Sturdy. Good value for money. Pretty flexible for different types of shooters. accessories (spikes etc) easily available. I am 6'1" and can shoot pretty much at eye level without the center column extended. (Personally I would not use an extended center column...pretty wobbly IMHO) Good resale value.

The 3 little screws in the mounting plate are useless for my Bogen Ballhead. I have already lost a couple of them. Pretty crappy design if you ask me. The ring to hang a bag or something similar to steady the tripod is a el-cheapo key-ring type. How the hell is one supposed to get a bag on and off the thing ? I would suggest carrying a small carbiner to get your bag on and off. The leg locks are horrible...I have given myself blood blisters all over my hand. moreover they are made of plastic. Have no idea how long that will last. Pretty heavy to lug around for long periods, and the legs do not lock in the closed position. I use a large velcro strap to keep them together.

I have the 3021BPro. Nice sturdy tripod. A bit clunky. I have the black version and it seems to scratch very easily. Overall a pretty good deal for your money. I tried the 3001 but this seemed MUCH sturdier for a few bucks more.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

Bogen, Gitzo, Slik

Lateral arm capability, bubble level, low level converter included.

Leg flex, not for large telephoto lenses, loud painful leg locks.

This review is of the 3021BPro version. A decent tripod for the money. The ability to move the center column to a lateral arm is a plus. I don't care for the skin pinching leg locks, though the tripod does set up quickly. The 3021BPro isn't exactly light, but it's not too heavy either. The legs do have some flex when extended, stable for lenses up to 300mm.

Customer Service

Great, reponds to email inquiries quickly.

Similar Products Used:

Gitzo, Velbon (junk)

very stable, quick setup

none

Great tripod 055Nat 2, I use it in conjunction with a Gitzo M1276m ball head, and a Olympus E10 SLR camera. I use this setup in swamps (setup in appx 18" water) photographing beavers in their natural habitat. This tripod not too light but very stable, especially in muddy water, and the easy setup and take down time is fast. The 055 is truly the Manfrotto workhorse.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Hbuka 1477

stability price convenience

weight; not for continuous companionship

I have this tripod coupled with a Bogen 386RC2 head, and the two make an excellent combination. It is very sturdy for the type of equipment I have (35mm camera with relatively small prime lenses). It is relatively lightweight (about 6 pounds); good for short spans but heavy as a constant companion. It is convenient to use. I am 6'9" and can use it without extending the center column. I have also learned how to use the locks safely after getting my finger caught in it once. The quick release works smoothly. But for vertical shots with heavy lenses you may need the twist-proof quick release that Bogen makes.

Very sturdy, easy to set up, small folded size and adjustable leg angles. Nothing else really like it that I've found. About a fourth the price of a similar carbon fiber tripod.

Doesn't go very high, about 44". Relatively heavy compared to carbon fiber.

I was looking for a sturdy travel tripod - something that would fit in my duffel bag and found this one. I think that it may have been discontinued, but it was exactly what I was looking for. Sure, it's heavy, but I'll deal with the weight and have the sharp photos to prove it! It folds to about 18" without head, sets up quickly and has a two piece column. With the adjustable leg angles it will go down almost flat to the floor. The 1/4 turn leg latches seem to work well and are easy to turn - easier to work with in the cold than the small screws on the 3001.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Bogen 3001, Gitzo 1410, Gitzo carbon fiber.

Very strong, well made, good performance to price ratio, rigid when set up. I can set up the new model in 17 seconds without haste, and fold up in 14 seconds. The new flip action leg locks are very fast. To avoid catching a stray finger I recommend holding the tripod in the left hand then opening each flip lock with the index finger of the right hand. Close each lock with the right thumb. The tripod can be completely dismantled for cleaning and lubrication. If after years of hard use or abuse something eventually breaks, replacement parts are available and easy to fit.

Confusing nodel designations and numbers made worse by a different system of model numbers in USA compared to the rest of the world. Peruse a current catalogue before selecting your model to buy.The steel nuts and bolts in the leg lock assemblies are not stainless and will rust unless treated on purchase and about annually thereafter with an effective rust inhibitor spray such as fishoil. The new flip action leg locks can give careless fingers a nasty nip until you learn the correct way to use them.

Bogen 3021 series tripods are marketed outside USA as Manfrotto Triminor 055 series. If I had to nominate only one tripod to use for the rest of my life, this would be it. I have used an older model with split centre post for over 10 years on countless excursions into the bush and it is still going strong with leg rigidity like new. About 18 months ago I treated myself to a new 055 PRO model with the new style super quick flip action leg locks and multi position centre post. This one is even better than the original. The 055/3021 is happy with small, medium or large format cameras and at about 3.3 KG with a Super Junior 115/3028 head is just light enough to carry a fair distance. I prefer the 190/3001 model for long distance hiking however.

Customer Service

Good availability of spare parts in Sydney

Similar Products Used:

Numerous Gitzo, Slik, Velbon and Manfrotto tripods of various sizes

Sturdy Good Price

Accidently got my hand in it before, can be avoided if you are careful!

This is an absolutely perfect tripod, i have used a couple of no name "pro" tripods, and a slik before and this thing absolutely kicks there butt. This tripod is very sturdy and will hold a whopping 13 pounds. I will never leave the house without this tripod again!

Customer Service

Superb!

Similar Products Used:

Slik, Bogen 3014 Monopod, No named "pro" tripods!

Solid, Solid, Solid. Reasonable Price. Removable center column.

I read a review earlier that someone had pinched their fingers when adjusted the legs, and it''s true. I''ve three blood blisters from this weekend.

My first impression is very good. I had a cheap slik tripod that I used before this for hiking, but needed something a little more heavy duty for shorter hikes. It weighs a fair deal, but I wanted sturdy and I got it.

Customer Service

Not Used

Similar Products Used:

slik tripod

Strong and sturdy. Designed to last.

The leg snaps were inadvertandly designed to bite fingers when released. And these aren''t the type of wounds to laugh about.

Bogen needs to hire a clever mechanical engineer to design the leg snaps so that they are not so detrimental to fingers. Until then, I will not be purchasing anymore tripods from them that are not of the screw type clamps. Before buying this tripod, try it out in a store. If you can work the leg clamps without requiring bandaids afterwords, then maybe you''ll be okay.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Bogen Junior (which I happen to like)

A very good tripod for the price. Low ground level a plus for nature.

Slightly short for those above 5''10'''' Security locks in legs could be better

I have used mine for over 15 years and I have been happy. I have used it with 35mm and medium format. Security locks in legs could require periodic adjustment, not a problem. Keep it clean and lubricated and it will give you many years of service. Replace the boots if you use it a lot but do not go to Bogen, head for Home Depot and buy your replacements for $1.78 at the hardware department. Far superior to Bogen.Their 308 ball head with the QR mechanism is a good buy for the money (around $50)

Customer Service

A total disaster! Many times they do not answer to your emails. If they promise something, be aware, they usually do not follow through.

Similar Products Used:

Schansky tripod.