I had a disaster, recently, with my Gitzo tripod and RRS head, whereby both ended up in a river and were washed away. So I began looking for other tripods and heads. I came across this video and it persuaded me to buy the Promediagear TR344 with BH1 ball head. I looked at others but there was no doubt that this one was the best for my needs. Weight, extended size, folded size, and portability are perfect. The TR344 fits into my airline carry on, which is important. I love the way the legs can be extended in one manoeuvre as you demonstrate so well. That was a novelty to me. The BH-1 bullhead is a revelation. It is so easy too use - all angles are covered. The combination of tripod and head just works so perfectly for landscape photography. Also Promediagear reacted very quickly once the order was made. 10 days delivery time to UK from the USA. Many thanks for this very helpful review.
I have one of the large Pro Media Gear tripods and I totally agree with you. As we improve in our photography journey, in time, we realize how much there is which we don't know that we don't know. My landscape photography has, indeed, significantly improved because of the stability and versatility of this tripod. The price of course is a consideration but, as you indicated, it will probably be the last tripod one will have to purchase. Thank you for another solid review.
Thank you for this insightful review. My gitzo tripod with RRS ball head 55 recently tumbled into a fast flowing river and disappeared, luckily without the camera on it. So am now doing considerable research on what to replace it with. This pro media TR344L with the BH1 is definitely an option and would seem to be pretty much up to date. Thanks again
Great review and insights. I have the smaller version that works for me most of the time, when I’m in strong winds I’ll reach for the bigger tripod I have that’s the TR424L that thing is a beast! I have the levelling base and BH1 ball head on that. The TR344 only has the BH50 head. It’s funny when people talk about a tripod being expensive when they have most likely recently spent thousands on a new camera setup and they’re still new to photography. I never understood why you’d spend so much on a tripod but after using PMG for 4 years and not having a single problem, it’s actually improved my photography. I used to think it was my camera gear at fault but it was actually my tripod setup letting me down
Anyone looking into pro media gear Tripods or heads will not be disappointed in my opinion. I have over 45 yrs shooting and for the first 20yrs I too had the opinion that I needed to invest money in camera bodies and lenses but cheap out on tripods but my pictures suffered for the lack of proper thought. Currently have about 2 yrs on my TR424L Carbon Fiber tripod and currently have the RRS BH- 55 Head (no issues with this head so far). This Tripod is a beast. Specs are way underated, I supported my 6’1” 235lbs carefully from it ( not recommended though).
Thank you for the review. I’ve been going back and forth between this tripod and the Gitzo 3543. Your review has really helped me to decide on the TR344. I’ve also heard their customer service is excellent. Thanks for the in depth review!
I've had the larger version of this tripod for a couple years and I use it almost every week. It is built like a tank. I would say the bowl and leveling head are really requirements for this tripod unless you happen to use it only indoors on a level surface. I don't know what the weight limitations are for the leveling head, but I have had no problems mounting the PMG Katana gimbel, a full-size DSLR with L-bracket and battery grip, and a super-telephoto lens. I'm not sure I agree with you regarding the center column. In windy conditions, I think the center column would become somewhat less stable if extended to any degree. Also, the center column would require you to give up the leveling head, although they do make a "hi-hat" device that allows use of the leveling head, but I don't know if I would go that way. Tripods in this class are not inexpensive, but relative to another body or higher-end lenses, it's not that expensive, it will last you for many years, and you can always sell it or pass it on after you don't need it or can't use it anymore. I think because a tripod just isn't as sexy as a new lens or a new body, people complain about the cost. Once you use a tripod in this class, anything lesser just seems like it's made from matchsticks. One thing I wish was available was hash marks or some other markings to be able to have repeatable leg extension. When I use it with the gimbel, for my size I have a defined height I like to raise it to, and I've had to mark the legs with a silver sharpie line to get reproducible results. I also have the Ball head shown in the video and its construction is tank-like as well. I particularly like its unique construction. The large knob is easy to find when not looking, and tightens up without the need for excess finger torque. I don't mind the red decorative line; I'm pretty sure that doesn't impact the photographs one way or another. :)
Costs WAY too much without fundamentally distinguishing itself from any other tripod in its class that simply costs more rationally and intelligently less.
A few years ago, Thom Hogan wrote a good piece on why people will end up spending $1500 on a tripod one way or another... either buy buying several cheaper tripods and working their way up to a good quality one, or just going straight to the good quality one from the start, and maybe spending a small fortune like $1500. Too bad I fell into the "cheap" trap and worked my way up to a substantial tripod: currently using an FLM 34 series CF tripod, which was about $800, and a RRS BH-55 ballhead, about $450, so about $1250 in the end for me for that combo. But before that I had a few $150 aluminum tripods, and one $250 CF travel tripod (which I still have, and use periodically because it's small and light compared to the FLM/RRS combo). But I sort of wish I went straight to the FLM or something similar, and the BH-55 sooner as it's such a joy to use that combo. It's not light -- as the thing combined weighs about 6 lbs, but it's sturyd as can be even in windy condition. Now, I have upgraded to ML since getting that combo, but I still use it because of its robustness and sturdiness and don't regret the purchase (it hurt up front spending $1250, but in the long run, I think that combo will last me for a very long time, providing the CF tripod legs don't have issues, but I know people who have had the RRS ballhead for 15+ years and still using them so I consider the combo an investment more than just an expense).
I went to their warehouse and got to see various tripods. Very lovely people and well engineered tripods. Thinking of ordering one soon. I am torn between few things for my Faroe Islands trip. Considering there is a lot of hiking involved to higher vantage points some of them could be 30 mins to 1.5 hrs one way. Also Faroe Islands is windy. so here are differences I am torn about. 1) Smaller apex for travelling vs their standard 75 mm apex. My camera is D850. Should able to hold max 70-200 lens. I am not planning heavier than that. Also I don't do panaromic so leveling base is not needed. I am thinking of getting their that BH1 pro ball head. 2) in 34 series, go with either TRS344L L with 71" max height 4 section or their 59" max height 3 section. I am 5'4". I understand the added height is useful when leveling on steps and such. But for landscape photography long exposures and traveling, I am not sure which one to go for. Weight is minimal point for me. Stability and pack and ease to carry is most important. Any help would be appreciated.
I purchased the same kit last year (with the leveling bowl and BH1). After more than 34 years with so-so tripods, it was time to invest in something better for myself. I can tell you that I love using this tripod. And, it's worth every penny! It looks great and it just plain works exceptionally well! One little note, you can order the tripod with red accents (I did), and that ties in well with the red accents on the BH1.
Hiya Michael. What does the red colour do on the tripod? It's certainly a nice piece of kit. I like the Katana gimbal head museum but not sure about the red colour. Take care Michael. Stu
I absolutely love my TR344L with the red apex to match the BH-1 and the Katana Jr. gimbal. Everything PMG makes is done with excellence and I won’t ever have to buy another. Great review and swap that apex for a red one :)
I can't stress enough how game changing a good tripod can be, but man wish I could even sell my kidney for that price. It's even expensive than a Gitzo. Pretty sure people who would be buying a tripod like that, ain't watching RUclips for reviews, they know their stuff.
hi am thinking of getting one as RRS tripods are almost out of stock. but just a query, ive heard the promedia gear tripod is not wide enough to open it. something like 22inch instead of 27inch.
If they gave you the gear they indeed did influence your opinion. I would never buy on the advice from someone who received influence on a product, ever.
I had a disaster, recently, with my Gitzo tripod and RRS head, whereby both ended up in a river and were washed away. So I began looking for other tripods and heads. I came across this video and it persuaded me to buy the Promediagear TR344 with BH1 ball head. I looked at others but there was no doubt that this one was the best for my needs. Weight, extended size, folded size, and portability are perfect. The TR344 fits into my airline carry on, which is important. I love the way the legs can be extended in one manoeuvre as you demonstrate so well. That was a novelty to me. The BH-1 bullhead is a revelation. It is so easy too use - all angles are covered. The combination of tripod and head just works so perfectly for landscape photography. Also Promediagear reacted very quickly once the order was made. 10 days delivery time to UK from the USA. Many thanks for this very helpful review.
I have one of the large Pro Media Gear tripods and I totally agree with you. As we improve in our photography journey, in time, we realize how much there is which we don't know that we don't know. My landscape photography has, indeed, significantly improved because of the stability and versatility of this tripod. The price of course is a consideration but, as you indicated, it will probably be the last tripod one will have to purchase. Thank you for another solid review.
Thank you for this insightful review. My gitzo tripod with RRS ball head 55 recently tumbled into a fast flowing river and disappeared, luckily without the camera on it. So am now doing considerable research on what to replace it with. This pro media TR344L with the BH1 is definitely an option and would seem to be pretty much up to date. Thanks again
Great review and insights. I have the smaller version that works for me most of the time, when I’m in strong winds I’ll reach for the bigger tripod I have that’s the TR424L that thing is a beast! I have the levelling base and BH1 ball head on that. The TR344 only has the BH50 head.
It’s funny when people talk about a tripod being expensive when they have most likely recently spent thousands on a new camera setup and they’re still new to photography. I never understood why you’d spend so much on a tripod but after using PMG for 4 years and not having a single problem, it’s actually improved my photography. I used to think it was my camera gear at fault but it was actually my tripod setup letting me down
Anyone looking into pro media gear Tripods or heads will not be disappointed in my opinion. I have over 45 yrs shooting and for the first 20yrs I too had the opinion that I needed to invest money in camera bodies and lenses but cheap out on tripods but my pictures suffered for the lack of proper thought. Currently have about 2 yrs on my TR424L Carbon Fiber tripod and currently have the RRS BH- 55 Head (no issues with this head so far). This Tripod is a beast. Specs are way underated, I supported my 6’1” 235lbs carefully from it ( not recommended though).
💯
Thank you for the review. I’ve been going back and forth between this tripod and the Gitzo 3543. Your review has really helped me to decide on the TR344. I’ve also heard their customer service is excellent. Thanks for the in depth review!
I've had the larger version of this tripod for a couple years and I use it almost every week. It is built like a tank. I would say the bowl and leveling head are really requirements for this tripod unless you happen to use it only indoors on a level surface. I don't know what the weight limitations are for the leveling head, but I have had no problems mounting the PMG Katana gimbel, a full-size DSLR with L-bracket and battery grip, and a super-telephoto lens. I'm not sure I agree with you regarding the center column. In windy conditions, I think the center column would become somewhat less stable if extended to any degree. Also, the center column would require you to give up the leveling head, although they do make a "hi-hat" device that allows use of the leveling head, but I don't know if I would go that way. Tripods in this class are not inexpensive, but relative to another body or higher-end lenses, it's not that expensive, it will last you for many years, and you can always sell it or pass it on after you don't need it or can't use it anymore. I think because a tripod just isn't as sexy as a new lens or a new body, people complain about the cost. Once you use a tripod in this class, anything lesser just seems like it's made from matchsticks. One thing I wish was available was hash marks or some other markings to be able to have repeatable leg extension. When I use it with the gimbel, for my size I have a defined height I like to raise it to, and I've had to mark the legs with a silver sharpie line to get reproducible results.
I also have the Ball head shown in the video and its construction is tank-like as well. I particularly like its unique construction. The large knob is easy to find when not looking, and tightens up without the need for excess finger torque. I don't mind the red decorative line; I'm pretty sure that doesn't impact the photographs one way or another. :)
Costs WAY too much without fundamentally distinguishing itself from any other tripod in its class that simply costs more rationally and intelligently less.
A few years ago, Thom Hogan wrote a good piece on why people will end up spending $1500 on a tripod one way or another... either buy buying several cheaper tripods and working their way up to a good quality one, or just going straight to the good quality one from the start, and maybe spending a small fortune like $1500. Too bad I fell into the "cheap" trap and worked my way up to a substantial tripod: currently using an FLM 34 series CF tripod, which was about $800, and a RRS BH-55 ballhead, about $450, so about $1250 in the end for me for that combo. But before that I had a few $150 aluminum tripods, and one $250 CF travel tripod (which I still have, and use periodically because it's small and light compared to the FLM/RRS combo). But I sort of wish I went straight to the FLM or something similar, and the BH-55 sooner as it's such a joy to use that combo. It's not light -- as the thing combined weighs about 6 lbs, but it's sturyd as can be even in windy condition. Now, I have upgraded to ML since getting that combo, but I still use it because of its robustness and sturdiness and don't regret the purchase (it hurt up front spending $1250, but in the long run, I think that combo will last me for a very long time, providing the CF tripod legs don't have issues, but I know people who have had the RRS ballhead for 15+ years and still using them so I consider the combo an investment more than just an expense).
I know this video is a couple years old but it’s my understanding that now their leveling base does have a level.
I went to their warehouse and got to see various tripods. Very lovely people and well engineered tripods. Thinking of ordering one soon. I am torn between few things for my Faroe Islands trip. Considering there is a lot of hiking involved to higher vantage points some of them could be 30 mins to 1.5 hrs one way. Also Faroe Islands is windy. so here are differences I am torn about.
1) Smaller apex for travelling vs their standard 75 mm apex. My camera is D850. Should able to hold max 70-200 lens. I am not planning heavier than that. Also I don't do panaromic so leveling base is not needed. I am thinking of getting their that BH1 pro ball head.
2) in 34 series, go with either TRS344L L with 71" max height 4 section or their 59" max height 3 section. I am 5'4". I understand the added height is useful when leveling on steps and such. But for landscape photography long exposures and traveling, I am not sure which one to go for. Weight is minimal point for me. Stability and pack and ease to carry is most important.
Any help would be appreciated.
I purchased the same kit last year (with the leveling bowl and BH1). After more than 34 years with so-so tripods, it was time to invest in something better for myself. I can tell you that I love using this tripod. And, it's worth every penny! It looks great and it just plain works exceptionally well! One little note, you can order the tripod with red accents (I did), and that ties in well with the red accents on the BH1.
Is that like the Leica Red Dot?
@@stuartwalker121 I’m not sure what that means?
Hiya Michael. What does the red colour do on the tripod? It's certainly a nice piece of kit.
I like the Katana gimbal head museum but not sure about the red colour. Take care Michael. Stu
... Gimbal head myself
That Tripod is more expensive than my m50! I hope it cooks and cleans too for that price!
I'm glad you mentioned the lack of a bubble level on the leveling base. Makes no sense, I actually own this tripod but not the leveling base.
Nice, but hard to view black tripod on black background.
PRICE TO CRAZY MAN
I absolutely love my TR344L with the red apex to match the BH-1 and the Katana Jr. gimbal. Everything PMG makes is done with excellence and I won’t ever have to buy another. Great review and swap that apex for a red one :)
Nice!
I can't stress enough how game changing a good tripod can be, but man wish I could even sell my kidney for that price.
It's even expensive than a Gitzo. Pretty sure people who would be buying a tripod like that, ain't watching RUclips for reviews, they know their stuff.
That's a gorgeous tripod, but can you please make a video on that Mamiya camera? That thing has piqued my curiosity.
hi am thinking of getting one as RRS tripods are almost out of stock. but just a query, ive heard the promedia gear tripod is not wide enough to open it. something like 22inch instead of 27inch.
Like others have mentioned before, those tripods are way too expensive for any amateur photographer.
Do you have updated thoughts on ifootage TC7? An open point you had were the built in spikes and whether there would be issues long term. Thanks!
The thumbnail looks like a thumbnail for a Passenger song 😂
If they gave you the gear they indeed did influence your opinion. I would never buy on the advice from someone who received influence on a product, ever.
Your intro is way too loud. Still love your videos