Vanguard 253CB-50 3-Section Carbon Fiber Alta Pro 253-CT Tripod Legs with SBH-50 QR Ballhead, Maximum Height 68.75", Supports 15.4 lbs

2013-02-05T19:00:00

This tripod with the SBH-50 was an incredible bargain.The SBH-50 doesn't have a separate pan control and is somewhat lightweight, so I ordered the SBH-100. Now I have the perfect combo, still at a bargain. I will keep the SBH-50 for a future monopod purchase. I went to a few landsape outings already, this tripod is lightweight, yet solid. Extending the legs is effortless. It is so versatile with the tilting center column that you can get the camera to any angle you wish. With the column tilted,just keep an eye on the balance, which may require extending one leg more than the other two. One concern was that I didn't get the rock bag shown in the picture. Called Adorama cust serv, and received the bag a week later directly from Vanguard. Overall I am extremely happy with this purchase.

Ronny M.

2012-12-17T19:00:00

I use this tripod for landscapes, general outdoor photography and some studio projects. It sets up fast, is very stable and adjusts quickly. The center post's ability to swing out at an angle has become one of my favorite features and has allowed me to set up shots that would have been much more difficult before, such as positioning the camera over the edge of a balcony railing a bit. I also appreciate the height it extends to-- I can set up with the camera higher than my head without having to extend the center post too far. I do a lot of hiking and, despite its carbon fiber legs, this tripod is a bit heavy for me to imagine taking it on extended trips. However, for a day in the mountains I don't think I will be able to resist the bit of extra weight.

Frog

2012-12-16T19:00:00

I use a D300 and Nikkor 300mm F4 plus teleconverter most of the time. The Vanguard tripod and head work very well. I take them on kayak tours and hikes to take shots of wildlife.. I also use them in my stained glass studio and on location. The tripod is lightweight, strong and stable, and can be adjusted to handle any position I've ever needed. I'm very pleased.

Romany

2012-09-09T21:00:00

Very nice quality works perfectly as it should. Only complaint would be the small knob on the ball lock, not really a problem for me but someone smaller would probably benefit from something with a bit more leverage. Otherwise it's perfect and silky smooth, you'd be hard pressed to find a better platform for the money. Highly recommended!

headbanger

2012-08-24T21:00:00

I did a lot of research before selecting the 253CB-50. I read hundreds of reviews for various tripods. I read lots of articles and forum posts that recommended various characteristics of good tripods. This tripod had everything that I wanted: carbon fiber, ball head, three segment legs, a maximum weight that I could grow my kit into, an adjustable center post that would swing 180 degrees and a price that I felt comfortable with. It is very light. Last week I carried it (it came with a case and shoulder strap) on a three-hour photo walk and it never felt heavy. In the time that I've had it, the only disappointment was that the tripod didn't fit in my suitcase without removing the head.

Mike

2012-07-01T21:00:00

Extremely lightweight and yet still stable. Tripod is solidly built of good quality low weight materials. It Holds my D800 with 1lb lens at all angles, fully extended, and with riser set horizontal. Riser adjusts to all angles without removing any component. The tripod is excellent for macro photography. Weight can be added when using heavy lenses or accessories at unusual riser angles.

TODD K.