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65 of 65 found the following review helpful:
Steady, Convenient, Insanely Light (and don't forget the 055SPK2 spiked feet)Nov 20, 2008
By approach
Really, you won't believe how light this thing is until you see it in the flesh and actually pick it up.
It's very nicely made (100% carbon fiber in the legs, and magnesium castings). It's solid as a rock, too. The base plate has a bubble level in it (moderately useful), and three set screws that push against your tripod head to make the head/tripod connection absolutely tight.
The 90 degree column rotation feature works very well. I haven't used it yet, but I'm guessing that it'll be quite useful for certain shots. You can get the tripod very low via the adjustable leg angles.
I use the tripod with a Manfrotto 488rc2. I think it's a very nice combination. Very light and very solid.
One more thing: this tripod is TALL, and that's a good thing. I'm 6'1", and with the legs extended, my Nikon D300 is right at eye level. Why is that good? Well, it means that for most (if not all) shots, I don't need to extend the center column. That makes the entire setup just that much more unshakeable.
400 bucks is quite a bit of money, but I think I got what I paid for.
P.S. I got Manfrotto's 055SPK2 spiked feet (Amazon). They have rubber feet with an extendable hardened aluminum spike in the middle. Very nice. If you get them, be careful during the install--you need to wedge the feet open so they slide onto the tripod legs without catching. A little water helps here too, and will evaporate when you're done.
38 of 38 found the following review helpful:
Great for using in creeks and lakes. Changed my photography.Sep 09, 2009
By Jerald Winter
Scott Kelby recommends this tripod in his top seller, Digital Photography. It is definitely one of the best pieces of advice I ever read. While pricey, this tripod is worth every buck. Using it near daily for several months and capturing several thousand photos has changed my photography for the better, especially landscapes and water shots.
1. Bring on the water. This tripod is ideal for getting in the water--creeks, rivers, lakes, marshes, etc. It lures one into deeper water for unique shots that cannot be gotten from shore. (Watch out for forgotten cellphones in pockets.) Sand, mud, clay, bird dropping, etc, do not impede the latching. It cleans easily with a water hose. Drains best upside down (or down the back of a shirt.)
2. Stable. The magnesium leg hinges change angles with a firm press, then maintain their angle solidly. The legs extend/collapse quickly and hold their position without slipping.
3. Get all the angles. The 90 degree column is fast and especially useful for near-ground shots or up against a rock face or tree. There is hardly any angle the plate cannot be set to, or location this tripod can't be set up on (haven't tried ice, yet.)
4. Surprise benefit. An adjunct hiking "stick" to get up or down banks or ledges--a great combo with a separate hiking stick for getting to optimum capture sites.
5. Carbon fiber. Worth it. Damps vibration compared to aluminum. Light weight is perfect for hiking with camera attached and ready to shoot.
6. Pairing: Needs a separately purchased head. Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N) pairs nicely with it.
Numerous photography authors advise getting a really good tripod. If you got a cheap tripod, upgrade to this one. If you don't have a tripod, then do your photography addiction a favor and get this one!
34 of 34 found the following review helpful:
Great Carbon Fiber ValueDec 21, 2008
By Jimmy S. Greene
A couple years ago I bought one of those cheap, Chinese knock-offs on Ebay. Sure, it was light, but it looked like some amateur had made the thing without the instruction sheet. That one had twist locks that were literally painful to use and made my hand raw during a trip to Alaska. I couldn't sell it fast enough after I got back.
I just couldn't get myself to pay the $700+ for a Gitzo, so when Manfrotto came out with this model I was excited. Everything I read or saw about the piece was positive, and I can only parrot those reviews.
At $400 it's not cheap, but since it works so well, it's a GREAT value. The leg locks are flip-locks that I love. With a little adjusting, they open and close easily and securely. Out of the box, I found them to be a bit tight. Adjustment is a breeze with the supplied tool.
I mounted my Arcaswiss ballhead on it, and it's still amazingly light. A HUGE relief from my old Manfrotto 3221.
The only problem I've encountered is the little lock adjustment tool that snaps onto the legs. It snaps right OFF, too. I fixed this with a little spring loaded, locking ring I had laying around, and a piece of fishing line. There are a couple nice convenient loops on the top to attach this to.
Unless you want to show off the fact that you have a "Gitzo", and you're budget doesn't stretch this fat, I highly recommend this tripod, or perhaps others in the series.
14 of 14 found the following review helpful:
Is this the perfect tripod?Jan 17, 2010
By G. Berger
Well, nothing is perfect but this tripod is awfully close. I was looking to replace a 3021 and needed:
1. Light weight (3021 is over 9-1/2 lbs. with the head and carrying it through the woods for several hours is tiring).
2. Height - I'm 6' and don't want to bend over if I don't have to.
3. Wider range of adjustments - the 3021 will not get right down to the ground.
This tripod fits all three criteria. It's 3.6 lbs. (without the head). Even with the head it's light as a feather. The first few times I picked it up with the camera attached I almost threw it up into the air, being used to the weight of the 3021. With the head and the camera, it easily gets up to eye level without extending the center column more than an inch or so.
The center column can be pulled all the way up and flipped to a horizontal position on top of the tripod. You have to see how this works, it's hard to explain but simple and quick to do. Then the legs can be flipped out to 90 degrees. The tripod is now resting flat on the ground with the camera pointed down (if desired). You have to see this demonstrated to understand it, but it's fantastic.
As a bonus, it's aesthetically beautiful. Why do the Italians excel at designing beauty into their products, and why can't everyone?
I purchased the Manfrotto ball head for 120.00, and there is currently a 50.00 rebate when you buy the tripod and a head. Between the tripod itself and the ball head, I feel like I'm in a new world.
Expensive, yes, but worth every cent.
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
You get what you pay for!May 30, 2009
By M
"that's me"
$400 (average price)...hard to stomach at the store or "purchase" button. But, once it's in your hands and holding your camera and lens rock solid, flipping to macro mode, quick-flipping to adjust the legs, pleasurably carrying it on hikes, etc., you'll realize you spent your money well. This is one large but lightweight tripod. It holds up to 17 lbs. so bring on the biggest tele lens you have. (I pop my Sony A700 + Tamron 200-500 on it with no worries.) I put the 486R2 ballhead on the top; it compliments the legs well. For anyone 6+' tall, this tripod will not make you slouch over. No bag, but oh well. You'll enjoy these legs.
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