly better ergonomics shaped. Wish I had made the change years ago. Yes it's expensive but it is so worth it.

Photobug

There are two ways to turn the B2-AS ii clamp, see below.

In my opinion this is the correct orientation with the bubble level facing the photographer...in this picture that would be on the left side. It's funny that the RRS name on the clamp faces the user instead of the front of the tripod.


The other option is to turn the clamp around like this picture:

However, the bubble level is located under the lens in this orientation and not easily seen by the photographer and the RRS logo faces toward the subject.

Therefore, the top picture is the correct orientation. The size of the ball is so much larger than the Markins Q20. For those looking for a ball head, I like the RRS family. They make different clamps for each of their heads; lever clamp, knob lamp, etc. They also make smaller ball heads with lighter capacities; BH-55 LR, BH-40 LR, BM-30, and BH-25.

Golf007sd

....When I watched the video my first thought, why not just secure the BR screw into the bottom of the "L" bracket.

So which BR strap did you two buy, the Sports model with an under arm strap or the standard single sling strap?

You do not want to do that, because: should you want to use your tripod, then you have keep unscrewing the BR fastener from the L-Plate; which is time consuming and a pain in the butt. :P

As for the BR, I ended up getting the Curve R7-Strap. In addition, I purchased their FastenR Stealth...it helps in reducing the noise.

Symphotic

So which BR strap did you two buy, the Sports model with an under arm strap or the standard single sling strap?

I got the cheapest one available at the time. There is no under arm strap.

Photobug

....When I watched the video my first thought, why not just secure the BR screw into the bottom of the "L" bracket.

So which BR strap did you two buy, the Sports model with an under arm strap or the standard single sling strap?

You do not want to do that, because: should you want to use your tripod, then you have keep unscrewing the BR fastener from the L-Plate; which is time consuming and a pain in the butt. :P

As for the BR, I ended up getting the Curve R7-Strap. In addition, I purchased their FastenR Stealth...it helps in reducing the noise.

Clarification question: I understand how you are using the F2-FAB clamp on the telephoto lens foot rail and that is an excellent idea & tip.

Where I am slightly confused is what is the BR Stealth attached to? Is it attached directly to the 1/4"-20 threaded socket on the bottom of the mini-clamp or the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera? My hunch is your using the F2-BAB mini clamp and apply it to your "L" bracket or the lens foot on the 70-200 & 300mm lens.

Thanks for the link to the BR FaterR Stealth FR-4 tripod attachment. This looks like an excellent solution to address the sound issue (pun intended). Did not know about that option. Thanks for the help.

Photobug

I got the cheapest one available at the time. There is no under arm strap.

Thanks @Symphotic. I am looking at the Curve model and the Sport model.

Photobug

@Golf - I know you have been busy, any clarification; text or video on my 8/28 post would be appreciated.

Golf007sd

Hope this help a bit....really quick video that I made for you. It's quality sucks but I rushed it...so forgive me if it is not up to the normal standards.