Arca P0 on RRS TVC-24L/TVC-34L Tripod?

[dwswager]

I'm in the market for a new general use tripod and have decided on either the 24L or 34L Really Right Stuff.  As part of this purchase I was thinking of trying out the Arca Swiss P0 head as a simple solution for some panoramic efforts without having to add the weight of a leveling base or panning clamp.  Is anyone using this head on either the 2 or 3 series RRS tripods?  Any Issues?

My concern is that I have never used a tripod without a center column and the mounting plate at the apex is 50mm on the 2 series and 70mm on the 3 series.  The mounting base on the P0 is only about 50mm and RRS does not recommend smaller heads on the 3 series. (And no, I do not want to buy a RRS BH-55).  My current head is an Arca Swiss B1 with a 70mm base and I would possibly swapping them out at different times.  I do use RRS L plates on my camera bodies so flopping the head all the way vertical is not really a concern.

Thanks!

[Ellis Vener]

While I've used the p0 wo na Series 3 Aluminum Gitzo Tele Studex  tripod with fine results,  unless your goal is to save a few ounces on the head weight alone I'm not sure what you'd gain by using a smaller head of a larger tripod. For both general and panoramic work I prefer the Arca-Swiss B1 , one of the later models with an interchangable clamp ( the various models are described here  http://www.precisioncameraworks.com/Pages/monoball_core.html), with the new RRS PC-LR clamp.   If you already own a B1  the PC-LR or PC-Pro might be be a better use of your cash.

[dwswager]

Thanks!

I love my B1 and it has a RRS clamp on it.  I will probably just stay with it.  I just wanted to play with the P0 as I've always thought ball heads are upside down and the panning platform should be above the ball.

I will probably end up with the 34L since i've been lugging a heavier metal tripod for years.  I also like to do nightscapes and other long exposure shots where the torsional stability of the 3 series would probably be better.  Since I don't do a lot of panoramic shots, I will probably get a panning clamp/rotator that clamps into the existing clamp on the B1.  I also have a RRS macro slider that I can use to position the camera to revolve to a close approximation of the nodal point of the lens.

[Ellis Vener]

"I love my B1 and it has a RRS clamp on it."

Is it a panning clamp?

[dwswager]

Is it a panning clamp?

Nope.  It is an old (10 years or so) 60mm RRS quick clamp with Knob currently on the B1.  I got the knob you can disengage so I don't accidentally dump the gear.  I can change it out for a panning clamp or get a panning clamp/or rotator that has an arca swiss plate built into the bottom.  They don't sell that specialty knob anymore. 

[Ellis Vener]

" I got the knob you can disengage so I don't accidentally dump the gear. "

My first piece of RRS gear was that knob. More's the pity that they stopped making it.

[Damon Lynch]

If you do go with the 34L be sure to check the feet are screwed in nice and tight every once in a while. It sure would suck to lose one of them. I've never tried the 24L, so can't comment if it has the same need, but I guess it does. Not a biggie but just something to keep in mind.