RRS tripod recommendation

[Mr. Wolf]

I’ve learned the lessons from the book of Buy Once, Cry Once and the RRS TFCT Anvil 30 system seems to have the functions and conveniences that I want.

Intended use is 2/3 hunting/glassing/outdoor photography, 1/3 range/competition.
I’m short stature and medium build so extended height is not needed, lighter weight preferred but not the only factor.
Not interested in the Innorel/Artcise tripod/ball heads. The new Anvil 30s with the arca + picatinny mounting system and tripods with slim packing diameter tickles my fancy.

My uninformed/initial thoughts:
I like the -14L but with a 50 lbs load rating, will it be stable enough for a 15 lbs game gun and shoulder pressure in odd positions?
The -24L has the balance and a higher load rating but the added max height isn’t needed and added weight isn‘t ideal.
The -33 is very stout, doesn’t have the added height and is nearly the same weight as the -24L, but the drawback is that the collapsed height is longer than the two previously mentioned.

Recommendations on the best option above or any other RRS tripod + Anvil 30 setup appreciated.

Cheers and happy shooting.

 

[Nik H]

I’ve learned the lessons from the book of Buy Once, Cry Once and the RRS TFCT Anvil 30 system seems to have the functions and conveniences that I want.

Intended use is 2/3 hunting/glassing/outdoor photography, 1/3 range/competition.
I’m short stature and medium build so extended height is not needed, lighter weight preferred but not the only factor.
Not interested in the Innorel/Artcise tripod/ball heads. The new Anvil 30s with the arca + picatinny mounting system and tripods with slim packing diameter tickles my fancy.

My uninformed/initial thoughts:
I like the -14L but with a 50 lbs load rating, will it be stable enough for a 15 lbs game gun and shoulder pressure in odd positions?
The -24L has the balance and a higher load rating but the added max height isn’t needed and added weight isn‘t ideal.
The -33 is very stout, doesn’t have the added height and is nearly the same weight as the -24L, but the drawback is that the collapsed height is longer than the two previously mentioned.

Recommendations on the best option above or any other RRS tripod + Anvil 30 setup appreciated.

Cheers and happy shooting.

I went with the TFC-34 and have no regrets at all. It is nice and compact and it is rated for 85 pounds. My AXMC/ZCO/Wilcox RAPTAR weighs in at about 20.5 pounds and it is rock steady

 

[Mr. Wolf]

The discussions and "lusting" after I've seen on the Hide has been for the -24L... seems like it strikes a good balance and is selling well.
Any thoughts/experiences with the -24L?
Thanks in advance.

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

If you dont want the height of the 24L but are okay with the weight, get the 34. More rigid, same weight but shorter. It is also shorter to pack.

 

[ocabj]

I’ve learned the lessons from the book of Buy Once, Cry Once and the RRS TFCT Anvil 30 system seems to have the functions and conveniences that I want.

Intended use is 2/3 hunting/glassing/outdoor photography, 1/3 range/competition.
I’m short stature and medium build so extended height is not needed, lighter weight preferred but not the only factor.
Not interested in the Innorel/Artcise tripod/ball heads. The new Anvil 30s with the arca + picatinny mounting system and tripods with slim packing diameter

I have the Anvil-30 but still have the BH-55 which I used for a long time before the Anvil-30. For photography and other glassing, the Anvil-30 is not what you want. Different tool focused for a specific purpose. Not saying you can't use it for photography, but you're not going to get the same fine control you want for framing an image.

 

[Mr. Wolf]

I have the Anvil-30 but still have the BH-55 which I used for a long time before the Anvil-30. For photography and other glassing, the Anvil-30 is not what you want. Different tool focused for a specific purpose. Not saying you can't use it for photography, but you're not going to get the same fine control you want for framing an image.

Thank you ocab, great insight and rec. I agree that the traditional ball heads would be better for photos.
I’ll probably get a ball head in the future, but my main concern was for the leg stiffness when essentrically loaded such as a rifle at extreme angles with a bit of shoulder into the rifle (~25% normal prone force).

Picking the right tripod for me has been more difficult than choosing a caliber and barrel profile!

 

[carbonbased]

I'll echo some here and recommend either the TFC-33 or 34. Decide if you want shorter packable length (34) or less leg locks to unlock when deploying (33). I own a 34, and sometimes I wish I had gotten the 33.

For a head, since you're also a photographer like me, take a look at the Arca Swiss Z1+ ballhead. Of course they invented the acra swiss dovetail attachment many moons ago, but they also patented the aspheric ballhead. That means the resistance to "flopping" increases the further off level you go.

I own the OG AS ballhead, the B1. Really nice for photography and nice for shooting too!

 

[Jefe's Dope]

I chose the 33 for less weight, more rigid, less twisting. I've regretted nothing in the year of use I've gotten. Both for shooting from and binocular use. It's perfect for my height fully extended for binocular use. 5' 8". I generally carry it fully extended so length is not an issue for me in regards to collapsed length and don't see an issue if I needed to collapse it for storage.

*I did purchase it with the larger apex and center column if I ever wanted to use it in a taller configuration. I purchased the Anvil 30 w/ small apex and use it in this configuration. I have yet to find a need for a taller tripod and the center section and larger apex sit in the garage unused.

 

[Mr. Wolf]

I'll echo some here and recommend either the TFC-33 or 34. Decide if you want shorter packable length (34) or less leg locks to unlock when deploying (33). I own a 34, and sometimes I wish I had gotten the 33.

For a head, since you're also a photographer like me, take a look at the Arca Swiss Z1+ ballhead. Of course they invented the acra swiss dovetail attachment many moons ago, but they also patented the aspheric ballhead. That means the resistance to "flopping" increases the further off level you go.

I own the OG AS ballhead, the B1. Really nice for photography and nice for shooting too!

nice and thank you for the great option I had not thought of before. I will look at the Arca Swiss ball head options for photog.

 

[Mr. Wolf]

I chose the 33 for less weight, more rigid, less twisting. I've regretted nothing in the year of use I've gotten. Both for shooting from and binocular use. It's perfect for my height fully extended for binocular use. 5' 8". I generally carry it fully extended so length is not an issue for me in regards to collapsed length and don't see an issue if I needed to collapse it for storage.

*I did purchase it with the larger apex and center column if I ever wanted to use it in a taller configuration. I purchased the Anvil 30 w/ small apex and use it in this configuration. I have yet to find a need for a taller tripod and the center section and larger apex sit in the garage unused.

A lot of similarities to the intended use and configuration pros/cons. I’m going with the 33s. Thank you.