Comments about Cullmann Cullmann Magnesit 519 Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Quick Release Head, Supports: 8.8 lbs, Max Height 61.8":

Home studio for portrait and product shots.
Nicely made; solid. Good value for the money.

Comments about Cullmann Cullmann Magnesit 519 Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Quick Release Head, Supports: 8.8 lbs, Max Height 61.8":

The most lightweight and well constructed tripod that I could find for the price range. It is simply much better than the ones you find for half the price and it's worth. I use it with a D90 w/ 18-105mm and it's very stable.

Comments about Cullmann Cullmann Magnesit 519 Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Quick Release Head, Supports: 8.8 lbs, Max Height 61.8":

I decided it was time to get a tripod to help me out with pictures in lower light situations, or any time a slower shutter speed is used. This tripod has definitely lived up to my minimal requirements and then some.

I really appreciate the range of this tripod in terms of height. I can set it either too high or too low to make use of the viewfinder, snap the picture, then make adjustments as necessary. Before, I'd snap the picture, then have to guess where, and at what angle, I had the camera so I could adjust. Now, I just release the camera, review, replace the camera, then adjust.

Depending on the height adjustment I'm looking for, and how quickly I want to adjust, it can be great, or it can be a bit cumbersome. To go to it's lowest possible setting, you need to change out the center column, then change back to the longer center column for maximum height. There is a great amount of overlap between the possible heights with both columns, so it's not a big deal, unless you want to change from lowest to highest quickly for some reason.

I can't really comment on the maximum load supported by this tripod, as at it's heaviest, my camera doesn't come all that close to the rated limit. But, it supports my XSi with kit lens, battery grip, and flash without a problem. Since I do intend to add to my hardware, I thought it made sense to buy a tripod with higher load limit.

The tripod folds small enough, and is light enough, that I don't have a problem taking it when I leave the house. Nearly every morning when I head out for work, I toss my camera and tripod into my trunk, just in case I see something that inspires me to snap some pictures. I haven't really carried the tripod with my anywhere that requires walking any significant distance from my car, though I intend to once I get a better equipped camera bag.

I really like this tripod and I'm very happy with my purchase. The only thing I think that could be done to make it better would be to package it with a ball head (or pistol grip) in addition to the 3-way head.

Comments about Cullmann Cullmann Magnesit 519 Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Quick Release Head, Supports: 8.8 lbs, Max Height 61.8":

Not a tripod name that you think of when looking for a good tripod in the US. But the Cullmann 519 is a great value, and great tripod in every right. The build quality is excellent with this tripod, and very well engineered, what else would you expect form a German design tripod.

The tripod is very stable under a heavy load, since it is the most important thing when looking for a tripod. No worries that it will tip over, you can put you camera bag on the hook on the center pole to add more weight. The pan head is very smooth in operation. And it is all metal. It also a grounder for low to the ground shots. If the center pole is to long, just remove it, and install the short pole that come with it to get it even lower. The 519 is light enough to bring with you on hikes. The built in level on the legs is a nice feature. The quick release work well, and it keeps the camera secure to the tripod. Also the quick release plate has a twist tab to tighten the 1/4 screw. No need to find a coin to lock the plate to the camera.

If you want to make the tripod more compact for travel, you can reverse the center pole and put the head into the leg. This gives the tripod an even shorter profile. I had no problem fitting the tripod into a 22 in trolley suitcase.

Overall for the price, you will be hard press to find a better tripod.