1. Strong, solid, and CF!
Canon 40D + Grip,
3 Kenko macro tubes + Tamron 180/f3.5 on
Optek macro rail set on
Manfrotto 488MGRC5 ball head
- No problem.
I used Manfrotto 3011BN legs before this one, got a lot more vibe and shake. This is much more stable.

2. Flexible. The center column can be moved around in any angle in all direction. Tried with Canon 40D+Grip on Manfrotto 488MGRC5 ball head + Sigma 24-70/f2.8 lens with the center column stick out in 75 degree angle shooting down, no problem!

3. Relatively small size, comes with a free bag of very decent quality. Carrying belt and a little cute mini tool box. Well thought-out and well designed

4. Decent workmanship. Fit and finish is very tight put together and well finished.

1. The screw locking mechanism is kinda slow to setup. I like the Manfrotto's basic tightening screws much better.

2. Spike feet don't come with these legs. Have to buy separately.

3. The leg section movement is not as smooth as the aluminum legs on the Manfrotto. These legs are not for quick instant setup. Gitzo legs cost 3-4 times more but they do operate better, much more smooth and firmer. But Giottos legs are far from inadequate for regular use like in my case.

4. Not feather light. These legs actually weigh slightly more than the 3011BN aluminum leg.

Great legs for a very reasonable price! Great legs for hobbyist.! This is my first Giottos product and I am sold! Tried Gitzo in a local store, they are great. But way to expensive. Tried ProMaster legs at a different store, no good at all. Read about Giottos and Feisol, both made in Taiwan, got some good reviews, with Giottos at about 1/2 of the price of Feisol. Just got it today, set them up, shot some macro and I am impressed!

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

Manfrotto 3011BN basic aluminum legs.

Sturdyness, price, stable, build quality.

Lack of spiked tripod feet, weight, size (not very compact).

A very sturdy tripod with the ability to flatten all three legs to the ground (angle lock). Definately a keeper that'll last forever if taken care of properly.

Customer Service

Not yet required.

Similar Products Used:

Velbon, Slik and Vivitar tripods

Heavy, strong legs, locks securely, has a bubble level.

Heavy!! The legs have a wing-nut style lock, which are not as quick and easy as the 3021's flip lever locks.

Good all-around tripod. Sturdy.

Customer Service

N/A

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Cheapie $25 Wal-Mart special (awful)

Very stable tripod with reversible column for low level photos. Will hold your 35mm or medium format eqipment without any problems. Never tried it with large format. I use it with a Bogen ballhead and it goes with me everywhere. Not sure what I ever did before buying this tripod... :-)

A little on the heavy side.

Best tripod for the bucks

Similar Products Used:

Various tripods.

Good, sturdy, first quality tripod

A little heavy for an every day - take along just-in-case, but definetly the tripod of choice when you know you'll need one!

Best tripod (legs) I've ever owned. Can't imagine ever needing to replace with something better - not usually the case with anything else I buy today.

Customer Service

Haven't needed it

Similar Products Used:

Slik U5000

Very stable tripod that is light enough to haul around without too much fatigue. Weighs in at 5.25 pounds. It is compact - yet it goes up to 60"and has a reversible center post that lets you shoot at almost ground level. Sturdy, tubular aluminum legs have sure-grip, quick-acting lever locks, ideal for cameras up to medium format.

No to speka of. I have not taken this tripod to the extremes such as weather or heavy equipment, so I cannot speak on these issues.

If you are looking for a solid tripod that will last forever if taken care of, then look no further. This is a very good tripod that will suit the needs of 80% of the photographers out there. If you are looking of rsomething a little lighter, consider the 3001, which weighs about 2 pounds less.

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None