Kingjoy SolidRock C85 Carbon Fibre Tripod & RB-40 Compact Head – A Real World Review from Dartmoor

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Most landscape photographers use a tripod. But what if I suggested you don't need a tripod head? In this video, I head out on location to capture landscape photographs with the Kingjoy SolidRock C85 Carbon Fibre Tripod and RB-40 Compact Head. Is it really practical to capture landscape photographs with no tripod head?

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00:00 Introduction to the Kingjoy SolidRock C85 tripod and Kingjoy RB-40 Compact Head
00:26 Part 1 - Specifications of the Kingjoy SolidRock C85 tripod and Kingjoy RB-40 Compact Head
04:49 Part 2 - Using the Kingjoy SolidRock C85 tripod and Kingjoy RB-40 Compact Head in the real world!
12:14 Part 3 - My Review of the Kingjoy SolidRock C85 tripod and Kingjoy RB-40 Compact Head

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#JulianBairdPhotography #LandscapePhotography #kingjoyuk

[jbairdexp]

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[markbray]

I do us a tripod and its case, saves damage on tripod and the boot of my car. To have the right size bag is also inportant to me, with no extra cost afterwards. looks a good bit of kit if you don't shoot downwards . Thanks for working in the cold for a great video.

[GlenDomulevicz]

I have a similar setup, a leveling base with a lever clamp that allows me to attach a gimbal or ball head. I never thought about using it without either one. It could come in handy in a pinch. You looked so cold, happy you returned home to do a wrap up. Thanks for sharing.

[georgedavall]

BTW, You have some of the best ‘thumbnails.’ I really like the simplicity of the subject, and the framing on the left. That’s just my opinion 😊

[davem]

Really good video Julian. The final thoughts section helped me to decide. Now that I’m out on the moor, more often, I totally understand the issues around vertical adjustment. For me, I will hold fire at this stage. Hope you’re well.

[Gazzab]

I’ll be purchasing this tripod soon. Recently on a trip to Skye, I was at Elgol and was using my very lightweight Feisol tripod which weighs 1KG without the ball head. I’ve had it some time and love it as it is so light and great for carrying up hills. While at Elgol, I was getting something out of my camera bag when a gust of wind blew the tripod and camera over. I was lucky because the L bracket took most of the impact and I got away with a few scratches on the back of the camera body. I usually weigh my tripod down but didn’t on this occasion. My mate has the Kingjoy A86 and loves it and I was very impressed with his so I’ll be purchasing the C85 soon - can’t wait. Thanks for posting Julian and you have confirmed I’m making the right choice. One question, what is the diameter of the thinnest leg please?

[valerievaleriem]

Hi Julian, I have this exact combination and I am delighted with it. Being disabled weight is a big issue for me and anything that enables me to reduce weight is good in my book, although the tripod is heavier than some it makes up for it in its sturdiness. I also find the levelling base really useful as I do not have full feeling in my hands and the knob on the bottom of the base is extremely easy for me to grip and manipulate the base - much easier than trying to level a ball head, which I find tends to go all over the place as I just can't seem to control the movement. I do also have a Kingjoy ball head for those rare occasions when I want to point the camera directly at the ground but they are few and far between. The C85 is a really sturdy tripod and in my opinion this combination is well worth the money. As for the bag, it went straight in the box and into storage for if I should ever decide to sell the tripod. By the way my levelling base does not squeak!!

[carlb]

I use a tripod bag for storage and travel in my car to protect it and the head. As i use a Gitzo and an Arca Swiss D4, i am not about to let close to £2k worth of equipment just roll about in the boot. 🙂

[DarrenJSpoonley]

Interesting piece of kit pal !! I like the leveling base but the restrictions might be a challenge !! Superb production too

[Johnmell]

Hi Julian, I also have the Kingjoy C85 & RB-40 head and I am very happy with this combination.

[keithpinn]

Hi Julian: This tripod certainly looks sturdy and I like the general appearance of their product line-up. I only wish that there was a Canadian distributor or retail so you could feel the product before buying. Keep well....Keith

[stevehayward]

A bowl head tripod with a ball head is a great combo for most things including Pano's, where the bowl head tripod comes into its own. At present I have a 5 series Gitzo which is massive and heavy so this Kingjoy maybe a smaller, lighter alternative.

[timrosenburgh]

Interesting video as usual Julian.
I got a bag with my trypod but like you i don't use it. I put it to the side of my bag in the boot and then i have no worries about it moving around in the book.
Nice image's as usual mate.

[foodiesaustin]

Absolutely use a tripod bag for transport and storing. Appreciate not having to order one to specs and hoping it works.

[tonyh]

Hello, I realise you made this video a while back now, I just wondered if the tripod is still working okay? I have tried to purchase one the same as the one you used, however, it seems that configuration isn’t available. I have heads that I use with 100mm and 75mm bowls, I just wanted a third to leave the others setup ready.
Can you offer any help? Thanks……….. great sight! TonyH

[georgedavall]

Late comment, as I just came upon your Video, researching clamping plates, leveling heads, etc… 
Interesting video, and it looks to be a solid ‘option’ as You say. I think most Photographers are split 
on the use of this style of leveling base, VS leveling from the top? And there are so many options. It would seem Photographers today are in a rush, and just need to slow their pace, and take time in the process of making their images.

I must say, @ 03:34 why would You prefer to pay extra for a bag, when a manufacturer supplies one? I get it with the plastic and Environmental concerns; They are all good Points. I will echo some of the other comments in here, it comes in handy for storage, and transport in a vehicle. Out in the field, one would normally be either carrying it, or have it attached to the backpack. But they do have their place, and of course it comes down to individual preferences. ‘Horses for Courses’. 😉

Beautiful images, and You really are ‘working’ those Z7 files, @ f/13.0, and dancing on the edge of diffraction! 😯 😆

Jolly good Mate! Cheers from ‘across the pond!’ 👍📷🇺🇸😊

[Jagrajagra]

Acratech makes an unusual head that looks very light and negates the limitations of the movement you’ve found. Think I’ve seen Thomas Heaton using one a couple of years ago.

[RobBowesPhotography]

Great review, I have an iFootage fastbowl which I love but find that the leg locks keep getting caught in the bag straps, the C85 looks like a great alternative with the twist locks. I know you say you don't really use the leveling plate but does it still squeak after 8 months ? Thank you.

[timscanlanphotography]

Hi Julian. I was hoping someone would post a review of the Kingjoy C85 so a huge thank you from me. This set up looks ideal for astrophotography panoramas and if used in conjunction with a geared head above the bowl would allow for tracked panos. Really impressed with the specs that you covered so well here. Looks a decent price as well. I'd prefer to get my hands on one first though and I can't find a list of dealers so I'll probably wait until the Photography Show before committing. It would be great if you could do a follow up at some point to cover longevity, robustness etc plus some thoughts after continued use. Not sure it will replace your Gitzo but it definitely looks like a very good second tripod. Many thanks for sharing. P.S. Totally agree with your view on tripod cases. I've never used any of mine and probably never will tbh.

[RobJorg]

would love to have one for my iceland and other trips but its out of my price class.