RRS TFCX-13 vs Ascend-14

[Brado16]

Hello my fellow Wisconsinites!! I have a 34L up here in Minocqua if either of you want to try it and compare it. It’s rock solid but heavy- I wish it was a little lighter and more compact, but every time I use it to glass from or shoot from, I realize those negatives are worth it for what it provides in the field. So far this year it’s come with me to Mexico, Alaska and Utah.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KeepHammering]

Hi @B_Reynolds_AK, I know this is an older post, but are you still happy with your modified Ascend? Any wishes you would have kept the TFCX?

Anyone else have more experience or thoughts on this?

 

[wind gypsy]

I do not want to go with a heavier tripod if possible and have heard conflicting reports regarding the Anvil-30 for shooting compared to the U-LB.

A leveling base is definitely more stable than an anvil. Easily noticeable when going between the two. They are just less adaptable as they don’t offer near the angle of adjustment.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Hi @B_Reynolds_AK, I know this is an older post, but are you still happy with your modified Ascend? Any wishes you would have kept the TFCX?

Anyone else have more experience or thoughts on this?

Absolutely happy with my Ascend. For a lighter option, I now have the Aziak Ridgeline as well

 

[SkunkCabbage]

Question about this washer is it included with the ascent to delete the center post to mount an anvil style head?

Can anyone snap a photo of it?

 

[BBob]

Question about this washer is it included with the ascent to delete the center post to mount an anvil style head?

Can anyone snap a photo of it?

 

[SkunkCabbage]

Is that included or no?

 

[BBob]

Is that included or no?

Ace Hardware

 

[Coopsdaddy]

If you buy a 14l isn’t the main purpose to have the adjustable center column.
I do see if you mount only the anvil without column thats more stable but how much.
If you directly mount an anvil or Ma30l don’t you lose the ability to use the column quickly without unbolting anvil.
If you mount a anvil to the center column is it still solid for shooting or is there wobble.

 

[BBob]

If you directly mount an anvil or Ma30l don’t you lose the ability to use the column quickly without unbolting anvil.
If you mount a anvil to the center column is it still solid for shooting or is there wobble.

The column is removed completely if you direct mount an Anvil to an Ascend so you lose any and all center column adjustment if you do that. The tri lobe column lockup is much more solid on the Ascend than the old round tube type they used to use and it’s pretty solid with just the short extension and an Anvil. Couldn’t tell you what it’s like beyond the short extension.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Kind of defeats the purpose of the ascend to me.
Just being able to seat the anvil a little lower can’t make that much of a difference or all there other tripods would offer that.
I would like to see how stable the anvil is mounted on the column but kept in the lowest position for shooting.

 

[Lawnboi]

I ended up with a 13cx. It’s a very stable tripod for a light/short tripod. I currently have a ridge warden head on it. The 3 section 13 is a small step up in stability from the ascend I once had.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Kind of defeats the purpose of the ascend to me.
Just being able to seat the anvil a little lower can’t make that much of a difference or all there other tripods would offer that.
I would like to see how stable the anvil is mounted on the column but kept in the lowest position for shooting.

It’s a large difference in stability being direct mounted in the apex vs sitting atop the center column. Whether the column is extended or sitting at its lowest position, there is movement of the center column within the apex bushings.

The purpose of using the Ascend 14 over the 13 for me was exclusively the purpose of mounting the Anvil within the apex.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

That’s my concern,I figured the column would have some movement.
Would be nice if they would sell it without the 280.00 center column.

 

[Lawnboi]

That’s my concern,I figured the column would have some movement.
Would be nice if they would sell it without the 280.00 center column.

They will…. Or atleast they did for me.

Some vendors carry just the anvil version as well

Seated or kneeling, I don’t feel the 13 gives up anything to the 24L. The jury is still out on the ridge warden head, but it’s much more reasonable on a hunting pack. I didn’t feel the ascend did anything same or better than the 24L besides the pack weight and size

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Guess Tfct14l may be the best option.
I’m not paying for a 280 center column that won’t be used.
I do see the Tfct14l listed as 50lb were the ascend 14l is 30lbs.
I’m sure it’s due to the column.