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Hands-on with the Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod

The Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod doesn't have bells and whistles, but it just might be my new favorite travel tripod.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

This is pictured with the BH-25 Pro ballhead; it doesn’t come with the ballhead.

Categories: Reviews, Travel Tripods, Tripods
Tags: Really Right Stuff
Last updated about 3 months ago // Originally published about 4 years ago

I’ll cut to the chase: In my search for the best travel tripod I think I’ve found a new favorite. It’s a simple design and doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, but that simplicity is itself a virtue, and it’s executed with real attention to detail.

It’s the Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Series 1 carbon fiber tripod. It’s the lightest and most compact tripod that Really Right Stuff produces.

It’s also stands out for its simplicity. It doesn’t fold back on itself like many in the current generation of travel tripods. It doesn’t even have a bubble level. And it doesn’t have a center column and detachable leg that transforms into a monopod.

Where’s the Center Column?

In fact, it doesn’t have a center column at all. And that is one of the most important things I like about this tripod. Let me explain.

In practice, I rarely use the center columns anyway because extending the center column inevitably introduces flex. So for maximum strength and stillness, I usually keep the center column lowered.

Some travel tripods come with center column that you can switch out for a shorter version. But what the TFC-14 demonstrates is that by eliminating the center column completely you can actually get a much more compact fold. Even without fancy mechanisms allowing the legs to fold back on themselves, this tripod folds into a very tight and narrow bundle.

At a collapsed length of just over 17 inches, it’s touch longer than some others. The head adds to that because it’s not folded under the legs. But the narrowness is a different kind of space saving that compensates for that extra length. Ultimately, it takes up less space in my carry on bag.

The drawback, of course, is that without the center column you don’t get the same shooting height. But I find that the height of this one is plenty for what I use it for. If I’m using a tripod, it’s probably because of low light or shooting timelapse. In those cases, I’m probably using a remote shutter or an intervalometer, and I simply don’t have to be constantly looking through the viewfinder–and probably don’t want to be so as to keep the camera as still as possible. So much of the time I simply don’t need a taller tripod that reaches my normal standing height. And if situations where I do need that–usually with a long telephoto lens–I’m likely using a much heavier-duty tripod anyway.

Legs

The legs extend in four sections. They’re locked with twist locks. The locks are rubberized and grippy–easy to use even with cold or wet hands or while wearing gloves.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

The legs extend with twist locks.

Some of these travel tripods have very spindly bottom sections that flex quite a lot. The bottom sections on this one are a bit thicker and still quite rigid, so it’s quite practical to use the legs fully extended.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

At the top is a 3-step ratcheted joint. The locking mechanism is spring-loaded, which is a design I prefer because it greatly reduces the risk of the lock not being fully in and the whole thing collapse when you put the weight of the camera on it.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

A close-up of the locking mechanism and the 3-position ratcheted joint.

Because there’s no center column, this tripod doesn’t stand as tall as some of its competitors. It tops out at about 48 inches. Some shooters will prefer a taller tripod.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

This is full extended.

On the flip side, the design also means that it can shoot unusually low. By splaying the legs to their widest setting, you can get it down to a minimum height of just 2.8 inches (add the head’s height to that in practice). If you’re shooting macros of wildflowers, for instance, that can be very useful.

Feet

It comes with rubber feet. They’re detachable, so you can swap them out for other feet if you prefer. RRS offers their own steel spikes and larger rubber feet, but the thread is standard, so they should work with most other standard tripod feet.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

It comes with rubber feet. They’re detachable, so you can swap them out with other kinds of feet if you like.

Strap

When I first saw it, I was curious about the strap. It’s something unique to this tripod among its competitors, but it’s an oddly lo-fi approach. But after using it, I’ve come to see the genius of it. You can use it in much the same way as you’d use the hook on the columns of other tripods to attach weight to add stability. You can use it as a hand strap in challenging conditions. And you can use it to clip onto a belt or camera bag.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

It’s detachable if you want to remove it. You just undo the strap through its buckle and then it comes off freely from the bar holding it in place.

Head

In the standard packaging, a head isn’t included–it’s just the legs. The stud on top is a reversible stud, so you can use it as a 3/8-16 or 1/4-20 thread. That makes it compatible with just about any tripod head available.

The base is relatively narrow, so it’s better suited to heads with a smaller base rather than a large head with a broad base (it wouldn’t make much sense to use a large, heavy head on this tripod anyway).

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

The top has a standard 3/8-16 stud that’s compatible with most tripod heads.

In some of the photos on this page I’ve got the RRS BH-25 Pro ball head attached.

A more natural fit is probably something a touch bigger and strong, like the RRS BH-30 or RRS BH-40. The Gitzo GH1382TQD would also be a good fit. As would less expensive options like the Oben BE-117.

Construction Quality

Really Right Stuff tripods and accessories aren’t cheap. But what you get for that is exceptional construction quality and attention to detail. This one is no exception.

The carbon fiber they use is a special weave they’ve developed and patented, and it’s very stiff while still being very light.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

A close-up that shows the distinctive weave pattern of the carbon fiber.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

An example of the small touches. That hole in the middle is threaded. There’s one of each side, and they’re handy for mounting things like intervalometers or monitors or phones.

Overall, the construction quality is top shelf.

Specifications

Weight: 2.3 lb / 1 kg
Maximum Height: 47.6 inches / 121 cm
Minimum Height: 2.8 inches / 7.2 cm (add tripod head’s height in practice)
Folded Length: 17.2 inches / 43.7 cm
Load Capacity: 25 lb / 11.3 kg
Leg Sections: 4
Spiked Feet: Optional (not included)
Head Mount Thread Size: 3/8″-16 and 1/4″-20 reversible
Made of: Carbon fiber, aluminum

What’s in the Box?

The tripod. That’s it. No bag, no spiked feet, no alternate plates. You can, of course, buy all of those things as optional extras.

Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Fully collapse, it makes for a slim package.

The bundle I’ve been using is sold as legs only, without a head.

Summary

For several years, the Gitzo Traveler tripods have been my favorite travel tripods. But the TFC-14 has displaced them. Like the Gitzo’s, it’s not cheap–it’s double the price of some other very good travel tripods.

But it’s simple, strong, and beautifully made. And because it doesn’t have a center column, it folds down into a very narrow package that fits easily in a standard carry-on suitcase.

Instead of bells and whistles, they’ve focused their attention on making a straightforward, no-nonsense compact travel tripod with unusually high construction quality. And with a load capacity of 25 pounds, it’s a good fit for a DSLR or mirrorless setup.

It’s not going to be an ideal choice for everyone. Aside from the budget issues–because, let’s face it, there are very good travel tripods available that are much cheaper–the absence of a center column means that it tops out at about 48 inches. Some people will prefer a taller tripod.

Overall, the combination of simplicity and effectiveness make it an elegant solution for a travel tripod.

Find Them At

The TFC-14 is priced at $795.

For a long time, you could only buy Really Right Stuff gear directly from them. But in the last year they’ve become available at B&H Photo.

Compared To

 Gitzo Traveler Kit (Series 2)Gitzo GT1542TMeFOTO GlobetrotterManfrotto BeFreeInduro Grand Turismo CGT114Sirui T-2205XBenro GoTravel 2Benro C1682TV1 Travel Angel II3 Legged Thing Leo3 Legged Thing Brian3 Legged Thing Rick3 Legged Thing RogerOben CT-3581Sirui T-1024XLVaravon Baby T3Kirk MiniMeFOTO Globetrotter Air
Gitzo Traveler2Gitzo GT1542T Travel Tripodmefoto globetrottermanfrotto befreeinduro-grand-turismo-tripod
Sirui T2205X
benro_gc269tb2_gotravel_carbon_fiber_1146453benro travel angel tripod3-legged-thing-leo3 legged thing brian3 Legged Thing Rick3 legged thing rogeroben_ct_3581_be_126t_5_section_foldable_carbon_1398723641000_864571
Sirui T-1024XL travel tripod
Varavon Baby T3 Product Shot
Kirk TT-1 Mini Table Top Tripod
MeFOTO Globetrotter Air Tripod
ReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewReview
Model No.GK2580TQDGT1542TC2350Q2TMKBFRC4-BHCGT114T-2205XGC269TB2C1682TV13LLEOKITE3BRIAN3PKRICKE3ROGERBLCT-3581SUT1204XLBABY T3TT-1GTAIRBLK
Made ofCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberCarbon fiberAlloyCarbon fiberCarbon fiberAluminumAluminum/Stainless SteelAluminum Alloy
Leg Sections44544554 (also version with 5)555554315
Folded length16.9 in
43 cm
16.7 in
42.5 cm
16.1 in
41 cm
15.8 in
40 cm
17.3 in
44 cm
14.6 in
37 cm
16.5 in
42 cm
17.7 in
45 cm
13.75 in
34.8 cm
15.75 in
40 cm
12.6 in
32 cm
15.75 in
40 cm
16.9 in
42.9 cm
18.3 in
46.5 cm
10.8 in
27.5 cm
4.4 in
11.3 cm
16.7 in
42.5 cm
Weight4.19 lb
1.9 kg
2.2 lb
1 kg
3.7 lb
1.7 kg
2.4 lb
1.1 kg
3.5 lb
1.6 kg
2.6 lb
1.2 kg
4.1 lb
1.9 kg
3.5 lb
1.6 kg
3.2 lb
1.45 kg
4.1 lb
1.9 kg
2.7 lb
1.2 kg
4.5 lb
2 kg
3.9 lb
1.7 kg
2.2 lb
1 kg
1.8 lb
820 g
9 oz
255 g
3.2 lb
1.4 kg
Max height60.6 in
154 cm
58.7 in
149 cm
64.2 in
163 cm
56.7 in
144 cm
62.6 in
159 cm
56.9 in
145 cm
64.6 in
164 cm
63 in
160 cm
51.5 in
131 cm
76.4 in
194 cm
56.7 in
144 cm
68.6 in
174 cm
67.9 in
172.5 cm
63 in
160 cm
17.3 in
44 cm
4.4 in
11.3 cm
68.1 in
173 cm
Max load15.4 lb
7 kg
17.6 lb
8 kg
26.5 lb
12 kg
8.8 lb
4 kg
32 lb
14.5 kg
26.5 lb
12 kg
30.9 lb
14 kg
30.8 lb
14 kg
< 66 lb
< 30 kg
< 66 lb
< 29.9 kg
< 44 lb
< 20 kg
< 66 lb
< 29.9 kg
26.4 lb
12 kg
26.5 lb
12 kg
17.6 lb
8 kg
100 lb
45 kg
17.6 lb
8 kg
Available w/Head?YesNoYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes (not removable)NoYes (not removable)
Monopod?NoNoYesNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
List Price$1,099$750$399$350$490$415
$525$419$349.99$499$249$369
$349
$370
$150
$120
$225
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on January 16, 2021

Categories: Reviews, Travel Tripods, Tripods
Tags: Really Right Stuff

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News & Deals

With the holidays fast approaching, there’s some great deals on photography gear and services available. I’ve put together a roundup of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2020 Photography Deals. It’s a running list as new deals are announced, so be sure to check back.

Canon announces new EOS Rebel T8i DSLR. Canon has announced their new T8i DSLR. 24MP APS-C cropped CMOS sensor, 4K24 video, and updated image processing and detection systems. It’s available for preorder from B&H Photo.

New Firmware for the Ricoh GR III. Ricoh has release firmware v1.31 for the GR III. Release notes are: “Corrected — When shooting with the multiple exposure, in rare cases the live view may not display correctly. Improved stability for general performance.” You can download it here.

New Canon 1D X Mark III Pro DSLR Announced. Canon has announced their new flagship model of pro DSLR, the 1D X Mark III. They’re sticking with a 20.1MP CMOS sensor, but it’s a new and improved version and boasts an incredible native ISO range of ISO 100 to ISO 102400 and an extended range that goes up to a jaw-dropping ISO 819200. With revamped autofocus, a new image processor, and all sorts of other bells and whistles, it’s no wonder that Canon is billing it as “The Ultimate EOS.”

New Manfrotto Pro Rugged Memory Cards. Manfrotto, an Italian probably best known for their tripods and studio accessories, has launched a new Pro Rugged range of high-end SD, microSD, and CompactFlash cards. While they don’t have a huge selection of sizes and speeds, the cards are aiming for very fast cards that can put up with rugged demands. For instance, they claim that their V90 rated SD cards can withstand three times the force (20kg / 45 lbs) of a regular SD card. I’ve ordered some to run through my speed tests.

New Sony Alpha a7 firmware released. A firmware update for the Sony a7R IV now lets you control external Sony flashes from the camera’s own menu system. Up to 15 flashes in five groups can be controlled via the camera. It also applies to the a7R III and a7 III.

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I take photos. I travel. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

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