Comments about Vanguard Vanguard Alta + 224CP Carbon Fiber Tripod with PH-22 Panhead, Maximum Height 51-1/8", Supports 6.6 lbs:

I bought the Vanguard Alta 224 CP without ever seeing one since no local place carried it. I had a chance to examine the Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod and found it to be extremely well constructed, especially its hardware which seemed indestructable. Unfortunately just the tripod without head was a bit too heavy for travel, at least for me since I wanted to lug around just the minimum weight.

So I bought the Vanguard without any input. Indeed, I had not found any user opinion expressed anywhere. But I was sufficiently impressed by its specified sub-3 pound weight including a pan head. The tripod I got is actually quite light, essentially as I expected. I had also considered the 225, which is lighter but $50 more. But it did not extend sufficiently for what I perceived to be my need.

The Vanguard hardware was OK, nowhere near what the Manfrotto provided. But on the other hand, it is probably adequate for the purpose. I did not take it outside on a windy day to see how it would hold up. But indoors, it held my D300 with 16-85 VR quite well. I anticipate that it would do OK and perhaps shake a bit under adverse conditions. But it beats hand-held by quite a bit. And I have VR on both of my lenses. So I am not too concerned.

The level bubbles seem like a good idea. But they are absolutely worthless. Don't depend on them for adjusting your camera. The bubble itself works fine when the base is tilted considerably. But as it becomes near level, the bubble has a considerable delay before moving. If it seems to suggest tilting more, wait! Otherwise one ends up overcompensating time and again. It takes a few minutes to get the platform perfectly level. By then the moment is probably long gone.

In summary, it's a really light tripod and reasonably good. And it's quite cheap for a carbon fiber tripod. But the bubble levels are worthless.