Really Right Stuff TVC-24 MK2 carbon tripod of the Versa Series 2

Really Right Stuff TVC-24 MK2 carbon tripod Versa Series 2: stable, compact, made for on the go

If you’re looking for a three-legged tripod that doesn’t get in the way in your backpack but is absolutely serious out in the field, the Really Right Stuff TVC-24 MK2 is a very good fit. At 1.556 kg it stays pleasantly light, folds down to around 50 cm transport length, and still doesn’t feel like a compromise. The maximum working height is 1.26 m, which in practice is often exactly that “good enough” height, especially on uneven ground or if you tend to work from a kneeling position anyway.

And yes, it’s a carbon tripod. Not just “carbon”, but with the ultra-thin-walled, large-diameter carbon tubes RRS is known for. This gives you noticeably more stiffness and very good vibration damping without making the tripod bulky. You’ll notice it especially in wind, with longer exposures, or when you’re working with telephoto lenses and every tiny vibration suddenly looks big.

Load capacity and real-world use: for mid-sized setups, with plenty of reserve

The TVC-24 MK2 is designed for mid-sized camera–lens combinations, i.e. typical DSLR or mirrorless bodies with a 70–200 mm f/2.8 or even a 300 mm f/4. At the same time, the maximum load rating of 31.8 kg is set so high that you have a very comfortable safety margin in everyday use. That means: less flex, less “drift” in your framing, more stability in the setup. For telephoto work this is worth its weight in gold, especially if you stay on a subject for longer.

As a suitable complement we often recommend the Really Right Stuff BH-40 ball head, because its size and stability ratio just match very well. It’s not mandatory, but it feels like it’s all of a piece.

Height range from 9.3 cm to 1.26 m: low when it matters

The tripod covers a wide range. At the bottom it goes down to a minimum working height of 9.3 cm, which is really close to the ground and practical for macro, low-angle landscapes, or when you’re working in tight spaces. At the top you have 1.26 m available. The 4 leg sections per leg provide the compact pack size without making you spend ages extending the legs when setting up.

The leg angles can be adjusted independently of each other via self-locking pull tabs. That sounds like a detail, but it’s great in the field: change angle, let it lock, move on. No fiddly levers, no pinched fingers, and not a big deal even with gloves.

Twist locks that don’t act up, plus clean mechanics in bad weather

RRS uses twist-lock collars here with large, ergonomic rings made of rubber-coated aluminum. You get good grip, and a quarter turn is enough to loosen them. It’s also practical that you can operate all the locks on one leg at the same time when you’re in a hurry. The locks are weather-sealed, and integrated bushings and O-rings help keep the mechanism clean for longer. Mud, rain, dust, cold – the tripod is designed not to get “offended” straight away.

Another point that isn’t obvious at first glance: the legs are vented. This lets you retract them more quickly because no interfering pressure builds up inside. A small detail, but it makes a difference if you have to set up and take down often.

Versa Series 2 and SureGrip Apex: modular, quick to reconfigure, securely locked

The core of the Versa Series is the modular design around the SureGrip Apex. Depending on the application you can switch between a flat platform for a low, lightweight setup, an optional retrofit center column for quick height adjustments, or an optional retrofit leveling base. A bowl adapter is also optionally available. The whole idea is that you don’t feel like you need a new tripod in the field just because the task changes.

The coupling in the Apex uses a very secure, form-fitting interface that reduces flex in the connections. This helps against torsion and improves damping, especially when lateral forces are at work. You’ll notice it with long exposures, panorama setups, or when the tripod is standing on rock, gravel, or sloping ground.

Mounting platform, accessory threads and feet: well thought out down to the shoulder

On top there is a mounting plate with a diameter of 5.3 cm, solidly dimensioned and suitable for many heads and bases. In the tripod shoulder you’ll find three 1/4"-UNC threads where you can attach accessories such as smartphone holders, small ball heads, or clamps. In everyday use this is often exactly what you won’t want to be without later, because it brings order to your setup.

The tripod shoulder itself is also worth mentioning: it is made from a single piece and completely closed. That may look unspectacular, but it’s one of the reasons why the tripod is so robust and torsionally stiff.

At the bottom of the legs you’ll find interchangeable feet with a teardrop-shaped design. They provide secure footing and prevent the legs from touching the ground when splayed. If you need more bite you can optionally switch to stainless steel spikes, for example for soft ground or snow.

For travel, landscape, architecture and telephoto: a tripod that doesn’t get in the way

We see the TVC-24 MK2 as particularly strong in travel photography because its weight and pack size are just right. At the same time it’s interesting for landscape and architectural photography because it stands very solidly and can be positioned precisely, even when the ground is less than ideal. And in telephoto work, the combination of stiffness, damping, and high load capacity plays to its strengths without forcing you to carry a significantly heavier system.

Manufactured, precision-machined, and hand-assembled in the USA, with high-quality aluminum components and a construction designed for longevity. This is the kind of product you don’t replace every year. Quite the opposite.