I have been using an old Gitzo Mountaineer 1531 which I am quite happy with. At only 2.5 lbs. it is perfect for traveling which I get around to a lot. I find it suitable for most of my regular home town needs: long exposure, low light photography. I live close to a beach where I use it often as well in freezing weather. I live in Toronto, Canada.
But as a result of a recent trip to the windy Yucatan coast as well as the recent windy polar vortex weather I find the Mountaineer just doesn't cut it in windy conditions. So I am looking for something more solid to augment not replace the Mountaineer for windier days. I do not drive so I get around the city on bike or foot so the light Gitzo Mountaineer probably will remain my go to tripod.
I shoot with a 5D3 and carry a 24-70Lf2.8 II, 70-200 f4 and a 16-35 f4 so a much heavier new tripod will be a huge load on foot with my camera lens kit. I would not consider carrying the new heavier tripod on bicycle. On occasion I might mount a Tamron 150-600 on this new set of legs.
I am 6 feet tall so I want a tripod that is at least 55 inches high. As weight is still an important consideration I suppose the max weight should be 4.5 pounds. I wish i could play with RRS gear at a store but no such luck.
I have been looking at the excellent tripod rankings on
https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/ for help. Should I be searching for the tripod with the highest 'Stiffness' score that is at least 55 inches tall and under 5 pounds? Because that suggests the RRS TVC-33.
The RRS TVC-33 has higher 'Stiffness' score than both the 24L and 34L yet very few tripod recommendation threads that I read recommend this tripod.
The TVC-33 height of 55 inches is more than sufficient for me (I am accustomed to the 53 inch height of my Gitzo)
Can anyone suggest why, given my described photography needs/gear/usage, they think I would be better served with either the 24L or 34L. There seems to be a significant difference between the stiffness of the 33 vs. 24L (2184 vs. 1132) and I think the 34L may be at the limit of my carry tolerance (with 3 lenses and a 5D3)
https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/ indicates the CVT-33 has a larger stiffness score that the CVT-34L. So why would I want to buy a CVT-34L if it is heavier and less stable? I don't understand the need for an extra long leg on hills. I hear people saying the extra length on the lower leg helps but can't one create the same effect by shortening the height of the leg that is further up the hill? and wouldn't that be more stable?
Also - the stiffness scores on The Center Column are measured at full height. Could the CVT-34L perhaps be MORE stable than the CVT-33 when they are measured at the same extended height?
Thanks for any input
Phil M.