Peak Design Pro Tripod Review & Revelation of the Villainous Tripod Boogeymen
Peak Design just introduced a trio of professional tripods, co-developed with Nat Geo photographer and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jimmy Chin. Shutterbug was loaned a sample several weeks before their crowdfunding event concluded. Here’s our hands-on review along with a crisp unmasking of the scurrilous tripod hobgoblins referenced in the title.
The Peak Design Pro Tripod lineup comprises three models, Pro Lite, Pro and Pro Tall. The names are self-explanatory. We borrowed a Pro Lite model. It weighs just 3.7 pounds (1.7kg) and has a packed length of 19.2 inches (48.8cm). Despite its extreme portability, the Pro Lite extends to 64 inches (162.5cm) and supports up to 35 pounds (15.9kg).
The middle model, the Peak Design Pro, weighs 4.2 pounds (1.9kg), packs at 19.7 inches (50.1cm) and holds up to 40 pounds (18.1kg). It extends to 66.3 inches (168.4cm). In other words, it’s only slightly heavier and one-half inch longer, but extends more and supports a heavier load.
The Peak Design Pro Tall stands 77 inches (197.4cm) when fully erect (that’s 6-feet, 5-inches) and still compacts to 22.9 inches (58.1cm) – less than 2 feet. It weighs 4.5 pounds (2.0kg) and also can support up to 40 pounds (18.1kg) like the middle model.
For reference, a pro DSLR Nikon D850 with MB-D18 battery grip, SB5000 flash and Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens weighs in at about 13 pounds (6kg), and although this is a combination you would never use together, it illustrates the insanely robust load capacities of Peak Design Pro tripods.
All have four leg sections and packed diameters of 3.35, 3.66 and 3.66 inches respectively (8.5cm / 9.3cm / 9.3cm). And all include a sturdy, well-made travel case with shoulder strap and a hex tool that cleverly stows in the bottom of the center column.
Peak Design Pro tripods are shipped with the new Pro Ball Head, a remarkable device unto itself. When combined with the optional Tilt Mod, the Pro Ball Head is converted into a fluid pan and tilt head. More on that later.
The Peak Design Kickstarter campaign received pledges of $4,524,211 from 5,428 backers as of August 22, 2025. That puts PD just a few nickels short of $60-million across 15 Kickstarter campaigns. As of this writing they’re still accepting Late Pledges, so check their listing before smacking your forehead in regret.
BTW, if you’re wondering why an established, immensely successful company like Peak Design uses crowdfunding to introduce new products—exclusively—the answer is simple. Crowdfunding keeps Peak Design free of outside investment. This enables them to freely innovate in the directions that are driven by consumer needs instead of a shareholder’s balance sheet.
Why More People Don’t Use Tripods
I can’t prove it scientifically, but I think more people would use tripods except their heads are filled with tripod-related bugaboos, real and imagined. The benefits are certainly clear enough; a tripod is the only accessory that can improve every photo or video you capture.
So what are the tripod boogeymen? I’ve been told time and time again that I have a simple mind, and I think I can keep this fairly simple.
Using a tripod can be broken down into four chapters. Each portends a boogeyman.
1. Packing and carrying it.
What does one do with objects that are heavy, clumsy, awkward to carry and/or uglier than a 5-inch splotch of Central Park pigeon guano? Leave them at home, of course. A tripod must be a size appropriate to its task but still reasonably light and comfortable to transport.
My first “real” tripod was a Leitz Tiltall, a beautiful work of milled aluminum that weighed north of 6 pounds. I was so proud to own it, but it sat in my closet most days because it was simply too heavy to tote around all day.
All Peak Design Pro tripods score amazingly high on the portability yardstick, and more importantly, they do so without compromising other essential features. For instance, the PD Pro Lite is about 3.7 inches longer than the supremely packable carbon fiber Peak Design Travel Tripod (our review here) and weighs .9 pounds more (3.7 vs 2.8). However, it’s an easy trade off since the Pro Lite supports 75% more weight (35 pounds vs 20) and extends more than a foot taller: 64 inches compared to 51.2.
2. Setting it up.
Also known as “deployment.” If a tripod requires a burdensome amount of time to pop into position, the whole experience is less enjoyable and time is clearly wasted.
Setup begins with extending the legs. Peak Design Pro tripods have four-section, six-sided legs instead of traditional round tubes. Their unique shape allows them to practically melt into the center column when folded, and provide superb stability when extended.
The leg diameter is striking—one rarely finds legs this fat (yes, there’s a joke here, but I’m going there today). On the Pro Lite, the legs are 1.64 inches (41.7mm) across, while on the Pro and Pro Tall they’re 1.86 inches (47.4mm).
The leg sections are locked in place with wide, shape-conforming cam levers. Interestingly, the amount of force needed to unsnap the levers can be individually tuned using the included hex key.
The legs can be extended quickly and smoothly using just one hand (while the other supports the tripod aloft). This is a much faster system than the typical knurled knobs found on many tripods. Locking is just as easy and secure.
The locking mechanism on the ball head is—and I mean this sincerely—fascinating to watch. Move the lever-like protrusion that houses the spirit level and the lock clicks open and immediately releases the mounting plate. It remains locked open. To reattach the mounting plate, simply place it in the grooved area, between the two removable pins. With it, press down the silver-colored release and the lock snaps shut. Sounds complex, but it’s fast and amazing. To securely lock the plate to prevent accidental release, there’s a locking safety toggle. Simple, secure and beautiful.
3. Using it with rock-solid confidence.
Most important of all is stability. A tripod has but one purpose: keep a camera in the precisely same spatial position for as long as you want.
The Peak Design Pro Lite tripod is remarkably stable. I’ve used it with a variety of cameras with a 70-200 f/2.8 attached. The extra thick legs provide excellent rigidity. The ball head pans smoothly and the combination of components delivers a refreshing sense of confidence.
For even more resistance to baby hurricanes and mini-earthquakes, you can attach a bag of sand or similar weight to the hook on the bottom of the center column.
PD offers optional Spiked Feet for use on outdoor surfaces and on ugly shag carpeting. They bolt into the bottom, and you won’t be switching often because the procedure is a pain. This accessory is the only negative I can conjure. On the other hand, I found the standard feet more than satisfactory on various surfaces, including grass and gravel. And they’re perfect of hardwood floors.
4. Packing it back up and taking it home or to the next shoot.
You may have more time to break camp than I do, but not when you’re on your way to the next location. The Peak Design Pro tripods collapse and fold up as quickly as they deploy. Cannot ask for better than that unless it sprouted wings and flew back to the studio.
Optional Accessories
Tilt Mod
Add fluid tilt and fluid pan to your member of the Pro Tripod family. Small and compact, you’ll never leave it at home, particularly if you shoot video.
Pro Leveling Base
Delivers 20º of articulation and a built-in leveling bubble. Great when working on uneven surfaces. Connects via standard 3/8-16 thread.
Spike Feet Set
Attach these when you really want to mess up your 1950s vintage linoleum floors or are shooting on rough terrain. Actually, they’re beautifully designed and not pointy at all, so your classic floor covering is probably safe.
Smartphone Stuff
Check out their Creator Kit and stowable Mobile (Phone) Mount. Available now.
What Type of Tripod Should I Buy? Buying Advice: How to Buy a Tripod
7 Reasons You Should Use a Tripod
Peak Design Travel Tripod Review
Conclusion
Like me, you’re probably tired of reading claims that begin, “This is the last kitchen knife (or fishing reel, or egg poacher, etc.) you’ll ever need to buy.” Right?
Nonetheless, I’m compelled to say it. Buy a Peak Design Pro tripod, any flavor. It will be the last tripod you ever need to buy for everyday use.
Pricing & Availability
Check out PD’s “Which Pro Tripod do I want?” video on YouTube.
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