 "Excellent value tripod - using it with the Rebel XSi" | 2009-10-30 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1G29MRK4U08F1 |
This is my second tripod. My first was a Vanguard traveler that I bought for my Canon S1000 Point-and-shoot. It was a very compact tripod (16"-54") that worked out great for the P&S but was completely unusable when I got a Canon Digital Rebel XSi DSLR. That's when I got the Vista Explorer, for around the same price as the Vanguard. Its been about 6 months now with the Vista.
Pros:
1. Very inexpensive given features and weight rating. Was genuinely surprised with its build quality and features when I received it, given the price.
2. Holds the Xsi very securely at most of the orientations, heights and tilt angles. I have only the starter lens (18-55mm) on it and no attachments. I'm not sure how it would handle with heavier lenses, but I suspect it should do fine with most of the standard ones.
3. Has relatively smooth rotation, tilting and height adjustment, with locks abound.
4. The feet extensions have held very securely so far, which is more than I can say for the umbrella type extensions on the Vanguard.
5. 60" is a very good height for most purposes, and makes a world of difference from the 54" on my previous tripod.
6. Has built-in spirit levels which have proved very useful for ensuring level placement.
7. All of the adjustments and locks are quick and easy. Takes less than 2 minutes on average from bag to fully set-up.
8. Very light-weight, though sturdy.
9. Has a very convenient carrying handle built in.
10. Has a hook for weight attachment. I was planning to tie a bag filled with sand to it when taking pictures at the beach, but ended up not having to since it seemed to hold up to the breeze quite well even without it.
11. Comes with a bag. The Vanguard's bag was much better quality, but this one does just fine.
Cons:
1. The Vanguard easily fit into my backpack while flying. This is too tall to fit into a cabin bag.
2. The screw clamp for the sideways tilt doesn't quite lock the tilt however tight I screw it.
3. Rotation and tilt adjustments are smooth enough for adjustment purposes, but not quite smooth enough for video panning. But I hardly ever shoot videos anyway.
Overall, excellent value starter tripod for your starter DSLR. |
| |
 "WONDERFUL" | 2009-10-20 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2WBYRBDGQGVW9 |
| I HAVEN'T USED THIS PRODUCT VERY MUCH YET, BUT SO FAR, I THINK IT IS GREAT! IT IS WELL CONSTRUCTED, DURABLE, EASY TO SET UP, STABLE, LIGHT WEIGHT, EASY TO USE, AND EVERYTHING IT IS ADVERTIZED TO BE. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE. I HAVE SEEN LESS VERSITILE TRIPODS AT MORE THAN TWICE THE PRICE. AND THE TOTE BAG IS A GREAT PLUS. |
| |
| "Low price implies poor head" | 2009-10-17 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2V8FNIO634ZRD |
A good lightweight tripod for its price, well designed for convient universal use. If you don't know exactly what tripod you need, buy this one.
Its major drawback is the cheap plastic head: panning and tilting are not smooth (the steps are less than 1 degree); after you tighten the tilting axis and take your hand off the tilting angle drifts a bit (1 degree at moderate load). However you will not find a good head in this price range.
Additional tips:
- because of light weight the tripod is continuously vibrating even at moderate wind (10 km/h);
- 20x (at wide-field) is the maximum usable magnification for scopes mounted onto this tripod. |
| |
 "Reasonable Starter Tripod" | 2009-10-15 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2LPJIXG6CCTNO |
This is my first tripod purchase and my biggest priority was portability because I know that if my tripod weighed too much, I just wouldn't bother carrying it. I shoot with a Nikon D80 and a 18-200 VR lens so stability was also important. I'm in the midst of a 365 project (1 self portrait every day for a year) so the freedom of a tripod has greatly expanded my photo possibilities. I was concerned that my camera body and lens are heavy enough that I wouldn't be able to use it in a portrait orientation without tipping over. Honestly, cranked up high, its a bit rocky but doable, at least on a flat surface in my house. I'm not sure I'd trust it on a rocky slope. I sort of wish I'd gone with a ball-mount tripod rather than the 3 way adjuster but most ball mounts were beyond my desired price range. The adjustments achieve all the same motions of a ball, it just takes a little more effort to perfect it. So far so good though. I have yet to encounter a shot I couldn't get.
PROS:
-very lightweight and portable
-bag is a great bonus even though its minimal
-possible to use in portrait orientation with a Nikon D80 and zoom lens (just be careful!)
CONS:
-less stable than I was hoping for
-3 way adjuster takes some getting used to
Overall, I am fairly satisfied with the tripod. It's a nice starting point. However, down the road I'm sure I'll desire a more substantial pro-style one. |
| |
| "good value for the price" | 2009-10-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1HKA2NQLFE0BS |
| I use it with a point and shoot and a slr camera, fairly sturdy and light, easy to maneuver and carry around, good value for the price |
| |
Expedited Available
