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Re: [OM] Tripod question

Subject: Re: [OM] Tripod question
From: "Lex Jenkins" <lexjenkins@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 06:04:37 GMT
I have a couple of tripods in that price range: a Slik U212, which includes the head; and a Bogen/Manfrotto 3001, which is normally priced and sold with the legs only - they offer a variety of heads.

The Slik U212 comes with a tilt/pan head with a semi-fluid type action that makes it suitable for still or video camera use - tho' not ideal for either. At certain heights the pan lever tends to poke me in the chin or chest. Ahh, well, that's compromise. The legs and leg locks are quicker and easier to set up than the Bogen/Manfrotto. It has a geared center column and bubble level. Each leg has accessory shoes for options like Slik's lens caddy (a telescoping extension arm to provide additional support to long lenses), flash caddy, etc. The head can be removed and placed on the leg as well. Leg angles are very adjustable and can be set to make the rig into a good makeshift copy stand. Legs are tipped with combination rubber shoes/metal spikes. It's a great tripod for the money considering all these features. It's only real weakness is it's a bit wobbly at full height.

The Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 has less wobbly legs tipped with simple plastic shoes, kinda like a cane. The thumbscrew leg locks are a bit more difficult to manipulate - not for folks with arthritic hands - but very secure. Leg angles have just two (three?) specific settings, but varying the leg heights allows tremendous flexibility. The ungeared lift-type center column is easily removed and the head can be attached directly to the top without any column. I use a 3028 Super 3D head, an amazingly versatile tilting head that requires some practice to get the hang of. It's suitable for everything from compact cameras to 8x10 view cameras. But if I had my druthers I'd get a 3265 pistol grip ballhead for the extra height and speed of use, keeping the 3028 head for a larger "studio" 'pod.

But, unless the best value in a small sturdy tripod like the 3001 is important, save your back and knees some stress and get the 3011. It's only slightly heavier but considerably more stable and enough taller to keep you from having to hunch over. I'm 5'11" and even at full extension the 3001 is too short to work with comfortably for long periods. But, because of its bulletproof durability it's my main field tripod. I use the Slik U212 mostly around the house either as a copystand or lightstand (works well for that too).

I've thought about carbon fiber 'pods but, knowing my habits, I'd beat one up in no time. CF 'pods, like CF fishing rods, are vulnerable to abrasion and cuts which subject them to fraying and weakness. My next one will be a Bogen/Manfrotto, a 3011 or 3021.

Lex
===

From: Jim Sharp <jsharp@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [OM] Tripod question
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2000 23:58:16 -0500

A couple of weeks back someone mentioned a tripod they had that was in
the $100-$150 price range. A Slik possibly..., I seem to remember them
saying it wasn't generally available in the in the U.S. Did I dream this
??

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