Really Right Stuff Ascend-14-PF carbon tripod with platform

Really Right Stuff Ascend-14-PF carbon tripod with platform, compact, stable, amazingly versatile

Sometimes there’s no need for many words: you’re looking for a lightweight, reliable three-legged tripod that doesn’t get on your nerves on the go, but stands rock solid when in use. That’s exactly where the Really Right Stuff Ascend-14-PF carbon tripod with platform comes in. A classic tripod with center column, built for photographers who prefer taking pictures over fiddling with wobbly legs.

With its 3/8" UNC photo thread mounting stud on the platform, you can easily mount a wide range of ball heads, video heads, or specialty heads. No adapter circus, no tinkering, just screw it on and get started.

Lightweight carbon tripod for on the go, yet impressively load-bearing

The Ascend-14-PF weighs only 1.36 kg. For a full-featured carbon tripod with center column and four leg sections per leg, that’s remarkably little. At the same time, it supports up to 13.6 kg of load. That’s easily enough for modern full-frame cameras with heavy telezooms, L-brackets, filters, and whatever else is lurking in your camera bag.

The legs are made from 10-layer wrapped carbon. This construction provides high rigidity at low weight and noticeably reduces vibrations. Especially with long exposures or in windy conditions, you’ll notice that the tripod not only looks good, but works with serious stability.

From 9 cm to 1.48 m, flexible working heights without much fuss

Things get interesting with the heights: the minimum setup height is just 9.0 cm. If you split the center column and go correspondingly low, you can get extremely close to the ground, perfect for macro photography, low-angle perspectives, or creative wide-angle shots where you really want the foreground to pop.

The maximum working height with the center column extended is 1.48 m. Without the center column, i.e. directly on the legs, you still reach about 1.26 m, which is already completely sufficient for many applications and further increases stability. This way you can decide depending on subject and situation: maximum height or maximum rigidity.

Compact transport dimensions, made for backpack, train, and airplane

In practice, what counts is how well a tripod can be transported. Folded, the Ascend-14-PF measures only about 43 cm in length and around 8.6 cm in diameter. It fits easily into many camera backpacks or on the side of a bag without constantly getting snagged on something.

Thanks to the four leg sections per leg, the three-legged tripod can be collapsed very short, yet remains sufficiently tall when extended. A classic compromise, but implemented very well here; especially for travel photography, city trips, or hikes, this combination of packed size and height is extremely pleasant.

Well-thought-out details: bubble level, threads, and secure feet

At the top near the platform you’ll find a bull’s-eye level. This small but important level helps you quickly level the tripod before you fine-tune the head. Especially for architecture, landscapes, or when you want to stitch panoramas later, precise leveling is worth its weight in gold.

The leg ends feature 3/8" UNC internal threads. This lets you swap the standard feet for other variants if needed, for example spikes for soft ground or special rubber feet for smooth floors. This way you adapt the tripod to your shooting location instead of putting up with a suboptimal footing.

Stable platform with 3/8" connection, ready for your favorite head

The Ascend-14-PF comes with a classic mounting platform including a 3/8" connection. This solid base is deliberately kept neutral so you’re free to choose which tripod head you want to use. Ball head, geared head, video head—anything that requires a 3/8" UNC photo thread will find its place here.

The combination of stiff carbon construction, precisely machined platform, and high load capacity ensures that even heavier setups are held securely. No queasy feeling when the camera is a bit more expensive or the lens a bit longer.

Made in the USA, precision and robustness from a single source

Really Right Stuff has stood for many years for very precisely manufactured tripods and accessories that are built not for volume, but for longevity. The Ascend-14-PF carbon tripod with platform is made in the USA with high standards for material quality and manufacturing tolerances.

You’ll notice this origin in everyday use: the leg locks operate with a satisfying feel, the carbon tubes inspire confidence with their stiffness, and the fits between components are simply spot on. It’s one of those tools where after the first use you think: yes, this one is going to stay in the fleet for a long time.

Who is the Ascend-14-PF particularly suitable for?

If you travel a lot, hike, or simply don’t feel like lugging bulky gear, this tripod will suit you very well. It’s light enough that you’ll actually take it with you, but stable enough that it won’t just end up as an alibi tripod in the closet. Landscape, travel, macro, and occasionally video—the Ascend-14-PF covers a broad spectrum of uses.

We would especially recommend it to photographers who value a well-balanced ratio of weight, stability, and packed size, and who prefer a three-legged tripod with center column that won’t be worn out after just two seasons. A tool for many years, not just for the next short trip.