Manfrotto 3021BP Pro Black Tripod Legs (Height 4.4 - 69.3", Maximum Load 13.30 lbs)

2007-09-25T21:00:00

This is a very nice, solid tripod. I would recommend purchasing the spiked retractable feet, an other $30. Weighing in a 5.3 lbs, add a good quality head and you'll be approaching 8 lbs. Too heavy for hiking and at 25.6 inches without the head, a bit to cumbersome for traveling. Some don't find this a problem but I'll be looking for something lighter and shorter for my trips.

Dansndais

2007-09-25T21:00:00

In retrospect, I wish I hadn't purchased this tripod. I'm a retired chief photographer/photojournalist and we were furnished with high quality, high dollar equipment. I had hoped this tripod would serve my non-professional needs, but at best it's a compromise for what I wish I had purchased. It would probably be ok for small SLR bodies and light lenses to prevent camera shake on long exposures. The center post is mickey mouse and trying to use it horizontally takes forever to setup and will not steadially hold the advertised 13 plus pounds.

Sarge

2007-07-09T21:00:00

Much lighter than my previous tripod. Easy to travel with

Uwharrie

2007-07-09T21:00:00

I've put off getting a "good" tripod for a long time, and I'm glad I waited for this one.

RM G.

2007-07-09T21:00:00

I have been using this for about three weeks now: it just has been a big step forward for my nature photography.

Mike B.

2007-07-09T21:00:00

I have been using this tripod for long exposures underwater on great lakes shipwrecks. It is extremely stable, tough as nails and very versatile. It is a bit on the heavy side but underwater the weight is an asset. Above water the little bit of extra weight is not an issue unless your packing in a lot of gear on a remote nature shoot. I actually prefer a little heavier tripod so I have only good things to say about this product.

goin d.

2007-05-11T21:00:00

This product is a well-built tool that will improve your photography. I am 5'10" and I really value the fact that with the legs extended I don't have to hunch over to use the viewfinder.

Ahmed M.

2007-05-09T21:00:00

This high quality tripod sets up quickly, exhibits good stability, has solid feel and sturdy leg locks; works well with the Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with rapid connect plate. Excellent set up for use with D-SLR and oversized glass. Limited use in the field due to size (27" folded) and weight. Nice flexibility for regular and macro use.

Barnett

2007-05-08T21:00:00

this is a good tripod FOR THE MONEY ! I use a D80 with an 18-200 mm lens and there is a slight sag after tightening my Bogen ball head. This is not a problem as it stops quickly. I wanted a Gitzo with a Really Right Stuff ball head but this combo is priced right for now. When I get the better gear , this will make a superb stand for lighting and such. For light gear with average lenses , this is a great choice. Also, I wouldn't want to go any lower on the scale if you know what I mean.

RAYHEL J.

2007-05-08T21:00:00

The fantastic tripod leg spread makes macro photography a breeze.

Trinifoto

2007-05-07T21:00:00

I just got this product and haven't shot too many pictures with it. However, I can tell it's well built and will endure for years to come. The functionality includes a center pole that can fit horizontally and a shorter center pole for lower positions. The legs have three locked positions that can be adjusted individually to fit well on different surfaces. There is also a hook to hold counterweight for convenience. Overall, I am very satisfied. By the way, I am using it with Bogen 488rc2 ball head and I can't wait to take pictures with them.

DAN X.

2007-05-07T21:00:00

Very good tripod. Solid at any hight. [...]

bill

2007-05-07T21:00:00

Excellent tripod however if you are going to use it for macro work consider the 190x series. The 190x series is said to be much easier to switch the center column from vertical to horizontal.

Gman

2007-05-07T21:00:00

Very positive. It works great with my big lenses. It isn't too heavy and I'm able to carry it with me, but it does need a warmer on the third leg. I also love the feature of being able to adjust the legs to get really close to the ground for those closeup shots. I would recommend that a carrying strap be part of the total package.

BW

2007-05-03T21:00:00

I have owned this for quite a while now. It is a very high quality flexible & stable tripod. Don't be put off by the weight. It does not weigh much more than carbon fiber. If you want to loose a little weight leave the center column at home. It's tall enough with out it. I use it with a 488RC2 head, M645, D200, Minolta, long glass, macro, even bellows.

JAMES F.

2007-04-04T21:00:00

Honestly I have used it for one day, and fell in love with it. I am 6'3" and have been using a velbon Maxi, which is only about 5 feet tall. I use to have to bend over to look through the eye hole, but I don't have to with the Bogen-Manfrotto 3021BPro. My back will no longer start to hurt in most shoots. The 3021BPRO is very sturdy. It is made from Aluminum Cast, and ADAPTO which is comparable to Aluminum in strength, but is 50% lighter. My old tripod is nearly all aluminum, but has always been unstable, and is now held together with wire. The 3021BPRO comes with a built in spirt level, two leg warmers for extreem cold and hot weather use, a stablization clip for hanging a counter weight on windy days, a tool that attaches to the tripod leg to tighten or loosen each flip lever, and the centercolumn comes out so you can use it horizontally for macro photography. When you have the center column in the horizontal position, you can hook a conter weight to the end of the column, so you can extend the colum all the way out without your tripod tipping over. This is not a tripod for casual use, or with a compact, it is to heavy, and overkill for something like that, but is great for a SLR or Medium Format. The tripod is heavy and some might say it is a bit expensive, but whats some weight, and some green, when it does so much.

Walking T.

2007-03-31T21:00:00

I have use less expensive tripods and found that over time they become loose. I had borrowed one just like the one and it was a couple of yrs old and it was as stiff and steady as a new one and it had been used often. I was sold right then and bought one. I wish I has spent the money the first time.

Giosfinatic

2007-03-29T21:00:00

I'm just getting started with it, though I've used a similar Manfrotto tripod and have been very happy with it.

Leslie B.

2007-03-26T21:00:00

I am very happy with this tripod. It is well made and very stable. This tripod is a little heavy for traveling but will not blow over on windy days as I found out at the top of an extremely windy mountain. I would recommend this tripod to fellow photographers. Great value and great product

Happy T.

2007-03-25T21:00:00

I spend summers in and around Jackson Hole Wyoming. By not having a decent tripod I missed many great photo opportunities. With this package I am very confident my picture clarity will improve this summer. I shoot many up close pictures of animals and do macro work with flowers. The arm extension feature is awesome as I can get right on top of my subject easily and get great shots. The only con would be the weight , however I needed a little heft for my bigger lenses. Not bad if you are not trekking very far. But for an all day or longer excursion it can be weighty. Overall, highly recommended.

bill

2007-02-16T19:00:00

The build quality is excellent. The legs are tall and stable, but a bit heavy. They are relatively easy to adjust and use, except for unscrewing the low angle adapter plate.

Jeremy

2007-02-15T19:00:00

Great Tripod, Very Sturdy, Only pinched my fingers a couple times on the somewhat tight leg latches when lowering the legs for use. Be sure to get a head that is easily adjustable. My 3 knob adjustable head is cumbersome. I should have spent the few extra dollors to get a single knob adjustable head.

Peej

2007-02-14T19:00:00

One of the locking mechanisms has broken. I have ducktaped it in a locked position and continue to use it. I am curious how I could order a new lock? I still love the product.

tmylee

2007-02-11T19:00:00

After doing a lot of research on tripods, I bought a 3021PRO and topped it with an RRS ballhead. My prior experience was with cheap and flimsy tripods, so the 3021 was a revelation. It's well made, the snap-lock leg extensions are quick and easy to setup, and the center column makes the whole package really flexible. I've used it for portraits, macro work, and some outdoor photography. I found it to be very stable for all but my longest lenses (200mm+teleconverter), where there is some vibration that's tricky to dampen. The configurable center column is handy, though moving it between the vertical and horizontal positions is tedious. The biggest downside of the tripod is weight. It's not terrible, but you'll think twice about carrying it for long. This tripod is best for use in the home or studio, or for trunk transport. If you're willing to pay several times as much money, you can get a carbon fiber tripod that is lighter and more stable. But for the money, I don't think the 3021 can be beat.

Brett

2007-02-11T19:00:00

This is a very stable tripod. This can handle all my lenses (not using any real professional huge ones). My older tripod would start to sag. It was el cheapo one. I do have a bogen mount as well. However, this is not meant for simple travel. If you plan to do a lot of airline travel, I would suggest getting a hard case box. It is a a little heavy but I have used this on treks without too much discomfort. But then I have not done long hikes with it but then I am not a guy who is fit to take long hikes either. I like this a lot though tend to prefer hand held shots.

ARVIND R.

2007-02-11T19:00:00

What ever I put on this tripod stays dead still, so it does exactly what I bought it to do. Being a little heavy is not really a "con" because it increases stability. Cross mounting the center column is an extra I might use sometime. I still use the 3001 and 3011 tripods from time to time, but the 3021 does the really serious work.

stev315

2007-02-11T19:00:00

I have used this tripod combined with an Acratech ball head for nearly a year. It is a strong, stable and trouble-free tripod. It is well suited for macro, landscape and wildlife photography. Combined with the Bogen shoulder strap, it is easy and comfortable to carry in the field.

kwtolman

2007-02-11T19:00:00

The 3021 is an excellent general purpose tripod. It's solid and easy to use. The quick release levers work very well and allow fast setup. It's also quite tall, which is a major advantage for tall people. It is, however, a bit too heavy for long hikes (>5mi) or backpacking.

Sam

2007-02-07T19:00:00

I shoot pano photographs, so I like the built in levels. I use it with a panorama attachment.

sausage m.

2007-02-04T19:00:00

This tripod is very sturdy. Made in Italy, Italy quality. I love it. The only thing I don't like is the weight. I have to take another light weight tripod to a trip to Hawaii.

Ke