
Review Summary
2011-09-03T21:00:00
I use it to hold a full frame DSLR camera and it is a solid piece of equipment. I carry it on my shoulder and the foam cushioning is great, better than my friend's Manfrotto in that respect. The ballmount is solid and doesn't move a bit when locked down with my heavy camera on it, even when it's on my shoulder while I'm hiking around the desert. I'm very happy with this tripod.
TY C.
2011-09-03T21:00:00
I like the stability of this product but it is a little heavy for taking on hikes
SHERRI P.
2010-06-28T21:00:00
Awesome tripod and head. You could spend twice as much and not have the quality of this unit. A little heavy for hiking, but for all else it is a "go to" tripod.
Yamaharider
2010-06-02T21:00:00
I was looking for an alternative to the Manfrotto brand that would give me the same quality and features, without the brand name price. I was about to purchase a Benro (13 lb. capacity) tripod with a Vanguard SBH-100 head before I came across the Vanguard B200. The B200 gave me more weight capacity and more max height for less money than the option I was considering.The trade off though was the fold length and weight. The fold length of the tripod alone is 25" and the head is another 4.5". If I were to travel with this, it would have to go into the checked in luggage and with the head removed from the legs.It is heavy, but I think of it as a pro rather than a con because I live by the ocean and am usually in windy conditions. Long hikes with this tripod may be a problem, but that's not something I normally do anyway.It comes with a quality tripod strap so you can hang the tripod from your shoulder or across your back. It doesn't have spiked feet (which is fine with me). The center column has a low profile section that detaches (from the bottom). It's a great feature but the con with it is that you're not able to attach the ball head to it, just your camera.Oh, and the SBH-200 head is a nice quality ball head. It's been replaced by the SBH-250, but it's pretty much the same thing. The pan is fluid.Considering price and features, matched with my needs, this is an excellent tripod combo.[...]
Pacific I.
2010-04-27T21:00:00
I was looking for a tripod that wouldn't cost a fortune but could handle some weight. Found this one locally and ordered it from Adorama. I have not have any complaints (other than weight) about this tripod. Legs and head are stable and have more than adequately supported by gripped 50d, 150-500 and TC for moon shots. While not unbearable, if you want to strickly use this for long distance hikes or travel, the weight is a bit much.
BRAD I.
2010-04-10T21:00:00
I really like this tripod.
alexder
2010-04-10T21:00:00
VERY GOOD VALUE CONSIDERING IT SUPPORTS 18 LBS AND HAS A LARGE HD BALLHEAD. I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN, AND I MIGHT.
MATT R.
2010-03-17T21:00:00
This tripod is an excellent value. When compared with the "name brands" at the same price, it is more robust and has more features. I have access to a high-end Gitzo tripod, and the only major differences lie in weight and speed of setup. Since it's $120 versus $800+, these differences are not anywhere near a deal-breaker!
charlbird
2010-01-31T19:00:00
I bought this tripod because I needed a good tripod for bird photography at long telephoto lengths. Everyone told me to buy a Gitzo or a Manfrotto, but I just could not afford one that was rated for the weight of my equipment. I decided to take a chance on this Vanguard, and I couldn't be happier. It easily supports my Sigma 120-400 attached to my D90 in any configuration. The build quality is very nice. The only problem I've had with it was the top plate on the ballhead came loose (probably cause it was so cold when I was shooting). A little loctite and an allen wrench solved that problem permanently. I'm very happy with this budget solution for stability. If you can afford a Gitzo or a Manfrotto, buy them. They're great, and all the serious photogs I know use them... But if you're like me, and need a budget solution, without compromizing stability, this works great!
KALEIDO S.
Excellent value
By charlbird
This tripod is an excellent value. When compared with the "name brands" at the same price, it is more robust and has more features. I have access to a high-end Gitzo tripod, and the only major differences lie in weight and speed of setup. Since it's $120 versus $800+, these differences are not anywhere near a deal-breaker!
Wow!!!
By Yamaharider
Awesome tripod and head. You could spend twice as much and not have the quality of this unit. A little heavy for hiking, but for all else it is a "go to" tripod.
• The tracker offers maximum stability for the outdoor photographer or spotter. It has a multi-adjustable ball head with a dual locking quick shoe release system. This series offers 28mm or 32mm tubular legs that are extremely stable and more lightweight than most tripods on the market. The legs can also be adjusted to three different angles to facilitate use on uneven ground or low angle shooting. The column is easily reversed for macro or copy work. The hexagon center column also offers additional security for heavy equipment. This unique series provides the best of both worlds when it comes to features and value.