Heipi Travel Tripod...

[iamdlewis]

What does everyone think of the PeakDesign carbon fibre travel tripod. It's on at a pretty good price in the current sales (£339). It has a max payload of 9.1kg, weight of 1.27kg, max height (without centre column) 131cm and max height (with centre column) 152cm.

The head design doesn't work for me. First I can't use my sidekick with it. Second you can't just rotate the head so panning shots are more difficult.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

The head design doesn't work for me. First I can't use my sidekick with it. Second you can't just rotate the head so panning shots are more difficult.

My sentiments exactly.

@evacguy
Ed, If I'd never bought into the PD tripod hype, I'd go with one of the better knock-offs: https://www.ulanzi.com/products/ulanzi-f38-quick-release-travel-tripod-3131
I haven't tried it personally, but it looks the business. I would only hesitate if I had heavier gear, but it would be sufficient for me.

 

[evacguy]

I was looking at the Ulanzi f38, but I have other PD kit like the backpack/belt clamp so wanted a system compatible with that if possible, although this is not a big deal.

@iamdlewis
I do like the pan feature on the Ulanzi f38 ball head, but you can rotate the head on the PD, its just not as easy and precise. This guy shows how its done (8:32 on video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS8u3_42BEM

Also, this video put me off the Ulanzi build quality and service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obl3gF5RySg
So, I'm still not sure which to get.

 

[iamdlewis]

I was looking at the Ulanzi f38, but I have other PD kit like the backpack/belt clamp so wanted a system compatible with that if possible, although this is not a big deal.

@iamdlewis
I do like the pan feature on the Ulanzi f38 ball head, but you can rotate the head on the PD, its just not as easy and precise. This guy shows how its done (8:32 on video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS8u3_42BEM

The Pd plate works with non-Pd tripods (except the dumbass Manfroto ones).

Yes I saw that back in the release time for the Pd tripod and said that was just going to be something too frustrating since all my previous tripod did that easier.

 

[evacguy]

The Pd plate works with non-Pd tripods (except the dumbass Manfroto ones).

Yes I saw that back in the release time for the Pd tripod and said that was just going to be something too frustrating since all my previous tripod did that easier.

Thanks David, so the PD plate will work on the quick release Ulanzi f38 head?

What do you think about the quality issues reported in the other video? That was quite surprising as I've not heard anyone else report the build quality issues before. I guess he could just be unlucky or he treated it badly, but the legs coming apart doesn't sound good or give you much confidence!

UPDATE: the PD plate does not work with the Ulanzi f38 head (quick release), but it does work with the Ulanzi zero Y head (Swiss Arca head).

 

[iamdlewis]

UPDATE: the PD plate does not work with the Ulanzi f38 head (quick release), but it does work with the Ulanzi zero Y head (Swiss Arca head).

The Pd plate I have works with my Heipi (does have a quick release), Benro and another one that I don't remember the make for, all of these are true Swiss Arca heads. The Manfroto is the problem child.

 

[evacguy]

The Pd plate I have works with my Heipi (does have a quick release), Benro and another one that I don't remember the make for, all of these are true Swiss Arca heads. The Manfroto is the problem child.

Well, I ended up ordering the Ulanzi f38 quick release tripod. It turns out that the Ulanzi F38 plate works on the PD clip, so I can still use my PD clips while using the Ulanzi f38 plates.

 

[evacguy]

The Ulanzi F38 turned up tonight, it's really good. Problem is the F38 plate doesn't work with the PD clip! It goes in, but is not secure, it just slips right out. But problem solved, I use the F38 plate on my 70-200mm foot and the PD plate on the base of my A7iv, best of both worlds.