2010-02-20T19:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
great product!
It was just what I was expecting! great product!
Byanca
2009-09-22T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Definitely Recommend
It's a very sturdy and solid tripod. I feel comfortable walking away from my $5K camera without worry while I set up subjects for portraits. And when you return, you will find the camera exactly where you left it.
ROBERT M.
2009-08-08T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Great Universal Tripod
There are no cons to this tripod. It's lightweight, easy to adjust and extremely versatile, looks good too. You can go from ground level (by using the detachable mount), yes it folds flat to the ground, to comfortable use for a tall person. Also, you can go from the spiked feet for wilderness use to non-marring rubber for the finest floors in portraiture. Folding flat to the ground makes macro work easy and stable.
It's very stable even for medium format cameras with big glass, even long telephoto. I have it setup with the 808RC4 Head, and have found it to be extremely rigid for the most demanding work (except for very gusty high wind, above 40 mph). Although the tripod folds up relatively small, it doesn't fold up that compact with this head combination (the head's handle's protrude, but with a very big heavy camera you learn to love the ability to LOCK the head!) and the quick release plate is a blessing and locks very rigid.
For the serious photographer, or those who wish to be, I cannot imagine a better, more rigid setup.
If you want a tripod that holds the camera dead still (isn't that the purpose?) and can handle medium format (35mm or digital works famously), you cannot go wrong here, period!
The tripod can also be used with the lighter 410 compact geared head for more compact field use. I use this myself, and the quick release plates are interchangeable between heads.
Treated properly with these combos, you will not ever have to buy another setup. And unless you like very long hikes, this will save money compared to carbon fiber and and not so stable lightweight ball heads (Don't consider medium format on a ball head, period).
Sandia K.
2009-06-21T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Tough tripod
[Use with 35mm SLR.] After getting this "wilderness" tripod, found I use it for all situations requiring a tripod. This made my life easier by replacing two tripods with one.
The tripod adjusts to most any terrain for landscape photography. Rubber boots on the bottom of the legs screw upwards, revealing spikes.
All three legs may be quickly adjusted to the same, or, different heights via a quick lock.
For around town or in a studio, the rubber boots on the bottom of the legs can be screwed down.
The tripod is super steady. And that's the whole point, isn't it?
It is heavy. This doesn't bother me in the least. I want a good heavy tripod to help with stability. But some folks feel this a problem, so I mention it. Once you mount a full-sized ball head on it, it seems to be around 8 or 9 pounds, close as I can figure.
Can be strapped to full-sized photographic backpacks. I typically carry it over one shoulder if walking / hiking around a half mile or more.
I've treated the tripod roughly, and it shows no ill effects. Just toss it in the trunk and go!
Lawrence W.
2009-02-06T19:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
A Poor Man's Gitzo
This is a great tripod. With its rubber/spiked feet, it is solidly stable on just about any surface. Looking for the best tripod short of a Gitzo, that will support a pro grade SLR like a Nikon D3/D3X; D700 or D300 with battery grip, long tele lens, & a sturdy ball head, this is it. The carbon fiber tripods are are lighter but cost so much more. This one is worth carrying the extra weight. Buy the shoulder strap or a tripod bag, and be happy.
cwmiramarfl
