Super-Robust Ground-Level Tripod.
Our experience with market-available ground-level camera support equipment has been disappointing at best and led us to develop what we believe is now the strongest, most versatile, feature-rich ground and tabletop tripod obtainable: the TP-243. We wanted a height-adjustable device that would handle 500/600mm/f4 lenses with aplomb, manage practically any type of terrain, allow our BH-55 or BH-40 ballheads to get as low to the ground/deck as possible, handle the grime of working in the dirt, be field-strippable, and most tellingly, withstand abusive airport baggage handlers! We wanted intuitive, quick operation and as always, we insisted on aesthetically pleasing lines.
Key Features:
- Entirely CNC machined 6061T aluminum or stainless steel. All aluminum is Type III hard anodized (black) for maximum abrasion resistance. We ruled out carbon fiber for three reasons: 1) carbon fiber is not abrasion resistant and does not handle abuse well; 2) we wanted more heft – weight is a two edged sword in that we like light weight for carrying, but nothing trumps mass for stability and we like as much weight as practical for steadily handling telephoto/macro equipment; 3) vibration-dampening aspect of carbon fiber is of minimal benefit for a tripod this short.
- Reversible bottom leg sections have a stainless steel point at one end for rugged outdoor use and a rubber tip on the other end for indoor/table-top use. Spring-loaded stop-button is depressed for easy removal.
- 4-position legs for maximum positioning flexibility. Minimum height is only 1.9” (48mm).
- Super robust. Rated load capacity is 50lbs (23kg), but it can handle much more than that; more weight than any practical photographic application requires!
- Two section legs are quick to extend/retract; only one easy-grip knob lock per leg.
- Rubber grips are strategically placed on the inside of each leg to provide protection and traction when legs are fully splayed.
- Stainless steel screws are black zinc plated to be unobtrusive.
- Small tripod bag was previously included with this item. As of September 2011 this bag is discontinued and is no longer included with the TP-243 tripod.
- Five year warranty on parts & workmanship.
TP-243 User Manual