Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Long Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with Integrated Ball Head

I bought this from awhile back. It's become my one tripod for everything since it's tall enough for wildlife photography while compact enough to take anywhere. I did buy a separate platform head which comes in handy when I want to use a gimbal head for wildlife photography but I think the integrated head completes the intended original vision for this product

Short Summary: It is lightweight, great height, fits in carryon and works great. Integrated head works fine. 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 so I can convert it to either the integrated head version (ASCEND-14L-BH) or the platform head verion (ASCEND-14L-PF). So I am in position to write reviews for either. 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. The TFC-14 + BH-30 was around the same folded length as the new RRS Ascend 14 Long with an integrated head. This short folded length makes it very easy to carry it attached to a backpack.

I bought the Ascend to use as a travel tripod when I need to carry it on an airplane and/or on a backcountry backpacking trip. It is the most rigid travel tripod that I have experienced. The long version is tall enough for me to use without having to stoop down and the legs are standard RRS quality construction without any limitations. I have just started to use the tripod and need to really see how the integrated ball head works. On first glance it seems very capable for the size and weight, but use in the field will test the point.

I wanted to invest in a light-weight, sturdy, high-quality travel tripod to last me the rest of my life. And this fit the bill perfectly. I've purchased many high-quality carbon fiber tripods over the years, and this is by far the best built one I've used. The build is super-solid and sturdy. And as a bonus, it's an attractive looking piece of equipment to boot! The lightweight and compact form factor makes traveling a breeze, and when fully set up, becomes a 'full-size' tripod-so no hunching over like other travel tripods for someone like me who is nearly 6ft tall. Bonus: If the head is separated, it will just (barely) fit vertically in my domestic carry-on max/bigger luggage case by tucking it into a corner. Note: It won't fit the smaller international carry-on luggage size though.

When I took it out of the box I first thought was how small this tripod is, especially for a long version. I own two different RRS tripods, the 45 and 55 versions. The Ascend -14 long is quite a bit smaller when folded and quite a bit lighter than the 45. It really does fit within carry on dimensions. When packed the diameter is much smaller than the 45L. The triangular shape of the center column contributes to its stability when extended. And I'm not a fan of center columns. Being able to remove the bottom half of the column also makes it possible to get the camera close to the ground without inverting it and the leg sections are short enough that you can shoot with a 16mm down low without getting one of the tripod legs in your composition. The locking level and adjustments are also in line with their other products. My only criticisms are that the ball (in the recessed head) is quite small and there is no tension adjustment for the ball itself like the other ball heads have. But if they made the ball any larger the head itself would be too large to be recessed the way it is. The tension on the ball is factory set and the one I have is a little stiffer than I'd like. However I found that there is a small hex head screw by the locking lever that you can adjust yourself to loosen it a bit if desired. I loosened mine just a tad so it was faster to adjust and once its locked in place it's good and stable for camera/lens combos up to at least 7 lbs. I haven't tried anything heavier as I've just used it for landscapes so far. The center column itself needs to be raised at least 4 for the ball head to clear the platform enough to use it for verticals but I haven't found that to affect its stability and have used it with exposures up to 15 seconds. I'm 5'10 tall and I can stand behind it and not have to bend over to compose an image If I want that height. I've only had it for a few weeks but have taken about 700 frames, including HDR, Pano, and focus stacked images and everything has worked out excellent. This tripod is going with me no matter what or where I go. If I need a second tripod for multiple cameras or large lens I'll bring the 45 or 55 if needed. And I'm considering perhaps getting the30 ball head to see if I like it any better. You can get the tripod with a plate so you can attach another head besides the recessed one. But I got this for the small size, light weight and maximum height. I'd recommend the long version, especially for anyone over 5'7_ much easier, faster and comfortable to use for someone that height. If I got the30 to go with it I'd probably pack it with the head detached for travel to keep it as short as possible. But for now I'm just going to keep using the recessed head that comes with it. I also got the rock claw feet because I do a lot of work in wet, rocky and icy terrain and the claw feet can't be beat for those conditions. If you want a really compact, light, sturdy and versatile tripod then this is the one I'd get. I've been using RRS tripods for over 20 years and they have lasted longer than any of the other popular pro brands I've used, bar none. They are worth the cost.