Libec RT30 - Back Ordered

kwkeirstead

kwkeirstead

Well-known member
I recently picked up a Libec RH25R Fluid Head and placed an order on B&H for the tripod that goes with this (RT20B)

B&H came back with "backordered, expected shipment May 1st".

I checked with Adorama, same story, then just now with Libec and they, too, say they are waiting for stock.

Why?

Is it because Libec is makng ready an upgrade they plan to roll out under the same model number, or is it because the RT30B is selling like hotcakes?

I must say I found the $199 price a bit unusual compared to what some manufacturers want you to pay for a solid tripod. Should I be worrying about this?

The background to this story is I have been using a Manfrotto 028 with a Manfrotto 501 HDV head , which has been OK.

I won't be a happy camper if the RT30/RH25R does not significantly outclass the Manfrotto.

The Libec kit comprising tripod plus head goes for about $850 (still seems like somewhat of a bargain) based on reviews I have seen.

http://www.creativeplanetnetwork.com/news/news-articles/review-libec-rt30b-rh25-tripod/406980

Anyone out there in the same position?
 
I've had the older version of this for years and it's been very good. It's hard to avoid it trying to pull back to horizontal with a camcorder or DSLR but it balances beautifully with heavier cameras. It's not such a big deal if you lock it off whenever you take your hand off it. My mid-level spreader partially broke, but it looks like they've done away with that in favour of the floor spreaders. I do wish it would go a little higher every so often but for the price, it's served me very well for about five years and is definitely a step up from the Manfrotto 501. They're made in Japan, so that should give you a bit of piece of mind over something made elsewhere in Asia. Unfortunately, after it toppled over one day, the fluid head isn't quite as smooth as it once was with a few sticky points near the extreme end of the tilt.
 
Good to hear your experience. My cam is an AG-AC160A so that may be a bit on the light side, but hopefully not too much.

The current models offer mid-level or floor spreader. I have had issues with wet grass so I opted for the mid-level spreader. My 028 will go 89 inches but things get a bit precarious when its fully extended. I can always bring a platform if I need to be higher up. Easy for me to understand it might be a good idea to attach some hangers and attach sandbags to decrease the chances of the kit falling over.
 
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The wait is over. B&H had indicated a May1st afailability but that pulled back to Mar 24th and I expect to be able to do a review/comment here shortly.
 
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