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.

Best Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head

Intro: for Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head

 Why only 4 instead of 5 stars for this tripod? - I do not know what to make of the (presumably higher) use of plastic on the stand. In addition comes the tripod "pure", without straps. This may be common for Manfrotto, I will get used to that but still there: A tripod is worn on the belt and therefore commonly the product should be included within a belt! You buy a car, too, where the seats are supplied without padding ...

 Details:The aluminum version of the stand for about 15 years I carried around with me. A heavy 190 that was extremely reliable and solid and is. The disadvantage of the aluminum version, however, was not only in weight, it was also relatively long in the collapsed state and gave me countless annoyances during transport. I was all those years tough, but eventually it was simple enough.A problem of a heavy tripod is not to be underestimated: One wonders constantly if anyone takes what it is best to transport etc. So you decide sometimes wrong and the costs then perhaps good, unique photos ...The 190 Carbon Tripod scores basically a fabulous lightweight. So ever, the main criterion for a particular road action using tripod is met. Is the fact that the part is significantly shorter than the known aluminum version. Thus, it can even be put into the backpack, although this is relative: A 52-liter backpack may take the stand just so then but for more payload only limited use because backpacks are generally not angular - that takes the stand at the highest point, namely in the middle of the pack away the best place.Very good is the integrated, easy-to-read water level. For panoramic photography have to set up the tripod correctly - which of course it is also the case on the other hand, that the leveling of the pano head is decisive and not the tripod (Pano-beginners: beware!)The tripod legs are warm and comfortable in the hand - to ugly foam rubber hoses (and extra weight) so you can do without on cold days.Speaking of legs, I am often on the lake - at the moment I do not know yet, what happens when the fine sand falls upon the camera tripods ... Since the tolerances are tight in the sliding parts, the sand might cause some abrasion effect ... But I'd best be careful with speculation.Material: The material of which the terminals are, I do not know yet, even after 2 years. Who wants to know it should, to ask me at Manfrotto.

CONCLUSION:This stand is EASY and has a small pack length! And that's a blessing. For it is worth the extra expense. You should not skimp here. It used something not yet output.The look is elegant, the use is expected to be good. The thick legs slip out well, which are thinnest in the last statement a little stiff, and the buckling of the legs over the standard angle is also a bit stiff. It has all the advantages and disadvantages.The 3 drawers make the tripod in the short pack size nicely. Thus, it is generally reserved for the obvious purpose: FINALLY less pain and problems respectively frequent hours of towing equipment! Fewer worries in the luggage planning and an increased incentive to take the stand. Because you can always connect Connect anywhere, or hook. There is easily enough.After 2 years of use I can say: This thing still looks like new. At the lake, I was no longer so can not comment on the wear on the legs.The legs are a bit soft, I would say today, that absorbs the tripod to check if it should not. Well, now I have on it a heavy Manfrotto ball head above that weighs about as much as the whole stand - and my cameras, all with vertical grip and heavy glasses ...Ultimately, I get along well with this stand. It serves me as a "secret weapon" for instance in conference rooms, when I photograph artist / orchestra. It's for my taste namely better than a monopod because it stands by itself and I can also be coupled to the camera just go somewhere drag ;-) like a monopod, without having problems.Practical value when I use to be very high - ideal as Monopod replacement (although it is usually the other way around ...).

Sirui N-2004 4-Section Aluminum Tripod

 

For the price, the Sirui N-2004 4-Section Aluminum Tripod is really excellent.

Positives:

+ Optimum height! At a height of 180 cm, the viewfinder of my camera is right at eye level without having to bend down. I use a Nikon D300 with battery grip and a ball head. With this configuration I have to take off the center column never to consent to look through the viewfinder.

+ Stable! To specify the maximum load capacity of 15 kg is used maybe a little high (I can but poorly estimate). Nevertheless, 10 kg I would entrust the stand safely. My Nikon D300 + 70-200mm f/2.8 it carries without showing even a recognition of weakness.

+ Relatively easy! At 1.6 kg, it can sometimes even take on long walking trips.

+ Small pack size! The tripod legs can be folded 180 degrees. So a really small pack size is achieved. I get the tripod even in my Backpack! You can also set up the tripod so wrong about (camera down) photograph to be in extreme ground. Virtually!

+ Lots of Accessories! Many renowned tripod manufacturers have often been the most necessary accessories (I will not name names but I had already stands at a much higher price range that were not even come with a carrying case! Here you get a bag with strap (the one on directly tripod can attach, which is also ideally suited for long hikes), a short center column and several Allen key.

+ A tripod legs can be unscrewed and this can be used as a monopod. A great idea, which I have so not seen by any other manufacturer. The necessary equipment for this is included.


Negative:

There are half a minus only for screw caps of the tripod legs. I'm just the clips have been used which are more comfortable. It is and remains a matter of taste. The screw caps are also mapped one-half to three-quarter turn to open and close safely. So arises out of this half minus point rather out of my personal feeling.


Conclusion:

A tripod is ALWAYS a compromise. Some professional photographer would leave perhaps the vibration damping of aluminum tripods (although this does not stand in the negative notice), others it might be too big because it just has a smaller camera system. Everyone needs to decide for themselves. For me, as an ambitious amateur photographer, even with relatively heavy equipment, it is the likes called "Egg-laying-rounder". It carries my equipment sure has a small pack size is large enough and suitable for ground-level shots anyway and I can take you on a walking tour of 20km length, without which I think to have to collapse under it ;)

Vanguard Auctus Plus 323CT Professional Tripod for Cameras and Camcorders

 

18kg load capacity and a MSRP of just under 600, - ... confidently positioned the Vanguard Auctus Plus 323CT so priced. slightly below the top dogs of the 057-series from Manfrotto and in direct price competition with the Induro tripods CT313/CT314 But that there is also more expensive for example, Gitzo, Novoflex or Really Right Stuff. A direct comparison is certainly legitimate, but this should not be the focus here.

A tripod with a 18kg load capacity is no doubt for the clients of the professional user and should man / woman actually already expect a lot from Auctus Plus. Besides spikes for field and rubberized caps for indoor use, the standard also provides 323CT with "snowshoes" , dish-shaped, large rubber sheets, which are intended to better distribute the load and this prevent it from sinking.

A word at this point again to the closures. The legs of this carbon fiber tripod screw caps are locked and unlocked (hence the name CT, C = Carbon, T = Twist Lock). Some like it, others prefer the clamp or snap closures. I personally prefer the rotation variant, this advantage 323CT.

Another selling point of Vanguard is the adjustment wheel, which will facilitate the height adjustment of the center column. Here, each photographer must first answer the question yourself whether this feature for him / her is really necessary. If desired, then the 323CT can extend to a maximum of 1.80 m - and the smooth "and slidably adjustable friction means then the actuation force during cranking or the brake." Of the equipment to be adjusted. The height adjustment works very well and then basically almost free of play, only a loosening of friction when moving directly causes noticeable play in the crank motion. For the photo shoot can then fix the center column again also has a swivel, so that all play can be eliminated because of the center column adjustment.

So much mechanics has its price, and not just in. The weight for me when Auctus Plus 323CT the biggest shortcoming. With 3.6 kg, this tripod sets standards. Even the wooden Berlebach tripods are the same load capacity as much underneath. With appropriate head the 323CT comes but then relaxed and easy to 4 to 4.5 kg total weight. Because you should consider carefully whether one takes this part of the next flight or trekking trip, especially 71cm pack size also are not bad either. About the predicate travel tripod "we need in this case, probably not talking, here are muscles, broad shoulders and endurance needed, because just at the Vanguard Tripod Bag has saved in the wrong place.

Dear developers of Vanguard, we photographers are usually Although very capable of suffering, some comfort and pampering pleasure we would have at a price of 600, - but then wanted. On the one hand you give us "snow shoes, spikes and sand / dust resistant adjusting for outdoor use, on the other side is a heavyweight of equipment and then not even a reasonable Wearing? Well, there is still room for improvement!
Is absolutely exemplary but then the processing of the stand. The legs slide evenly and smoothly, length markings on the elements provide fast and accurate "pre-adjustment. Nor could I find any negative or exhalations when used resin, of course I have made only a sniffer test and any emission testing or material sample to the gas chromatograph.

Also, the stability can be largely no reason to blame, for outdoor use in wind are under utilized in leg length then but a slight vibration in detectable. A counterweight on the hook of the central column, however, creates here remedy.

My conclusion: the Vanguard 323CT is a studio tripod! Stable and difficult with useful features for indoor use. Even if all the equipment features speak of who have it drags in a outdoor use must in my view masochistic equipment. The price is then despite the very good quality for a Chinese tripod already quite steep, Benro and Sirui offer as equivalent material for a few hundred to more favorable. It's always a question of the purpose, but who needs a top universal stand (Manfrotto fan community forgive me) is, in my better with the SIRUI M3204. 1.7 kg weight with stand 18kg load capacity, 51cm packing size and 1.77 m height to stand at 400, - and excellent quality camera tripods.

VANGUARD Auctus Plus 283AT Tripod for Camera Accessories

 

I work with this VANGUARD Auctus Plus 283AT Tripod for Camera Accessories for a few weeks now and can highly recommend on it.

The work with the tripod is very pleasant and cons I can find hardly any.
Except for the weight perhaps: but this can also be a plus point as it increases the stability!
Who here needs something lighter can then confidently take up the carbon fiber version.

The center column drive runs 'smooth as silk' and precisely, even with heavy equipment, and can be 'bomb-proof' locks.
The snow shoes are on soft ground very comfortable and provide good stable stance.

Some of the quick-out has been used in the leg adjustment might think the Drehverschlüße its too complicated: here I can clearly give Entwarung, one turn and the lock keeps safe!
The level mark on the tripod legs is a great feature that you will not find with other manufacturers.

Pros:
+ Very stable design
+ Excellent workmanship
+ Center column can be removed and repositioned for macro shooting
+ Smoother and more precise Crank / Wheel for the center column
+ Height adjustment quickly and safely, only one rotation
+ Height mark on the tripod legs
+ Variable tripod legs: spikes, rubber feet, large snowshoes - to swap quickly and easily
+ For 'heavy equipment' suitable and also very comfortable to use and precise adjustment.

With 14kg load capacity and 170cm working height is equipped for almost all cases very well and it is really fun to work with.
I highly recommend this camera tripods for serious amateurs and professionals fully!

Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber 4 Section Tripod with Q90 Column and Magnesium Castings (Black)

The Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 tripod is working very nicely, the carbon just looks classy nothing with its beautiful grain in vergeich for my first plastic (rattle) tripod.


The stand is very sturdy and stable, the processing effect overall high quality. The pack size is 54 cm (without head) relative to the maximum height of a very compact, responsible for siind the 4-membered base elements. Highlight of the tripod next to the very low weight of the center column, which can be rotated by 90 degrees, thus enabling an extremely high flexibility, especially for macro shots. The operation of the center column has, at the beginning a bit fiddly, but with only one screw and a locking pin after a while it goes very quickly out of hand. The adjustment can definitely nothing to be desired even in difficult terrain.

It can be packed conveniently small and moved out huge. I am 172cm and can only say for my size it is to behold perfeckt because I need the middle column with fully extended legs, only to sixth pull out to (+ ball head Triopo b2 10cm) from my canon 500D. thus it is much more than a small tripod stabieler with fully extended central column where the focus quite far up sitting. when fully extended, it should be enough for people to even loose the 190cm.
All other elements are easy to use and make a good impression automatically.



CONCLUSION:
- The quality of this camera tripod seems to be useful in proper care for an amateur photographer living.
- Extremely flexible, light and beautifull little packed size for people to 190 cm.
- Everything seems very solid, open the locks on the telescopic legs and close easily, but are safe.
- The feel is very pleasant, and the stand according to the price generally very high quality.
- You get what you expect in terms of prices. A very light, high quality, stable and flexible tripod.

Sirui M3204 M Series Tripod Legs 4 Section 58.7in Height Carbon - Sirui M-3204

Using Sirui M3204 M Series Tripod Legs for outdoor photo shot is very helpfull

so as a professional photographer, a photo shoot without a tripod is unthinkable. Nice if you are in the studio to weight and pack size must not worry. If man / woman but a lot and well as outdoor works, who knows how quickly the (unnecessary) kilos of equipment take their toll and in the truest sense of the words can be a burden. In addition, since last year, refuse certain countries permit the carrying of tripods in hand luggage (eg Republic of China) and banish this equipment necessarily the case. This for me the decisive factors in the choice of the new stand were set:

- Maximum capacity> 15 kg
- Lightweight
- Minimum stuff size
- Longevity

Some research on the internet I have then quickly led to SIRUI, one in Germany and previously little-known brand in comparison test yet rather neglected. Through my good contacts in Asia, however, I was able to fall back on so some experience with the brand and finally decided to buy it.

The stand comes in a handy box. Included are the compact and high quality packing bag (Manfrotto, Gitzo, Benro & Co. can cut a thick slice since). With a size of 55 x 13 x 13 cm it fits so well on the flight and in a suitcase. The bag includes a tripod, in a Zipplock tool bag, the strap, the strap, and the short center column in a separate textile bag protected from damage. Since the tripod legs can be folded at the top and thus applied directly to the central column, the package is actually minimized.

The twist lock leg adjusters are very smooth but just jam and perfectly, the adjustment of the leg length is smooth and uniform. Also, the center column can be removed after unscrewing the screw without noticeable play easily adjusted in height. One of the legs can be removed and used to turn the panel into an enclosed head Einbeistativ. To good use in buildings or events in which a tripod is not allowed. What surprised me very pleasant is the fact that this stand smells despite 8-ply carbon NOT! Carbon fiber tripods with other manufacturers initially spread ever an unpleasant, pungent and foul odor of the resin used by Ausdünstigen but on this tripod is absolutely nothing which can be locked!

The first test shoot with 200-400mm lens and professional DSLR and 2 teleconverter shows at the highest magnification despite autumnal winds no vibration or blurring in the image. If necessary, can be connected to the hook of the central column attached additionally a counterweight, which can provide for further stabilization of the stand.

Everything perfect? YES! .... almost. The stand is without doubt currently the best that the market has to offer for my needs and that too at a very good price. Similar material, for example at Really Right Stuff blows up as even the 4-digit range in Euros with the same performance and quality. This earned the M-3204 at least 6 stars. The only drawback in my opinion, is that the standard carrying bag is then measured but quite narrow. I use the M-3204 one KIRK BH-1 Ballhead and when installed the team just barely fits me tooth and nail into the pocket. In the interest of the zipper, it is therefore perhaps be advisable on long and rough transport lifting the ball from the stand or to move to a suitable transport packaging from third parties. But that can live with.

So my conclusion: Absolutely TOP-stand for camera tripods

Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod

 

When bought the Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro with Manfrotto Compact Ball Head with 200PL (496RC2) in the package.


Together they weigh about 2.3 kg, and has put together a package measuring less than 70cm, so that the combination can be made and assembled tripod head easily accommodated into a tripod quiver of 70cm. I have used the Kalahari quiver 70cm.

It can carry the tripod in weight yet good. It is a good compromise between weight and load capacity of 5kg represents Subtracting the tripod head with a little less than 500 g, 4.5 kg load remain through camera lens and flash.




Compared to the more expensive carbon tripods have been using this combination is good value for money.

My Nikon D90 in combination with the 18-200 mm zoom lens + Nikon SB 600 flash are easily kept and absolutely secure.

Both the tripod and the tripod head are absolutely top quality. No comparison with the cheap tripods else does one find in the market. All critically important parts are metal.


The technical characteristics as specified by the manufacturer. The tripod head is screwed onto the tripod and fixed with 3 small screws to provide a solid, stable unit. The advantage compared to fixed heads of cheap tripods that you can always replace the tripod head.

The quick-mounting plate is made of aluminum, the mounting precision of the camera and through the cotter very reliable.



The tripod has a good stability, even when folded down the center column is the camera held up well. The three tripod legs offer multiple settings. In long exposures the stand is secure and tight. On a hook, it is possible, such as the camera bag still mount as an additional stabilizing element.


For transportation, however, a stand bag is required. Although a hook for a carrier belt is present, however, is not included. Here I use rather then a padded tripod bag that is large enough to hold the combination that is comfortable to wear and offers added protection.

I can recommend to anyone ambitious amateur photographer, this combination manfrotto tripods

Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)

I use the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod along with the Manfrotto 804RC2 3-way Panhead.

Both together a very good combination. Tripod and Panhead but have a total weight of just under 4 kg, which on longer tours with respect again carrying can already be stressful. Without the head 055XPROB weighs at least 2.7 KG proud.


The workmanship is very good and makes a quality impression. A maximum height of 178.5 cm are very pleasant for me, since I'm about 2 feet tall and I have when looking through the viewfinder to bend only slightly. This was inter alia an important aspect of the purchase. The tripod is very stable, even with extended center column, where I use the full extend of the center column is very rare. The rubberized handles are used for my taste of limited, because at temperatures around the freezing point, this is no real advantage, and only marginally better than than pure aluminum. Easier on the hands, it is not, because foam would have been better.
The leg locks work by click-lock as you would expect from Manfrotto, a screw cap had a slight advantage at temperatures below freezing, especially if you have cold hands. The opening and closing of the leg locks can be in this situation slightly uncomfortable

Positives:
- Value for money (about 130 Euro)
- versatile: either fully extended (1.78m fully extended) or very close to the ground (legs at 90 degrees and can be spread out center column 90 degrees tilt, great for macro shots)
- Quick Release (is this tool clipped to one of the legs) restressable for introducing / extending the legs
- Handy when the tripod on his shoulder bears or when the aluminum tripod is rather cold in the winter
- Weight hook (to maintain balance or in general as a holder)
- built-in level
- Free head election (eg photo or video)

neutral:
- Weight (2.4 Kg): It is therefore to carry a little heavier, but it also ensures stability

negative:
(- Only rubber feet: do not adjust to any surface and no possibility of Spike installation)

Conclusion: For nice price you can get great quality Manfrotto. It is solid, can be set in both high and very low, making it extremely versatile. Only the non-removable rubber feet muddy the perfect overall result. This is anything but bitching at a high level. For me, a very good tripod which I would definitely recommend. I use a Canon 7D with 70-300mm lens, but with a maximum capacity of 7 KG space is still up.