Feel like I’m super late to the party with my Peak Design tripod review. Love this thing and should’ve written one earlier. This post wasn’t sponsored by Peak Design, they just make it easy to say such good things about the tripod.
However I do have affiliate links set up so if you purchase anything from those links, I’ll get a small commission from it. Which is always appreciated!
Peak Design Tripod Review
Jumping into it, I’ll be reviewing the aluminum model instead of the carbon fiber model. I kinda wish I had splurged even more to get it. They’re both pretty expensive, but after using the aluminum model last winter, I realized it feels like an icicle when it gets super cold out.
Which works as a nice transition into my next section.
Dislikes
We’ll see how this works, listing them first even though I love the tripod. Feels odd. But alas, here are my dislikes for the Peak Design aluminum tripod.
Tripod In Cold Weather
Of course, as previously mentioned. My first dislike of the aluminum model is how well it conducts the cold. When moving the tripod or making adjustments to the legs, you can definitely feel it. And if you’re already cold when shooting, it doesn’t help much. I’ve read the carbon fiber model is better at this, but can’t confirm for myself as I’ve never shot with it.
Hex Tool
Little heads-up, I will list the hex tool as a dislike and a pro later on. It’s great to have it within easy reach all the time. But it’s slipped out of its case on a few occasions. Luckily, so far, I’ll notice it on the ground before moving spots. Or find it in the backpack side pocket where the tripod was sitting a few days ago. Not having realized it even fell out.
But with this said, I have plenty of hex tools. Something any Peak Design product user can tell you is pretty common. I use a bunch of their straps. And they all need hex tools.
So I keep extras in all my photography bags. But don’t always have my photography bag with me. If that hex tool slips out unknowingly, I may find myself in a pinch if I need to adjust things.
Price
Price, it’s definitely expensive. Currently around $400 for the aluminum model and $650 for the carbon fiber. The cost of this guy does hurt the bank account a little bit. Even more so for the carbon fiber model. There might be cheaper but better tripods out there but I can’t really speak much on that since I’ve only ever owned cheap entry-level tripods before this one.
Likes
Now time for the good stuff. My long list of likes for the tripod. I use the crap out of this thing and love the sounds it makes when all the legs pop out. So legit. You should buy it based on those sounds alone. Jkjk
Lightweight, Compact & Intuitive Design
It’s pretty lightweight at 3.2 lbs. I still wouldn’t want to drop it on my toe or something like that. But it’s pretty lightweight. Especially when compared to what I was shooting before.
When it’s all packed up, it’s super compact. The interior of the tripod legs are flat so they get really close to the center post. Both ends of the tripod can fit in my backpack’s water bottle pocket, so that tells you something about its width.
Simply looking at the tripod, you can tell a lot of thought was put into it. When breaking down the tripod, everything fits together like a puzzle.
Ball-Head Swivel
I really like this thing. But also could be because I’m coming from a more traditional tripod head that took forever to adjust. The ball head is easy and quick to adjust once you get the hang of it.
One thing that took me a minute to figure out. Was that if the ball head doesn’t sit all the way down when packing away, then you need to unlock it and turn it a bit more before seating it.
The Base Plate
This one makes a lot of sense and I think it would’ve been impossible for Peak Design not to do. But I love that I can keep the same base plates on my cameras when using the tripod. Since base plates are all needed for the Peak Design Slide and Peak Design Clutch straps, it’s a match made in heaven. I never have to remove them to place them on the tripod. And the tripod is mostly arca friendly in case I change up my setup in the future.
Cool Accessories Built Into The Tripod
Remember when I mentioned that the hex tool would go under the dislikes and likes…well here it is. I actually do really like the cool little method Peak Design used to store the hex tool.
It’s essentially part of the tripod legs and easy to grab when needed. But it’s also removable if you get tired of it being there.
Next is the cell phone holder/adapter. This thing is stashed within the center pole of the tripod, under the hook. Which is another cool but common feature of tripods. Used to weigh down the tripod during windy conditions or when you find the need.
The cell phone holder/adapter comes in handy if you’re a vlogger type and want to record yourself while shooting mobile with your big camera.
Great Support From Peak Design
Peak Design’s product support is fantastic! At one point I got a little crazy adjusting clamp screws on the leg and one fell out, while on a pier. Some of the clamps even went with it. Now, this is entirely on me, but once I reached out to them to see if I could buy replacement screws/clamps, they quickly sent me an entire tripod leg to replace the one hampered by the messed clamp.
Recap
I look forward to more time with my Peak Design tripod. And might eventually rent the carbon fiber model to test it out. I’ll update this Peak Design tripod review if I’m ever able to do it.
Likes:
- Lightweight
- Quick & easy setup
- Intuitive design
- Great ball-head swivel
- Peak Design base plate friendly. Ok with most Arca plates
- Accessories, cool that it comes with a hex tool/holder and cell phone holder
- Great support from Peak Design
Dislikes
- Hex tool case
- Price, it’s definitely expensive.
- Super cold in the wintertime, and this made me kinda regret not getting the carbon fiber model.
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