IFOOTAGE Gazelle TC9 Carbon Camera Tripod 65 Professional Video Tripod 3 Sections with Quick Release Handle Compatible with

After 3 decades of using tripods, I have developed a "taste" for what I look for in a tripod. Stability is the biggest factor, followed by workable height, minimum weight, and collapsed size. Pros: 1) The lever locks on the TC-9 are my favorite type by far, and suit my taste MUCH more than the twist-locks on my other tripods (Benro-Induro-Gitzo, etc.) 2) I love the fast-bowl as well. While it is not mentioned in IFootage's documentation, the fast-bowl clamp is so well built that it includes a roller thrust bearing in the clamp handle. They really should mention this, as this extra touch makes the clamp incredibly smooth, and provides the feel of true quality. 3) The working height. I measured this at 65" to the top of the fast-bowl. I am 6'1', and it's more than I need on a level surface. But I regularly shoot on grossly uneven slopes, and the extra height of the TC-9 is a huge bonus here. I absolutely love this part of it. 4) The stability. The TC-9 has huge tubes (the top tube is 34mm), and only has 3 sections, making it extremely stiff and flex-free. 5) The accessory mounts. On the TC-9's base, there is a 1/4-20 mounting hole and and 3/8" as well. As another sign of quality, Ifootage uses stainless steel thread inserts in these mounting holes, which makes them almost strip-proof. All the other manufactures I have seen just have threaded aluminum holes, if they include any at all. I use the 3/8" hole to hold an ipad mount. It's just one more small touch that really adds to the build quality and versatility of this tripod. The cons: I hesitate to mention these, because I'm more than willing to overlook the items below, as they are part of the compromise required to obtain the pro's listed above. While I can easily accept these items, they are worth mentioning for the benefit of potential purchasers who may place priority on other factors. 1) The collapsed size. Since this tripod has only three leg sections (to increase stability and decrease deployment time), it is 28 inches tall when collapsed. For me, this is not an issue, and it still fits on my backpack without any problems. My next-largest tripod is a 4 section Benro that collapses to 24 inches. If you're looking at them side by side the difference looks massive, but on the trail, the 28" long TC-9 doesn't bother me in the least. 2) The weight. This is an extra-tall, extra-sturdy tripod, and that simply requires more material in the construction. I have another tripod in my arsenal that weighs in at 9 pounds. The TC-9 weighs in at only around 5.5 pounds and is more stabile. 5.5 pounds is a little more than I would like, but it's a trade-off I can live with. In short, this is a very tall, very sturdy, and extremely well built tripod that is worth the extra weight and collapsed height. After years of cursing my other twist-lock tripods, I absolutely love having lever locks again. It replaces 3 of my larger tripods by being lighter and taller than them. I will be hiking with this on a regular basis, but I am used to carrying large tripods. Your opinions my vary. I hope this review helps you guys out. Read more

This is the best tripod I've ever owned. It is super sturdy. It doesn't fold up tiny, but I like that because I want something solid and don't want to fool with tons of leg sections. It's lightweight though. It has a great leveling bowl built in that is really engineered well. Overall a great piece of engineering. Read more

I wanted a tripod to be tall enough so that I didn't have to bend down to see through the eyepiece. I'm 5'11" and I think all tripods should be built this way. I wanted very good stability and reasonable weight. I wanted firm clasps that were easy and reliable. I didn't need a center column either. I also wanted a decent price. I saw a fellow photographer who paid over $1000 for his tripod. Just ridiculous. The TC7 tripod fulfilled all my needs. Height, stability, easy to use quickly, and reasonably priced. My initial impressions are very favorable and I would recommend it to any photographer who wants a quality tripod at a fair price. Read more

Love this tripod! It is light weight and quick and easy to set up and level! Read more

I wish this had come out years ago. All of my other tripods fail in comparison. Yes it's expensive, but well worth it, and the side loading mechanism is a game changer. Read more

Nice build quality! all around perfect for my wildlife photography. Read more

I would not trade this tripod for any gizmo benro RSS whatever. This tripod is FANTASTIC. I shoot night sky with a pretty elaborate setup. I have shot on cliff edges, sand, water, all of it. This tripod performs without flaw. And you can use the clever spider arms for putting on lights and remote devices. It's tall too - when you need tall, you need tall! No it is not a travel tripod, but it has served as a walking stick as I navigate bad terrain in the dark. If you want to spend more and have the absolute best, just add some Acratech. You will have the cash to do it! Just buy it. Read more