Latest news with #ProTripod
Engadget
4 days ago
- Business
- Engadget
Peak Design's new tripods take aim at the professional set
Peak Design is building on the success of its innovative Travel Tripod. The photography accessory maker is launching a new Pro Tripod on Kickstarter. The latest model comes in three flavors: Pro Lite, Pro and Pro Tall. As you might expect, their prices dwarf that of the (already expensive) Travel Tripod. The Pro Tripod is scaled up for greater stiffness and maximum height. It has stronger legs, an all-CNC-machined hub and a flanged center column. This results in double the weight capacity of the Travel Tripod, which supports 20 lbs. The new Pro Tripod and Pro Tall Tripod each support 40 lbs. Meanwhile, the Pro Lite Tripod handles a bit less at 35 lbs. When packed, the Pro models take up more space than the Travel model, but they'll still easily fit in a backpack. The Pro and Pro Lite Tripods measure just under 20 inches. The Pro Tall Tripod folds down to 22.9 inches. The Pro and Pro Tall models weigh just over 4 lbs, while the Pro Lite weighs 3.7 lbs. Peak Design is also selling new accessories for those with the most demanding needs. The tilt mod will be essential for those who need the smoothest video. It converts the Pro line's standard ball head into a fluid pan-and-tilt one. The Pro Leveling Base enables quick leveling on uneven terrain. And the Pro Spike Feet will help the tripod grip slippery or loose ground. If you thought the Travel Tripod was expensive, well, brace yourself. The Pro Lite Tripod is estimated to cost $800. The Pro Tripod is expected to cost $900. And the Pro Tall Tripod will retail for approximately $1,000. They're "estimated" prices since the products are only now arriving on Kickstarter. But, as is often the case with crowdfunding, pledging early will get you a discount. If you're aghast at the pricing, well, that's entirely understandable. But consider that Peak Design is truly targeting professionals here. It isn't uncommon to see tripods from brands like RRS and Gitzo crack the $1,000 barrier. Engadget plans to review the Pro Tripod to see how it stands up (sorry) to pro-level needs. The Pro Lite Tripod is expected to ship in October. Meanwhile, the company is aiming for February 2026 for the Pro and Pro Tall models. You can learn more in the video below and on the Kickstarter page.
The Verge
4 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Peak Design's new portable pro tripods can support up to 40 pounds of camera gear
Peak Design has announced three new tripods with features and functionality that cater to professional photographers and videographers. The company's first tripod was a travel model that folded to be as slim as a soda can to prioritize portability. Its new pro tripods, available in three versions, are slightly thicker when collapsed, but they can also support twice as much weight and stand a bit taller. The company is once again launching the new tripods through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign today. The new pro versions range in price from $799.95 to $999.95 — a big jump from the starting price of its original Travel Tripod at $349.95. However, the earliest backers can preorder them with discounts up to 27 percent off. The three new models include the standard Pro Tripod and two variants. The Pro Lite Tripod is lighter and packs down smaller, thanks to its legs and center column being scaled down. The Pro Tall Tripod features elongated legs so it stands taller, but it also maximizes stability since the center column may not need to be extended as high. Ranging in weight from 3.7 to 4.5 pounds, the new pro models are only slightly heavier than Peak Design's aluminum Travel Tripod, which weighs 3.44 pounds. But they all stand much taller, up to 77.7 inches for the Pro Tall Tripod, and can support up to 40 pounds of camera equipment, although the smaller Pro Lite Tripod maxes out at 35 pounds. Despite their thicker and sturdier legs made of carbon fiber, you can still squeeze the new pro tripods into a backpack's side pocket because the largest model measures just 3.66 inches in diameter when folded down. (Peak Design's Travel Tripod was 3.25 inches, for comparison.) But they may stick out a bit more since they're 4 to 7 inches taller. Peak Design is carrying forward some of the more unique features of its Travel Tripod, including a smartphone mount and a hex multitool that both fold down so they can be stowed inside the tripod's center column. They'll also have better Arca-compatible quick-lock grips that hold a camera more securely while making it easier to attach and remove. And you can get an optional $149.95 Tilt Mod accessory that converts the pro tripods' easily adjustable ball head into a fluid pan and tilt head for smoother camera movements.
