Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra 3-Way Head Kit
Any reviews of this tripod? $179.00
Yes, wanted more trustworthy opinions, thx
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
Metpin777 wrote:
Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra 3-Way Head Kit
Any reviews of this tripod? $179.00
What are you using it for? Seems pretty light duty, and it seems that you are likely to be replacing it sooner than later. I would stay away and wait until I could justify a solid, stable, carbon fiber tripod - lighter, stronger, more expensive, but worth the $$.
You select a tripod based on focal length and or magnification you intend to use, and the top tube diameter - bigger means more stable. Carbon stronger and lighter than aluminum.
I have that tripod. It's a decent lightweight tripod. It came with the 3 way head but I often use a gimbal head on it. It is not some big hulk of a heavy duty tripod that can support a smaller version of the hale telescope. The heaviest lens I've mounted on that tripod is the Sigma 150-600 Sport attached to the matching Sigma 1.4X teleconverter attached to a Canon 5DIV without any problems. I've also used it to take long exposures of the night sky. It's best if you use a remote shutter release. It's a decent tripod for the money if you are looking for a good lightweight tripod.
Metpin777 wrote:
Yes, wanted more trustworthy opinions, thx
Exactly why I look for online reviews. I have several tripods, and if anyone asked me how I liked them, I'd say they were fine. Someone who has examined hundreds of tripods would be able to pick out strengths and weaknesses in my tripods.
The weight capacity appears to be little to light. It's 8.8lbs.
Thank you everyone for your help, just ordered, will mostly be for portraits
Metpin777 wrote:
Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra 3-Way Head Kit
Any reviews of this tripod? $179.00
If you have a camera-lens combination that has any weight to it, you may be disappointed. Read reviews, do some research - the better tripods, carbon fiber, start around $500. You don't want an unstable base for a good camera. There are plenty of threads on this subject that you could read.
SusanFromVermont wrote:
If you have a camera-lens combination that has any weight to it, you may be disappointed.
And if it has no weight to it, you've got an amazing thing on your hands.
Good tripods are forever. My most solid tripod is an American Bolex Evn-Pan that my father bought in the late 1940s. The head would swivel and pan (but not tilt) and was controlled and locked by the single handle, which was perfect for his 16mm movie cameras. (I find this to be the most convenient head design for ME to use with still cameras, but I don't think I've ever seen another one that works this way.)
Point is - I'm sure it was expensive when purchased (probably at least $500 in today's money), but except for some dings in the paint it's still as solid as the day it was bought, and has been giving reliable service for 70+ years.
(Interesting trivia factoid: for those of you who have ever used (all "seasoned" photographers have at least seen) a Sekonic Studio Deluxe light meter - that device was originally built and sold by American Bolex, beginning in 1948.)
Metpin777 wrote:
Thank you everyone for your help, just ordered, will mostly be for portraits
It will be fine for doing portraits. Like I stated previously, be sure to use a remote shutter release, preferably wireless. The less you have attached to the camera that moves, the less likely you will get the nasty camera shake. One thing I do to increase stability on mine and reduce shake is to hang a sand bag loaded with pennies under the tripod. It works quite well...
My Manfrottos have served me well for many years. I certainly will buy another when the need arises.
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