Used Manfrotto 718B Compact Digi Tripod with 3-Way Head

2009-09-08T21:00:00

I tend to walk a long distance to look for my favorite subjects; wild flowers. This tripod is perfect for me because it's light to carry around. And yet, it's sturdy enough to hold my Nikon D40X and 18-200mm Nikkor zoom lens. It becomes compact when it folds. When you need a high angle, the legs extend in three steps and it becomes very tall. Price is very reasonable and it includes a carrying bag. What a deal! Although a not big deal, there are a couple things I can suggest to improve. The head flips only to left when you need a vertical composition. It's more convenient for me if it flips to right. Also, the quick release plate needs a coin or a screwdriver. I wish I could screw and unscrew without them. Over all, I'm very much satisfied with this tripod.

Alex M.

2009-09-02T21:00:00

A bit expensive but durable.

Insurgo72

2009-08-28T21:00:00

I ordered one item (Bogan 718B Tripod w/head), [...] Order was placed primarily upon the very good to excellent reviews that this product previously received. Unfortunately, it appears that the previous reviewers were very, very easy to please. I found the product to be minimally (barely) acceptable for my needs. Although Adorama's price was/is excellent for this tripod/head (compared to other merchants), it is still almost twice the products actual value/worth - to me. This four sectioned-leg tripod is adequately sturdy providing only two sections are extended. Three sections extended, introduces too much vibration; four sections extended - is a joke. One section extended, does not allow for a wide enough footprint to avoid being tippy. The head is somewhat usefull providing the maximum load is no more than 1.5# (24 oz). However, I purchased this tripod to use with a Pentax PF-65 EDii Spotting Scope that weights 3# and is 13" long with eyepiece. Dispite other reviewer's suggesting that this product worked well with similar sized spotting scopes, the Bogan 718B tripod/head is just too light and too flimsy to use as a field tripod with a mid sized spotting scope. It's one positive, with all legs colapsed (one leg section extended) the quick-release mounting plate is only 18" +/- tall, thus allowing bench use (tabletop) at the range. But, the quick release mount does not have a safety lock, thus great care must be utilized when placing/removing a scope or camera upon this tripod. Overall: very, very disappointing. I should send it back, a lot of trouble....

rbrtbrman

2009-03-29T21:00:00

Before purchasing this product, extensive research was conducted to determine the number of suitable products available. Used for hiking/backpacking, travel and with a Pentax 65 mm angled spotting scope, the Manfrotto 718B tripod was by far the best choice. Very sturdy and stable for its size and compact for putting into a carry-on for extended travel or carrying around for birding. The height is also tall enough (without extending the center post (which makes light tripods particularly shaky) to be useful. The construction has less plastic than many flimsy options and the rounded pentagonal design of the legs provide considerable rigidity, yet is light enough to carry with a camera or spotting scope during long periods of birdwatching or backpacking. Because of the lightness of the tripod, it has also come in handy as a secondary support, for a camera, when using a heavy telephoto is mounted to my Gitzo tripod. Note that the one adjustment handle of the 718B controls both tilt and pan, but the tauntness is variable (tilt is tighter than pan) and has not posed any problems. Will support the claimed five and one-half pounds and probably a bit more especially when center post is not extended. Note also that the quick release plate that comes with the tripod is made of rigid plastic, which should be adequate for lighter items, while the accessory quick release units are made of aluminum and should be sturdier. The included nylon carrying case with single shoulder strap has also been handy for toting the tripod around.

Lighter B.

2008-01-21T19:00:00

Solid mount for 4 pounds of DSLR and lens Pretty stable on windy day Vibration damping good compared to my last tripod A little too big/heavy for me to take backpacking Won't let camera get low to ground; that's the biggest problem for me

Pete

2007-12-07T19:00:00

I bought this specifically for its portability, light-weight and good to travel with around. It fits well into my carry-on. It was just the perfect company on my trip to Europe 2 years and in my future travels, too. Thank you, Bogen/Manfrotto!

ANN S.

2007-02-04T19:00:00

I am typically a street portraiture photographer, social documentarian...so I tend to head out with one or two camera bodies and a lens on each, but not much more equipment than that...but, I do shoot a ton of cityscapes as well, nighttime long exposures and early morning sunrises with a ND filter to slow the shutter so I was in need a lightweight, sturdy "basic" tripod to carry with me from time to time and the Bogen - Manfrotto 718B made the most sense. It's light, easy to assemble and break down and provides a sturdy companion for my 20D, battery grip and heavy L lenses. For just under $100 I think it's a fine purchase. Not the best for shooting macros and such, but for most general purpose shooting it's a good buy for the $ and for ease of use. If you are looking for a solid tripod at a low cost than this may just be the perfect tripod for you.

Craigbiertempfel.com

2006-12-28T19:00:00

This is the tripod that I use with my 65 mm angled spotting scope, and I am 6'3". Construction is typical Bogen, very solid relative to weight. The non-geared center column has a quick but secure release. Coupled with a medium-weight spotting scope, long walks with the outfit over one shoulder are painless. This is too light and short a tripod for anyone who wants to "digiscope," but for other routine birding use, this one is PERFECT. Yes, you could use it with a small to medium-sized digital camera, up to a Canon S3-IS or so, but image stabilization makes such usage a bit passe these advanced days.

ALAN B.