Choosing a Tripod

RRS Ground 'Pod

Our experience with market-available ground-level camera support equipment was disappointing at best and led us to develop what we believe is the strongest, most versatile, feature-rich ground and tabletop tripod obtainable: our 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.

1. Entirely CNC machined 6061T aluminum or stainless steel. All aluminum is Type III hard anodized (black) for maximum abrasion resistance.
2. 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.
3. 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. 4-position legs for maximum positioning flexibility. Minimum height is only 1.9” (48mm).
5. Super robust. Rated load capacity is 50lbs (23kg), but it can handle much more than that; more weight than any practical photographic application requires!
6. Two section legs are quick to extend/retract; only one easy-grip knob lock per leg.
7. Rubber grips are strategically placed on the inside of each leg to provide protection and traction when legs are fully splayed.
8. Stainless steel screws are black zinc plated to be unobtrusive.
9. Five year warranty on parts & workmanship.