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

Small, lightweight, rugged, solid.

Release locks are not as good as on Bogen's larger models.

I got this tripod because of its size and weight. I travel a lot, and this little gem will fit INSIDE my carry-on bag with the head removed. It is very light and surprisingly solid for such a small tripod. You can take it anywhere. I am also impressed with the typical Bogen quality apparent in even this small model. Even though I am 6'3", I use this tripod all the time while traveling because it is so light. I usually get down on one knee, which is not a bad shooting position once you get used to it. The legs also have 3-position locks in case you want to get really low. Inexpensive, a great value!

Customer Service

None needed.

Similar Products Used:

Slik, Velbon.

long center column,light weight, leg angle adjustment, rapid center column height adjustment, solid and stable

six T-handle screws to looosen, then tighten to adjust leg height

I bought this for a recent trip to Arizona.It is used with a Bogen model 3262QR medium ball head with quick release. I used this tripod for over 700 photographs in 9 days. Most of the time I left the legs extended, but folded them and dropped the center column to put it in the car. Be sure to hold on to the camera when loosening the center column lock screw, this is not a geared column tripod. The long column allows the camera to be at eye level, but locks down very solidly. Stable in light winds with a narrow leg angle, stable in stronger winds with a wide leg angle. Suitable for slow film, small apetures and slow shutter speeds. This is a very good lightweight and solid tripod. When used with a ball head it can be setup quickly. The only weakness I can find is the six T-handle screws used for leg adjustment. They work well,lock down tight, but take a little longer than a quick release lever. I would buy this again.

Customer Service

unknown, doesn't look like I will ever need it

Similar Products Used:

looked at different brands and models in store

Very sturdy for a small tripod.
Light
Quality construction
Can take abuse

I'd like to see a different release mechanism for the legs

Good, sturdy, light tripod that you don't mind carrying around.

Similar Products Used:

This is the first tripod that I've owned, and I suspect that it will be with me for a long time. I've got the

Portable light weight and perfect for hiking. Legs spread for low shots. Very stable for size and weight

Leg locks are not always as secure as you think. A bit short. 500 mm is limit for focal length on this tripod.

Highly recommended for hiking.

Customer Service

Bogen is excellent on repair parts when needed and prices are very reasonable. Turn around on two occasions when replacing a leg section and center column clamp were 4 days from phone call to their repair center. In both cases damage was caused by accident and or missuse.

Similar Products Used:

Slik

it´s small, easy to fold, many settings

This tripod is a bit short with my EOS3 when I take off the battery pack.
It´s wobbling in strong wind with a EOS3 & 80-200 2.8L lens attached

This tripod is really good when on the move. I have tried other Manfrotto tripods but carry them in the woods on your back is just too much for me. This one I just strap on my LowePro Rover backpack and forget about it untill I need it.
Nice product.

Customer Service

not used

Similar Products Used:

other Manfrotto tripods, SLIK & Velbone

Lightwieght, Small when collapsed, variable degree legs

A little short even when fully extended.

I think this tripod is very good. It's not too heavy and best of all it's pretty small. It even fits inside my jansport backpack. One problem with it would be that even when it is fully extended I have to bend down a little to use it (i'm 6'1"). That seems to be the only problem. It also has another cool feature. The legs will come out in varying degrees which can make the tripod very low to the ground for closeup shots and such. I would recommend this for people who want a good tripod for hiking/backpacking.

Customer Service

not used.

Similar Products Used:

None