Experience /w RRS tripods

Killerbob

Does anyone have experience with the RRS tripod bags? I am thinking of getting one for my RRS TVC-24L tripod, with the BH-55 ballhead, TA-2-LB leveling base and TA-2-QC quick-column. I have leg-wraps on the tripod. I just want to make sure the TQB-80B bag is big enough?

haroldp

RRS D800 l-plates will work on the D810 if you do not use the video and audio ports on the side.

Golf007sd

@Killerbob: You will need to get the TQB-89: Extra large tripod bag, because of the extra hight you have with the addition to the leveling base and quick-column. I have this bag and love it. Moreover, when ever I travel, my monopod is in it as well.

Currently, I looking at getting another one of their bags so that I can take my RRS TP-243 along as well. Trying to put all three in one bag is way to tight.

Killerbob

I just got an email from RRS saying that as well:) Order for new L-plate for D810, BH-55, and bag is already made:) i am now left wondering if I need to join a Nikon and RRS addictions group...

Golf007sd

I just got an email from RRS saying that as well:) Order for new L-plate for D810, BH-55, and bag is already made:) i am now left wondering if I need to join a Nikon and RRS addictions group...

Welcome to the club. You are in good company. :P

Photobug

@Killerbob: You will need to get the TQB-89: Extra large tripod bag, because of the extra hight you have with the addition to the leveling base and quick-column. I have this bag and love it. Moreover, when ever I travel, my monopod is in it as well.

Currently, I looking at getting another one of their bags so that I can take my RRS TP-243 along as well. Trying to put all three in one bag is way to tight.

Golf - great idea putting your monopod and tripod in one bag. Never would have thought of that. How is the bag quality; materials of construction, double sewing, zipper quality, etc?

@killerbob said: i am now left wondering if I need to join a Nikon and RRS addictions group.

It sure sounds like you have RRS addiction. Welcome to the team. =D>

General comment to all readers of this forum. RRS customer service support is outstanding. Just send them an email and they will respond to your questions reasonably fast. Or if you need an immediate answer to your question, call them. Over the years they have been extremely helpful.

Golf007sd

@Photobug: Everthing about the quality of the bag is first rate. One of the great feature is that on the inside of the very top, there is a great amount of space to store stuff in. it has a zipper that you open and can put all your goodies in it. I have all my macro rail, all the replacement foots for my tripod (i.e., rock claws, spikes, etc), all my pano gear, and a few other odd's and ends.

RRS leave no stones unturned...even if you do not have their tripods, if you are looking for a bag, get this on...you will thank me once you put it to use.

Maybe it is worth me doing a video on this.....hmmm

Killerbob

I emailed them, but I must say, I had to look a while before I found their email address. Didn't they have a IM help line at one point?

As for their gear, I have said it before; I spent a lot of money on other equipment, until I finally took the leap and accepted that a tripod could cost a thousand bucks. Had I just done that earlier in the process, I could have saved a bunch of money. RRS gear simply is that much better, and know you're worth it:)

I was contemplating buying their long lens support package. i already have the MPR-1 rail on my 500mm, which I use on my Monopod or my BH-40. However I liked the idea of the long lens support. In the end I skipped it though, need to leave something for next purchase...

Photobug

@Photobug: Everthing about the quality of the bag is first rate. One of the great feature is that on the inside of the very top, there is a great amount of space to store stuff in. it has a zipper that you open and can put all your goodies in it. I have all my macro rail, all the replacement foots for my tripod (i.e., rock claws, spikes, etc), all my pano gear, and a few other odd's and ends.

RRS leave no stones unturned...even if you do not have their tripods, if you are looking for a bag, get this on...you will thank me once you put it to use.

Maybe it is work me doing a video on this.....hmmm

I have looked at several generic bags and construction was okay...nothing jumped out at me and said "buy me". Yes this does sound like an opportunity for a new video. =D>

Msmoto

The recent edition of the DSM suggests RRSAS may exist…. ) :O )

Photobug

The recent edition of the DSM suggests RRSAS may exist…. ) :O )

Is there anything wrong with RRSAS? :-)) =D> )

Photobug

Spend more than $450 on a Gitzo tripod and get a $150 rebate. Purchase by 12/31/2014. Rebate is a gift card and shipping over $99 is FREE.
http://www.gitzo.us/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=november

haroldp

@Killerbob

The RRS long lens support package is the most cost effective way of getting the best possible performance out of a long lens.

It is noticeable on the 400/2.8, but transformative on the 200-400.

If you use long lenses, there is no other way to spend it's price and get it's improvement and consistency.

It s a pain in the *** to set up.

At the current level of sensor and pro lens technology, I believe the priority order for attaining IQ is:

1 - Camera / Lens support
2 - Lens Performance
3 - Camera / Sensor Performance.

Assuming of course a skill set and that competent technique is employed.

... H

Photobug

@haroldp - said: At the current level of sensor and pro lens technology, I believe the priority order for attaining IQ is:

1 - Camera / Lens support
2 - Lens Performance
3 - Camera / Sensor Performance.

+1 I agree with that assessment. I have seen to many fuzzy pictures because a low shutter speed was used with no tripod/monopod.

Killerbob

Having just received the TQB-89 I am impressed with the size, and Golf is right, you can easily fit a tripod with a BH-55, AND your monopod in it.

However, I thought all RRS gear was made in the US, and can verify that the bags are not. For a company that prides itself in "MADE IN THE USA - Down to the smallest screw" that is a bit surprising...

Photobug

Having just received the TQB-89 I am impressed with the size, and Golf is right, you can easily fit a tripod with a BH-55, AND your monopod in it.

However, I thought all RRS gear was made in the US, and can verify that the bags are not. For a company that prides itself in "MADE IN THE USA - Down to the smallest screw" that is a bit surprising...

Your right, that is surprising that the bag is imported. Thanks for the comment on the monopod fitting in the bag with the tripod.

Parke1953

@Killerbob Where are they from?

Golf007sd

RRS is quite clear regarding their products manufacturing process. With respect to their bags here is what they say:

Items that Really Right Stuff makes and manufactures are all made in California. And though we design the soft goods ourselves, we don't make them ourselves. Whenever possible, we source them from US companies making goods in the US (our Op/Tech® pouches are an example of this). But the reality is that textiles are difficult to source in the US, and when they are, they're prohibitively expensive. Our line of tripod bags is made by a US company that operates factories in Asia. We continue to seek US made soft goods to complement our US made products.

The above comments are clearly stated on their website that give detailed information about their bags.

hassiman

I love RRS equipment but their tripods are about on the same level of my Gitzo 3 series systematic.....
If my Gitzo ever wears out... Which is doubtful, I would definitely get a RRS. As it is I have the RRS mushroom feet in my Gitzo!

Photobug

I love RRS equipment but their tripods are about on the same level of my Gitzo 3 series systematic.....
If my Gitzo ever wears out... Which is doubtful, I would definitely get a RRS. As it is I have the RRS mushroom feet in my Gitzo!

Welcome @hassiman to NRF. Don't you love the flexibility of using other manufacturers parts on other items. There are even suggestions for some generic metal claws and rubber feet for RRS and Gitzo tripods.

Photobug

This next couple of messages are targeted to the beginner who is in the process of selecting a tripod and a ball head. Then you need to select a flat bracket for your camera or an "L" bracket to secure that nice DSLR to your new monopod using an Arac-Swiss system.

All the RRS ball heads are compatible with some other brands of Arca-style plates, such as Wimberley, Kirk, Markins, & Arca-Swiss. So now you need to make a decision to buy a DSLR Arac-Swiss plate or "L" bracket.

TIP: Buy the "L" bracket. When I first started I went cheap and bought a flat plate, $55, designed for my camera. That is fine for horizontal shots but when you want a portrait shot, you need to use the drop slot in the ball head. That changes your center of gravity requires some adjustment to the ball head to reframe.

Eventually, I sold that flat plate and bought an "L" shape bracket from RRS. Advantage: When you want to convert from horizontal to vertical shots, you just use the lever release to unlock your camera from the clamp, turn it 90 degrees, reposition, and relock the lever release clamp. If you bought the locking knob release clamp, just turn the knob to unlock the clamp, turn the camera, reposition, and relock.

Years ago RRS had two options:
1. Flat plate for the bottom of your DSLR camera (made from one piece of aluminum)
2. "L" bracket plate for your DSLR camera (one piece of aluminum that runs up left side of your camera and across the bottom.)

Today, for some specific DSLR's you have three choices. Lets use the D7100 as an example.
1. Old style flat plate for the bottom of your DSLR camera - 1 piece (Not available for D7100)
2. Newer Flat plate designed for the bottom of your DSLR camera. Allows you to buy the 2nd upright piece to convert the flat plate to an "L" bracket. One piece.
3. "L" bracket plate for your D7100 camera. One piece bracket + 1 screw. This piece has lugs that slide into the base bracket to avoid twisting. Lock the upright piece in place with a screw using the supplied Allen wrench.

Therefore, you have two options, if cost is a concern, either buy just the flat plate, make sure it is upgradeable to the "L" bracket, and later buy the second piece. Or just buy the "L" bracket now to start with.

Plates can be found here:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Plates-for-Nikon/

Clarification
Some camera do not have three options, only option #2 and #3. For example if you buy a plate for the D7100, you have option #2 and #3. If you buy a plate for the D750, you only have one option....a one piece "L" bracket.

I was a bit skeptical about the the strength of the two piece "L" bracket but I can tell you it's strong. RRS probably went with a one piece "L" bracket because the size of the camera is larger but who knows.

Finally remember, "L" brackets are designed for the camera along or the camera plus battery pack. So be sure you buy the correct one. The "L" brackets are not interchangeable.

In the next message are photos of "L" brackets and a single plate. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Photobug

This is the bottom plate of the RRS D7100 two piece "L" bracket:

This is the second piece, the vertical piece that extends up the left side of the camera (from the rear). Note the lugs that extend up from end of the plate. These lugs extend into the bottom plate.

And this is end where the lugs from the vertical piece slides into the bottom and the screw goes into the center of the plate.

Finally, this is what the "L" bracket looks like when the vertical piece is screwed together to the bottom plate forming the "L" bracket.


Based upon my experience, it's worth the extra money for the "L" bracket. When you switch from horizontal to vertical your center of gravity is maintained over the ball head and minimal reframing is required.

Tomorrow I will upload pictures of the one piece "L" bracket used on other DSLRs.

Golf007sd

@Photobug: Great job in explaining how it all works and comes together.

Finally remember, "L" brackets are designed for the camera along or the camera plus battery pack. So be sure you buy the correct one. The "L" brackets are not interchangeable.

This is a very important point to keep in mind, should you ever get the optional battery grip for your D-SLR. Hence, the standard L-Plates will not fit or allow you to have access to the left ports. Some have made this error and thus you can find good deals on Ebay. :P

Photobug

Some of the "L" brackets are only made from one piece of aluminum, such as the D750, D800, etc. This is what the "L" bracket looks like for the D750 from the back.

This is the "L" bracket from the end:

This is the view from the top of the bracket that mates to your DSLR. Note the slot for the screw that inserts into your tripod socket. This allows you to position the vertical piece of the "L" bracket close to the left side of your camera or to provide a gap/space between the bracket and the covers on your DSLR.

This is the bottom view. Note how some material has been removed with the CMC machine to lighten the "L" bracket. Also note the second tripod bracket on the bottom for attaching other accessories. Also not the strap lug on the end for fastening a hand grip.

See next message fro pictures attached to the body.

Photobug

Note how nice the RRS "L" bracket fits the contour of the D750. Note the center line adjustment that aligns with the tripod pocket screw. When mounting on a camera, match this alignment point to the center line on the RRS ball head. Than you are guaranteed accuracy for taking pan sots. The "L" bracket does not interfere with the operation of the tilt screen.

A close up view of the "L" bracket on the D750.

Angle view:


The shape of the RRS bracket is different for every DSLR, but these pictures should give the user an understanding of how the "L" bracket functions and how the left side is hollowed out so you can open those dust flaps over the connections.

I have used two Kirk lens plates and many RRS flat plate, "L" plate, and lens plates. I like the feel and flexibility of the RRS brackets and plates.

Learn more here: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl?search=Index&code=46&key=fr