Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 Tripod Legs Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

mkk
( Expert)

Review Date
October 8, 2005

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 1 of 32

Price Paid: $115.00

Summary:

An excellent tripod, and great value. I use it for a manual SLR with prime lenses ranging from 24 to 2oomm, and a twin-lens reflex camera. Very stable, easy to cary (relatively speaking), and quick to set up. You have to take care not to get your skin caught in the snap-on leg locks. It can get cold in winter months, so I wrapped tennis overgrip around upper legs--works great.

Strengths:

stability price speed

Weaknesses:

none

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Rating
Reviewed by:

Rommie C.
( Intermediate)

Review Date
August 26, 2004

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 2 of 32

Price Paid: $150.00 from Houston Camera EXcha

Summary:

The Bogen/Manfrotto 3021Pro tripod is stronger than I expected. I'd used it many times with medium format cameras (i.e Pentax 67II & Bronica GS-1). I have a 3001 but I prefer the 3021 in the field because its more stable against the wind and light enough for short trip backpacking when attached to a strap. If you don't mind carrying a 5lb weight then this is a good tripod for you.

Strengths:

Cheaper (than Gitzo) and yet adequately strong even with medium format cameras. It won't be difficult to replace it if it were lost in the field or stolen. Very versatile, adjustable for low macro shots. Good enough for portraiture in studios and outdoors.

Weaknesses:

None yet in my experience. My only concern is the leg locks can pinch your fingers if you're not extra careful.

Similar Products Used:

Bogen 3001, Gitzo G1127 G CF, Velbons

Customer Service:

None for the past 4 years of use.

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Rating
Reviewed by: TwoBoy
(Expert)

Review Date
December 26, 2003

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 3 of 32

Price Paid: $180.00 from B & H Johannesburg

Summary:

Sturdy, very stable, with easy to adjust controls. Sold here as Manfrotto 055CL. Ideal for use with my 10D and Sigma 50~500 lens. Easy, quick set-up and when used with the 3265G Pistol grip head provides a very quick and easy platform for game photography. The multi angle leg positions and quick snap leg extenders are the big benefits. You will still need the remote release for you 10D with long lenses for ideal stability.

Strengths:

Quick accurate set up and overall stability. Strength of components. Service availability if required.

Weaknesses:

Not that well assembled. I have fine tuned all the snap clips on the legs for easier use. All were over tightened in factory and now they work and feel right. Weight - maybe a bit heavy for some.

Similar Products Used:

Many different makes.

Customer Service:

Not needed.

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Rating
Reviewed by:
(Expert)

Review Date
October 29, 2003

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 4 of 32

Price Paid: $146.00 from B&H

Summary:

I have the 3021BPro. Nice sturdy tripod. A bit clunky. I have the black version and it seems to scratch very easily. Overall a pretty good deal for your money. I tried the 3001 but this seemed MUCH sturdier for a few bucks more.

Strengths:

Sturdy. Good value for money. Pretty flexible for different types of shooters. accessories (spikes etc) easily available. I am 6'1" and can shoot pretty much at eye level without the center column extended. (Personally I would not use an extended center column...pretty wobbly IMHO) Good resale value.

Weaknesses:

The 3 little screws in the mounting plate are useless for my Bogen Ballhead. I have already lost a couple of them. Pretty crappy design if you ask me. The ring to hang a bag or something similar to steady the tripod is a el-cheapo key-ring type. How the hell is one supposed to get a bag on and off the thing ? I would suggest carrying a small carbiner to get your bag on and off. The leg locks are horrible...I have given myself blood blisters all over my hand. moreover they are made of plastic. Have no idea how long that will last. Pretty heavy to lug around for long periods, and the legs do not lock in the closed position. I use a large velcro strap to keep them together.

Similar Products Used:

Bogen, Gitzo, Slik

Customer Service:

Not used

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Rating
Reviewed by: Area51
(Intermediate)

Review Date
October 21, 2003

Overall Rating
3 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.67 of 5,
3 votes

Review 5 of 32

Price Paid: $149.00 from B&H

Summary:

This review is of the 3021BPro version. A decent tripod for the money. The ability to move the center column to a lateral arm is a plus. I don't care for the skin pinching leg locks, though the tripod does set up quickly. The 3021BPro isn't exactly light, but it's not too heavy either. The legs do have some flex when extended, stable for lenses up to 300mm.

Strengths:

Lateral arm capability, bubble level, low level converter included.

Weaknesses:

Leg flex, not for large telephoto lenses, loud painful leg locks.

Similar Products Used:

Gitzo, Velbon (junk)

Customer Service:

Great, reponds to email inquiries quickly.

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