Really Right Stuff Carbon Fiber Tripods TVC-24L and TVC-34L
Really Right Stuff has enjoyed my business for years because of their outstanding quality for photographic accessories like L-brackets, ballheads, rails and bars, etc.
RRS offers a wide range of carbon fiber tripods. I use them extensively in the field, the TVC-24L being my all-time favorite for hiking use.
Please see my Really Right Stuff carbon fiber tripods review in DAP for details on which models I chose and why, as well as my field notes and recommendations and high-res images of the construction.
Max Height (inches) |
Weight (pounds) |
Leg Sections | Folded Length (inches) |
Comments | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TVC-23 | 52.4 | 3.2 | 3 | 23.6 | |
TVC-24 | 49.2 | 3.2 | 4 | 18.7 | Short length could be ideal for airplane travel or backpacking. |
TVC-24L | 66.75 | 3.75 | 4 | 23.5 | Replaces my Gitzo 1338 and similar. Extra height handy in many situations. Reasonable weight, very sturdy, but heavy setups could be top-heavy. |
TVC-33S | 49.75 | 4.0 | 3 | 23.0 | |
TVC-33 | 58 | 4.25 | 3 | 26.0 | |
TVC-34 | 70 | 4.7 | 4 | 24.5 | Replaces my Gitzo 3540XLS; extra height handy for a long leg downhill, into a stream bed, etc. Very sturdy and robust, a pleasure to work with with even very heavy gear. |
Field use
After using (and buying) the TVC-24L and TVC-34L, there remains no doubt in my mind that the RRS tripods are by far the best carbon fiber tripods available on the market today. I have abandoned my Gitzo tripods of similar size, and I’ll be using the RRS tripods from now on.
Points of note
Shown below is the top of the Really Right Stuff TVC-34L. Note the following:
- Embedded bubble level;
- Top-grade machined parts in anodized black;
- 3/8" bolt for a secure and robust connection to tripod head;
- Large flat plate for stability;
- No center column to reduce stability of the platform;
- Large hook onto which can be hung weight to stabilize the tripod in wind, etc.
- Standard allen wrenches sockets for leg tightness;
- Easy leg extension by pulling out the silver-colored locks.
- Anti-twist legs with large robust knobs (not shown).
- Wide diameter rubber feet with large surface area for stability (not shown).
Click to view a high resolution image of the TVC-34L.
Reader comments
Reader Dr Joseph San Laureano of Melbourne Australia reports:
I would like to comment on the RRS tripods. My college and I purchased this tripod 1 month ago and both of us had problems within one week of use. In particular, both of us experienced failure of the release at the top of each leg which allows the tripod legs to be splayed out for getting low to the ground. Initially one leg failed but this was quickly followed by the others. The fact that both of us has this occur suggest that there is some fundamental flaw in its design. RSS offered to repair or send replacement parts but offered no suggestions as to why this might have occurred.
Dr Joseph San Laureano Melbourne Australia (currently shooting in Greenland)
DIGLLOYD: Really Right Stuff responds:
We have seen spring failures in a small percentage of units. It is significant enough that we have now redesigned the mechanism and if any customer experiences the problem we are very happy to swap out the parts and will pay for shipping both ways to make the fix. All tripods shipped from July 6hth forward already incorporate the latest design.