When your career depends on that next shot, you need a tripod that's much more than just three legs to stand on. Meeting and succeeding that need, we have the RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod, one of a series of tripods from Robus that delivers performance to satiate the most demanding image-makers, regardless of the conditions or terrain in the field. The 10x carbon fiber legs feature wide, stable leg tube diameters. Even at maximum extension of 58.5", these substantial cylinders combine with the tripod's anodized CNC-machined spider to support video or still camera rigs weighing up to 55 lb.

Shooting outdoors can definitely be a challenge, especially when doing macro or close up photography on the ground. But with three variable leg angles of 25, 55, and 85°, plus independent leg spread, the tripod can be splayed out to a minimum height of just 3.7". The tripod's central spider features a lock to loosen the yoke and a safety pull latch that releases the finely machined top plate. This permits interchangeability with the included 75mm video bowl. There's also an optional center column available that extends the RC-5558's maximum height of 73.25".

A quarter turn of the tripod's twist-locks retracts the 4-section legs to a reasonable folded length of 22.5". Two of the legs have tactile rubber grips that ensure a secure hold as you carry the support from one place to another. Additionally, a 3/8"-16 socket at the end of each leg allows you to swap out the standard feet for the included spikes or wide rubber feet to accommodate different terrains and surfaces.

With a possible 73" reach, a 55 lb weight capacity, and a folded length of less than 23", the tripod's notable stability and performance-based features ensure its place as a favorite go-to-support solution for professionals and dedicated enthusiasts.

Load Capacity: 55 lb    Maximum Height: 58.5"    Minimum Height: 3.7"    Folded Length: 22.5"    Leg Sections: 4    Weight: 5.2 lb    10x Carbon Fiber Construction    Lock & Safety Pull Latch in Spider    Interchangeable Top Plate & Video Bowl    Modular Rubber, Wide & Spiked Feet

Provides stability and dampen vibrations, which would cause shake in the camera.

The CNC-machined spider features a lock to loosen the yoke and a safety pull latch that releases the top plate, which has a counterweight hook on the bottom. The anodized spider also features a strap mount and an integrated bubble level that ensures your horizons are always leveled.

A finely machined top plate features a smooth anodized finish, a chamfered leading edge for ease of installation, and a 3/8"-16 threaded head mount. The 75mm bowl is interchangeable with the top plate and mounts into the spider in the same fashion. There's also an optional center column available that extends the RC-5558's maximum height to 73.25".

Accommodate different terrains and surfaces via the three different sets of feet. The standard rubber feet, wide rubber feet, and spikes are all interchangeable via the 3/8"-16 socket at the end of each leg.

Three variable leg angles of 25, 55, and 85° with independent leg spread accommodate uneven terrain, and allow you to shoot at a minimum height of 3.7".

Twist Locks that open with a quarter turn to extend to a maximum height of 58.5" or collapse the 4-sections of the leg in a quick and timely manner.

Heavyweight rubber sleeves on two legs provide a secure, comfortable and balanced grip under any weather conditions.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the warranty?

A: This tripod has a Limited 10-Year Warranty regarding issues arising from manufacturing defects.

Q: 2. What is the purpose of the two silver fittings on the side of the yoke ?

A: It is for a carry strap and the other is the release for the top plate.

Q: 3. Do I need to purchase a center column or can I mount my ball head directly to the legs? Thanks.

A: A center column is not needed but the column would make it easier/faster to raise and lower the camera height. This would be the optional center column: https://bhpho.to/3BJzGRQ. The BH-55 head can be attached to both the tripod or the optional center column.

Q: 4. What is the length of the top leg of the tripod? I am going to order Lenscoat Legcoats but not sure what length to order, the 12” or 15”.

A: The top leg is just about 15".

Q: 5. Will the ProMediaGear 75mm Half Ball (B&H # PRTRBU75) work with the included 75mm video bowl?

A: Yes, B&H # PRTRBU75 should work well with this tripod when using the 75mm bowl adapter.

Q: 6. Are the leg twist locks difficult to turn? As I have gotten older, the leg twist locks on my Gitzo G340 are getting too difficult to turn and cause me joint pain. Hence, I am looking for a new tripod.

A: All twist locks need to be tightened securely in order to allow for maximal stability. However, I wouldn't consider these locks to be any more (or less) difficult to turn than those other new tripods. Some people who have difficulty torquing the twist locks may prefer to opt for legs with flip locks such as those on this tripod: Giottos Pro Series 8383 Carbon Fiber YTL Silk Road Tripod BH #GIYTL8383 https://bhpho.to/38c06Mh

Q: 7. what is the eyelet attachment on the top side of the tripod?

A: The eyelet shaped ring on the tripod is designed to attach a carrying strap to it.

Q: 8. Where are these tripods made and from which country are their carbon fiber tubes sourced?

A: COUNTRY OF ORIGIN CHINA

Q: 9. I purchased an 8860 several months ago & absolutely *love* it, but haven’t yet had the opportunity to test the 80mm flat feet that were included. They are supposed to be for flat, slick floors, but I could see them also being helpful on craggy rock. Anyone try this?

A: You can use them on rocks too. It's really good for most cases.

Q: 10. What is the recommended 75mm leveling-base, compatible with the Robus 75mm video bowl supplied with this tripod, that will support 50+ Lbs (well within the 77 Lb rating of the RC-8860)?

A: For a leveling base that can handle 50+ pounds, I would recommend the following leveling base: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1576484-REG/leofoto_lb_75_75mm_leveling_base_with.html