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.