opinions on this new tripod on sale at Costco: Hi all, I just got a Costco online sales flyer and saw this and wondered what you all think of it.....it seems very comprehensive but I'm...

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Hi all,

I just got a Costco online sales flyer and saw this and wondered what you all think of it.....it seems very comprehensive but I'm betting it's coming from China based on the grammar in the write up.

http://www.costco.com/.product.100073662.html?&EMID=B2C_2014_0217_PresidentsDay

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I bought it from Costco last time it was on sale (same price). I like it a lot, but I don't have much experience with tripods to compare.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I would never buy a tripod with a head. I would rather just buy the legs and all my own head.
Same with a camera.........buy the body and select your own lens.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Go here for some other recent comments: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-177203-1.html

Nightsky Loc: Augusta, GA USA

This Tripod is listed on Amazon at $271.17 + shipping. Not listed at Adorama that I can find. So it's a good price for what it is. I have two concerns - the included head - I'm with philo here - buy separate pieces. Also, this unit has a four section leg. The more sections in the leg the less stability as the sections keep getting smaller. I have not however had my 'hands on' one.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Thanks, everyone, for your input so far. Much appreciated!

philo Loc: philo, ca

I did try this tripod and returned it to costco. The four legs took forever to set up.

busted_shutter

Can't help with the shown tripod, but expecting the "big brown truck" next week with my Dolica monopod.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

This tripod is the Dolica version of the Manfrotto BeFree, already knocked off as the Benro MeFoto as well as others. It lacks the stability to do long exposures but does fold up quite small for travelling.

philo Loc: philo, ca

There is no doubt in my mind that a tripod is better then a monopod. How ever a cheap light weight tripod that won't support your equipment and can be blown over in the sightest breeze is a waste of time and money. I just don't want to risk an expense piece of equipment in order to save a few dollars.

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

MT Shooter wrote:

This tripod is the Dolica version of the Manfrotto BeFree, already knocked off as the Benro MeFoto as well as others. It lacks the stability to do long exposures but does fold up quite small for travelling.

I may be wrong but I believe the Benro MeFoto was first on the scene, followed shortly thereafter by the Manfrotto BeFree. Regardless, I was given a Benro MeFoto to test and review and it's actually a pretty solid tripod for what it is. In a pinch, it'll work with a DSLR but it is certainly not optimal. It's great for point and shoots or even smaller mirrorless cameras, though. This Dolica does look very similar in design to the MeFoto tripods. I'm not familiar with the brand and have never seen or used on personally so I can't comment on quality.

My recommendation: invest in a good, solid tripod and ballhead. You'll spend more money up front but you'll save money in the long run because you won't need or want to upgrade every couple of years.

I wrote a blog post on the topic of tripods a while ago that has generated quite a few comments. You might be interested in reading it to learn why I recommend investing in a good, high quality tripod and ballhead early on. If so, you can find Tripods: Should You Spend More? on my blog.

Hope this is helpful!

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Thanks for all the great input. At least if I decide to go for it Costco has an awesome return policy. I have a bunch of other tripods already that I don't necessarily love. Just wondering about this one. My set up is not very heavy. Nikon D5100 with 70-300.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

bretedge wrote:

I may be wrong but I believe the Benro MeFoto was ... (show quote)

The Manfrotto BeFree was available in Europe 3 1/2 years ago, it only came to North America 1 1/2 years ago after the Benro knock-off became available here. The Benro model is made under about 6 other Chinese names also (all from the same factory). Quality differences become readily apparent when they are stood side-by-side and looked over in detail.

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

MT Shooter wrote:

The Manfrotto BeFree was available in Europe 3 1/2 years ago, it only came to North America 1 1/2 years ago after the Benro knock-off became available here. The Benro model is made under about 6 other Chinese names also (all from the same factory). Quality differences become readily apparent when they are stood side-by-side and looked over in detail.

Good to know. For what it's worth, I've never had any issues with my Benro and I've been using it for about 1 1/2 years now. Like I said, it isn't my main tripod but it does get used.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I just received this tripod - I immediately removed the ball head and replaced it with my 6 inch pistol grip ball head. I like the quick "clip lever" type of leg adjustment rather than the twist type.
Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head
by Dolica
Price: $46.95 & FREE Shipping.
Details
62" Aluminum Proline Tripod
Support up to 13.2 lbs
Ballhead, quick release plate and bubble level
Quick release leg locks and non-slip rubber feet

busted_shutter wrote:

Can't help with the shown tripod, but expecting the "big brown truck" next week with my Dolica monopod.