Comments about Berlebach Berlebach 8023 Three-section Wood Tripod Legs with Center Column, Height up to 69", Supports 22 lbs:

I am very technical, but certain things were made better by using simpler materials and straightforward craftsmanship. The aesthetics of a wood tripod should not be overlooked. I used to own a Bogen 3021 / 3047 head. I am a hard user - I will go in streams, ice, sand, rock - I treat my equipment with respect but need it to perform under extreme conditions. My old Bogen still works like the day I purchased it with the exception of some scratches to the surface from sand. My comment on aesthetics is that I feel an organic respect for my 8023 that I will never have for a piece of steel & aluminum.

The positive:
It is sturdy - not like a rock (or even a tree root) but good for everything except violent winds. The legs are fast and intuitive; to extend them you roll a sturdy piece of nylon (wish it were steel) to a very visible white, red or blank mark. It reasonably weighted. I use a cheap Amvona ball head (which I machined and repaired to make it work) and have a total weight of 6 or 7 pounds. Bottom line, it is wood, it is comfortable to the touch - gloved or not - and does not conduct heat away from your hands.

Negative:
None of my complaints are deal breakers, but if they were incorporated into a newer model, I would buy it tomorrow. The release mechanism of the legs could be different; they are simple metric screws with knobs. I know they are metric as I have lost one and had to make my own as a replacement. A lever would be faster and would never fall out. The center column lever had to handled with kid gloves as mine broke after something whacked it. I replaced it with another metric screw and knob which is a much better way to go. Also, the center column is not stable. I have the standard length column and will not use it past half its length unless I am using my off camera shutter release and it is calm outside. Also the acorn nut that retains the legs loosen. Never lost one, and I carry a Leatherman, but still a minor drag.

Summary:
I love my tripod. I have used it in abrasive conditions and it has held up admirably. While fully extended, it is nicely balanced and can be carried comfortably for long distances. Sand, snow, murky water, ice, the legs do not wear. It is meant for the out doors; not to be excluded from civilized conditions, but I’d rather be out than in any day.

Comments about Berlebach Berlebach 8023 Three-section Wood Tripod Legs with Center Column, Height up to 69", Supports 22 lbs:

I used a aluminum tripod and a 3-way panhead for years. I wanted a nicer and lighter tripod. I looked at carbon fiber but was turned off by the high prices and a lot of negative reports on the legs sticking. Wood doesn’t stick. I chose the Berlebach 8023 Report wood tripod and teamed it with a Acratech ball head. I also opt for the short center column as I do not use the long column for anything and like to get down close to the ground for micro work. The short column lets me do this. The old with the new. I guess the first tripods were made from wood and maybe for a good reason. The weight carrying ability of a wood tripod compared with its own weight is as good as or better than most any other tripod. I use this tripod and head combination (7 lbs. 6 oz.) with my Nikon F-100. My lens include most everything between a std. 55mm, f1.8, to my 80-200mm, f2.8. No problems at all. The head is great and the tripod perfect. If you notice on the Berlebach, the legs are attached to 6 points as opposed to 3 on other standard tripods. This makes it much more stable to start with. I am 61 years old and don't mind carrying this over my shoulder on a 2 - 3 mile hike wearing my photo backpack. The wood legs are uncomfortable on the shoulder but the padded backpack straps takes care of this. If I just want to take the camera and tripod, I use a tripod strap. People keep saying that carbon fiber is the way to go, but at half the price, I'll keep the Berlebach. I also keep thinking those who want to save 2 - 3 lbs. on a tripod, maybe it's not the tripod than needs to shave a few lbs. I highly recommend the Berlebach 8023 Report for anything a weekend photographer or professional photographer would want to use it for, indoors or out and it looks great.