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There’s the journey tripod and the studio tripod, after which there’s the brand new 3 Legged Factor Travis 2.0. Whereas it’s not a journey tripod, the brand new Travis 2.0 is a go-between. It’s not fairly as mild and compact as a journey tripod however has a bit extra stability, a better weight capability, and a peak restrict of just about 5.5 ft. Weighing about 4 kilos, it’s not too heavy that it may possibly’t the studio. And, folding all the way down to 17.9”, it nonetheless sits throughout the carry-on dimensions. Add in a value of below $200, and the Travis 2.0 is well an intriguing choice.
Tripods, nevertheless, can look nice on paper however wobble within the discipline. Or they will sit at an incredible value, however be too cumbersome to arrange. I grabbed the brand new 3 Legged Factor Travis 2.0 to {photograph} a waterfall and see how the tripod holds up.
Too Lengthy, Didn’t Learn
The three Legged Factor Travis is a cheerful medium between the ultra-light journey tripod and the cumbersome studio tripod. It’s sturdy, easy to make use of, and has a whole lot of options for the value. I don’t love the tripod attachment or how lengthy it takes to arrange, however the $239 value makes these issues straightforward to miss.
Execs and Cons
Execs
Versatile peak rangeMonopod conversionTwo ranges and labeled angle measurementsGood steadiness between weight capability and folded sizeEasy to make use of
Cons
Not the quickest to set upCounter-weight loop isn’t as versatile as a hookI don’t love the plate attachment
Improvements
The Travis 2.0, because the identify suggests, is a modest replace to the unique. It retains the identical versatility however adjusts a number of minor particulars just like the metallic knobs. The leg locks are sturdier than the sooner technology. All three legs can develop into a monopod or growth, and it may possibly develop into a tabletop tripod by buying separate ft. There’s nothing earth-shattering right here, although. It does proceed to make use of 3 Legged Factor’s distinctive tri-mount plate, which provides three loops for hooking equipment.
Gear Used
I used the Travis 2.0 with the Panasonic S5 and the 70-200mm f2.8 S Professional lens.
Tech Specs
3 Legged Factor lists the next options for the Travis 2.0:
Magnesium Alloy constructionIncludes AirHed Neo 2.0 ballheadFolded size 17.9”Most peak 65.3”Removable legs convert to monopodCounter-weight hookTabletop pleasant with Vanz footwear (offered individually)Capability 40 kilos
Ergonomics
The three Legged Factor Travis 2.0 is topped by a ball head. The digicam attaches utilizing a metallic plate, then turning a knob tightens it so the metallic lip grips that plate. This attachment isn’t as quick because the Fast Launch on my tripod of alternative, a Manfrotto BeFree. However, it appeared to carry the digicam securely sufficient, even with an nearly 3.5-pound lens hanging the wrong way up.
The ball head features a bubble stage, which is nice for getting that horizon stage. The underside of the top can be labeled for angle changes. That is useful for precision work, like panoramas. There are three knobs on the top: one tightens the digicam plate, the black one adjusts the angle of the ball head, and one rotates the complete head round. Below the top is 3 Legged Factor’s tri-mount plate, which is principally a plastic piece with three loops for hooking a carabiner and equipment.
The ball head sits on a reversible middle column to can get the digicam near the bottom. The ball head, nevertheless, can’t be connected with out the middle column, so if you want to be tremendous near the bottom, you want to reverse it. The underside of the middle column has a loop for including weight. I really feel like a hook (the place you may simply slide a bag strap in) is extra helpful than a closed loop.
The column sits in a hoop that additionally has a screw mount for including attachments (not included). A small bubble stage sits right here as properly. At a look, I may simply inform if I had arrange on a slight incline or had one leg longer or shorter than the others.
The middle column peak is adjusted with a twist knob that’s properly coated in tire tread grip. Every of the 4 leg sections are equally adjustable with tire tread twist knobs. I choose the lever locks over the twist kind, however the twist locks held securely. To me, the twist locks appear to take extra time as a result of I test every one to make it possible for it’s safe. With flip locks, I can visibly see that the legs are safe. However, I do know that flip vs. twist is a deeply private alternative and photographers preferring the twist kind are going to love these legs.
The leg angle is adjusted with a push lever on the prime. The lever must be pushed when unfolding at every doable leg angle. However, when folding again up, the legs shut fully with one push of the lever.
The three Legged Factor Travis 2.0 ships with rubber ft. The ft can unscrew and get replaced with 3 Legged Factor’s different footwear choices, akin to spikes.
Construct High quality
Many of the 3 Legged Factor Travis 2.0 is created from magnesium alloy. There are a number of plastic items, together with the piece the place the ball head sits. The tri-mount collar can be plastic, as is the piece the place the three legs connect to the middle column. The legs, mounting plate, and knobs, nevertheless, all really feel like metallic.
I actually like the texture of the twist locks. (Sure, I do know I stated I choose lever locks, however that’s inappropriate.) The locks have a tire tread to them, accented with a bright-colored metallic. That each appears nice and feels nice as properly.
Travis 2.0 is designed as a go-between. It’s not a journey tripod, nevertheless it’s not as heavy or cumbersome as most traditional tripods. The tripod weighs INSERT WEIGHT HERE. It has extra weight to it than a journey tripod. But when the journey choices aren’t sturdy sufficient, it’s not too outrageous to convey on-site. It folds all the way down to 17.9 inches with the legs reversed, so it could even nonetheless match right into a carry-on suitcase.
Can I spend a minute on the bag that comes with the tripod? Quite a lot of the luggage which might be included are junk — I’ve by no means managed to suit my BeFree again into the bag after taking it out. That’s not the case right here. The tripod matches again in simply. The bag has each a shoulder strap and a seize deal with. There’s even a pocket for stashing issues like ft or the digicam mount plate. The zipper is oddly situated on the underside of the bag. However, the supplies are additionally thicker and extra sturdy than most “free” included tripod luggage.
Total, the tripod feels fairly sturdy. It appears like it’ll final fairly a while, supplied it doesn’t get too beat up.
Ease of Use
The three Legged Factor Travis 2.0 is straightforward to make use of, nevertheless it’s not the quickest tripod to arrange. There are three completely different knobs on the top. The place of the highest knob makes it fairly clear that it tightens the digicam plate in place. The biggest one is labeled with “lock and rock” and adjusts the ball head. The second orange one rotates the ball head. I believe even new photographers will have the ability to spend a couple of minutes with these knobs and be prepared to leap proper into utilizing the tripod.
Adjusting the legs will equally take a couple of minutes of exploring, however shouldn’t require a person handbook or Googling. The legs alter the angle with the lever on the prime; the peak with the tire tread twist locks.
The trickiest factor is simply ensuring that the digicam is safe. I didn’t actually look after the twist knob securing the digicam. There’s just a bit lip holding that plate on. It’s essential to make it possible for the highest knob is totally tightened. It’s safe when it’s accomplished correctly; you’ll simply wish to make it possible for it’s tight. (we stated the identical factor concerning the pricier Winston 2.0).
Whereas it’s straightforward to make use of, it’s not the quickest tripod that I’ve used for setup. The highest plate screws in; lever-style Fast Launch plates are quicker. The twist locks take three good turns to get cosy; lever locks really feel quicker. I can get my fingers round all three locks on one leg to twist three without delay when unfolding, however then every part must be tightened individually. It’s not a horribly gradual course of; it’s simply not the quickest set-up that I’ve used.
Conclusions
Likes
Travis 2.0 could be very versatile — it’s additionally a monopod, can shoot from tall heights and low to the bottom.There are good extras, like two bubble ranges, a counter weight hook, and angled head changes, for this value level.As a light-weight studio tripod, it’s sturdy, but isn’t horrible to tackle location both.It’s straightforward to make use of.Most included tripod luggage are junk. This one is definitely fairly good.
Dislikes
It’s not the quickest to get arrange.The plate attachment must be rigorously tightened.
The three Legged Factor Travis 2.0 is a bridge between a journey tripod and a studio tripod — and a very good one at that. The Travis 2.0 is constructed properly, versatile, and simple to make use of. It’s moderately priced, but nonetheless consists of options like two bubble ranges, a counterweight hook, and magnesium alloy building. I can see photographers who’re prepared to hold extra weight for extra versatility and stability liking this tripod.
I don’t love the twist-to-tighten digicam attachment, which requires a number of further seconds to make it possible for the digicam is totally safe. I choose the lever locks over the twist model. However, should you just like the twist model, you’ll just like the tire-like coating. I nonetheless choose my go-to BeFree’s lever locks and Fast Launch plate, however the Travis 2.0 has twice the burden capability.
I’m giving the three Legged Factor Travis 2.0 4 out of 5 stars. Need one? Take a look at Amazon!
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