Slik Tripods: I have one but no one ever mentions them. I like mine because it is indoor- outdoor style. I know they are still in business. I just wondered. Arnie...

ArnieA Loc: BC,Canada

I have one but no one ever mentions them. I like mine because it is indoor- outdoor style. I know they are still in business.

I just wondered.

Arnie

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

I think Slik are like other makes "starter" makes, you get your first camera, buy "an" extra lens and "a" tripod, as you progress you aim for better lenses realise they are not cheap and the starter tripod wobbles when used so you then learn about Giottos, Manfrotto etc

Yes someone will rightly say they also do expensive ones but then why pay for a Slik when you CAN spend the same on a Manfrotto

BUT you have not said what you have

wolfman

I have a Slik U212 which is probably around 20 years old. The head that is supplied with it supports only 5.5 lbs. , so I replaced it with a Giotto's MH-5001 head that will handle 13 lbs. It is very sturdy and I have no worries putting my D800 and 70-300mm lens on it.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Back in the 60's when I started, Slik was a big name in tripods. I'd always wanted one but could not afford one.
I remember the ads well. Big ads complete with very sexy women. I'm sure they still make a good one, just not as popular as they once were.
Though I have a couple of different pods now, my most used every day pod is still my old, alloy, Vivitar Pro. I got it used in the 70's, but what I really wanted was a sexy Slik!

corryhully Loc: liverpool uk

i have a slik 88, it is getting on a bit now. been a while since i used it but it always did the job. the main problem was the weight. not very conducive to hiking.

guts Loc: texas.

I have a slik pro 700bh and I love it,it's heavy,strong and very sturdy,you ca take the center pole out and turn it over for taking macro shots or documents whatever,the ball head is strong enough for my 7d and a 100x400 lens.Bill

ArnieA Loc: BC,Canada

i have a slik 88, it is getting on a bit now. been a while since i used it but it always did the job. the main problem was the weight. not very conducive to hiking.

I think thats the one I have-(I'm not home right now). The only problem I have is the head. Won't support much weight. I may have to look at a stonger head like the ones eveyone suggests.

Arnie

ArnieA Loc: BC,Canada

I have a slik pro 700bh and I love it,it's heavy,strong and very sturdy,you ca take the center pole out and turn it over for taking macro shots or documents whatever,the ball head is strong enough for my 7d and a 100x400 lens.Bill

On my center pole there is a threaded hole on the bottom. I "glued" a screw the same size as the top one in it and now I just swap the head.

Arnie

guts Loc: texas.

ArnieA wrote:

I have a slik pro 700bh and I love it,it's heavy,strong and very sturdy,you ca take the center pole out and turn it over for taking macro shots or documents whatever,the ball head is strong enough for my 7d and a 100x400 lens.Bill

On my center pole there is a threaded hole on the bottom. I "glued" a screw the same size as the top one in it and now I just swap the head.

Arnie

Thanks Arnie,good idea.

guts Loc: texas.

Arnie,sorry I read you wrong I guess,on the700bh the pole has a plastic fitting that screws in the bottom,all you have to do is unscrew it pull the pole out stick it back in from the bottom(head and all) screw the plastic fitting back in and your good to go.Bill

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

I used a slick U212 ( if memory serves) when I was shooting my manual minolta cameras., Adequate but certainlymnot optimal, slow, cumbersome.
I find ball heads preferable for scenics and gimbals for wildlife.
Ofcourse opinions vary.
IMHO Buy the best gear you camn afford ONCE and it will serve you for years.

I use heavier gear these days and manfrotto tripods, thye have never let me down.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

ArnieA wrote:

I have one but no one ever mentions them.

Many of us started with lower priced Slik but moved on to Bogen/Manfrotto because they were more substantial. I am not convinced that Gitzo is worth the extra money.

guts Loc: texas.

all I know is the cheaper slik holds my 7d very steady for taking pictures,I don't do any hiking so weight is not a problem,I'm the only one around here with a decent camera that I know of so I can't having any bragging rights about how much I spent on my tripod or what brand name it has on it.Bill

GEL Loc: South Carolina

I have the Pro 700DX and could not be happier, especially for less than 100 bucks. I find no problems with sturdiness as it has a very solid feel. I am 6'4" and found this model to go higher than others . i did buy a Manfrotto ball head though.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

i paid $140.00 for my tripod and $50.00 for the special head i wanted. my slik will out last me.