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SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead (615-315)

The Slik Pro 700DX is really big and powerful, but it is also intended for heavy equipment. I put it in nature photography, a lens with a 500 also along with special camera and then head over 6 kg on the stand, it puts away easily without wobbling or swinging - 10 kg or more should be able to wear it. Another plus for greater grown photographers: Fully stripped the joint of the three legs is already off to 1.40 m in height, the divisible center column can be up to 1.80 m. Even at such a height wobbling and also sacked from nothing, the stand is rock solid. The trimmed down design robustness with three drawers, however, has a fairly large pack size of almost 80 cm result. But honestly, if you disengage with the heavy weights, for this stand is intended, then do not mind that really. I believe the tears more compact and lighter. The processing of the Slik is certainly good Japanese, the best price-performance ratio.

When I ordered the tripod, it was just the way only available as a combination with the 4-way head of Slik. I have it exchanged for the same Wimberley Head WH-200, because I need such a telephoto tilt head ("monkey swing") for fast and precise panning (approaching birds, etc.). Therefore a frequently appearing on the Web (in U.S. forums) question is answered: Yes, the slik head can be replaced quite normal, he just sits in the delivery status bit tight on his central screw. Otherwise, I think the 4-way head to be also for its price very neat & strong. It is equipped with two spirit levels for horizontal alignment, which can be easily read. The two operating arms of the head can be screwed together and fold to save space in the folded tripod.

Pros:
+ High stability
+ Not only stiff, but also very well dampened mirror slap against eg the camera: because nothing resonates
+ Enormous extendable up to about 1.80 m
+ Center column reliably fixable
+ Center column for ground level work in two 20 cm long pieces divisible (screw)
+ Central screw head is locked into a solid plate
+ Leg extensions with fast clamps operate well
+ Legs with durable locking slides up in 3 angles can be spread (almost horizontally)
+ Processing top
+ Neat carrying case is included.

Cons:
- Large pack size (systemic)
- Relatively high weight (systemic)
- Other than with some noble competitors can tilt the center column for extremely ground-level work is not why the absolute minimum at about 20 cm height (special solutions on top screws aside) remains: which should consider macro photographers (but need not even necessarily so a giant tripod).

Conclusion: I have no regrets for choosing the Slik Pro 700 DX tripod. Excellent workmanship, long separations, safer head can handle a DSLR with a heavier lens easily. Also two small spirit levels for optimal alignment are fixed under the plate. Super P / L ratio. Small disadvantage: This thing is quite heavy, which is not surprising due to the solid construction-but I knew that before, so I prefer from any point.

Sirui T-025 Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit

I was to make possible the search for a tripod that I can take with on business trips in the briefcase at night or especially interesting panoramas. Even such trips I mainly use a "Compact" (Canon PowerShot SX200IS) or my "little" DSLR (Nikon D3000).

With the "compact" the tripod is stable like a rock, with the heavier DSLR should refrain extend the center column and / or extract the last leg segment, otherwise the small Stativchen is easily overwhelmed when positioning a stable, vibration-free the camera goes.

I give full credit for Sirui T-025 Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit, because the tripod and the head are excellently. No game, no sharp burrs, not cheap plastic. Everything works and is very high quality. You have to know exactly where the boundaries lie and clearly in a range of heavy DSLR cameras, even if the capacity of tripod and head can bear the weight loose. It is a compact travel tripod in its class just perfect! Despite its light weight and small dimensions of the merged - barely larger than a filled 1.5 liter PET bottle, only much easier ;-) - it makes a very strong impression. The setting is extremely versatile and when it wants to be photographed near the ground, so can the T-025 also apply overhead

Overall, the Sirui T-025 is a great part. Not cheap, but worth the cost. One must not expect that carries the Sirui T-025 as much stable and vibration free as a tripod, which is more than twice as heavy and much larger. For owners of compact digital cameras, it is "high end" for Bridge Cameras UDN "Mirrorless" (as Sony NEX, etc.) a very good choice for DSLR quite usable with restrictions, unless you are an extremely heavy camera with "monster lens' wants to sit on.

Joby GP8-BHEN GorillaPod Focus with Ballhead X bundle

I bought this camera tripod for merchant trust and have it since the day as an integral ingredient of my equipment there. It fits perfectly in the backpack from Lowepro (Lowepro Flipside 200 SLR Camera Backpack (for SLR with 80-200-mm lens and up to 3 additional lenses) black) and holds even when cycling (MTB and Cross) faultlessly.

The basic idea of Joby GP8-BHEN GorillaPod Focus with Ballhead X bundle is quite simple, you just take something in anyway against standing around, wrapped around the drum stands and does best with remote release his pictures. It has bissher were almost always very good, it takes just only übrung in wet mossy trees, but it is but on stones with or without moss without doing between.

The ball head can be easily moved and separated from the ball turn around the vertical axis, as well as both end tighten firmly. In addition, the head is fully anodized aluminum, the screws are fitted with rubber ribbed surface and is painted on a scale (10 ° pitch). The joints are metal shells with a rubber ring and the balls, as a counterpart of plastic. It requires some effort to bend it, so what is the benefit of holding power.

If I would have to start with the photography hobby, I would buy this camera tripods, especially other accessories. Because it makes sense, especially in urban and forested areas where
are always on all railings, signs, lanterns, poles, trees and fences. The Gorillapad Focus is processed perfectly. Even the ball, which I have won it, is recommended. Fits the mini tripod and what should make it. likes for smaller equipment of sufficient strength and well-adjusted. I think that the fairly high price is justified by the quality of material well.

Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head

The Static Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 is characterized by a low weight, excellent handling, high stability and surprising flexibility. The reversible center column allows you to shoot straight down (macro, still life) without the tripod legs get in the way or the tripod head can be rotated at the end of its adjustability needs.

The weight is very low, the legs can be quickly and easily extend and fix. The tripod has a very high level of practicality, especially for travel photographers or those who must carry around a good piece with it.

I have long thought that I buy travel tripod. and the arguments for Manfrotto are:
+ rapidly reversible center column
+ Minimum height 8cm (top for ground macros)
+ Minimum weight despite reversible center column
+ 3 instead of 4 segments (with legs spread more stability)
+ quality workmanship
+ spikes attached
+ super value

The stand is very well made, also sit handles. All solutions are well thought out and well executed. Going on a long hike, it will surely someday getting heavier. But that's how it is when you can not do without good photos would.
One minus point from me is that on the tripod legs no foam grips, such as in the monopod from Manfrotto are. In cold weather, make the icy feel on the metal is not so pleasant (if the fingers are cold anyway).
Otherwise, so for the Manfrotto 190CXPRO33 is my recommendation for camera tripods.

Manfrotto MK294A3-D3RC2 294 Aluminum Tripod Kit with 3-Way Head with Quick Release

Having photographed many years with repurposed video tripod in, I then some opted for a new photo-tripod. This Manfrotto MK294A3-D3RC2 294 Aluminum Tripod Kit with 3-Way Head with Quick Release appeared to me in my search from the beginning is best equipped in terms of capacity, height and function. And (as for Manfrotto might have been expected) I am thoroughly satisfied, especially since the price is incredibly reasonable for the quality.

The closures of telescopes are adjustable and really stable, it easily. Although the stand has three floors, it is connected in a few seconds. With a handle on the snapper, and even the feet are long snapper and holds. This is so simple and fast, and even with nothing hooked because my delicate fingers that works perfectly well without fumbling or effort. Here, the tripod is light enough that it can hold out woman with one hand while the snapper are closed. Thus, the construction on uneven ground (stairs, rocks) is equal to just how it should be. Rubber feet and foam rubber coating on two legs are standard. The angle adjustment is made of metal, well made and very stable. I hardly think there is a risk that at some point a finger falls somewhere in between.

The exodus of the hexagonal center column is actually little need for full height. That goes to solve the T-screw quite easily. To put the center column to the head, has been at the bottom of a rubber cap are abgepopelt which simultaneously serves as a stop against accidental starting Handsome full withdrawal. This raises the question of how long it takes for the rubber cap is going bad or lost because there is no ring or anything else has to secure and on.The only held by two rubber pins head mount is made of metal and stable. A soft rubber ring to absorb a possible shock that happens when the center column down rushes after accidental loosening the thumb screw. Whether that makes up as much as praise the labels ... somehow I can not imagine how this loss will ever be used. Even when fully extended, the center column stable and wobbles a bit. Because it is hexagonal, it is not twisted.



The tripod head is made of plastic. First time very unusual. After extensive use, it turns out that there is absolutely no difference from aluminum, except in the lower weight. All bearings and metal threads are so accustomed to wear. I even have the impression that the threaded inserts are more stable than the cut in aluminum thread. The release of the adjustment handle happens with a half turn and after a slight tightening carries the tripod head with the cam 1.8kg Tele trunk bombproof without appreciable sagging. The plate displacement shot is backed self-adjusting and additionally holds automatisch looseness.

The handles are just richtlig in length, and rubberized grip, very pleasant. The ratio shows the joints is nice as well as the bubble, who needs it. Panoramic photos come right away, if one pays attention to the nodal point and uses a sliding panel.

As a video tripod, the tripod head is less likely, since he also achieved full a swing with a slight twitching starts.

Best Manfrotto MH055M8-Q5 055 MAG Photo-Movie Head with Q5 Quick Release System for Tripods and Cameras

Manfrotto MH055M8-Q5 055 MAG Photo-Movie Head with Q5 Quick Release System for Tripods and Cameras, here emphasis is placed on design. The head looks pretty good what. It is made from magnesium Trivalent. It is lighter than the Manfrotto 501 HDV (which has a similar capacity and a counter pressure). The screw of the bottom plate, which the camera is attached to the head must, unfortunately, be tightened with a coin or screwdriver wide as it is known in Great Quick facilities. The so-practical eye, with which you can tighten the screw right hand missing. This is a shame in this price range.

You can read each of the tilt angle in a large degree scale accurately and as quickly reach certain angle and understandable. In addition to a bubble level 3 more conventional spirit levels are present. It is thus possible from many different angles simply detect whether the camera is actually installed horizontally. The knob for the vertical inclination is slightly highlighted. The panning is smooth in all directions realtiv what eg when Manfrotto 701 HDV factory so not the case (but one can retract these). From time to time but there is still a slight stuttering at the beginning of the swing movement. After some time in use, but it runs smoothly.

Pivotal movement strongly inclined upward toward the zenith, is not possible because of the arm abuts the stand. Down to feel better, but not optimal. It can be a counterweight to balance (with a pen) can be connected, which is offered only in the high class. The head carries easily and heavy DSLR cameras, such as Canon 5D Mark II with a 200mm telephoto. A switch toggles between video and photo mode. This is an advantage of this hermaphrodite. For head Jump lasts. And that does not make any subject with this easy!

Resume : It is hard to find in this price range a perfect video head. At Manfrotto MH055M8 bothers me, 1 that the screw in the quick-change device has no eyelet. this by hand to screw with the camera really tight. Second The restricted pivot angle. A good solid design and the switching between video and photo head on "button" is.