Velbon Sherpa 200R 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with PH157Q 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head

2012-01-02T19:00:00

family gatherings and wildlife

Danl

2011-01-14T19:00:00

I rounded up because I couldn't give it 3.5 stars. It's a pretty decent tripod for still shots that I managed to get at a rather good price. It's just a very standard tripod, without the bells and whistles and snakey, bendy, swivel action of more advanced and expensive models. It also doesn't fold up to the size of an '80s cell phone either, like those fancy types, but the trade off is I get enough versatility in heigh without having to place it anywhere other than solid ground. I don't know if it's just mine, the fact that I've had it for going on six years, or the fact that I've moved it between four different cities and three different countries in that time--but my biggest complaint is that the tilt seems a bit loose/wobbly/hard to lock tight, and just feels a little awkward in general. However, this hasn't shown up in the photos, so perhaps it's just me and my anxiety. Everything I've ever shot with it--which tends to be long exposure urban night shots, has turned out perfectly crisp. If you want a decent, traditional tripod and you find it on sale, go for it.

J F.