Used Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT 28mm 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, Maximum Height 66", Supports 17.6 lbs.

2013-09-26T21:00:00

I bought this tripod several months ago to replace a lighter-duty aluminum model, and tried out several comparable models from other major brands in a store before buying the Auctus 283CT from Adorama. Overall, I'm very pleased with it. I shoot a lot of HDR and long exposures, and it is rock solid stable and dampens vibration much better than my old aluminum tripod. It's ruggedly built and looks like it will last a long time. I like the heavy leg tension bolts - my old one had allen screws on the underside of the top casting that didn't do a thing, and it lost tension within a year. The leg adjustment collars operate smoothly and are well sealed - I've had no problems with grit getting into the works when shooting on sand, mud or in the water. You can actually feel air pressure resistance and hear the hiss of air running out when you collapse them. I do a lot of hiking and hill- and stair-climbing (waterfalls, towers, etc.), and while it's a little heavier and bulkier than my old one, it's only by a few inches and a pound or so and I haven't found it noticeable, especially in return for the added height and stability. The nitpicks: 1. The instructions are entirely graphical and mostly useless. Text instructions would be good for some of the features and maintenance instructions would be desirable. 2. The center column does not slide up and down smoothly, and I don't like the design. In theory, you turn a bottom collar to adjust tension, then lock and unlock it with a top twist-ring that has little ears on it. But the ears are too short to get at under the base of my head, and the whole thing seems redundant - I'd get rid of the top ring entirely. And there's a little rotational play in the center column, even when fully locked. 3. The leg angle adjustment requires two hands and there isn't much to grab onto to raise the latches. It's difficult with wet hands and will be even worse with winter gloves. 4. The weight hook is (was) threaded rather loosely onto the bottom of the center column. It fell off and was lost on one of my first outings. 5. To remove the center column extension for low-angle shots, you rotate a knurled knob at the bottom which twists a threaded rod into the upper section. The two parts fit together very securely, but it takes a lot of twists to assemble/disassemble. Maybe that's a necessary tradeoff for a tight joint, but it does slow me down.

WILLIAM P.

2013-07-07T21:00:00

Very sturdy and was easy to set up

Deb

2012-10-24T21:00:00

The locks of the legs tilt are very fragile. I already have two of them broken, as visible in the image below. It is also too short determining that opens the central column, less stable. I sent an email to the manufacturer requesting action but not getting any response yet.

PAULO G.

2012-05-29T21:00:00

I was looking to upgrade my tripod and was going to go with a different popular brand, but the rebate deal for the free ball head was unbeatable. I'm glad I bought this tri-pod! Not only does the carbon construction make a difference with the weight, but it's a sturdy tripod that allows me to shoot all terrain (outdoor portraits, beach weddings, architectural details on location, etc.). I'm very pleased with the performance and quality, which is comparable to the other brands I researched.

AshPhoto

2012-02-06T19:00:00

Supposedly there are only two kinds of tripods, lightweight, easy to carry ones and good tripods. This tripod is in the latter category, because even though it is carbon fiber, it is a pretty large tripod, and therefore a bit cumbersome. I have a collection of tripods, accumulated over the years, as I began to see the importance of using one. This is by far my favorite. It is very flexible, with a center post that can be pulled up, out, down, and legs that adjust at several different angles. The leg clamps take a bit of getting used to, but you learn to tighten them down and they are serious sturdy. Comes with a handy soft case with a shoulder strap, and a little bag that you can use to put rocks or other weights in and hang from the center post to stabilize in wind. The more I use it, the more I like it, which is the opposite of a couple others that I own.

rstanley

2011-10-02T21:00:00

This is a very solid tripod that is still light enough to carry on longer hikes.

Nikon G.

2009-06-23T21:00:00

I'll start with my only complaint. The tripod is a bit large when closed. I know at some point I'll get a travel tripod but right now I've carried it along with a camera, and 3 lens for almost a whole day of walking in NYC. Taking it cross country on an airplane, we'll see. After that it's all good. I am 6'2" and this is more than tall enough for me. The key feature is adaptability. Obviously the leg lengths are easily adjustable but one can also choose from three different angles for the legs. The center column can be adjusted in height, too. I know these are not unique features. However, what is unique and very easy to use is, the center column can be locked at any angle from straight up and down to straight down and up, a full 180 deg! This is just great for shooting macro shots. Combine the choice of angles for the center column with a wide spread position of the legs and one can get the camera right on the ground. I actually did some shots with the camera inches off the sidewalk in Times Sq, yet still upright. It also comes with a soft case with a shoulder strap and a fabric attachable shelf or stone bag. There is a hook to attach weight for stabilization. As it is the tripod is very stable the smallest section on the legs isn't like the gossamer legs I saw on a travel monopod this weekend. As they say with cars, the fit and finish is excellent. Really, I couldn't be happier with the tripod. I hadn't had the chance to "play" with it at the store (stopped in but one wasn't on the floor and I didn't have time to wait for a salesman) so I relied on all the reviews, which spot on. If you are looking for reasonable weight, infinite adjustments, stability and a good price this is it.

Dr M.