Bogen/Manfrotto 3401 Tripod Legs Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by: Bill Wisser
(Professional)

Review Date
February 10, 2001

Overall Rating
3 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 1 of 6

Price Paid: $110.00

Summary:

The weak leg lock design ruins what is otherwise a great product. On the other hand, I don't know of a better tripod in this price range.

Strengths:

Quite light for what it does

Highly adaptable

Stable

Very reasonably priced

Weaknesses:

The locks on the leg sections work themselves loose very easily and the tripod 's legs start collapsing while you're shooting -- extremely annoying and maybe even unsafe in some situations. The tension on each leg section locking mechanism (controlled by a little screw) needs to be tightened almost every time you use the tripod. Bogen does provides a neat little plastic wrench to do this, but having to bend down to make this adjustment while on location -- say while shooting in the middle of a street at night -- is
extremely inconvenient, to say the least.

Similar Products Used:

Benbo, Gitzo

Customer Service:

When I needed an extra leg lock wrench, Bogen supplied it quickly and free of charge.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Anthony Manansala
(Intermediate)

Review Date
January 3, 2001

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 2 of 6

Summary:

I like this tripod alot, especially the ability to take pictures of (architectural) models/subjects with the center column horizontal - makes an inexpensive copy stand. Originally considered a 3021 but opted for this one (3401B) Started taking some macro of flowers and appreciate the variable leg spread and the short column and usually leave it on. I teamed this legset with the 3410 3-way head (I highly recommend it).
Sure I'd like the carbon fiber version of it but I couldn't afford it. I think this is an excellent buy for a beginner or advanced amatuer. Certainly an alternative to the pricier Gitzos.

Strengths:

Variable spread legs (3 positions).
Two center columns included: long and short.
Center column can be mounted horizontally.
Sturdy tripod with easy leg locks.

Weaknesses:

Did not come with spike feet, although this is easily remedied with accessory feet.

Similar Products Used:

Originally looked at 3201 legset.

Customer Service:

Not needed.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Yýlmaz User
(Intermediate)

Review Date
January 2, 2001

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 3 of 6

Price Paid: $115.00 from Zoom Ithalat Istanbul Turkey

Summary:

It worths the money I have paid. I have chosen it because it's heavy, so I don't moan while carrying.

Strengths:

Mine is a Manfrotto.
It is very versatile, legs can be spread, center column can be positioned horizontally, I'm 190 cm. tall- I can take photographs without bending and without raising the center column (a 3265 grip head is attached to it); what is more with such a head combination I don't use it with legs fully extended.

Weaknesses:

It may be heavy for some people, but I have bought it for being heavy for sturdiness and stability. Center column could be locked more stiffly-in fact you can lock it tight, butyou have to turn the locking screw lock very hard- it costed a lever of the tightening screw to a friend of mine.

Similar Products Used:

Slik U9000
Manfrotto 055(Bogen 3021)
Manfrotto 344(Bogen3011V)

Customer Service:

I had no problems, but my dealer has been very helpful to my friends, having problems and they know every detail about the products they sell.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Mark Gustafson
(Intermediate)

Review Date
December 15, 2000

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 4 of 6

Price Paid: $116.00 from Camera World

Summary:

This is one of the most versatile tripods I have seen. Bogen builds equipment to last a lifetime.

Strengths:

Built very solid. I love the horizontal capability. You can also use it in a very low profile stance with the supplied shorter center rod.

Weaknesses:

Clamp does not prevent the center rod from twisting unless you REALLY crank it tight. Could have a better gripping clamp.

Similar Products Used:

Velbon Tripod

Customer Service:

Not used

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Rating
Reviewed by: Rick Del Prince
(Intermediate)

Review Date
October 22, 2000

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Review 5 of 6

Summary:

This is a very stable piece of equipment, it comes with two center columns a long one and a short one, for when you want to get a low angle shot. Also the center column is reversable to enable you to mount your camera below the tripod.You can also mount the center column in the vertical position so you can take a photo of a flower or a bug from directly above, this can also be rotated 360 degrees.

An extremely versitle tripod, it is not a lightweight, so if you are considering climbing mountains or hiking through miles of woods to get that shot you may want to consider a lighter tripod.

This tripod should last a lifetime, I know it is the last one I will ever buy. (Unless it is stolen or lost)

Strengths:

Very solid Tripod. When you set it up it stays put. Easy to adjust legs. Excellent construction. This tripod should last me a lifetime.

Weaknesses:

The only thing I don't like about the 3401 is it does not have a level, although many tripods don't. I fixed that problem by purchasing a Johnson Bullseye level for $2.00 at a local hardware store. I mounted it on the base of my 3047 head, now I know for sure when my tripod is level. (Of course there are two levels on the 3047 to make sure the head and camera is level but you need a level for the tripod for when you want to pan) Very easy fix and cheap too.

Similar Products Used:

A cheapo at Wall Mart

Customer Service:

None needed yet.

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