As an expert journey photographer, I’ve used a number of journey tripods over time, together with fashions from Manfrotto and Vanguard.
At this time, I’m going to be reviewing Peak Design’s travel tripod, which I’ve been utilizing within the area for the previous a number of months to see the way it compares to different journey tripods.
I’ve truly been a fan of Peak Design’s merchandise for a very long time. They make a spread of images equipment, and I notably like their carry strap system which I’ve been utilizing for years on my cameras. Additionally they have a spread of well-liked baggage.
My expertise up to now with their merchandise has been very constructive, they’re properly made and backed by a wonderful guarantee and assist program. Let’s see if that high quality has prolonged to their journey tripod. I’ll share my ideas on utilizing one in all their journey tripods for the primary time.
Peak Design Journey Tripod Overview
Peak Design launched their journey tripod (by way of Kickstarter) in 2019, with normal availability coming in 2020. This was their first and is at present solely tripod.
It’s now been available on the market for a while, and I believed it was about time I gave it a superb take a look at and assessment. Let’s begin with the specs.
Peak Design Journey Tripod Specs
There are two variants of the Peak Design journey tripod available on the market in the intervening time, an aluminum mannequin and a carbon fiber mannequin.
The one distinction between the 2 is the fabric in use, which impacts the load (and value!). All the opposite specs are the identical. Right here’s a fast overview of the principle specs.
- Load capability – 20lbs (9.1kg)
- Max top heart column raised – 60″ (152.2cm)
- Max top heart column down – 51.25″ (130.2cm)
- Weight aluminum mannequin 3.44lbs (1.56kg)
- Weight carbon fiber mannequin 2.81lbs (1.29kg)
- Packed top: 15.4″ (39.1cm)
- Packed diameter 3.125″ (39.1cm)
The retail value of the aluminum mannequin is $379.95, and the carbon fiber mannequin is $599.95. You evaluate the newest costs and purchase it direct from Peak Design here, on Amazon here, and from B&H Photo here.
This tripod definitely suits what we look for in a travel tripod, which is a mix of portability and a superb load capability.
In addition to the uncooked numbers, there are a number of further options of the Peak Design journey tripod I wished to spotlight.
First, the tripod is designed from the bottom as much as be tremendous transportable. The principle method that is achieved is with the top design, which may be very compact. The ball head principally suits flush into the tripod when packed away and takes up barely any house.
The flip locks, triangular leg design, and small heart column additionally all contribute to permitting this tripod to fold down actually small.
I’ve used a number of journey tripods over time, and this one is certainly probably the greatest designs I’ve used by way of the way it packs away to take up a minimal quantity of house.
The ball head can also be fairly good. There’s an built-in bubble degree to make sure your digicam is flat, and the flip lock design makes attaching and eradicating your digicam very straightforward. You too can lock your digicam into place with the flip of a toggle, which provides nice peace of thoughts.
One other neat characteristic is the combination of a telephone head mount. This lives inside the middle column, and has a quick-release mechanism for straightforward set up.
It then attaches on to the tripod mounting plate and permits you to use your tripod along with your smartphone. This could work with just about any smartphone available on the market at present.
It’s a pleasant worth add and can also be properly designed and durable.
One very last thing I wished to spotlight is the carrying case. That is usually an afterthought with tripods, in case you even get one in any respect.
Properly, Peak Design is thought for his or her baggage and their tripod case is gorgeous. It appears nice, the tripod suits inside securely, and it’s each padded and weatherproof. It’s lacking a strap, however there are add-ons to make it suitable with the Peak Design carry system.
Okay, so these are the principle options. What is that this tripod like to truly use in the actual world? Let’s discover out.
Peak Design Journey Tripod – Ideas on Actual World Use
I favor to do a assessment primarily based on actual world expertise, so I traveled with the Peak Design journey tripod as my fundamental tripod for a number of months to see the way it carried out within the area.
As it is a journey tripod, I count on it to be one thing I can carry with me when mountaineering, so I took it with me on quite a lot of hikes up numerous Welsh mountains in addition to different barely much less strenuous strolls. It has additionally been on extra leisurely journeys within the UK, France, and the USA.
Once I’m testing a journey tripod, there are some things I’m excited about. First, it must be light-weight, as a result of nobody needs to hold greater than they should.
This tripod undoubtedly meets that requirement, even the aluminum model is gentle sufficient that I don’t must assume twice about including it to my gear for a visit.
The following factor I search for is how straightforward the tripod is to arrange and put away. Once I’m mountaineering, I don’t need to have to spend so much of time placing a tripod up and down at any time when I see a chance for a shot.
The Peak Design journey tripod undoubtedly works in that regard as properly. I’m usually not an enormous fan of flip-lock legs as they’ll catch on my digicam bag when establishing and placing away.
Nevertheless, on this case they’re properly designed in order that doesn’t occur, they usually make arrange and put down a breeze.
The way in which the digicam attaches to the top additionally works properly. That is one thing that different tripods don’t at all times do as properly at, particularly when utilizing the Peak Design carry system which has the carry strap connected to the tripod plate.
The Peak Design carry strap hooks on the digicam base plate can typically get in the way in which of straightforward attachment to the tripod head. Clearly, this being a Peak Design tripod, that problem has been thought by, and the digicam simply attaches to the tripod head even with the strap nonetheless connected.
There’s additionally a helpful locking mechanism on the tripod head that makes it straightforward to make sure the digicam is correctly connected to the tripod head.
After all, any tripod is barely value its salt if it truly supplies a steady platform for taking pictures from.
I’ve used it with a full-frame mirrorless camera paired with a heavy 100-400mm lens, and it carried out very properly. I additionally used it with my extra regular panorama wide-angle lens, and even with the smartphone adaptor.
Throughout, this tripod carried out very properly and let me get the pictures I wished, even the long exposure shots the place the tiniest motion can break the whole lot.
The ultimate factor I want in a journey tripod, or any tripod for that matter, is ease of operation.
Now this one was a little bit of a studying curve for me. The design of the Peak Design tripod head is that it slots down into the legs. Nevertheless, you need to partially lengthen the central column (round an inch), to get full motion.
Earlier than I obtained used to the tripod, I’d attempt to transfer the top to the place I wished, however not have the ability to as a result of the top solely has full freedom of motion as soon as the central column has been partially prolonged.
Extending the central column isn’t arduous, however it’s an extra step to recollect to do.
As soon as the top is prolonged, adjusting the top is simple. It’s a ball-style design, and to regulate the angle of the top you loosen the management ring, transfer the tripod head to the angle you need, after which tighten the management ring.
That is all very straightforward and intuitive when you get used to it. That is actually necessary, particularly in case you plan on doing any astrophotography or Northern Lights photography, as you would possibly have to function the tripod in very darkish circumstances the place you might be working by really feel.
So that’s a number of constructive issues. Are there are points I encountered? Properly, sure.
The principle draw back I found, which is the principle adverse of this tripod, is an absence of separate pan and tilt controls.
While you loosen the management ring to regulate the top, you possibly can transfer the digicam up, down, left, and proper. Nevertheless, you possibly can’t pan or tilt individually.
So, for instance, you probably have your shot framed virtually completely, however need to shift the view a number of levels to the left, you need to watch out to not tilt the digicam up or down on the similar time.
This additionally makes duties like taking pictures panoramas much more difficult. Many tripod heads, together with many ball heads, provide separate pan and tilt controls, so you possibly can pan independently of the lean management.
Now, actually, whether or not or not it is a huge deal will rely loads on the pictures you wish to take. When you take a number of panoramas, then this can seemingly be a much bigger problem.
The excellent news is that the management ring additionally controls the friction, which means you possibly can loosen it solely slightly after which simply watch out as you progress the digicam, with friction in your facet to stop undesirable actions on the flawed axis.
Nevertheless, with a heavy digicam setup it may be difficult to solely transfer in a single route.
The opposite factor to remember is that over time the flip locks on the tripod leg sections can change into unfastened, which means that the legs don’t keep prolonged. That is simply an total problem with all flip lock legs on tripods I’ve used.
This could occur with any tripod, however Peak Design have thought forward and included each a software to regulate the leg flip lock tightness, in addition to a helpful clip which lets you connect the adjustment software to a tripod leg.
You simply need to keep in mind to carry this with you once you journey, in case a leg wants tightening up once you’re within the area.
Lastly, while the addition of the bubble degree is appreciated, the sunshine coloration and method it’s positioned implies that my digicam covers most of it up, making it troublesome to see and never very helpful as soon as my digicam is ready up.
Actually, most cameras and smartphones lately have a built-in degree characteristic anyway, so I hardly ever use the bubble degree on a tripod, however I wished to say it in case it was necessary to you.
General, I undoubtedly loved utilizing this tripod within the area, and it has earned a spot in my images bag for certain.
Peak Design Journey Tripod Professionals and Cons
Having coated my expertise utilizing the Peak Design journey tripod within the area I wished to share a fast rundown of what I felt to be the principle professionals and cons of this tripod from a journey images perspective.
Professionals
- Light-weight, even the aluminum model
- Folds down very small
- Works properly with the Peak Design clip system
- Very nice tripod bag
- Can convert to tabletop tripod
- Constructed-in smartphone holder
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Costly, particularly for carbon fiber mannequin
- No straightforward panning management
- Some constraint on portrait orientation shot
General,l I undoubtedly assume it’s a superb journey tripod. The principle draw back is the associated fee is fairly excessive, particularly in case you are contemplating the carbon fiber mannequin, which prices much more however solely provides a modest lower in weight.
I feel most individuals can be proud of the aluminum mannequin because the options are the identical.
Peak Design Journey Tripod Alternate options
While you begin researching tripods, you’ll shortly study that there are an incredible many tripods available on the market, and actually, it may be arduous to inform them aside.
The principle selections will come right down to how a lot you need to spend and the way necessary specs like most load capability, most top, minimal top, folded top and many others. are to you.
Most tripods mess around with these specs, so it is best to have the ability to discover the right tripod for you. I wished to spotlight a number of choices to contemplate, and you’ll see extra choices in our information to the best travel tripods.
Gitzo Traveler Collection
Any comparability of tripods, particularly high-end tripods, goes to incorporate point out of Gitzo. These are typically considered a number of the greatest tripods available on the market, though they have an inclination to come back with a reasonably eye-watering price ticket.
Nonetheless, the Peak Design carbon fiber tripod isn’t precisely a finances mannequin, so I really feel it’s honest to match it towards a tripod of this caliber.
There are fairly a number of tripods within the Gitzo Traveler collection. I’d say probably the most comparable mannequin can be the Gitzo Traveler, series 1, 5 section tripod.
This carbon fiber tripod has a most top of 58.46″, a folded measurement of 13.98″, a weight of three.13lbs and a max load capability of 22lbs. It has a retail value of $719.99.
So in comparison with the Peak Design carbon fiber mannequin, the Gitzo has a barely smaller folded top, weighs barely extra, and has a barely decrease most top.
Vanguard VEO 3 GO 235CB or 265HCB
A fast word, I’m a Vanguard Ambassador and have been since 2014, and I’ve used a number of their gear over time, a lot of which I’ve also reviewed.
I feel their merchandise provide loads, and I’ve been very proud of their gear in use all over the world.
The 2 fundamental tripods I feel they at present produce which you would possibly take into account as an alternative of the Peak Design Journey Tripod can be from the Vanguard VEO 3 Go vary, and particularly the 235CB or 265HCB models.
These are each carbon fiber tripods, however with a retail value round half that of the carbon fiber Peak Design Journey Tripod mannequin.
The 235CB is the smaller tripod, with a most measurement of 53.5″, a folded measurement of 13″, a weight of two.3lbs, and a max load capability of 8.8lbs. It has a retail value of $269.99.
The carbon fiber variant of the Peak Design tripod has a a lot larger load score and a better most top, but additionally weighs extra and doesn’t fold up as small. It’s additionally greater than twice as costly. One to contemplate you probably have a smaller setup that received’t problem the utmost load score.
The 265HCB is the taller tripod, with a most measurement of 65.5″, a folded measurement of 16.1″, a weight of three.1lbs and a max load capability of 22lbs. It has a retail value of $339.99.
The carbon fiber variant of the Peak Design tripod has an identical load score and a decrease most top, however weighs much less and folds up a bit smaller. It’s almost twice as costly.
Each Vanguard tripods additionally convert to monopods and include a smartphone adaptor and Bluetooth distant shutter set off. They’re additionally accessible in aluminum, at a cheaper price level and a better weight.
The aluminum VEO 3 Go 235AB retails for $219.99, and the aluminum VEO 3 Go 265HAB retails for $269.99. Usually the simplest method to economize on a journey tripod is to decide on an aluminum mannequin over a carbon fiber one.
When you’re on this product, or any of the opposite Vanguard merchandise, it can save you cash utilizing our unique Vanguard low cost code. This will provide you with 20% off the whole lot within the Vanguard store.
Simply use the code FindingTheUniverse to your low cost! This Vanguard low cost code works within the Vanguard USA, UK, Australia, Spain, and Germany shops.
Must you Purchase the Peak Design Journey Tripod?
Actually, solely you possibly can reply this query! Nevertheless, having used it for quite a lot of months I can undoubtedly say that it’s a well-made tripod. It really works very properly and has sufficient intelligent design options to make it stand out in a really crowded market.
While you add up all of the little further issues like the good bag, smartphone holder, and compatibility with different Peak Design merchandise, it finally ends up as a very well-rounded product.
After all, there are numerous different tripods available on the market at different value factors, however I don’t assume you’ll be upset in case you resolve to go for it.
You should buy it direct from Peak Design here, on Amazon here, and from B&H Photo here.
Additional Studying
That’s it for my assessment of the Peak Design journey tripod – I hope you discovered it useful. Earlier than you go, I wished to share a few of our different content material which we predict you will see that helpful.
- Our review of the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB tripod after three years of normal use.
- A review of the Vanguard VEO 2Go 265HCBM, the VEO 3+ 263AB and the VEO 3T+ 264CB.
- Now we have a information to why you need a tripod, a information to choosing a travel tripod, and a round-up of our favourite travel tripods
- Now we have a information to how to use a compact camera, how to use a DSLR camera, and how to use a mirrorless camera. We even have a information to how a DSLR works
- Realizing how one can compose an incredible picture is a key images ability. See our information to composition in photography for plenty of tips about this topic
- Now we have a information to what depth of field is and once you would need to use it.
- We’re huge followers of getting probably the most out of your digital picture recordsdata, and do to that you’ll want to shoot in RAW. See our information to RAW in photography to know what RAW is, and why it is best to change to RAW as quickly as you possibly can in case your digicam helps it.
- You’re going to want one thing to run your picture enhancing software program on. See our information to the perfect laptops for photo editing for some tips about what to search for.
- When you’re searching for extra recommendation on particular ideas for various situations, we additionally have you ever coated. See our information to Northern Lights photography, long exposure photography, fireworks photography, tips for taking photos of stars, and cold weather photography.
- When you’re searching for an incredible present for a images loving good friend or member of the family (or your self!), check out our photography gift guide,
- When you’re out there for a brand new digicam, now we have an in depth information to the best travel cameras, in addition to particular guides for the best cameras for hiking and backpacking, the best compact camera, best mirrorless camera and best DSLR camera. We even have a information to the best camera lenses.
- If you would like a digicam or lens, however the costs are a bit excessive, see our information to where to buy used cameras and camera gear for some finances financial savings choices.
Seeking to Enhance Your Images?
When you discovered this publish useful, and also you need to enhance your images total, you would possibly need to take a look at my online travel photography course.
Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000 college students discover ways to take higher pictures. The course covers just about the whole lot you might want to know, from the fundamentals of how a digicam works, by to composition, gentle, and picture enhancing.
It additionally covers extra superior subjects, together with astrophotography, lengthy publicity images, flash images, and HDR images.
You get suggestions from me as you progress, entry to webinars, interviews and movies, in addition to unique membership of a Fb group the place you may get suggestions in your work and participate in common challenges.
It’s accessible for a tremendous one-off value for lifetime entry, and I feel it is best to test it out. Which you are able to do by clicking here.
Notice: We had been despatched this product at no cost to see how we appreciated it. I selected to put in writing this assessment primarily based alone private opinion of the tripod after utilizing it for some time. All opinions are our personal.
