Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

Just thought some may like to know what I think of this little guy.

Recently on our forum, someone ask about this tripod.
Well, since I was also looking for a small, light weight tripod, I looked at the "Amazon Basic Carbon Fiber" that the OP mentioned.

At the price, and the super return policy of Amazon, I thought I would give it a try. Since I spend a lot of my free time (doing what I like) on my MT Bike and wanted a tripod like this, so I ordered one.

When I first got it in my hands, I thought it was really not as good as I had hoped. But...I gave it a chance anyway.

After using it extensively for the past 60 days, both around the studio and outdoors, I will tell you this:

First I think it is under rated as far its weight capacity. It is rated at 8lbs/ max but I have tested it with a 12lb setup and found that it handled this amt. well. I will not say it is a tripod for using its max. height (52") with a lot of weight for any real serious stuff, but it will handle it.

It is really well built. The leg sections are surprisingly strong, and lock very firm.

The adjustment (I will call it a tab) tab pulls out to adjust the leg angles, and pushes back in to lock the legs at a given angle. All the legs adjust independently. And when they are locked...."THEY ARE STURDY"

What impressed me the most, is when you spread the legs to get a really "LOW TO THE GROUND", there really isn't any "SPING"....or little or no movement. I liked that.

As far at the ball head that comes with it:
I found the head locked well, was very smooth, and well built. In all honesty I never used the head in actuality, because all my cameras are set up with QR plates for my SIRUI BALL HEADS. But I feel certain that the head that come with this unit would do very nicely. I gave this head to a friend who never heard of a "Ball Head", so he is now a happy camper. LOL

Aside from the beauty of this tripod, and its petite appearance, (it is really what I call "A LITTLE BEAR") small size (12.5 in.) and its weight (2.4 lbs.) I really enjoy using it around the house. I keep it near my desk, and find it so nice to have at arms length away at all times for when I clean my lenses, camera, or just get the urge to try something that may enter my mind that requires a tripod and I don't have to get one of the "BIG BOYS" set up. That alone is worth having this tripod.

Anyway....if you want a travel tripod, that will virtually fit almost anywhere...give this product a look.

Sorry for the long story, but I really an impressed with this little guy, and I would give a 5 STARR RATING for the $$$!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DHPCSA0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Thanks, Boone.

8-)

Ps; Sorry these photos aren't really good, but....?

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PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Great review. Thanks

neds Loc: southbury ct.

Boone, I have been looking for just this kind of tri pod, Thanks for your thoughts and observation, can you tell me how much you paid for it? thanks Ned

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Whenever I see something like this I always look for the negative reviews. They are often more informative than the 4 and 5 star reviews.

I see no rational justification to use this with a $1000 or more worth of camera equipment - based on the negative reviews. I would consider it for a bridge or point and shoot - but only if used at short focal lengths.

Over the past 48 yrs I've used dozens of different camera support systems from old wooden wooden tripods, to Cambo, Arkay and Foba studio camera stands. Just on general appearance the experience of people who have noted serious flaws in design and construction (non-captive screws, retaining pin for ball head breaking, rubber pads for quick release plate falling off and getting lost, leg locks that can open with just a little stress, etc etc etc), I could not recommend this to anyone. It makes sense to spend the correct amount of money on reliable stable support. Saving a few hundred dollars on something like this often proves to be a false economy, after the bill comes in for repairing or replacing a camera/lens that fell when the tripod failed. And according to the customer reviews, it does fail.

I have used some carbon travel tripods from Gitzo, Sirui and Feisol - none of which I have any complaints about - and could recommend without hesitation. In fact, I have a 9 yr old Feisol large tripod that works as nicely and smoothly as the day I bought it.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-52-Inch-Carbon-Travel-Tripod/product-reviews/B00DHPCSA0/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_3?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0&filterByStar=three_star&pageNumber=1

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

$80.oo See link below.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DHPCSA0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o0...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks. Amazon seems to know how to get good products designed for its Basics line. They should use a better name, though. "Prime" would be good.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

Spend the correct amount of money? Just what is the correct amount?

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Not much good for folks 6'4" ,nice deal just the same.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I see no reason this tripod wouldn't be adequate for most indoor studio use. For outdoors, it depends on how it is being used.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I would suggest a bit more than $80.00.
You get what you pay for; and, you don't get what you don't pay for. :D

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Interesting looking product, but at full extension the bottom section of leg looks very thin. My main concern would be its rigidity. If it's not reasonably rock solid when using it, you might as well shoot handheld. What's the verdict on that?

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

There is a lot of controversy about tripods. You can spend less than $100 or more than $1000 on a tripod. As an Engineer, I have found that increased versatility and decrease weight decrease the ability of a tripod to hold the camera and lens steady under all conditions regardless of the cost. A studio tripod weighing 20 lbs. or more will be a steadier platform than any travel tripod. The choice of tripod is a compromise between utility and structural strength.

RRS Loc: Not sure

That all depends. If you have $1,000.00 invested and feel you can replace your camera and lens when the tripod falls or fails then you decide what to spend. On the other hand if just one of your lenses cost you over 10 grand then again just how much do you want to risk? When you take this hobby seriously or advance to the point that you make your living from photography there's a factor that many don't think about, INSURANCE! If you have so much invested if equipment and have it insured why would you put $15,000.00 worth of camera and lens on a $100.00 tripod. I'm not a snob but I wouldn't drive a race car without racing tires. There is a place for the smaller and less expensive tripods so if it works for you then enjoy.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Does it have leveling 'eyes' and can it do level panning.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I like your addition to a famous quote"You get what you pay for.
I like your addition You don't get what you don't pay for. Is that copyrighted? I would like to use it.