Best compact travel tripod, just

It should be fine, holds a 5d3 with Sigma 70-200 with a 600EX-RT side ways.

0zla4nf.png


or at 45degree easy - nice ball head.

2JAmDtH.png
 
The ballhead is always a question mark with smaller brands, but it looks decent. The only 'issue' I can see with this tripod is the working height of 100cm but may not be an issue for many people and I guess a compromise to get the tripod to a decent size.

@Hotshots - I'm not necessarily on a budget, I've toyed with a Gitzo for a while, but always interested in products that are not mainstream. The redged tripod falls into that category. Have to say the 7dayshop tripod looks fantastic value too.....
 
As a bonus, I measured it from ground to top of the plate, it's 108cm. So it was a little higher than the 100cm I was expecting.
 
Raymond Lin said:
Not a whole lot of difference, it only raises about 15cm or so.
Click to expand...

Thanks.. I guess it's quite stable and the limited height no doubt helps with that. I'm torn slightly between the Sirui T-025X and this, the Sirui being slightly higher but it does have thinner legs so probably isn't as stable... stability is probably more useful than the extra 20cm though so I may well be getting one of these shortly

Simon
 
Hi,

I am posting this because I saw Ray's blog post and this made me think that I have been long overdue to get a 2nd tripod. I come from a very similar story as Rays.
I own a 5D Mark III along with some F1.2 primes so my gear is heavy. I use the first Manfrotto 055PROB with a range of heads, RC322 pistol grip, 405 Geared. Whilst I don't do much traveling abroad, I do shoot landscapes locally and try to capture infrared work which requires me to use a tripod. The 055PROB is 1, far to large as a compacted footprint to hang off the bag. 2, its weight is far from light. Me being 6ft tall the model Ray has gone for unfortunately is no good to me due to its maximum extended height. I have opted for a TSC-427 from Amazon for £271. This extended out is roughly 20cm shy of what my 055PROB can do. I hardly ever use my 055 at that extended range anyway so I think the TSC-427 is a good choice to go for. I'll be keeping my 055 anyway as that thing is a tank when it comes to using it submerged in water. Its also 9 years old this year so its deffo time for a change. I also like the fact this one can be easily reconfigured as a mono pod. I do have a Manfrotto monopod but I have only ever used it once. Still, the option is nice.
Couple of brief details on the one I went for

Carbon Travel Kit + RNB-2n Ball Head

materiaal.png
Material:Carbon
hoogtemiddenzuilomhoog.png
Extended:159.0 cm
62.60 inch
hoogtemonopod.png
Monopod:168.0 cm
66.14 inch
afmetingverpakking.png
Box Dimensions ( L ) 52.5 x (W) 13.0 x (H) 13.0 cm
(L) 20.7 x (W) 5.1 x (H) 5.1 inch
gewicht.png
Weight:1.60 Kg
3.53 lbs
maxgewicht.png
Max load:11.0 Kg
24.25 lbs
hoogteingeklapt.png
Folded:48.0 cm
18.90 inch
maxhoogte.png
Height:133.0 cm
52.36 inch

Being delivered tomorrow.

Johnny
 
Johnny1982 said:
Hi,

I am posting this because I saw Ray's blog post and this made me think that I have been long overdue to get a 2nd tripod. I come from a very similar story as Rays.
I own a 5D Mark III along with some F1.2 primes so my gear is heavy. I use the first Manfrotto 055PROB with a range of heads, RC322 pistol grip, 405 Geared. Whilst I don't do much traveling abroad, I do shoot landscapes locally and try to capture infrared work which requires me to use a tripod. The 055PROB is 1, far to large as a compacted footprint to hang off the bag. 2, its weight is far from light. Me being 6ft tall the model Ray has gone for unfortunately is no good to me due to its maximum extended height. I have opted for a TSC-427 from Amazon for £271. This extended out is roughly 20cm shy of what my 055PROB can do. I hardly ever use my 055 at that extended range anyway so I think the TSC-427 is a good choice to go for. I'll be keeping my 055 anyway as that thing is a tank when it comes to using it submerged in water. Its also 9 years old this year so its deffo time for a change. I also like the fact this one can be easily reconfigured as a mono pod. I do have a Manfrotto monopod but I have only ever used it once. Still, the option is nice.
Couple of brief details on the one I went for

Carbon Travel Kit + RNB-2n Ball Head

materiaal.png
Material:Carbon
hoogtemiddenzuilomhoog.png
Extended:159.0 cm
62.60 inch
hoogtemonopod.png
Monopod:168.0 cm
66.14 inch
afmetingverpakking.png
Box Dimensions ( L ) 52.5 x (W) 13.0 x (H) 13.0 cm
(L) 20.7 x (W) 5.1 x (H) 5.1 inch
gewicht.png
Weight:1.60 Kg
3.53 lbs
maxgewicht.png
Max load:11.0 Kg
24.25 lbs
hoogteingeklapt.png
Folded:48.0 cm
18.90 inch
maxhoogte.png
Height:133.0 cm
52.36 inch

Being delivered tomorrow.

Johnny
Click to expand...



Looks a decent option.. similar to the Benro C2692T I use for carrying around the Snowdonia mountains, bit more of a heavyweight than the "ultimate" travel tripods listed in this thread though, I find my Benro brilliant but don't want to lug it around on holiday

Simon
 
The 427 seem really good alternative, the 055pro is only out when I have my car, there is no chance of me taking it on a backpack. In fact, when I pack the car, I carry that separately, it's how heavy that is.

That said, can't fault it for stability and durability. It's my oldest piece of equipment it still looks new.
 
Raymond Lin said:
The 427 seem really good alternative, the 055pro is only out when I have my car, there is no chance of me taking it on a backpack. In fact, when I pack the car, I carry that separately, it's how heavy that is.

That said, can't fault it for stability and durability. It's my oldest piece of equipment it still looks new.
Click to expand...
Because I don't travel by car I have to say my 055PRO has seen better days. Nothing more than cosmetic though. 9 years and the locks are still good. I'm looking forward to the 427. I can see myself being very happy with it.
 
Johnny1982 said:
Because I don't travel by car I have to say my 055PRO has seen better days. Nothing more than cosmetic though. 9 years and the locks are still good. I'm looking forward to the 427. I can see myself being very happy with it.
Click to expand...

I use that one too Johnny - it's a great tripod with a good head but as Simon says it's not really as travel as the others in the thread.

Here's my thoughts on it http://www.outdoorsphotography.co.uk/redged-tsc-427k-carbon-fibre-tripod-review/ Steve Tucker (no relation) has done a great review too looking at it as a step down from a Gitzo if you look it up :)
 
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My TSC-427 has been delivered. I'm quite impressed. Its ALOT smaller and lighter than I expected it to. So Rays must be pocket sized! hahaha.Its quite a shock to the system how unstable a carbon fibre tripod is after coming from something so sturdy. Not to say I feel it is unstable. Its just ALOT lighter than anything I've owned previously. I can see me taking this tripod with me on most photo trips out now.

The tripod is built very well. The head is nice and a lot smaller than I thought it would be.

The only thing I am wondering.... Were the leg locks suppose to click? I'm sure from the video I saw of them they click as they are been rotated? Have I just made this up or is this a feature on the higher spec models?
 
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Just received my Redged TSA-322K Travel this morning. Liking what I see so far. Very well made. Will try it out and take a few pictures later..
 
I am wondering where is this "1 motion to lock or open all" thing, I think I saw that in one of the spec somewhere but never actually believed it, may be its for a larger tripod. I guess you need to make sure it's twist properly before mounting your camera.

and yes, mine is tiny ! :p

I may get the 427 too to compliment it too now.
 
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Hi Johnny and Raymond, the single twist to unlock is just grabbing al the locks at the same time as you rotate, you have to lock them one by one - and no, there's no click when you lock them.

Johnny - I nearly always hang my bag under mine to add ballast to keep it more stable - it really makes a big difference (but it's not a great idea if it's windy).
 
Hi Jamestux,

I know about the twist to unlock feature of the locks I just could of sworn there was a clicking noise from the Redged promo video. I think I just imagined it :)
 
Hey,

So I thought I would post some images of the Redged TSC-427. Very similar to Rays ultimate Travel. But for anyone who's interested in this larger model. Please find below.1, TSC-427k in its compacted mode.

1, Redged TSC-427k

12391148043_1d54979556_c.jpg


2, The head looks like it is folded under the legs which it is, but its more that the legs actually rotated to an inverted state to cover the head. Same thing really.

12391444754_69c3e838a4_c.jpg

3, One leg remaining in its operating position.

12391152033_58c9caa932_c.jpg

4, TSC-427k extended out into its natural stance.
12391154083_a6f8cde3d0_c.jpg

5, TSC-427k head bundled with. RNB-2N

12391449624_7dd8ae005a_c.jpg

6, Redged TSC-427k vs Manfrotto 055PROB + 410 Geared Head extended into natural stances.

12391005245_23d5746853_c.jpg

7, Redged TSC-427k vs Manfrotto 055PROB + 410 Geared Head lay down

12391452304_83e4cf6f17_c.jpg

8, Redged TSC-427k vs Manfrotto 055PROB + 410 Geared Head propped up.

12391161153_ef99ec2efe_c.jpg
 
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9, Redged TSC-427k vs Manfrotto 055PROB + 410 Geared Head extended without stem extended.

12391456464_8919d74027_c.jpg


10,Redged TSC-427k vs Manfrotto 055PROB + 410 Geared Head close inspection of size difference.

12391164653_11b72d4ef1_c.jpg

11, Redged TSC-427k vs Manfrotto 055PROB + 410 Geared Head close inspection of the difference once both stems have been extended.

12391167763_16af4f9daa_c.jpg


12, Redged TSC-427k vs Manfrotto 055PROB + 410 Geared Head fully extended comparison.

12391463114_f3a9506c72_c.jpg


13, Redged TSC-427k RNB-2n 2 of 3 built in levels.

12391019845_b68141f2ee_c.jpg

14, Redged TSC-427k RNB-2n head
12391467134_7418e231ef_c.jpg

15, 14, Redged TSC-427k RNB-2n head with 3rd level.

12391023505_842d5e9a53_c.jpg

16, Redged TSC-427k One leg can be removed which becomes a monopod.

12391033295_a3da567b91_c.jpg
 
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17, Redged TSC-427k RNB-2n head as complete mono pod.

12391188583_dd6d5f9ab3_c.jpg

18, Redged TSC-427k central stem removal.

12391039545_72b227c1fb_c.jpg

19, Redged RNB-2n vs Manfrotto 410 Geared Heads compared.

12391193773_4f4a60fc52_c.jpg

20, Redged TSC-427k supplied with carry case/bag.
12391195313_1e89331695_c.jpg

21, Redged TSC-427k supplied with carry case/bag.

12391196853_26597d385f_c.jpg

22, Redged TSC-427k supplied with carry case/bag with hand zip pocket.

12391491744_d3afda524e_c.jpg
 
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Thanks Johnny, nice comparison and what is striking is when fully extended they are quite close still yet it is half the length with fully compacted.
 
Yeah Ray it is quite astonishing that something like you say is half the size can almost be just as tall. Very happy purchase, thank you for the recommendation.
 
If I were to have just 1 Tripod, the 427 would be high on my list, but for travel only the 525 is unbeatable for under £200.
 
Yeah the 427 sure is small but I would opt for much smaller to travel abroad with. Hence Rays choice.
 
Useful thread here, thanks. As a result I've decided to order the Redged TCA‑522K & RNB‑0n Ball Head for my trip to the Far East in May.
 
Johnny1982 said:
Yeah the 427 sure is small but I would opt for much smaller to travel abroad with. Hence Rays choice.
Click to expand...

Good point Johnny. Thanks all for the info. I'm in a lucky position, I live in Holland and there is a retailer relatively close to me that is fully stocked so I may pop over on the weekend for a look at their range :)
 
I see that the REDGED TSC-525K has spike feet with rubber covers. I'm wondering if there would be a problem travelling with that as hand luggage. I've seen people have trekking poles taken off them at security before now, even though the tips have had rubber protectors on.
 
Well I wouldn't call them massively spiked. Saying that, you might have a point (pun not intended).
 
I would probably put it in the hold anyway, it's not exactly a delicate piece of electronic so no worries about going into the hold.
 
Just thought I'd add my recent travel tripod purchase, after much deliberation and some ebay disappointment I went with the Manfrotto BeFree a great looking well made Aluminium tripod which looks and feels excellent to me. It won't strictly be a travel tripod as it is my only one so I didn't opt for something like Rays as I wanted a bit more flexibility. For the £129 I paid I really can't argue with the quality and at 40cm and 1.4kg it is easily hand luggage sized even on a budget carrier.
Stood up with the 5d mkii and 24-105mm F4l mounted



Collapsed with the 5dmkii and 24-105mm for comparison

 
Hi Guys,

I'm also on the quest for the best travel tripod and have read through this thread and others extensively. It seems the Redged 525K is indeed the best one to go for, the others I have on my list are -

  • Manfrotto BeFree
  • MeFoto RoadTrip
  • Benro Travel Angel
The only downside of the Redged for me is that it only goes about 4 feet high but I don't see this as too much of an issue, I am 6"1 though but then again most of my landscape shots are taken from a low perspective.

How are you guys getting on with your Redgeds?? I'm seriously tempted to purchase for an upcoming trip to Bangkok and Australia!

Cheers

Alex
 
I'm still looking for one for me.
I think I will go for either redged 522 or mefoto backpacker (or road trip )
525 is only 100cm high fully extended, 522 goes to 136cm and backpacker 130 cm.
Road trip over 180 cm.
Road trip is heaviest 1.6kg while all other are 1.2kg.
Only advantage of 525 is that it can take up to 8kg of equipment on it.
 
bastic said:
I'm still looking for one for me.
I think I will go for either redged 522 or mefoto backpacker (or road trip )
525 is only 100cm high fully extended, 522 goes to 136cm and backpacker 130 cm.
Road trip over 180 cm.
Road trip is heaviest 1.6kg while all other are 1.2kg.
Only advantage of 525 is that it can take up to 8kg of equipment on it.
Click to expand...
And it is a monopod - and it's only 30cm when folded (oh and it's sexy Carbon Fibre and comes with a quality Neoprene bag LOL)
 
jamestux said:
And it is a monopod - and it's only 30cm when folded (oh and it's sexy Carbon Fibre and comes with a quality Neoprene bag LOL)
Click to expand...
ended up with ALU Redged 522K
haven't tried it yet ;)

sadly ( ;) ) its carry case is not as good as one for 427k, but it will be carried in camera bag anyhow
 
Ended up on this thread looking for the perfect tripod. I live in the US and if I buy this from Amazon, I'm not gonna want to pay for return shipping. (No place to buy this in the states)

Looks like a VERY awesome tripod and I am heavily considering just ordering it.

I noticed that there is no spirit level on the tripod base itself. I know that a lot of photographers, including myself, need a level base for panorama shots. Would you happen to know the diameter of the base of the head? Where it attaches to the tripod? I found this nifty little wonder, http://armorport.com/spirit-levels/...rit-level-plate.html#/internal_diameter_-48mm, and was wondering what size it would need to be. With this attached I can't see anything wrong at all with this as a main tripod. (y)

I'm also considering the MeFoto Roadtrip Carbon Fibre model. I had the Manfrotto BeFree, but it wasn't stiff enough at all and I returned it.

Thanks everyone!
 
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