My intent here is to add a few images comparing the setup of the RRS TVC-33 with the TA-3 to the TA-3 used on the 3372 and add a couple of comments about the TA-UL on the 3372 and 3342. Plus, a quick note after a ton of time on the RRS Anvil 30, my overview of the different RRS head options.
First, let me toss of the difference in stability between the RRS head offerings BH55, TA-UL-LC, ANVIL 30, and TA-3. I am comparing the best of the best for shooting, so the negative comments are splitting hairs amongst the very best devices we have to shoot from in this category. Here are my antidotal takeaways after way more shots than I'd like to admit to.
It should go without saying that as far as the "system goes," the more stable the better, but for some, weight can be a huge issue, and compromises need to be made. At $1 -$5 plus a round, it might make sense for people NOT to skimp so much on rifle tripods.
The RRS TVC-33 with TA-3 on the left, Feisol 3372 with the RRS TA-UL middle, and the Feisol 3342 with hog, on the right.
I can not tell the difference with the TA-UL on either of the two tripods on the left. Honestly, I find the 3372, legs a bit faster and easier to use. However, the TA-UL does flex 2x more than the TA-3 on either set of legs. However, this movement is minimal. At 600y, you can "force flex" or "intentionally move" while locked, a bit more than a doorway, were as the TA-3 is about half. It is important to note that the flex difference is not in either of the legs but in the leveling heads.
Here are the two leveling heads. The RRS TA-UL on the left already spun down onto the Feisol 3372's Apex top plate with groves for the locking set screws.
There does seem to be an option to add the Anvil 30 to your Feisol, or similar were the TA-3 would work. I have not tried it, but it is the same base plate diameter at the TA-3 or the standard top cap for the apex on the TV-33.
The Feisol 3372 is 1.5mm or so wider than the TVC-33, but it will install and is stable in the Feisol 3372 (best with a tiny shim from a soda can).
RRS TVC-33
Feisol 3372
The apex on the RRS TVC 33 is way more complex than the Feisol. The leg connections are obvious, but look inside the RRS's retention system might really make sense as to why you're paying more[- an expansion lock ring very secure!
RRS TA-3 installed in Feisol 3372.. very solid.
Here is where you would think about shimming the Feisol ( or maybe spent the extra coin) - legs shown are actually RRS
For comparison, the uber light Feisol 3342 next to the RRS TVC-33. The more Flexi, 3342 is 1.4LBS lighter than the RRS TVC-33, when both are set up as shown. In fairness, RRS has the TVC-23, weight-wise; it is between the two shown. NOTE: That with 10 round mags and high angle shooting (up only), the mag can contact the apex limiting the travel if you have the gun pushed forward in the QR on the TA-3. The TA-UL actually is a bit more forging in that area. That said, it simple to mount the rifle correctly to avoid the contact.
Notice on the lower weight class tripods you do give up some size that ends us, resulting in a bit more twist with the rifle—the lightweight 3342 on the right.
Edited to add images of TA-3 2.5" handle verse 4.5". It might be worth noting that handle swaps are fast and easy. Just loosen until it unscrews and replace.
The 4.5's hook can be unscrewed, providing a net difference of 1". The 4.5 provides a touch more leverage to make smooth moves when on the rifle and feels more comfortable.
Note that with the 4.5 you can get very stable prone even if the leg is not locked, or you can clearance a tiny bit of dirt if you think you need it locked. The image is just short of full lock (but stable anyway).
Below 4.5 with the hook removed, it is as low as most bipods.
Here is the 2.5 with legs locked. The 4.5 again will do the same if you make clearance.
The Feisol lacks horizontal lockout, so it is a bit higher unless you disengage a leg or two.
Here is a photo showing the one reversed non-locked leg position needed on the Feisol, to get as low as the leveling base on the RRS TV-33 legs. But you have to be honest with yourself, why wouldn't you use your bipod? Just saying...
Manfroto- now with a geared head relegated to spotting. The geared heads with helps with spotting scopes when you want to put the reticle on the same call as the shooter and with the small movement needed for ELR. If it is windy, this comes off, and I need to use the carbon tripods as the old aluminum sticks, just shake too much.
FWIW the Hog with adding flex from the rubber, adds a lot of flexibility.
BTW you can always "lower or extend" a leg with a leveling base and gain a similar angle as shown, even without the hog.
Below is the Anvil 30. Note the two levers on the same side and a bit obscured by the mag. Right-hand shooters would have the adjustment lever on the other side.
And ya I get it a ball head pans better.. but weighs more and ads flex. My 338 on a ball head..
Just my personal experience, that a true pan for a mover might be well served with a BH-55 ball head. But hunting, you don't really get the time to set up 100% true to the way the game is moving, nor it is often predictable. So is the extra weight and flex worth it? In the end, we need to make the compromises that best fit our needs.
Here is what I use my BH-55 for the most today. I mount it the dovetail of my SAC barrel vice and use it as a gun vice.
As a side note: The versa or flatter apexes work best if you plan on using the BH-55 or a Pan-Tilt head. Pan-Tilt heads or even super high-end fluid or geared heads are ideal for spotting. They allow for smooth panning and tilting without losing your horizontal alignment. This is really critical if your co-witnessing your optics like I am below. 95% of the time the spotting is via the Swaro SLC15x, but I can quickly switch over to the spotter to see if we have a shooter or even an actual bull. This is my road spotting set-up.
Above is a Able Table converted to also be a dedicated spotting platform; below shooting from it.
Above is are several heads including a BH30, Micro
Above is a light and simple way to create dual-purpose from your Anvil for grid glassing. If weight is not an issue use the RRS PC-LR but it's a bit hefty for me at just under 1lbs; I think mine was 13 oz. The smaller one above came in @ 3oz. I carry it in my pocket and only pull it out if I'll be glassing for a long time.
There is a lot you can do with the tripods. I hope this helps add to the original info.
See more in the thread below; but also here is a thread to Tripod field tips and tricks
www.snipershide.com
First, let me toss of the difference in stability between the RRS head offerings BH55, TA-UL-LC, ANVIL 30, and TA-3. I am comparing the best of the best for shooting, so the negative comments are splitting hairs amongst the very best devices we have to shoot from in this category. Here are my antidotal takeaways after way more shots than I'd like to admit to.
BH55:
Very easy to use and ideal if one needed to "pan." Provide the most articulation. Unfortunately, it is super heavy at about 2lbs, expensive, and maybe in tie stability-wise, not noticeably better than the Anvil.
TA-UL-LC:
An inexpensive way to bring utility to any tripod regardless of brand. It good, but you will not get the best of anything between these 4 offerings. If you already own a tripod, this might be the best way to get into the direct attachment game.
TA-3:
Superfast entry/attachment for a dovetail device. It ties for the lightest solution with the Anvil 30 but is the most solid platform available. If tiny groups are your thing or your shooting in high winds, you will notice the stability difference over the other offerings. This is especially true if you tighten the internal tension nut. It also seems to hold tension and manage tension a bit better with the larger bowl than the Anvil 30. The three downsides to the newer Anvil 30 are, extreme angles mandates leg adjustments, it is not pic/dovetail dual purpose, and it does not pack as small.
ANVIL 30:
In a nutshell, it is rather sexy. It makes the tripod much easier to transport and brings dual attachment possibilities with more angle adjustability than the TA-3. Stability-wise, especially in 15-20mhp winds, you will find that it is less stable than the TA-3. It falls in between the BH55 and the TA-3. One real positive is for positional shooting where you use the tripod "leg" as rear support. The narrower footprint, because of the apex of the Anvil 30, is easier to maneuver when deployed.
Pet peeves are that unlike the center handle that gives the shooter a solid purchase, solid lockup, and easy tension, the lever on the Anvil 30 doesn't offer the same ergonomics. On a rifle with real recoil, you'll notice the time between shots is generally longer than with the TA-3. Also, the UNLOCKING lever is dangerously close to the tension lever. I noticed this mostly hunting at night. Don't get me wrong; the Anvil 30 is a fantastic offering, but it does come at a price; either way the Anvil is what I use on my hunting rigs.
There does seem to be an option to add the Anvil 30 to your Feisol with a conversion, or similar where the TA-3 would work. I have not tried it, but it is the same base plate diameter at the TA-3 or the standard top cap for the apex on the TV-33. BTW I have seen several just screws the Anvils onto a standard 3/8s but, all I know found premature tread wear. IMpart to note that the Anvil is best used to take advantage of the small apex of the RRS ultra light, allowing the rifle to be placed closer to the mag well before you'll see interference.
Pan-Tilt Heads:
In general, once you sort out the wobbly junk that can NOT support a 40-50" 10-25lbs lever arm with the wind creating all kinds of havoc; you're left with two that are not so heavy they not worth using, or just too pricey and heavy to be field practical for most people. Pan tilt and fluid heads isolate the panning from the elevation and are ideal for grid glassing, but a bit less suited to running to a target fast. Two good ones that do indeed offer the lighter weight are the Berlebach 553 with the heavy QR removed and replaced with an RRS QR (pictured at the end of the post) and the Outdoorsmans Fluid head (Pan Tilt). Both weigh less than a BH55 at about 24oz but more than the Anivl's 15oz + 3oz for a light pan adapter.
Below are images that show the stance differences between the apex of the Anvil 30 and the TA-3 leveling base at the same standing height.
It should go without saying that as far as the "system goes," the more stable the better, but for some, weight can be a huge issue, and compromises need to be made. At $1 -$5 plus a round, it might make sense for people NOT to skimp so much on rifle tripods.
As examples of legs:
My Gitzo 5 series carbon was stable but really expensive and super heavy at about 8 lbs.. 2x heavier than the Feisol 3372 and TVC-33, a deal-breaker for me.
My Manfroto is light enough, but way to Flexi in comparison to the new crop of offerings, but still is in use with a geared head for a spotter. It is so because it just doesn't allow me to hold the group size I want.
The RRS TVC-33 with TA-3 on the left, Feisol 3372 with the RRS TA-UL middle, and the Feisol 3342 with hog, on the right.
I can not tell the difference with the TA-UL on either of the two tripods on the left. Honestly, I find the 3372, legs a bit faster and easier to use. However, the TA-UL does flex 2x more than the TA-3 on either set of legs. However, this movement is minimal. At 600y, you can "force flex" or "intentionally move" while locked, a bit more than a doorway, were as the TA-3 is about half. It is important to note that the flex difference is not in either of the legs but in the leveling heads.
Here are the two leveling heads. The RRS TA-UL on the left already spun down onto the Feisol 3372's Apex top plate with groves for the locking set screws.
There does seem to be an option to add the Anvil 30 to your Feisol, or similar were the TA-3 would work. I have not tried it, but it is the same base plate diameter at the TA-3 or the standard top cap for the apex on the TV-33.
The Feisol 3372 is 1.5mm or so wider than the TVC-33, but it will install and is stable in the Feisol 3372 (best with a tiny shim from a soda can).
RRS TVC-33
Feisol 3372
The apex on the RRS TVC 33 is way more complex than the Feisol. The leg connections are obvious, but look inside the RRS's retention system might really make sense as to why you're paying more[- an expansion lock ring very secure!
RRS TA-3 installed in Feisol 3372.. very solid.
Here is where you would think about shimming the Feisol ( or maybe spent the extra coin) - legs shown are actually RRS
For comparison, the uber light Feisol 3342 next to the RRS TVC-33. The more Flexi, 3342 is 1.4LBS lighter than the RRS TVC-33, when both are set up as shown. In fairness, RRS has the TVC-23, weight-wise; it is between the two shown. NOTE: That with 10 round mags and high angle shooting (up only), the mag can contact the apex limiting the travel if you have the gun pushed forward in the QR on the TA-3. The TA-UL actually is a bit more forging in that area. That said, it simple to mount the rifle correctly to avoid the contact.
Notice on the lower weight class tripods you do give up some size that ends us, resulting in a bit more twist with the rifle—the lightweight 3342 on the right.
Edited to add images of TA-3 2.5" handle verse 4.5". It might be worth noting that handle swaps are fast and easy. Just loosen until it unscrews and replace.
The 4.5's hook can be unscrewed, providing a net difference of 1". The 4.5 provides a touch more leverage to make smooth moves when on the rifle and feels more comfortable.
Note that with the 4.5 you can get very stable prone even if the leg is not locked, or you can clearance a tiny bit of dirt if you think you need it locked. The image is just short of full lock (but stable anyway).
Below 4.5 with the hook removed, it is as low as most bipods.
Here is the 2.5 with legs locked. The 4.5 again will do the same if you make clearance.
The Feisol lacks horizontal lockout, so it is a bit higher unless you disengage a leg or two.
Here is a photo showing the one reversed non-locked leg position needed on the Feisol, to get as low as the leveling base on the RRS TV-33 legs. But you have to be honest with yourself, why wouldn't you use your bipod? Just saying...
Manfroto- now with a geared head relegated to spotting. The geared heads with helps with spotting scopes when you want to put the reticle on the same call as the shooter and with the small movement needed for ELR. If it is windy, this comes off, and I need to use the carbon tripods as the old aluminum sticks, just shake too much.
FWIW the Hog with adding flex from the rubber, adds a lot of flexibility.
BTW you can always "lower or extend" a leg with a leveling base and gain a similar angle as shown, even without the hog.
Below is the Anvil 30. Note the two levers on the same side and a bit obscured by the mag. Right-hand shooters would have the adjustment lever on the other side.
And ya I get it a ball head pans better.. but weighs more and ads flex. My 338 on a ball head..
Just my personal experience, that a true pan for a mover might be well served with a BH-55 ball head. But hunting, you don't really get the time to set up 100% true to the way the game is moving, nor it is often predictable. So is the extra weight and flex worth it? In the end, we need to make the compromises that best fit our needs.
Here is what I use my BH-55 for the most today. I mount it the dovetail of my SAC barrel vice and use it as a gun vice.
As a side note: The versa or flatter apexes work best if you plan on using the BH-55 or a Pan-Tilt head. Pan-Tilt heads or even super high-end fluid or geared heads are ideal for spotting. They allow for smooth panning and tilting without losing your horizontal alignment. This is really critical if your co-witnessing your optics like I am below. 95% of the time the spotting is via the Swaro SLC15x, but I can quickly switch over to the spotter to see if we have a shooter or even an actual bull. This is my road spotting set-up.
Above is a Able Table converted to also be a dedicated spotting platform; below shooting from it.
Above is are several heads including a BH30, Micro
Above is a light and simple way to create dual-purpose from your Anvil for grid glassing. If weight is not an issue use the RRS PC-LR but it's a bit hefty for me at just under 1lbs; I think mine was 13 oz. The smaller one above came in @ 3oz. I carry it in my pocket and only pull it out if I'll be glassing for a long time.
There is a lot you can do with the tripods. I hope this helps add to the original info.
See more in the thread below; but also here is a thread to Tripod field tips and tricks
Advanced Marksmanship - Tips & Tricks, from Tripods to Stage Examples for - UKD Team Field Match or Hunting
looking forward to the tripod class also, you are putting out so much info, i really appreciate the time your putting into this.
www.snipershide.com
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