I was slightly disappointed in this product for several reasons
1. It is quite heavy. A far cry from the lightweight tripods. 2. Despite it's heaviness, it is quite wobbly. Not terribly so, but definitely noticeable. 3. There is no bubble level. Almost all tripods have this, why not this one? 4. The mechanisms to regulate tightness are marginal. 5. No carrying bag included. 6. Overall marginal quality.
Things I do like: 1. Removable camera holder 2. Quite tall! 3. sustains much weight 4. Semi-compact
What can you really expect from a bargain tripod? I found that for small video cameras, it's barely passable. I tried it with a Canon Z series. When I pan more than 40 degrees, I can see the camera move up slightly, so forget smooth panning. It will work ok for locked off shots as in: press record and don't touch the camera. Medium wind will shake it.
For regular photography and long exposures, I found it works fine using the in-camera timer to trigger the exposure, unless you have to have an extremely light shutter touch. The Slik is very very light, so it is easy to take around. It is so light in fact, with any camera weight on it - it becomes top-heavy. I never tried a 35mm or digital SLR, just smaller digital cameras. The leg clip locks work well and set-up and take-down time is very fast.
If you find that you are always bracing your camera against light posts, signs, walls, etc., this is a cheap (and light) way to brace up the shot.
For only a few bucks more than the Slik SDV-20, you get an add'l center rachet and crank that moves the center column up and down. I felt it was definitely worth the extra bit. Very well made and lightweight. I am very glad I got this, esp. at Amazon's great price. All the movement mechanisms are very smooth and easy to control.
This tripod is good for an intermediate photographer who needs something simple to set up and take down. It is lightweight and compact, and the quick-release shoe snaps in and out easily, but still feels secure. It's a great tripod for the speedy photographer.
My biggest issue with this tripod is its lack of a level. To see if your shot is level, you have to rely solely on eyeballing the picture, which can be frustrating if you're looking for precision.
The tripod can reach heights up to about 70 inches when fully extended, and goes as low as about 15 inches or so, standard for a tripod of this price range. The portability of this one is a major feature, but the lack of a level may persuade photographers to look at other models with similar prices.
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"A 30 dollar tripod is a 30 dollar tripod."
"Great value"