I just got the carbon fiber version 3 days ago and I am more then impressed. The leg clamps are a blessing as it makes you open it in no time. It is compact, light and sturdy (even more when you don't pull out the fourth legs). It holds my A7RIII very stably. I also love the carrying bag. Perfect for the traveler that I am. Regarding the head, I took it off and put the PD universal adapter and third-party head. This is by far the best tripod I have ever owned (I also own a Gitzo and Manfrotto). Yes, it cost a lot but normally you own a tripod for a long time; much longer than your camera.
Awesome! I'm pretty sure I'm going to break down and eventually buy the CF version. I'm still not ready to drop that much on a tripod yet. I very much enjoyed having it around, I was really sad to send it back.
RYN films I was able to afford it because of my optional summer teaching. But if I told you that the ballhead is an Arca-Swiss Z1+ combined with a Really Right Stuff top plate, I will allow you to hate me... :-) -:)
@@jboisvert77 Hey, I have the same camera and tripod. Could you please tell me which Really Right Stuff plate you brought? I see a few different ones on Adorama. I'm guessing you brought the Arca Swiss Monoball Z1+ Single Pan Tripod Head with Quick Set Classic Device?
I have the aluminum tripod and I'm really happy with it. Used it 6 times in the last two weeks, and it's been a pleasure. Very stable, easy to use and carry. Shooting with a D850 in poor light, so a bad tripod would be a problem. If you actually walk around with a tripod every day, I can see over time how less weight from the carbon fiber model would be a benefit. But if you only dream about walking around a lot and actually use it only occasionally, saving $250 and still getting an awesome tripod is a no-brainer.
Well said! They're both great but how much is the extra weight savings worth for you? That's going to be a decision everyone has to make for themselves.
The test does not convince me. The baton does not hit both tripods at the same time and in the same way. In addition, carbon is totally resistant to water while aluminum can suffer and oxidize if we put it in a river for certain photos. Weight and consistency are not the only reasons to choose the carbon model.
If the aluminum gives more than the carbon fiber, wouldn't it absorb the blow from the broomstick more? Meaning less motion is transferred to the cup, and ultimately hold the cup longer than the carbon fiber?
Hmm, the watertest is not really informative. It is all about stopping vibration, not really how well it absorbes shocks and how a glass of water wobbles on CF or aluminum.
Actually, the glass of water fell down before from the carbon fiber tripod because it's "stiffer" than the aluminium one (and it's a good thing). Vibrations were absorbed by the aluminium tripod, the tripod was moving instead of the glass of water. This means you'd get blurry images. ;-)
Carbon Version is soooo expansive :(. It’s almost 1,8 more expensive than the aluminum one. When back packing every grams is important. However the price make it insane. I do prefer to carry 290 grams more than to spend almost 300€. It’s almost 1€ per gram 🤪. Also I would prefer to not have the mobile mount in the central column. Instead of that they should have put the hexagonal wrench inside there. Having the wrenches on one leg is a possibility to lost it easily. Receiving my aluminum one tomorrow. I hope I will not be disappointed while hiking.
Just discovered this channel and loved this video! Might I suggest matching your VO volume of your beauty shots, to the rest of your dialogue. Also, regarding the water test, I feel like it doesn't represent the vibration reduction that carbon fibers are known for. The way you're hitting it with that pole, of course the lighter tripod will be moved from impact. Instead, I would suggest dropping some sort of weight in between the two tripods, then compare the movement of the water and how fast it settles. OR set up the same camera on both tripods and drop the weight, then slow down the footage. Maybe for a future test. Looking forward to more videos!
Thanks! 👍 Good call. I was trying to think of a good way to test it. I guess I was thinking of accidentally kicking or bumping the tripod during a shot. Maybe next time.
Wouldn't beat a dead Aardvark with either one! I own one of the very early PD Alu tripods and from a design standpoint, I love it. It's beautifully designed, elegant and nearly useless! It's still in it's bag in it's box with tags attached, and I am still using my old aluminum tripods every single time, in the studio or the field. Of course, as a disclaimer: I have to add that I began my photographic journey carrying around 15-20lb (est.) three part leg, wooden tripods with wingnut compression clamps and cast aluminum & brass heads along with, a 5 x 7 Deardorff view camera or larger, along with film loading bags, dark cloths, extra magazines and lenses. The lightest element carried was my Weston II light meter! So, when I'm out and about today, I don't quibble over an extra 2 pounds when I know I have a very stable base for my cameras! I just attach a few Helium filled balloons to my pack and I hardly notice the extra weight (that's a joke BTW) 🤣 In all seriousness though, I have been a somewhat overly critical reviewer of PD's gear, but from the standpoint of this photographer I don't see where overly elegant design (worthy of MOMA recognition) serves any purpose in the field but looks AMAZING in a high production value music video of an advertisement! And to ape many other comments: THE BLOODY PRICE TAG! And, I still haven't seen a PD in real-life in the field among a group of serious photographers.
The glass of water test has a lot of flaws in this experimental design, such that this would never be accepted by any science journal. The exact placement of tripods on the ground, the exact placement of the cups and the exact amount of water in each cup, the moving broom handle was not symmetric on both ends, and it's unlikely that it hit both tripods in the exact instant in time. The tripod that got hit a fraction of a second earlier would absorb much more energy. And the list goes on. Furthermore, you'd need to do this test at least 100 or 200 times if you have this lack of precision. So although the thought of testing was good, I'm not impressed with the rigor of this test. It may well be that your test showed the truth, but I'd need more evidence. Because the Aluminum tripod was heavier, that probably resulted in more stability. In general though, carbon fibre is stiffer, lighter, and more weather resistant, corrosion proof, scratch resistant, and stronger than aluminum. The look better, and they feel better. Carbon fibre has 5X the strength/weight ratio of aluminum, which is why they are stronger and more rigid than aluminum.
My friend owns one of this tripod and he Already wants normal not this over designed tripod. He has carbon fiber and he is mirrorless Hybrid shooter where he complains that its not stready in light wind conditions... I think he said wants Sirui brand tripod.
I think it depends on how serious you are about photography. Carbon vs. aluminum? Carbon wins..easily. If you shoot landscape...there is only one option...carbon. It is simply stiffer than aluminum...not even a close contest. I'd take a star off the PD because of the bag. If they made room for a head to be attached in the bag...then 5 stars.
@@rynfilms You're right, not a big deal. The tripod is going to be exposed to the elements anyway. I did recently purchase the Lefoto 79" carbon tripod without CC. It's very nice, and I can leave my Man fluid head attached and close the included bag. So many good choices out there. :)
I’ve got the Canon Eos R and still do love it, and I am thinking about to buy the Atomos Ninja V! Would be nice if you can compare the Canon Eos R+Ninja V to the Canon R6 (and maybe Canon R5). The difference and benefits? ✨ it’s a bit to expensive these days to buy a new camera 🙂
I went for the aluminium lasted one day :( took me a whole day to pull the legs apart and clean. Then broke a small retainer clip that holds the legs in place the next day. Received an email saying I have to buy a whole leg for aus 100 to replace a cheap clip. Strongly suggest putting money elsewhere if you shoot landscapes or any outdoor activities
I just got the carbon fiber version 3 days ago and I am more then impressed. The leg clamps are a blessing as it makes you open it in no time. It is compact, light and sturdy (even more when you don't pull out the fourth legs). It holds my A7RIII very stably. I also love the carrying bag. Perfect for the traveler that I am. Regarding the head, I took it off and put the PD universal adapter and third-party head. This is by far the best tripod I have ever owned (I also own a Gitzo and Manfrotto). Yes, it cost a lot but normally you own a tripod for a long time; much longer than your camera.
Awesome! I'm pretty sure I'm going to break down and eventually buy the CF version. I'm still not ready to drop that much on a tripod yet. I very much enjoyed having it around, I was really sad to send it back.
RYN films I was able to afford it because of my optional summer teaching. But if I told you that the ballhead is an Arca-Swiss Z1+ combined with a Really Right Stuff top plate, I will allow you to hate me... :-) -:)
@@jboisvert77 Hey, I have the same camera and tripod. Could you please tell me which Really Right Stuff plate you brought? I see a few different ones on Adorama. I'm guessing you brought the Arca Swiss Monoball Z1+ Single Pan Tripod Head with Quick Set Classic Device?
How do you feel about the tripod three years later? Update us!
Great review but on 3:45 the left tripod had cup edging off to the side it fell on before the test vs the right tripod which was dead center.
It was a funny angle.. 🤷♂️
I came into the comments to see if anyone else had noticed.
I have the aluminum tripod and I'm really happy with it. Used it 6 times in the last two weeks, and it's been a pleasure. Very stable, easy to use and carry. Shooting with a D850 in poor light, so a bad tripod would be a problem. If you actually walk around with a tripod every day, I can see over time how less weight from the carbon fiber model would be a benefit. But if you only dream about walking around a lot and actually use it only occasionally, saving $250 and still getting an awesome tripod is a no-brainer.
Well said! They're both great but how much is the extra weight savings worth for you? That's going to be a decision everyone has to make for themselves.
The test does not convince me. The baton does not hit both tripods at the same time and in the same way.
In addition, carbon is totally resistant to water while aluminum can suffer and oxidize if we put it in a river for certain photos. Weight and consistency are not the only reasons to choose the carbon model.
It was a very unscientific test. 🤷♂️ I have no regrets on the carbon one though. 👍
@@rynfilms do you think the vibration is better damped with carbon in practice?
If the aluminum gives more than the carbon fiber, wouldn't it absorb the blow from the broomstick more? Meaning less motion is transferred to the cup, and ultimately hold the cup longer than the carbon fiber?
Hmm, the watertest is not really informative. It is all about stopping vibration, not really how well it absorbes shocks and how a glass of water wobbles on CF or aluminum.
Can I borrow your camera?
@@rynfilms You don`t really react well to critisism, do you?
@@theunsunghero9 Criticism?
@@rynfilms oof, this is a real turn off. Unfollowed right away after seeing his public behavior in this post and others. Guy has a problem.
@@satar9Lol you must have a real hard time surviving in the real world being such a snowflake 😂😂😂.
The sticker shock kinda hurt but I’m glad I went with the cf version. The cf version also stabilized faster after the shot if you need that.
There is something about the carbon fiber!
Actually, the glass of water fell down before from the carbon fiber tripod because it's "stiffer" than the aluminium one (and it's a good thing).
Vibrations were absorbed by the aluminium tripod, the tripod was moving instead of the glass of water. This means you'd get blurry images. ;-)
I like my Really Right Stuff TP-243 ground tripod. It will hold ANYTHING as long as the ground under doesn't give up.
I'll have to look that one up. Sounds great!
Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for.
Happy to help!
@1:50 "But at times it can kind of feel like you're fiddling with grandpa's old worn out prosthetic leg" I bust out laughing hahahaha
🤣🤣🤣
yes..
Stiffer carbon fiber transferred the energy of the broomstick with less loss than the aluminum.
Carbon Version is soooo expansive :(.
It’s almost 1,8 more expensive than the aluminum one. When back packing every grams is important. However the price make it insane. I do prefer to carry 290 grams more than to spend almost 300€. It’s almost 1€ per gram 🤪.
Also I would prefer to not have the mobile mount in the central column. Instead of that they should have put the hexagonal wrench inside there.
Having the wrenches on one leg is a possibility to lost it easily.
Receiving my aluminum one tomorrow. I hope I will not be disappointed while hiking.
Completely understand that. It's a lot to pay for a little bit of weight savings.
I have a aluminium version and I’m happy with that 😁
Let us know how the aluminum version holds up while hiking! I'm also wondering how it is weight-wise.
Just discovered this channel and loved this video! Might I suggest matching your VO volume of your beauty shots, to the rest of your dialogue. Also, regarding the water test, I feel like it doesn't represent the vibration reduction that carbon fibers are known for. The way you're hitting it with that pole, of course the lighter tripod will be moved from impact. Instead, I would suggest dropping some sort of weight in between the two tripods, then compare the movement of the water and how fast it settles. OR set up the same camera on both tripods and drop the weight, then slow down the footage. Maybe for a future test. Looking forward to more videos!
Thanks! 👍
Good call. I was trying to think of a good way to test it. I guess I was thinking of accidentally kicking or bumping the tripod during a shot. Maybe next time.
Someone really grew up with to gear. The only thing missing is the stig test driving the tripod... ideas!!!!
Sebastian sees it! 👍
After looking at the price, I got a Manfrotto for $60. It weighs less and is pretty compact.
Nice, which one?
Manfrotto Compact Light. 860 g. Love it.
Awesome review! Stoked
Thanks!
Hi what kind of camera bag did you use in this video
I couldn't remember so I had to go look what I used!
It's a Lowepro - amzn.to/3vAo16s
Can you attach a wimberly MkII head to it?
I think if you put two cameras same set and recorded a video on how the shutter and hit it with a stick or air blower.
Maybe a test for next time. I was trying to come up with something different. 🤷♂️
At this point, a rock tripod would be better than the ones I have. Patiently waiting for my aluminum tripod to arrive.
Rock tripods! I've used that solution so many times! I hope you get some good use out of your new tripod. 👍
Thank you for this !
Thanks for the review. Wanted to know if there was a difference I wasn't seeing.
They are pretty much the same except for the weight.
Underrated filming
Thanks Calvin!
Can u do panning shots with it?
Great review!
Thanks! 👍
There are too many variables in the shaky glass test for it to be meaningful, not the least of which is how level the ball mount is.
nice review. except 300gr difference, any other difference between alu and carbon versions ? iphone stand, ... ?
Wouldn't beat a dead Aardvark with either one! I own one of the very early PD Alu tripods and from a design standpoint, I love it. It's beautifully designed, elegant and nearly useless! It's still in it's bag in it's box with tags attached, and I am still using my old aluminum tripods every single time, in the studio or the field. Of course, as a disclaimer: I have to add that I began my photographic journey carrying around 15-20lb (est.) three part leg, wooden tripods with wingnut compression clamps and cast aluminum & brass heads along with, a 5 x 7 Deardorff view camera or larger, along with film loading bags, dark cloths, extra magazines and lenses. The lightest element carried was my Weston II light meter! So, when I'm out and about today, I don't quibble over an extra 2 pounds when I know I have a very stable base for my cameras! I just attach a few Helium filled balloons to my pack and I hardly notice the extra weight (that's a joke BTW) 🤣 In all seriousness though, I have been a somewhat overly critical reviewer of PD's gear, but from the standpoint of this photographer I don't see where overly elegant design (worthy of MOMA recognition) serves any purpose in the field but looks AMAZING in a high production value music video of an advertisement! And to ape many other comments: THE BLOODY PRICE TAG! And, I still haven't seen a PD in real-life in the field among a group of serious photographers.
Excellent review. Interesting test
😆 thanks!
Hi everyone
What’s the difference between carbon fibre and aluminum in peak design tripod
waiting for competitors to make similar product with the fraction of the price
It'll probably happen at some point.
Good to follow you for learning the fanciest english vocabulary :)
The glass of water test has a lot of flaws in this experimental design, such that this would never be accepted by any science journal. The exact placement of tripods on the ground, the exact placement of the cups and the exact amount of water in each cup, the moving broom handle was not symmetric on both ends, and it's unlikely that it hit both tripods in the exact instant in time. The tripod that got hit a fraction of a second earlier would absorb much more energy. And the list goes on. Furthermore, you'd need to do this test at least 100 or 200 times if you have this lack of precision. So although the thought of testing was good, I'm not impressed with the rigor of this test. It may well be that your test showed the truth, but I'd need more evidence. Because the Aluminum tripod was heavier, that probably resulted in more stability.
In general though, carbon fibre is stiffer, lighter, and more weather resistant, corrosion proof, scratch resistant, and stronger than aluminum. The look better, and they feel better. Carbon fibre has 5X the strength/weight ratio of aluminum, which is why they are stronger and more rigid than aluminum.
Yep, this was a very unscientific test. 🤷♂️
3:06 - i think you mean "for the rest of the world"
Yeah, probably. It makes so much more sense.
Damn! Not grandma’s leg!🤣😂
🤣
Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.
My friend owns one of this tripod and he Already wants normal not this over designed tripod. He has carbon fiber and he is mirrorless Hybrid shooter where he complains that its not stready in light wind conditions... I think he said wants Sirui brand tripod.
Is the leg releases are plastic or metal?
Good test thanks
I think it depends on how serious you are about photography. Carbon vs. aluminum? Carbon wins..easily. If you shoot landscape...there is only one option...carbon. It is simply stiffer than aluminum...not even a close contest. I'd take a star off the PD because of the bag. If they made room for a head to be attached in the bag...then 5 stars.
I've still used the bag and just left the off brand head sticking out. Not ideal but it kind of works.
@@rynfilms You're right, not a big deal. The tripod is going to be exposed to the elements anyway. I did recently purchase the Lefoto 79" carbon tripod without CC. It's very nice, and I can leave my Man fluid head attached and close the included bag. So many good choices out there. :)
i never use my $4000 camera +$3000 lens on carbon tripod
Good video, thanks. Your noise gate attacks too fast to the point that it's distracting, though!
I’ve got the Canon Eos R and still do love it, and I am thinking about to buy the Atomos Ninja V! Would be nice if you can compare the Canon Eos R+Ninja V to the Canon R6 (and maybe Canon R5). The difference and benefits? ✨ it’s a bit to expensive these days to buy a new camera 🙂
Hey Mike! I'll have a video in the next few weeks talking about the R and the R6. 👍
RYN films Really nice!!
Hearing the phrase "no one likes a sad, droopy sack" in a tripod review video might be the greatest moment of 2021 so far.
Great video
Thank you!
Did you grade this footage? It looks so flat... 😬
thank you for saving me 250 bucks
You saved me some money.
E.X.P.E.N.S.I.V.E.
I went for the aluminium lasted one day :( took me a whole day to pull the legs apart and clean. Then broke a small retainer clip that holds the legs in place the next day. Received an email saying I have to buy a whole leg for aus 100 to replace a cheap clip. Strongly suggest putting money elsewhere if you shoot landscapes or any outdoor activities
What did you do to that thing? 🤔
I've taken mine out to some pretty dirty environments and have not had any issues.
It has a lifetime warranty.....why did you have to re-purchase a leg?
@@TheRCNetwork exactly. Seems like a trolling comment.
I get the carbon fiber just for the looks lmao
Either way, you are not getting a schlock.
And I learned a new word today! Seriously, I've never heard the term schlock before. I'll probably hear it like 80 times in the next week. 🤣
But is it obtrusive?!
;)
Not at all! 😎
03:16 thank me later
Too expensive all around
not a review, Advertisement, bye!
Thanks for stopping by.. 🌵
0:24 bullshit.
Dude, your audio is terrible.
helpfull
Your video is basically an ad. Ease up dude.
It's a bad and unpaid ad. 🤷♂️