A good medium strength set of tripod legs, but could definitely be better. Seems durable if taken care of.

This is my BIG GRIPE. The thumb latches (this one has the righty-lefty type, no the flip type) are not gripping as firmly. While setting up the tripod on soft ground and exerting light pressure on the legs to nestle them into place a leg is prone to slip/slide down making you have to loosen the leg and reset the tripod...extremely aggravating. I'm not sure it would completely collapse and tumble your camera over or not, but it's a worry that I have. The heaviest load I've had on mine is a gripped 6D and a normal zoom and it has held it ok. It just bugs me that a tripod that appears to be a sturdy one can have this slippage. I've been considering another tripod (I've had this one for 15-20 years), but the slipping problem has thrown cold water on me owning another Manfrotto.

I can't really recommend this tripod unless you have a lightweight camera and will be using it mostly in a studio/indoor environment.

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I've got an old, scraped-up tripod that a friend gave me....it's a lightweight (who knows what brand). This was being thrown out by a statewide newspaper agency in Montgomery, Alabama. Though the center post wobbles a bit it still works well and the legs (twist grip collars) don't slip.

Awesome range of motion. This tripod has a reversible center rod that can also be put into the horizontal position and moved around in a 360 degree range of movement.
Good value and features for the money.
Easily serviced at home.
Very well balanced.
Almost rock solid construction (see weaknesses).

The first time that I used this tripod for macro work I ran into a problem with the center rod in the horizontal position.
I had the Manfrotto308RC ballhead on and mounted to it was my EOS 50 w/BP-50 battery pack, EOS 100mm macro lens and my EZ540 flash unit. This somewhat hefty setup was pointing down at approx. 45 degrees.
After about 3 shots of the same subject I noticed that the weight of the camera was turning the center rod while clamped down.
I went to tighten the grip a little more and suddenly the clamp was not gripping at all.
I took the entire assembly apart right there to see if it could be temporarily fixed so I could continue shooting.
When I opened it up I saw that the mechanism that exerts pressure on the top clamping jaws had failed.
Upon closer examination it seems very clear to me that this one part is very poorly constructed, and bound to fail eventually under heavy use.
Looking at the rest of this tripod it is hard to imagine why they put this weak link in the clamping system.
I did not want to take the tripod back so that the bad part could be replaced with another just like it. Instead I came up with my own fix for the problem and it has been working great ever since.
(and I did manage to fix it in the field!)

Have you ever had to take a tripod mounted shot from over the very edge of a railing or ledge without including the legs of the tripod you're using?
Seems like an impossible shot, eh?
The 3401 can do it and much more. With a ballhead on this tripod there is almost no limits to your tripod compositions.

A lot of tripod for the money.
This is a perfect piece of equipment for the advanced beginner.
It is hard to imagine that anyone could grow out of it's functionality and range of motion.
It does have weak construction in one very critical area: The clamp down assembly.
Had it not been for this flaw I would have rated the overall performance of this tripod a 5++.

Customer Service

I did not use it.
Probably should have to see what they are like, I've heard that they are quite good.

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Bogen 3221

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

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.

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)

Customer Service

None needed yet.

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A cheapo at Wall Mart

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.

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

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

Customer Service

Not used

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Velbon Tripod

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

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

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.

Customer Service

Not needed.

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Originally looked at 3201 legset.

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.

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.

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

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

Quite light for what it does

Highly adaptable

Stable

Very reasonably priced

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.

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.

Customer Service

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

Similar Products Used:

Benbo, Gitzo