Experience /w RRS tripods

Photobug

For everyone, if you look at the D7100 pictures and D750 pictures you will see a Vello glass screen protector on both cameras. The D7100 has the $14.95 version and the D750 has the $24.95 version. I love both of them and highly recommend them. They do provide protection and are easy to clean...although you got to clean them. I see my nose and finger prints on the D50 shots. LoL

Msmoto

The "L" Bracket is such a great convenience when one needs to switch from horizontal to vertical often. And, RRS is truly nice gear.

However, for those who simply cannot afford this, there are several very good knockoffs, nearly indistinguishable from their RRS counterparts. One must accept the fact these are not made in the US, but certainly are very competitive if money is a concern.

Killerbob

I can agree that RRS gear is (very) expensive, and I certainly would have thought so two years ago. However, if I add the money up I have spent on cheap and semi-cheap solutions, it comes close to what I now have spent on RRS equipment. I actually think I would have saved money had I bought the (really) right stuff from the beginning. For instance, I have several ManFrotto tripods/heads lying around, and I don't even want to count how many interconnect systems they represented...

WestEndFoto

+1 Killerbob.

RRS is the ultimate solution if you want a great "tripod system". If you think about what you need carefully, you will spend a lot of money, but only once.

haroldp

I can agree that RRS gear is (very) expensive, and I certainly would have thought so two years ago. However, if I add the money up I have spent on cheap and semi-cheap solutions, it comes close to what I now have spent on RRS equipment. I actually think I would have saved money had I bought the (really) right stuff from the beginning. For instance, I have several ManFrotto tripods/heads lying around, and I don't even want to count how many interconnect systems they represented...

+1

My wife calls my basement ' the place where tripods go to die '.

All of my RRS stuff (and Markins and Acratech) is still in active use.

.... H

Photobug

My wife calls my basement ' the place where tripods go to die '.
All of my RRS stuff (and Markins and Acratech) is still in active use.
... H

That is very funny. If you bought it and later don't use it...it has to have a home In your case the basement. Funny. Sounds like an opportunity to clean out your basement and use the cash for another lens or accessory.

Ryan_in_AZ

I just got my first RRS gear today. A TVC-33S and a BH-55. Wow

WestEndFoto

It is pretty wonderful stuff. I have about 4 grand invested in it.

Killerbob

It is really cool stuff, but man, every-time you buy a new lens or upgrade your camera, you have to factor in money for RRS.

BTW - my first Land Rover was an RRS as well:)

WestEndFoto

I packed my RRS tripod to Rome with me. Using the timer, you can do shots like these:

Ryan_in_AZ

Maybe in Rome, but I'd never walk that far away from my gear in Naples!

WestEndFoto

I would not in Rome either, unless it is 6am and you have the whole plaza to yourself. You have to get up early to get the best light and avoid the crowds.

dpidude

Well I did it!

Pulled the trigger on the TVC-45 with BH-55 head, tool kit, bag, L-Bracket and 70-200 plate. It's a monster but will allow me maximum versatility. Can't wait to get out and use it.

WestEndFoto

You will never regret your RRS gear dpidude. I am slightly in awe every time I use it.

MaxBerlin

RRS will be one of the best purchases you will ever make.

Photobug

The more you use the BH-55 head the more you will love it. Do yourself a favor; after you receive the tripod and head put your camera on it and play with it in your house. Fine tune the adjustment and and really learn to use it. If you have a "L" bracket, learn how to switch positions quickly so it becomes second nature. So when you are in the field you are not fumbling with switching from horizontal to vertical shots.

You made a great decision and the equipment will provide many years of faithful service. Congrats.

WestEndFoto

An L bracket is a must. You can twist the head if you must. I have the BH-55 as well and it is sweet.

Killerbob

I started out with the BH-40 ballhead on my TVC-24L/TA-2-QC/TA-2-LB but switched to the BH-55. Why? It is simply better for your bigger camera setups... The BH-40 is enough for a D800/80-400mm combo, but start adding battery grip, perhaps use a 500mm, and the BH-40 will quickly feel to small. I think it can carry it, but it is just not the same. The BH-55 is bigger and heaviier, but an entirely different experience.

As for the L-bracket, that almost goes without saying...

And something which often gets overlooked; the RRS manufactured lens collars/foot replacements are way way better than the original Nikon ones. Try that out on the 80-400mm or the 200mm and you'll see what I mean.