What are the differences between the TFCT-30 ARC, Versa, Ultralight and Ascend?
Versa Tripods (TVC)
- TVC stands for Tripod Versa Carbon-fiber
- Versa tripods have a removable platform on the apex (the middle piece that the legs connect to) that can be replaced with accessories:
- LEVELING BASE: Quickly level your setup with one twist. Convenient +/-15 to 17 degrees of articulation.
- QUICK-COLUMN (currently unavailable): Instantly add 12-15" of extra, quick adjustable height.
- VIDEO BOWL: Make your tripod compatible with an RRS FH-7240 fluid head or other brand cinema heads.
- To remove the platform, simply loosen each of the 3 screws on the sides of the apex, and the platform can easily be replaced.
Ultralight Tripods (TFC)
- TFC stands for Tripod Fixed Carbon-fiber
- Featuring a fixed apex that allows it to be more compact than Versa tripods, the Ultralight is ideal for lightweight or mobile setups, and travel.
TFCT-Anvil Tripods
- Comes with the Anvil-30 ARC ballhead.
- R-Lock R-LOCK (short for Rapid-Lock) System adds unique safety-stop features which are built in to both a mounting rail and quick-release clamp that adhere to the RRS 1.5” Standard. The advantage of the System is the user has multiple “hard-stop” positions along the rail while retaining smooth edges and corners for maximum ergonomics and a snag-free interface that is inherently resistant to wearing down. The ”hard-stop” feature is comprised of a 5mm diameter steel pin that engages 5.5mm diameter holes in the rail. In addition to supplementing the traditional friction-based clamping mechanism, the interface prevents unintentional repositioning of the rail within the clamp when the R-LOCK is engaged.
- Adjustable clamp jaw allows compatibility with many other arca-type rails that are not in spec with the RRS 1.5" Dovetail Standard
- Patent-pending Taper Lock System secures the ball head inside the apex making it unable to slip
- Fast, modular and customizable design
Ascend Tripod
- Triangular center column for an overall smaller package
- Integrated 22mm ball head
- Repositionable drop notch
- Integrated hex key storage
- Lever-controlled center column
- Removable and reversible, quick, tool-less detachable center column
- Weight hanging hook
- Weight hanging loop when the column is broken down to its smaller size (for use in lightweight mode
- Column safety stop within column (for use in lightweight mode)
- Integrated QD socket on the apex
Numbers:
Following the first three letters of the tripod's name will be two numbers. The first number will be 1, 2, 3, or 4. This number refers to what series the tripod belongs to. The second number refers to how many leg segments are structured into each tripod leg.
The difference between each tripod series is the top leg's diameter.
Common Leg Diameters:
TFC-14 * now discontinued
- 1st segment: 26.8mm
- 2nd segment: 24.4mm
- 3rd segment: 20.2mm
- 4th segment: 16.4mm
TVC-24
- 1st segment: 33mm
- 2nd segment: 28.5mm
- 3rd segment: 24.57mm
- 4th segment: 20.5mm
TVC-33
- 1st segment: 33.6mm
- 2nd segment: 33mm
- 3rd segment: 28.5mm
TVC-34L
- 1st segment: 33mm
- 2nd segment: 28.5mm
- 3rd segment: 24.57mm
- 4th segment: 20.5mm
Sometimes the letter "L", "G", or "S" will follow the numbers mentioned above. These stand for long, ground, and short, and refer to the tripod's legs segments.
All of our tripods feature:
- CNC-Machined Aluminum that is durable and anodized to protect against wear.
- Proprietary Carbon Fiber that is rigid, and lightweight.
- Twist Locks which are sealed to minimize fouling and extend their life.
- Rubber Feet that are removable and can be replaced with RRS Rock Claws or Spike Feet