Very good value at a low price. Classic, clean and sturdy design.

The quick-release for the legs should be better designed. I have to warn every first-time user to take care of their fingers. Black and silver finishes should be the same price even Manfrotto might argue different. Original tripod bags by far too expensive.

After using a cheap alumium no-name tripod I was looking for a better one. After comparing several models and names I went for the 190 CL (European equal to Bogen 3001 D). I like to travel light and was looking a sturdy tripod at a reasonable price. The 190 CL offers all. Besides Manfrottos reputation for quality is beyond doubt.

Customer Service

Not needed until now.

Similar Products Used:

No-name alloy tripod

Excellent build quality with an attractive design in terms of ''''easy of use''''. Actually, you probably won''''t leave home without taking it with you.

No weaknesses with tripod itself. However, when mated to the Joystick Ball Head you need to be mindfull of the low load restriction of 2.5kg. Wasn''''t a problem for me, but you wouldn''''t be able to use professional grade lenses greater than 200mm mated with a F100 or like.

I had planned to purchase the next model up, but after trying the Manfrotto 190CLB/ Bogen 3001D I was sold. At just 1.7kg it is just 70 grams heavier than the Carbon Fibre model and at a fraction of the cost. When mated to a Joystick Ball Head (Manfrotto 222/ Bogen 3265), total weight becomes 2.5 kg only. More than acceptable to carry around all day on your backpack or in its carry bag. An added bonus of this combination is the increase in height to a very useful 166cm. Versatility and sturdiness were excellent as tested with a Nikon F100 camera coupled with a Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 constant lens (nearly 2.5 kg in weight). The design optimises the critical balance between weight, height, load capacity and stability. With a combo price of A$379/ US$197, this would have to be one of the best buys in photography equipment.

Durability, lightweight, adjustable legs to any angle and being able to remove the center column and w/adapter use it for ground level shots as low as your head will let you go.

Quick realease leg locks, could use different design to prevent fingers from getting pinched

Very compact, lightweight and sturdy tripod. The best I have ever used, especially for this price. I bought cheap inexpensive tripods before, but after using a Bogen, what a differnce. If your just a hobbist like me you can''t go wrong with this tripod, especially if you like to take it out into the field. I got the 3001D, which has the quick realease leg locks, they work great but watch the fingers they can get pinched if not careful.

Customer Service

Never used

Similar Products Used:

None similar, just cheap Vanguard tripods which don''t fall into same catagory as these do.

It can do everything. Legs move quickly. It''s sturdy.

Size, as mentioned above.

The 3001B-Pro has been great. My only warning to others is its size. It''s small, but so am I. I have already once wished it could go higher & I am only 5''6". Small is easy to carry, but if you are taller than I am, beware.

Similar Products Used:

None

Lightweight and compact. Three leg angle positions. Reversible column. When you buy even the cheapest Bogen tripod, it leaves you with a lot of options. Very sturdy with my setup. I don't have any extra large lenses so I can't comment on stability for those. The heaviest lens I have is a 300 f/4.

Doesn't seem like it will hold up much weight. This is especially evident when the kids at the wedding start hanging on it like monkey bars. Arrrgh! Little brats. Not very tall, but neither am I. Does Bogen offer an optional center brace?

Overall an excellent tripod bargain especially with the 3030 head. I haven't had it for very long, but so far it is not damaging Bogen/Manfrotto's solid reputation. The solidity of it isn't bad considering how small it folds up. I really dig reversible center columns. I hope the T-nuts on the legs hold up! Excellent tripod for hiking and other portable usage.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

Gitzo (too expensive), Slik 700DX

Lightweight and sturdy. Leg angle is adjustable, can get to very low angle.

A bit short for those of us who are 6' tall.

Works great with 3025 head for sturdy lightweight tripod. Good for lighter weight 35mm gear, good for hiking and travel. Personally wouldn't want to trade longer leg height for more weight.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Slik

You get a lot of strength for a low low price with this tripod

Not made for people over 5'8, the need to raise the center column defeats most of the purpose of having the tripod in the first place.

A good investment if you're short enough :)

Customer Service

Not needed yet.

Similar Products Used:

gitzo, velbon, other(junky) tripods

Light, Strong, Durable, Cheap. Ideal for 35mm.

Not always tall enough.
Thumbscrews are sometimes a pain ;)

It's said that the worst tripod is better than no tripod and a tripod that is strong yet light is the one most of us reach for most of the time. I find this tripod to meet almost all of my needs all of the time. It's rock solid when you crank down the thumbscrews. (yes, I wish it had flip levers, but the next available one with flip-locks weighs 2 pounds more) With my Novoflex mini-magicball both tripod and head together weigh 4.5lbs. Light enough to take to Asia and not regret it after 3 weeks. If I had spent five times more for a CF model, I would have saved ONE pound. Rock solid with the ball head I use in any position. Easy to take apart/tighten w/allen wrench. I simply didn't compromise when I bought it and think it's an outstanding value. Handling tips: (1)when taking vertical shots, increase stability by extending one leg out much further than the remaining two and tilt the camera towards the over-extended leg. (2) visit your local bike shop and pick up some foam handlebar grips and slide them on to the legs for nicer feel, especially in cold weather.

Customer Service

none needed

Similar Products Used:

Slik, Velbon (2)

light weight
rugged
solid for 35mm
inexpensive

a little too short for me
thumb screw leg locks

This is my first "quality" tripod, and I haven't been disappointed. Although it's a little short to get to eye level without extending the center column, the fact that it folds up short and is light makes up for this. I've got a Bogen 3030 pan/tilt head mounted to it, and this combination is plenty sturdy for most 35mm equipment while being inexpensive. Overall, I rate it highly!

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

plastic Vivitar

This is a quality made tripod. I've had it for about 10 years and have never had a problem with it. It's light enough and small enough to be used for backpacking, and it has served it's purpose since I've owned it.

Although great for backpacking, it just isn't sturdy enough for all types of photography. It doesn't handle large lenses well (over 200mm) and doesn't handle use well when the camera is tilted 90 degrees to one side. Very unstable when the center pole is raised.

Great tripod if you understand it's place. Not completely sturdy for all photo work, but excellent for hiking and packing. Great value, too!

Customer Service

Haven't used it and don't expect to.

Similar Products Used:

Bogen 3221
Cheap Slik tripod