RRS Tripods: Ascend-14L or TFC-24L?

[a.jiang]

Looking to purchase a tripod. After some extensive research on brands such as RRS, Gitzo, and ProMediaGear, I decided on RRS for two reasons.

1. I have their MC-34 monopod, and I'm very happy with it.
2. Their design looks the best imho.

However, I am still trying to decide between the Ascend-14L and the TFC-24L. Currently leaning more towards the Ascend.

• Ascend-14L Advantage: reversible column for ground-level shooting, smaller, marginally lighter.
• Ascend-14L Disadvantage: 30 lbs max weight (compared to 70 lbs).

Many say that RRS is conservative with their max weight rating. I also figured that regardless, 30 lbs is still more than enough for a body + 600mm f/4 + gimbal head setup which totals to just over 12 lbs. Is there something I'm missing here?

Primary use cases that I can think of: travel, landscape, wildlife (with 400mm/600mm).

If anyone has any advice at all, I'd really appreciate it!

 

[neuroanatomist]

You can't go wrong with RRS, except for the hit on your wallet. I have the TQC-14 (original), older design than the Ascend but the same basic sticks. RRS is definitely conservative with their load ratings. For example, the TQC-14 is rated for 25 lbs, and here it is supporting a medium format camera...and the owner of RRS:



I actually tried with that with my 180 lb self the day my TQC-14 was delivered, so I know it's not a gimmick. I can mount my 600/4 II on the TQC-14 and BH-25 ballhead (rated for ~9 lbs) and it supports it fine (though for actual use, I would not use a ballhead with that lens).

The TQC-14 is my travel tripod, for local use I also have a TVC-33 with a leveling base, and both the BH-55 LR and PG-02 gimbal with dovetail bases that I can swap in the clamp on the base (and also a Manfrotto Nitrotech 608 fluid head with a dovetail, for video). I also have the MC-34 with the tilt head, I use that frequently with the 600/4 II.

 

[a.jiang]

I actually tried with that with my 180 lb self the day my TQC-14 was delivered, so I know it's not a gimmick.

Thanks for your detailed response! The Ascend-14L it is then.

If I ever end up with a setup that is even heavier, I'll consider a 2 series or a 3 series.

 

[HeavyPiper]

I believe that Bryan at The-Digital Pictures.com has a review of the RSS Ascend-14L