Tripod Reviews

I've had my binoculars for 5 days now, and I'm not all that impressed with them. Don't expect to be able to see anything when using more than about 25x magnification. I'm using my binoculars with a tripod, which is a MUST, but that doesn't help at all when the quality of the lenses don't seem to allow for focusing in the 25x or higher range. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any other binoculars out there with high magnification at a bareable price. If you can manage with the clear 16x-25x range, then they will probably be ok for you.

I've just pulled them out of the box, and they are incredibly powerfull. You have to get used to the way the zoom works, due to the fact that you can not easily proper focus the image. As soon as you do it, the image is impressive. The tripod adapter comes handy especially when you use them with full zoom. The binoculars are not heavy and you can manipulate them easily. They are high priced but its worth every single buck.

This is a good starter tripod. It's lightweight, is generally well constructed, and comes with two quick-release camera attachments (handy if you're using it with more than one camera).

There is a bubble level on the camera mount and a dome-like bubble level on the base where the legs attach. Neither seems useful or accurate. Furthermore, extending the legs all the way and setting the tripod on a level surface doesn't cause the camera to be level - you still have to fiddle around with the individual leg heights to get things properly level.

Having said that, it's usually not much of a hassle to get it set up the way you want.

For this price, it's a great thing to have around for those times you need a tripod. I got to actually be in the Christmas photos by way of my camera's timer and this tripod.

I use one on a 3001 Bogan Tripod - a good match.

Good for 200-300 telephoto lenses, and spotting scopes.
Fast easy tracking.

Drawbacks:
1. Adjustments can be tightened/ loosened, but not locked.
2. Quick release bracket would be nice.

Pros: solid, fairly tall, independant leg movement, center column can be mounted horizontaly.

Cons: not light, locks need tightening on regular basis (8mm socket wrench), acts as heat sink in cold weather.

One thing noted about the Canon Rebel 2000 is that it is very small for an SLR. Some people like this, but others find that it makes the grip uncomfortable. This is the main reason I bought this grip, to "extend" the vertical grip so my whole hand could fit around it. There is another option for the R2K, the battery pack, which is similar, except it has space for extra batteries instead of a mini tripod. I believe the battery pack has a vertical shutter release button, but this grip does not.

The tripod is very convenient, because it is always on hand to keep the camera steady. It is a little a awkward to extend, but it moves in many directions to accommodate your situation. There is an easy to operate lock that holds the pod in any position.

The grip fits very securely to the camera. There is a large disk that you spin from either side, and it fits into the tripod socket. What's great about the way this works, is that it is like some of the new tripods. If you tighten it, it pulls against the socket, rather than pushing into the camera. This way you can tighted it and be sure you won't break into the camera.

My only gripe is that it is rather bulky. It weighs considerably compared to just the camera. But that was probably what you were looking for, because the R2K is very lightweight and plasticy feeling. This piece is very solid. It comes with a strap that connects from the slot on the top right (where you probably have the neck strap connected) to a slot on the right side of the grip. This way you can securely hold the camera in one hand w/o the neck strap. However, it is tedious to remove the strap and re-attach the neck strap if you need to remove the grip. If you want, you can use the grip without the strap. This lets you simply unscrew the disk to quickly remove the whole thing.

I've had this tripod for about 3 years now. It's extremely small when telescoped down (10" in length) and light in weight (about 1 lb), thereby allowing me to stow it away completely in my camera bag when I'm travelling. I don't even notice its weight when I'm walking around taking photos. When fully extended, its height measures about 40", which means you'll have to bend down a bit when taking photos. The 3-way panhead allows for complete freedom for orienting your mounted camera.

The tripod is strong enough to support small to medium size cameras; I never had a problem with my old Olympus 3030Z digicam. It can even support my Canon SLR, but it is not stable enough to mount heavy lenses that extend outward (for example, my 1.56 lb, long Canon 70-200L lens produces too much torque and tips the tripod over, but my 1.1 lb, shorter Tamron 28-75 lens is ok on it).

Negatives: the legs lock with a twisting motion, which is less secure than clasps found on larger, heavier tripods. I've had the legs start to telescope down on occasion unless I've carefully locked the legs. Additionally, locking the legs at a height less than full extension is difficult as well.

Overall, a very good tripod if you want to pack light. However, it does have its deficiencies as noted above.

Everything you would ask for and more...high quality thick nylon/cordura material exterior(the stuff they use on high quality baggages), well padded interior lined with smooth nylon, and big zippers that are easy to grip. Outer pouch uses the same materials as the main compartment and is also padded with the same high-density foam material. Way better that some of the other cases, including the cheap Bogen canvas bags and even the Tamrac bags. Close to quality as the $150 Gitzo bags without paying the hefty price. I would give it a 5 if the shoulder strap was padded.

This tripod is extremely lightweight and is ideal for basic use (I am using it with a canon dv camcorder). It works like most other tripods and has many of the basic features, including the ability to pan, tilt, etc. I have been happy with it so far. It screws into the bottom of the camcorder.. no easy on/off lever.

Pro's:
Very light; yet I am impressed with its stability and strength. Compacts to 20 or so inches, very portable. Collar locks take a bit of getting used to, as they grab and release with less rotation than I was used to (like with a normal metal tripod e.g.)
Oh, carbon is also much less "cold" to the touch...a bonus in the Minnesota (cold) climate.

Con:
I am asking too much, but it would be nice to have a basic ball mount head INCLUDED with the $130 monopod. Don't leave the store withou buying a head...

This is a very lightweight tripod. Comes with a pouch. The photo in the description is very misleading. Makes you think you are getting a portable remote control. That is NOT the case. The remote is part of the tripod control handle. The quick release is anything but quick. They advertise this tripod for the new Sony F828. Let me tell you something, that camera is way too heavy for this tripod. The quick release is quick, but getting the quick release device to hold on SECURELY to your camera is a task on it's own. You could use your fingers to tighten it, but I recommend a screwdriver. When loaded on the tripod, the camera is not as secure as it should be. It wobbles. For a camcorder, you may be ok since it is not as heavy. Also, the ad says you have elevator function. Another misleading piece of informaiton. You have to manually function that feature with 2 hands. There is NO remote that brings the device up and down for you. The remote only functions as an on/off switch and shutter release on the F828 and compatible digital camera. On compatable camcorders you can use it as an on/off, record, wide and tele function. Thats it. Not bad when you are video taping but it is not compatable with all the Sonys. Go to Sony.com to see if your camcorder is compatible. My CCD-TRV112 was NOT compatible. Overall , not a bad deal. But very misleading in the advertising. Too good to be true, that's because it isn't. It also is not very high. Stands about 4 feet tall. There are 2 other similar Sony tripods available. Go to Sony.com to see the other available tripods. I belive they are larger, yet a lot pricier.