Manfrotto vs Really Right Stuff

In terms of tripods that will last, what is a better brand Tripod, manfrotto or really right stuff? I was just on searching on bhvideo and adororama and I see manfrotto tripods all over the place but I couldn't find any really right stuff tripods listed? Is that because they aren't as good so retailers don't carry them?

You can't go wrong with either. I think you will get a tad more quality from Really Right Stuff, but that is really opinion based only. They have a macro focusing rail I want as soon as I get a new macro lens! One of my best friends has one of their tripods and this macro focusing rail and he can do some pretty cool stuff with it. When he is taking a shot with his macro lens, and needs to adjust the distance between the lens and what he is shooting, he can simply turn a knob on this focusing rail that adjust the camera with out having to move the entire camera and tripod.

No first hand knowledge but in several workshops, the instructors had very high praise for Really Right Stuff.
Are they doing "sole distribution"? Yes. From their website:
"Really Right Stuff products may only be purchased directly from Really Right Stuff. We do not sell our products through distributors or other online shops. "

Baydream wrote: No first hand knowledge but in several workshops, the instructors had very high praise for Really Right Stuff.
Are they doing "sole distribution"? Yes. From their website:
"Really Right Stuff products may only be purchased directly from Really Right Stuff. We do not sell our products through distributors or other online shops. "

I wonder why is that?

I have a Manfrotto 190XB pro tripod that I've had for nearly 3 years. I really have been hard on this tripod and it has taken the abuse really well. I really came to rely and depend on its sturdy build, and easy set up. It weighs 4 pounds and I'm a hiking photographer. I finally purchased a Carbon Fiber Induro tripod a few months ago and have retired my Manfrotto to studio work. I wouldn't dream of selling it. It's an old friend.

I have a Really Right Stuff ball head, and also their L-Plates for my camera bodies. I just love this ball head and plates! I can't rave enough about them.
As for only being able to buy direct I can only think it's a quality control issue.
Customer service is aux petits oignons!
I dropped into the store/showroom last summer to pick up a spare ball head cover while passing through San Luis Obispo and they were very friendly and helpful.

I do think either tripod would serve you well. Just get one that you can carry all day.

translation of French idiomatic expression- aux petits oignons- first rate
Literal translation- from little onions
l

Good information, thank you for the heads up on both of these.

I have one of their tripods on my wish list for this year

I've had the same Manfrotto now for 14 years and i beat the snot out of it. It's a workhorse.

Solid
It hasn't been an industry leader for decades for no reason.

Karl Wertanen wrote: I've had the same Manfrotto now for 14 years and i beat the snot out of it. It's a workhorse.

Solid
It hasn't been an industry leader for decades for no reason.

You should do a commercial for them! 14 years is awesome! I'm sold

This is how it goes.

Gitzo = the best tripods (for a price)
Manfrotto = good quality workhorse style tripods. Not quite up there with Gitzo, but good enough.
Feisol = Bargain quality. Their carbon tripods are IMHO better than Manfrotto, but not quite as good as Gitzo.
Really Right Stuff = Very high quality stuff. Maybe even better than Gitzo (still too new to tell), but you pay for it (but you do with Gitzo too, so whatever)

Karl Wertanen wrote: It hasn't been an industry leader for decades for no reason.

Gitzo are considered better. I don't know how you're defining "industry leader" though. Sales?

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Karl Wertanen wrote: It hasn't been an industry leader for decades for no reason.

Gitzo are considered better. I don't know how you're defining "industry leader" though. Sales?

Yea, Gitzo is better. I wasn't arguing that
I'm talking if they were crap, they wouldn't be still in business. There's still, after all these years, a demand for their product. They are pretty solid tripods. By now, after decades of existence, if they were manufactured poorly and/or created products amateurs and professionals didnt want, people wouldn't buy them and their business would have failed. While they are not "top dog", they're still a leader that keeps coming out w/quality products to meet market demands.

Karl Wertanen wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Karl Wertanen wrote: It hasn't been an industry leader for decades for no reason.

Gitzo are considered better. I don't know how you're defining "industry leader" though. Sales?

Yea, Gitzo is better. I wasn't arguing that
I'm talking if they were crap, they wouldn't be still in business. There's still, after all these years, a demand for their product. They are pretty solid tripods. By now, after decades of existence, if they were manufactured poorly and/or created products amateurs and professionals didnt want, people wouldn't buy them and their business would have failed. While they are not "top dog", they're still a leader that keeps coming out w/quality products to meet market demands.

K

I've got products from both manufacturers & wouldn't hesitate to recommend either...

Screamin Scott wrote: I've got products from both manufacturers & wouldn't hesitate to recommend either...

Perhaps even mixing them up.