• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Really Right Stuff Tripods

USNIGHTGUNNER

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 8, 2009
264
68
The Woodlands, TX
I'm looking to purchase one of the RRS tripods, and having never put my hands on one the choice can be difficult.

For those that have and currently use them, what are your favorite models?
 
Depends on what you going to use it for. I'm running the taller one with only two extensions because I use it mostly to hunt with so I strap it on my bag. Worth every penny
 
Depends on what you going to use it for. I'm running the taller one with only two extensions because I use it mostly to hunt with so I strap it on my bag. Worth every penny
My primary use would be for non-stalking type hunt, range use, and for a straight spotting scope.
 
I'm looking to purchase one of the RRS tripods, and having never put my hands on one the choice can be difficult.

For those that have and currently use them, what are your favorite models?
As mentioned, need more info.

Also depends on your height.

I have a TFCT-33 Anvil. For standing shooting I just go all three legs full extension and put the rear facing leg position 2. Works a treat, very stable, very quick, good recoil control.

4.5lb approx is not too heavy either. If you’re approaching 6foot tall you will likely need to look at the 24L or 34L.
 
34L here. I enjoy the extra height but I'm looking into an accent for glassing since the 34L is such a monster. Very stable
 
In addition to @Just Macca ’s excellent advice, here is the quick three-choice breakdown for shooting and spotting combo use:
  1. TFC-33 (above, the TFCT version is the one with the integrated Anvil-30 head)
  2. TFC-34 (collapses more for backpacks, more leg sections so slower to deploy, a wee bit heavier, just as stable as the 33). Has a tall version too.
  3. TVC-22i (most stable of the three by a wee bit, doesn’t collapse much, quickest to deploy, good for square range/flat terrain, locks stay out of mud, doesn’t work great on a side of a hill)
Edit: also look at @Diver160651 ‘s awesome tripod thread.

Btw the TVC 3 series has a wider apex and the ability to run a video bowl or leveling bowls, the latter of which are lower than leveling heads on the TFC models due to the big hole in the middle of the TVC’s apex. They are more stable than the TFC series but are bulkier and heavier.

I cribbed all this from Diver. I own a TFC-34 with RRS long spikes, which make it high enough for bino use for me (5’ 10”). I find spikes really increase the stability in softer terrain and reduce the unit’s chance of tipping in high wind.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BurtG
As mentioned, need more info.

Also depends on your height.

I have a TFCT-33 Anvil. For standing shooting I just go all three legs full extension and put the rear facing leg position 2. Works a treat, very stable, very quick, good recoil control.

4.5lb approx is not too heavy either. If you’re approaching 6foot tall you will likely need to look at the 24L or 34L.
I'm 5'11"
 
I've got a 34L... Ideal if you're mostly wanting one for the range & you're planning on not only shooting from it, but standing & glassing from it as well. I'm also waiting for them to get an Ascend back in stock though too... One tripod can't do it all, though I'd say either the 33 or the 34L come close. No regerts on my 34L though.

ETA: I'm 6' tall by the way.
 
In addition to @Just Macca ’s excellent advice, here is the quick three-choice breakdown for shooting and spotting combo use:
  1. TFC-33 (above, the TFCT version is the one with the integrated Anvil-30 head)
  2. TFC-34 (collapses more for backpacks, more leg sections so slower to deploy, a wee bit heavier, just as stable as the 33). Has a tall version too.
  3. TVC-22i (most stable of the three by a wee bit, doesn’t collapse much, quickest to deploy, good for square range/flat terrain, locks stay out of mud, doesn’t work great on a side of a hill)
Edit: also look at @Diver160651 ‘s awesome tripod thread.

Btw the TVC 3 series has a wider apex and the ability to run a video bowl or leveling bowls, the latter of which are lower than leveling heads on the TFC models due to the big hole in the middle of the TVC’s apex. They are more stable than the TFC series but are bulkier and heavier.

I cribbed all this from Diver. I own a TFC-34 with RRS long spikes, which make it high enough for bino use for me (5’ 10”). I find spikes really increase the stability and reduce the unit from tipping in high wind.
That is a killer thread!!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: carbonbased
I have a TFCT-34 and use it for matches (PRS and field) and hunting. It's stable enough to pretty much shoot groups off standing and is tall enough for me (5'8") but collapses down nice and short. If I were your height I'd be looking at the 34L.
 
I would push you towards the following models that are good for your height:
TVC-22i - popular with predator hunting, and competition. Most rigid tripod we have at the moment, not the most pack size friendly
TFCT-24L - Chosen by hunters wanting most rigid as possible, tallest, but keeping weight down. Used in hunting and competition.
TFCT-34L - Typical size chosen for comps and hunting with the use of ATV or pack animal. Tallest tripod we have at the moment.

Let me know if you have any questions, Michael 385-248-0800
 
  • Like
Reactions: BurtG
I bought both a 24L and 33. I thought about the height of the gun on the arca rail over the tripod itself, and the 33 is indeed tall enough to shoot from without issue. The problem I considered was glassing in uneven terrain. The 24L is perfect for me with 3 of the 4 legs extended and sturdy in this configuration for shooting, it's tall enough (Only 5'7 on a good day) but the 4th extension allows me to glass standing upright on a slope.
Crazy but if you're between two tripods, buy both, try them in your living room, and return the one that doesn't work best for you. It's an expensive piece of equipment you are unlikely to change or upgrade (When going RRS) and floating the other on a card for a week isn't a big deal to KNOW you made the right decision.
 
I have the TFCT-34L with a pre-ARC Anvil-30. It is extremely well made. The twist locks are butter smooth and will do everything I can think of. It's only drawback would be in comps deploying on the clock, however, since I am not a comp shooter, that has never been an issue.

The only issue I have if spotting with the Anvil-30 can be lees than ideal. The Anvil-30 is primarily a shooting ballhead. I would eventually like to get a Versa Apex and a BH-40 or 55 Ballhead for spotting and the Anvil-30 plate for easy conversions.

T
 
I have the TFCT-34L with a pre-ARC Anvil-30. It is extremely well made. The twist locks are butter smooth and will do everything I can think of. It's only drawback would be in comps deploying on the clock, however, since I am not a comp shooter, that has never been an issue.

The only issue I have if spotting with the Anvil-30 can be lees than ideal. The Anvil-30 is primarily a shooting ballhead. I would eventually like to get a Versa Apex and a BH-40 or 55 Ballhead for spotting and the Anvil-30 plate for easy conversions.

T
For spotting just attach an arca plate under the ball head of your choice and put it into the Anvil.
 
I have a TFCT-34 and use it for matches (PRS and field) and hunting. It's stable enough to pretty much shoot groups off standing and is tall enough for me (5'8") but collapses down nice and short. If I were your height I'd be looking at the 34L.
I need to practice my tripod skills if you are getting that steady
 
Well after years of putting it off, I finally made the plunge. The R-lock system and made in America is what sold me. This tripod is solid. I just pulled myself up off the floor by holding onto the Anvil and it didn’t budge, and I’m a wee bit over 200 lbs.

9BFA12AE-F847-4A1C-A339-99831BDA5F8C.jpeg
 
For standing shooting I just go all three legs full extension and put the rear facing leg position 2
It’s more stable to have 2 legs closest to you.





I have a 34 anvil 30 and 22i anvil 30

Got the 22i. To keep the interior legs out of mud snow etc. And for quicker adjusting

But it is big ! 34 packs / travels much easier



You won’t regret getting a RRS. one of my best shooting purchases.
 
I like the compactness of it folded.

Shall see.
Need light.
CO mtn backpack hunting I dont want 5 lbs of tripod and head.😎

I recently picked up a TFC MK2 and BH-30LR ball head for mountain hiking. It weighs 3lbs 1.9oz total which is pretty light. It’s short though. I’m 5’6” and fully extended it’s just over the perfect height for me to shoot from standing on flat ground so it would probably work for someone up to 5’9-10” max but if you’re taller you’re going to be hunching over too much unless you like shooting like that.

With binos on a tall outdoorsman stud it’s just tall enough for me to be comfortable but another 2” would be ideal. I don’t normally stand to glass though so that’s a non issue for me.

Ascend 14-L is probably your huckleberry if you’re taller and want light weight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: powdahound76
I recently picked up a TFC MK2 and BH-30LR ball head for mountain hiking. It weighs 3lbs 1.9oz total which is pretty light. It’s short though. I’m 5’6” and fully extended it’s just over the perfect height for me to shoot from standing on flat ground so it would probably work for someone up to 5’9-10” max but if you’re taller you’re going to be hunching over too much unless you like shooting like that.

With binos on a tall outdoorsman stud it’s just tall enough for me to be comfortable but another 2” would be ideal. I don’t normally stand to glass though so that’s a non issue for me.

Ascend 14-L is probably your huckleberry if you’re taller and want light weight.

Im a stubby dude too, 5’8”. 😁