Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Robus was an unknown brand to me, but after doing a ton of research and talking to a professional photographer friend of mine, I thought I'd give it a shot. This replaces a Manfrotto carbon fiber unit that had served me well for many years, but finally broke. First observation is that this thing is heavy, and once I add my RRS BH-55 head, it's heavier still. Not sure how well this would work if I were into hiking and backpacking because I could see how it could become difficult to lug around over great distances and long periods of time. However, since I'm not into hiking, etc., this works out pretty well for me. Okay, that's the bad part (and it's not that bad - just depends on your needs). Next thing I noticed was how incredibly sturdy this thing is! I mean, it's built like a tank. I cannot imagine that it will ever fail. Ever. I was also surprised by how tall it is. Yes, I read the specs, but I'm 6'5" and if I extend all of the leg sections, it's actually too tall for me. However, I don't see this as a negative. By not extending all leg sections, I get increased stability. I also love the hook on the underside of the base plate that will allow me to hang a sand bag, or some other form of weight, for even more stability. This tripod, paired with the RRS BH-55 ball head, is about as close the perfection as I could have asked for in a stable platform. I just don't see how brands that cost twice as much could offer more.

I want the best of the best when it comes to my camera gear. This is no different. This tripod is undeniably sturdy, durable and ready to be put to use. I purchased tripods before that I had to baby because they were fragile. This isn't the case with this tripod. This tripod is a workhorse. Pricey, but well worth it. Although it's carbon fiber, it has noticeable weight. Given the work that I do, it's an overkill to have a tripod of this caliber, but I would buy it again if I had to.

Plan to use this with a fluid head for landscape/panorama work. This tripod comes with both a bowl and a plate/screw mount so that I can quickly change from a fluid head on the bowl to a ball head on the plate. Taller than many tripods so it is possible to position the camera above my head (5-11) or to use only 2 leg sections for a more standard height and more stability. Looking forward to using it when some parts for the fluid head arrive.

I have purchased numerous tripods to handle 35mm medium format and large format cameras through the years--but this tripod beats them all especially for rigidity, an excellent strength to weight ratio---and value! Everything about the tripod appears to have been designed after considerable thought and professional input. I particularly like the height--because one never knows when doing landscape work where the camera and tripod may need to be placed. One may be on a steep hillside or perhaps spanning a stream--and the ability to further telescope one or more of the legs in that difficult terrain will enable the photographer to capture the shot! Great job Robus!

Love this tripod. Very high quality. It’s like owning a Gitzo tripod at half the price. I like that Robus included all of the feet accessories (spikes, studio and standard rubber). They also included the flat plate and 75mm bowl. The flat plate also has a large hook attached to the bottom if you need to hang weight or your camera bag for stability. This is my first systematic tripod. I use the 75mm bowl with A manfrotto 75mm half ball with my head attached to the that. It makes leveling a snap as long as your no more that 10 to 15 degrees off level. If need be use the legs to adjust more. The legs lock and unlock solidly with just a 1/4 turn. This thing is a beast yet it’s only 5.6 lbs in weight and supports 55 lbs. Taking into account that most of the accessories are included in my opinion this tripod is worth the price.

Finally took the plunge and bought the Robus RC-5570 which allows me to shoot at eye-level without fatigue. Note: I'm 6' 1". I will be picking up the Robus RTH-1050 Triple Action Ball Head to complete the setup. Sturdy, beefy, great components!

I've been looking at and lusting over a much more expensive carbon fiber tripod for several years now. Boy am I glad I waited until I found Robus! Same height and features as the RRS one I was wanting but at about 1/3rd the price. I've had it a few weeks now and have already put it through the wringer. Sand, saltwater, snow and even on anice covered lake. The Robus has handled it all with zero issues. Very happy with my purchase!

This is an awfully nice tripod. As the experts always advise, just get a really good one like the Robus and get it over with instead of spending way more by working your way up in quality and ending up with several lesser tripods. This one screams quality with its fine machining, fat 10X legs, and smooth leg twist locks. It is well worth the extra cost and one pound of additional weight compared to my Manfrotto 055. Attention Robus: Please make the bag 3 inches longer. I can't zip it all the way up with the Manfrotto 500AH head attached.