Vanguard ALTA+ 224 Carbon Tripod with SBH-30 Ball Head

2015-02-16T19:00:00

I have full-sized tripod I love, but have yet to find an affordable lightweight tripod for hiking despite buying a few over the last few years. Until about 2 mo ago when I bought this. For a LIGHT tripod for MODERATE loads, this is a great tripod. It's just big enough to get the job done, but small and light enough to be portable out in the woods or around town. I love it for that. However, this is NOT a single tripod for all occasions as being light brings some disadvantages... Fully extended w\with my D750 + kit 24-200mm lens mounted it raises to shoulder height, BUT I would NOT use it that way - it's sagging/straining and it vibrates and wobbles when pushing the shutter. Shooting in the woods, I usually extend one leg section, rarely a second. Down low like that, at about 3 feet, it's fine. It doesn't dampen vibrations like a heavier tripod. I haven't taken shots to prove it, but seems like mirror slap is more of an issue vs. my other (aluminum) tripods. I set my camera for 2 stage release and use a remote anyway, so not a problem for me. (If you aren't familiar, check your camera manual - 1st tap raises mirror, 2nd tap fires shutter.) The ballhead is not as smooth as several of my others, but works. Friction locks on the legs are not as quick as a cam, but work okay. I like the feet that screw back to reveal spikes - very helpful at times when an otherwise heavy load would have pushed the thin, light legs around. Nice options to get low angles >> reverse the center column -or- pivot legs out (pivot legs and remove bottom of column = release plate is 14" above ground). For routine use or for going places where weight is not critical don't buy this just because it's economical - get a sturdier, though heavier, tripod, esp if you have a medium or larger DSLR. There are more stable similarly SMALL tripods for throwing in luggage where weight is less important. Buy this if you specifically want a LIGHT and compact, unit which you will rarely need to fully extend, for instance, for hiking. For such use, given the price, it's been a great unit and I'd HIGHLY recommend it for medium and light camera-lens combinations.

Justin C.

2014-05-07T21:00:00

I bought this because it was made of carbon fiber and is super light and compact. I also wanted the ball head for shooting landscapes with the thought of making stitched photos more consistent with smoother action. The only thing that is a tiny bit cumbersome is the plate that goes to the bottom of the camera to the tripod is a little tricky to get out but not so much as to be a huge negative.

dlog730

2014-03-09T21:00:00

I just returned from a month long trip to New Zealand. This tripod is great for travel. It fits easily in a back pack during hikes, especially if you detach the head which is easily done after first permanently removing three small locking screws. The ball head then attaches and detaches easily and quickly using just the standard center thread. The quality of the tripod and ball head are excellent, and easily handled my Nikon D7000 and Sigma 18-250 super-zoom for some very long exposures. Awesome value.

Michael C.

2013-12-21T19:00:00

I purchased this for its light weight and compactness. I intend to use it for travel and backpacking and not as my main tripod. From what I can see, it should do the job. Keep in mind it is only rated to bear 6.6 lbs. My Canon 5D MkII with a 70-200mm lens are within that limit and the tripod seems solid under that load. I would prefer snap lock legs, but the twist locks seem substantial enough. The tripod comes with Vanguard's SBH-30 ballhead. Again, this is a light weight unit but it appears good enough for my intended purpose. My only gripe so far is with the mounted Vanguard QS-39 quick release unit. Sliding the camera into the shoe is easy enough and the unit fits solidly. However, the release button is very stiff. The release button pushes down a small plastic pin which releases the plate. The force required to push the button appears to be caused by the pressure the pin is under from being cammed against the QR plate. I have concerns that the plastic pin may not last. Overall, though, I think the tripod, ballhead and quick release package are a good value for the price/

RICHARD S.

2013-12-18T19:00:00

i was looking for a small light tripod for traveling. i have been lugging my much larger one around and not using it as much because it was difficult to transport. this is small enough for the luggage and backpack when i get to my destination. i would recommend it. it can take my Nikon D7000 with a 70-200mm f2.8 without a problem. i love the hook on the center post for my bag. it helps stabilize the tripod and keeps it out of my way while shooting.

CHUCK M.

2013-10-16T21:00:00

This should not be your main tripod, it is a little too short. I have mine set up with the short center post for macro work, making it even shorter. The short post does not have set screw like the long post does and rotated when I did not want it to. I have attached it to the ball head with blue loctite and that seems to work. I think I will be using this around town as well as when I hike or travel, it is easy to use and easy to carry. I am excited to have a capable tripod that isn't a hassle to take with me. I prefer flip locks but the twist locks on this unit are very nice, I like them almost as well. The ballhead is great and the plate interchanges with my larger SBH-250. I have only used it with a Canon SL1 and EFS-60 macro so I can't comment on larger gear. I wanted it for light weight needs and I would probably take my heavier tripod when carrying heavier gear. Adorama provided great customer service again.

PETER P.