Really Right Stuff has just launched a new line of tripods called Benchmark, the leadoff for a new Core Line that promises 'performance within reach', specifically the famed RRS precision and reliability for (on average) 30% lower prices.
reallyrightstuff.com
As an example, the Benchmark tripod offers similar specs to the Versa 24L Mk2 in terms of tripod size and weight and having 4 leg sections, and the former costs $945 compared to $1195 for the latter. Having said that, the Benchmark is rated for an 18 kg / 40 lb load compared to 32 kg / 70 lb for the Versa 24L...so it seems you still get what you pay for. Then again, RRS tripods are over-engineered for their support rating, for example my travel tripod is a TQC-14 that's rated for 11 kg / 25 lbs, and yet I can literally hang under the tripod and it supports my weight...which is far greater than 11 kg. So an 18 kg load rating is likely more than sufficient for almost any rig you'd want to mount on the tripod.
I also question the tagline. Yes, $945 is less expensive than $1195...but both are still expensive. Despite that, I think it's a good thing that they're launching a more affordable line, as relative as that term may be in this case.
The other thing I will say is that from a quality standpoint, RRS is hard to beat. I've had the TQC-14 as a travel tripod and the TVC-33 for use with my 600/4 for nearly 14 years, and they're functioning and even looking good as new, as are the ballheads and gimbal head that I bought concurrently.
The Core Line
Discover the new core line of tripods from Really Right Stuff, featuring the Benchmark and Benchmark Inverted. Built with in-house carbon fiber in Lehi, Utah for true RRS performance at a more accessible price.
reallyrightstuff.com
As an example, the Benchmark tripod offers similar specs to the Versa 24L Mk2 in terms of tripod size and weight and having 4 leg sections, and the former costs $945 compared to $1195 for the latter. Having said that, the Benchmark is rated for an 18 kg / 40 lb load compared to 32 kg / 70 lb for the Versa 24L...so it seems you still get what you pay for. Then again, RRS tripods are over-engineered for their support rating, for example my travel tripod is a TQC-14 that's rated for 11 kg / 25 lbs, and yet I can literally hang under the tripod and it supports my weight...which is far greater than 11 kg. So an 18 kg load rating is likely more than sufficient for almost any rig you'd want to mount on the tripod.
I also question the tagline. Yes, $945 is less expensive than $1195...but both are still expensive. Despite that, I think it's a good thing that they're launching a more affordable line, as relative as that term may be in this case.
The other thing I will say is that from a quality standpoint, RRS is hard to beat. I've had the TQC-14 as a travel tripod and the TVC-33 for use with my 600/4 for nearly 14 years, and they're functioning and even looking good as new, as are the ballheads and gimbal head that I bought concurrently.
