The PD Travel Tripod takes A-S style plates: PD plates are all A-S compatible.
I mentioned Manfrotto RC2 because that was the example the video review pointed
to for his complaint about no "auto lock" feature on the clamp. Personally,
that think that comment is bollocks. NONE of my heads and clamps have an auto
lock feature, and I've never dropped a camera off a tripod because I hadn't
secured the clamp. Not once in fifty-plus years…
I have several plates with D-ring added to the hex key securing solution. The
D-ring nets nothing, particularly with a heavy camera and lens, because by the
time I get the plate snug enough to not twist* in use, I need a tool to turn
the D-ring with anyway … which is usually a hex key that I have on my keyring.
Never mind that once the plate is snug enough, I can't take it off without
using that same hex key on my keyring.
* Best solution to the twisting issue is to get plates that have a ledge or are
otherwise fitted for particular cameras such that they don't take much force
and cannot twist no matter what. Most of my plates are like this, but some
cameras do not lend themselves to this kind of design. But an allen key hanging
on my key ring eliminates any need to have a D-ring at all (and I've found the
D-rings break pretty often anyway).
I have looked at the Manfrotto BeFree and found the Sirui T-025x CF (or its
descendent) a superior tripod, with a superior ball head and universal plate
included, for about $200 or so. It's sturdy enough IMO for smartphones and
light cameras, but not a typical DSLR and/or any lens over about 100mm (FF
equivalent). It's reasonably stable for ultrawides as long as I don't extend
the column, and hopless with a Polaroid SX-70. The Manfrotto was worse in these
respects.
I don't expect everyone to want or need the $900 A-S Monoball P0 Hybrid that
I'm in love with, but a good solid ball head with A-S compatible clamp is
something like the Markins Q3i Traveler or Acratech Ultimate Ball Head for $300
or so. Add my Manfrotto CF190pro3 legs for another $350 and that's kind of the
minimum I'd consider for anything longer than a 200mm (eqFF) lens and DSLR
setup of what's currently available. If the PD Travel Tripod approaches that
level of sturdiness, with better quality build, it's a bargain.
I probably use a tripod for 30% or more of my photography. I have four of them
already (two sets of Manfrotto legs, the Feisol CT3442 Tournament, and the
Sirui T-025x)d, and three table top tripods (one of which is nearly always in
my bag…). If I had something as light and compact as this new PD that was also
sturdy enough for my heavier gear (or ultrawide lenses, which need at least as
sturdy a tripod as a big heavy telephoto!), I'd use it even more.
Yes, my Kickstarter pledge is already in place. :-)
G
> On May 23, 2019, at 7:52 AM, Igor PDML-StR wrote:
>
>
> Godfrey,
>
> I wasn't sure: so, you are saying this tripod takes both A-S and RC2 plates
> natively (i.e. without any adapters), right? That's nice!
>
> As for L-plates or other heads, - that's all possible, but that
> adds wait and complexity, so, that would negate the big advantage of this
> tripod: small weight (and compact size) + simplicity.
>
> BTW, I forgot to mention, that I also agree with the guy in that video review
> about the lack of a better plate attachment screw (e.g. D-ring).
>
>
> Re: price vs. Manfrotto.
> P.J. has already pointed out that the direct competitor from Manfrotto, -
> BeFree costs $350, and it is currently on sale at B for $220. That's for
> the carbon fiber! The newer model, "BeFree Advanced" is $320 ($270 after
> MIR). And BeFree (both models) also weighs under 3 lbs (2.4-2.5 lbs).
> However, it is a bit less compact than PD when folded.
> Take a look at this review:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37OLkOSN70
>
>
> It looks like that $220 price might be a clearance sale (for that older
> model), as it is out of stock on Manfrotto website, and I just was told
> by Manfrotto support that its production ended in 2017.
>
> I am tempted to pull a trigger on that (a great deal, IMHO), but
> I am not using tripods that often, and when I do, - I travel by car.
> But... maybe if I had such a light one
>
>
> Hey, Larry, are you tempted?.. ;-)
>
>
> Godfrey DiGiorgi Wed, 22 May 2019 15:43:12 -0700 wrote:
>
> Oh yes: you don’t have to use PD plates. Any good A-S plate will do. There
> are plenty with safeties. The RC2 plates are never as stable or secure. Also,
> you can use any other head by getting the universal mount plate.
>
>> On May 22, 2019, at 3:35 PM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote:
>>
>> All ball heads have some limitations on movement to portrait position. That’s
>> why they make L-plates ... and to keep the camera centered over the legs for
>> best stability. Some of my other heads have even larger motion issues.
>>
>> Of course, you can always just rotate the camera and plate 180 degrees on the
>>
