Ries J600 vs J100

**Robert Lussier** · 19-Oct-2001, 12:13

I'm currently looking at purchasing a Ries tripod as gift for someone. I was considering the J100 but noticed that the J600 folds up smaller and would be easier to attach to the Lowepro backpack I'm also purchasing. Who sturdy is the J600 as compared to the J100? Am I making the right choice going with Ries? (The gift needs to be a wooden tripod)

**Ted Harris** · 19-Oct-2001, 16:12

If the gift needs to be a wooden tripod then I don't think you willg et many argumetns that Ries is topflight. I use a Ries j600 and J250 head (along with a couple of Gitzo's and a Tiltall). The Ries is rock solid, easy to work with and will easily support any 8x10 or 5x7 that I can think of and most 8x10's. I use it allt he time with my Phllips 8x10 and have used it with a Wista 8x10 (about 11 pounds + lens weight). The J600 also comes in its own bag if that matters. While I do backpack with it and have strapped it to my pack I find myself carrying it over my shoulder more often than not.

To be ecuminical you might also want to look at Berlbach although they are neither as nicely finished as Ries nor as rigid IMHO.

Good luck

**David R Munson** · 19-Oct-2001, 17:53

Can't comment on Ries other than to say that they're worth every penny, but something you might want to consider about the tripod mounting system on LowePro backpacks is that while it might be adequate for lighter (eg carbon fiber) tripods, it's probably not going to be secure enough for a Ries. The mount on my Super Trekker AW is great, but I had to replace the elastic strap things with ones made from black nylon webbing so my Bogen 3021 wouldn't move around as much. After I replaced the straps, though, it worked fine, and I imagine that this sort of change would make the mount very capable of handling a Ries. Good luck.

**Peter Brown** · 19-Oct-2001, 20:05

Hi Robert

Another nice wooden tripod worth looking at is the German-made Berlebach. These can be ordered direct from the manufacturer over the net :

http://www.berlebach.de/e_index.html

These are beautiful solid wood tripods and a nice alternative to Ries. I'm not sure how the prices compare. I think the prices are online but if not I have a full pricelist in DM and if you like a perticular model email me and I can give you the price.

Hope this helps

Kind regards

Peter Brown

**David R Munson** · 19-Oct-2001, 21:35

Berlebach tripods are also available through Lotus View Camera. I made inquiries to both a little while back and both seemed very friendly and willing to ship overseas.

**J. Wolfe** · 21-Oct-2001, 22:10

Don't bother with a light weight Ries tripod. They're a little wobbly, bulkly to travel with, and mislabeled as 'backpacking' tripods. For the about the same money you can find a carbon fiber that's lighter, more compact, and studier.

**Ted Harris** · 22-Oct-2001, 12:25

For clarification I would NOT call the Ries J600 a lightweight model. Ries rate s it for up to 5x7 and I routinely use mine with my Phillips 8x10. It is rock s olid in very adverse conditions. The J100 is the same weight,hsa the same rating but a slightlydifferent design. The 600 is a better bet for hiking as it folds up smaller. Call Ries theya re very helpful.

Ted