Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Long Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod

I needed something portable yet sturdy. I turn to the good folks over at Really Right Stuff for all of my tripod needs. The reason I went for this instead of the one with the integrated head is because I have a Nikon Z9 and it's a heavy camera, add a lens and I just needed more reassurance. I ended up getting the BH-40 and they are the PERFECT combo.

Summary: It is lightweight, great height, fits in carryon and works great. Long version: I have had several travel tripods. First the Gitzo GT1542T that I sold to get the RRS TVC-24 - as it was more stable but not much more weight. The TVC-24 was great as a single tripod to have - but I wanted a taller and stronger tripod for bigger lenses/car travel (600mm f/4, etc.) and a slightly lighter travel tripod for airport travel. And at times it was too short. So I sold the TVC-24 for two different tripods: RRS TFC-14 (lightweight air travel tripod) and a TFC-34 (everything else / car based travel, reasonably tall). The TFC-14 was great but the height was a little too short. And then the new RRS Ascend 14 Long was introduced. I bought one with an integrated head. Subsequently I have also bought the Ascend platform center column from RRS which makes the tripod same as the ASCEND-14L-PF. So I am in position to write reviews for the Ascend 14 long with either the platform column or the integrated head. I used it for a European vacation and found it a dream to use because of it's height. We had traveled carryon bags only during this trip. I can fit the tripod in a 21 inch wheeled carryon if I remove the center column with the integrated head. Interestingly I do not need to remove the center column of the Ascend 14 long with the platform head to fit it in the carryon bag size. I use the Ascend 14L PF with an RRS BH-30 ball head - which is a great combo. This is essentially what a long version of the TFC-14 would have been - more costly but comes with a center column. I personally do not see myself using the center column, but it is available to use and it does not take up any space due to its triangular design.

Coming from a 34L RRS tripod, I got this one to be used for daily activities such as, portraiture, landscape and macro, even cityscapes. I use this with a Magpul MS1. This tripod is strong but most of all I don't feel it, the weight is really what I was missing from this, the strength is like all RRS tripods this handles the 5D line to the 400mm Canon lens in sure it can hold a 600mm as well. I'm using it with the bh30 not with the built-in Ball Head and I'm loving it. I'm sorry I wasn't traveling with this tripod at first. It will fit the new R bodies like a glove it's so small and clean. Nothing gets in the way. I must say the 34L I had was heavy compare to this one, I can walk with it and not feel a thing. I use the tripod leg sleeves to protect it from the cold and for handling it does make a difference, it may add some weight though but for bme I'm OK with that. The extension piece has a dropout lock so I cause your lock slips the rail along with your camera will not hit the floor. Something very cool that RRS added. Everything else you can break down and clean if you happen to go out at sea or in dirt, the tripod maintenance is very simple and easy it also holds all the removable feet like the claws and spikes. I have no regrets I got this, if your looking for a light tripod for the new small mirror less camera's this trpoid is what your looking for the size is just right. Not to big or small and it will fit in a carry on luggage with ease. I love walking with my tripod in its bag whwn traveling it's sweet but this is so much smaller than my 34L Mk1 in afraid I'm loose it but I'll not let that happen. I'm looking into getting me a fresh 34L mk 3 as I gave my precious 34L to someone special to me. RRS Tripods are my choice not because of hype but because of quality and also made in the USA.

I bought this tripod one year: Advantage: 1- Stable for Panorama. Long exposure and any kind of photography 2- Adjusting horizontally with bobble so fast and very accurate 3- Luck and unluck very stable with middle expansion 4- After leveling you can extend height as much as possible without any problem at all and keep level as you set for. 5- Middle stand designed and shape that pack very well fast with no problem at all 6- The most important is the warranty. I speak even with the factory technician to ask questions I had. I have 2 other tripods, I bought both for . 750. after 2 years I have problems with luck and stability. I speak for warranty and send them e-mail no answer at all. Please pay more and sleep well for many years. attached please watch panorama and long exposure shots.