The RRS System

RRS System overview

The RRS® System

Build A Setup Without Limits

Choosing RRS isn't just owning a single piece of great gear. It's your first step into a system of seamlessly compatible gear; all built to the same high standard. From tripods to ball heads to mounting plates and beyond, you can build the setup you need without worrying about the fit or quality. Whether you're a photographer, versatile creator, or precision shooter, learning how our gear works together is the best way to make the most of Really Right Stuff.



What Makes Up the RRS System?

RRS setups can be as varied as the professionals who use them, but the building blocks remain the same. The following parts fit together into a fully customized setup that empowers your excellence:


  • Tripods– The foundation of your setup, determining the majority of your weight and stability.
  • Tripod Heads – The control center of your tripod, responsible for smooth movement and connecting to your mounting solution.
  • Clamp – The connection to your mounting solution, allowing easy attachment to plates and rails.
  • Plates/Rails - The second half of your mounting solution, permanently attaching to your camera or rifle.
Really Right Stuff system infographic showing how tripods, tripod heads, clamps, plates, and rails fit together into a complete modular support setup

Tripods – The Foundation of Your Set-Up

The tripod is the foundation a great setup is built on. When considering which tripod is right for you, you’ll want to consider the width of the leg tubes and the type of apex. Leg width or “series” determines how lightweight and stable your tripod is. Differing apexes determine compatible head attachments and the overall level of versatility.

Some of our most popular tripods include:


  • Versa – a tripod focused on versatile attachment
  • TFCT – a tripod ready-built for shooters
  • Ascend – a tripod prioritizing lightweight portability

You can find a complete walkthrough of our tripod line here.

Really Right Stuff carbon fiber tripods shown as the foundation of a modular support system
Selection of Really Right Stuff tripod heads including ball heads, pan-tilt heads, and gimbals

Tripod Heads – Your Tripod’s Control Center

The tripod head is the control center of your support system, responsible for smooth movement and connecting your tripod to your mounting solution. General aim, tilting and panning are all made possible by your tripod head.

Popular tripod heads include:


  • Anvil-30 – an inverted ball head built for shooters
  • BH-55 – a heavy-duty ball head with unmatched load capacity
  • BH-30 – a lighter, extremely versatile ball head
  • PT-Scout – a pan and tilt head designed for glassing
  • PG-02 – a gimbal head perfect for panorama photography

You can find a complete walkthrough of our tripod heads here.

Clamps – Your Mounting Mechanism

Clamps are the tripod side of your mounting solution, fixing onto your tripod head to allow easy attachment of mounting plates and rails. All RRS clamps utilize Arca-Swiss, the industry standard quick-release mounting system. Arca-Swiss uses a standard width so clamps can easily tighten on compatible mounting plates and rails.

Really Right Stuff Arca-Swiss compatible lever-release and screw-knob clamps
Really Right Stuff plates and rails mounted to cameras, lenses, and rifles for Arca-Swiss compatibility

Plates & Rails – Your Gear Attachment Interface

Plates and rails permanently attach to your camera, lens, or rifle, enabling easy compatibility with our Arca-Swiss clamps. Through Arca-Swiss design, a combination of plates, rails, and clamps can interlock to form extremely modular and customizable setups.

Accessories – Customize Your Set-Up

There are many other accessories that can be seamlessly incorporated into your setup, according to your unique requirements. Some favorites include:

  • Center Columns – tripod attachments that allow quick, easy height adjustments without adjusting tripod legs
  • Tripod Feet – tools that replace the typical end caps to better grip on unique surfaces such as rock or softer ground
  • Leg conversion caps – leg adapters that remove leg sections to optimize weight for backcountry applications
Really Right Stuff accessories including center columns, tripod feet, and leg conversion caps integrated into field setups

CHECK OUT THESE UNIQUE SETUPS

Thousands of professionals rely on the RRS system to build a unique setup that works for them. Check below to see how some of the best in their fields have utilized the RRS system.

Brandt Ryder camera gear in the mountains of Peru with RRS tripods and heads
Brandt Ryder

For Astrophotography, Brandt Ryder pairs a Versa-34 Tripod, a BH-40 Tripod Head with a Quick-Release Lever Clamp, and an RRS L-Bracket for maximum stability.

James Yates spotting setup in the desert with an RRS Ascend tripod.
James Yates

For glassing, James Yates opts for the lightweight portability of the Ascend-14 BH Tripod, with a PT-Scout Head, and a Multi-Purpose Rail.

Jay Fritts backpack loadout with camera gear for backcountry filming.
Jay Fritts

For shooting video in remote places, Jay opts for a simple, lightweight setup with the Ascend-14 BH Tripod.

Jack Dykinga backpack loadout with camera gear for backcountry filming.
Jack Dykinga

Jack Dykinga’s set-up includes a Versa-24 Tripod, Leveling Base, a BH-55 Tripod Head with an Arca Screw-Knob Clamp, an MPR-CL Nodal Slide Rail, and an RRS L-Bracket.

Build your own setup

Now that you understand the building blocks of the RRS system you’re ready to create your own setup. Click below to browse our catalog and build a setup without limits.