Manfrotto 3221 Tripod Legs Tripods
Manfrotto 3221 Tripod Legs Tripods
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[Mar 29, 2002]
TREBUCS
Expert
Weakness:
Find a way to keep the feet attached, I am going to install my new spikes by drilling a small hole and inserting a set screw. I don''t think glue or epoxy would be a good idea in case you ever have to replace a broken part. I reviewed this tripod earlier, and gave it a great review which still stands true. However, in cold weather, the spiked feet fall out quite easily. An hour of searching in the snow led me to find two of them, which is irrelevant because you have to buy them in a set of three for $20.00, which leads me to Bogen customer service which did not return or acknowledge my emails. I remembered this when I took my 275.00 savings for their Proball head to Kirk for the BH-1 instead! Thanks Bogen, I really like the Kirk! Customer Service No Response in 3 weeks, very disappointing! |
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[Aug 03, 2000]
John Hutzler
Intermediate
Strength:
Compact, Strong, and easy to use
Weakness:
None I really love this tripod mated with the Bogen 3265 grip action ball head. It is an ideal field tripod for my 35mm kit. A larger tripod with column supports would be needed if you use heavy equipment. Try it... You'll like it! Customer Service Not needed Similar Products Used: Off-brand cheaper tripods |
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[May 09, 2000]
Steve Benton
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
3221 Black Anodized Tripod Legs
Strength:
Very sturdy "field" tripod. Great extended height compared to other models, and very adjustable to fit most any terrain. Great flexibility for getting close to the ground.
Weakness:
Heavier than shorter or cheaper tripods. Rule #1 - get a good tripod and use it, and this is a very good tripod - it will make a huge difference in landscape photos especially. You can spend more and get a carbon fiber that will do the same job with lighter weight. If money is not unlimited, get this tripod. It is sturdy, flexible, durable and affordable. I have the Wilderness model, which has a couple of nice extras built in - like spiked feet and padded legs. I also get use out of the sidearm accessory for getting at difficult places. Customer Service na Similar Products Used: Various "inexpensive" (cheap) tripods. |
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[Mar 20, 2000]
Dave Edwards
Expert
Model Reviewed:
3221 Black Anodized Tripod Legs
Strength:
Very sturdy for medium format equipment. Comes with convenient carrying strap
Weakness:
really none The tripod was purchased with the Bogen 3030 pan head. The tripod is extremely durable and sturdy. It is recommended for photographers at all skill levels. If you are interested in purchasing a tripod, don't buy an inexpensive brand. It will cause headaches for you when you are in the field. The Bogen Manfrotto 3221 should last for many, many years. Customer Service excellent Similar Products Used: None |
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[Feb 01, 2000]
David Monteith
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
3221 Black Anodized Tripod Legs
Strength:
Stable (though I've used more stable tripods), not terribly heavy or bulky.
Weakness:
Leg clamps loosen and need relatively frequent tightening. Seems to attack when I'm in the field and don't have the tools I need to affect repairs. Good tripod at a good price. Leg clamps can loosen and can't be repaired without tools (the plastic "wrench" supplied with the tripod is inaddequate.) Customer Service Haven't used. Similar Products Used: Ries and Gitzo (plus various cheaply made tripods that I wouldn't give to an enemy.) |
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[Jan 01, 2000]
Dave Short
Model Reviewed:
3221 Black Anodized Tripod Legs
Strength:
Rock solid...wouldn't be afraid to use this tripod in a hurricane. Easy to set up. Extends high enough to match my 6'4" height.
Weakness:
None. Bought mine modified from Kirk Ent. with center post split in half to allow shots at ground level...well worth the extra money. This is a great tripod! However I don't care much for Bogen's $25 strap. Customer Service Haven't used. Similar Products Used: Vivitar. |
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[Nov 16, 2000]
R.D. Kenwood
Intermediate
Strength:
Tremedous value.
Weakness:
Regular maintenance IS required to keep the lever locks functional. This tripod offers up a sort of bland competence; it has nothing special but somehow has all you need. The price represents extremely good value. My heaviest possible set-up is my F3/T + MD-4 + 300/4 + TC, and this tripod holds it all solidly. I use a Gitzo G376 ballhead - it's a tad small, but marginally adequate. If you want an affordable, do-everything tripod, it is hard to imagine a smarter choice than the Bogen 3221 or 3021. Customer Service A lost plastic wrench thing was replaced quickly and at no charge. Similar Products Used: None, but my travel 'pod is a Gitzo 026. |
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[Dec 16, 2000]
Bill Waddell
Casual
Strength:
Versatile, simple.
Weakness:
None I'm qualified to complain about. Like others who've reviewed this, I combined it with a 3265 ball head and am thrilled with it. Perhaps if I were a paid professional I'd find something to complain about, but for a casual weekend photographer it is great. It holds my Elan 7E with a 28-135 lens and a 550EX flash with no trouble at all. I'm 5'8", and with the added height of the ball head it extends the viewfinder to eye level for me without using the center post at all and without extending the smallest leg section more than about 25%. I suggest buying the Bogen 3146 utility apron for it; you can put your heavy gear in it for added stability and easy access. If you have no heavy gear, you can load it up with rocks or something. Pefect affordable (the price above included the 3265 head) tripod for anyone except maybe a busy pro. Customer Service Don't know yet. Similar Products Used: A cheap no-name tripod I borrowed from my roomate. |
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[Jan 14, 2001]
Jeff Johnson
Intermediate
Strength:
3221W with leg protectors. This thing is incredible! Extremely sturdy. I am 6'4" and with the 3265 ball head, it easily adjusts to eye level without extending the column at all! I love the rubber foot/ spike tip option.
Weakness:
Slightly heavy, but I can't afford carbon fiber and won't settle for less sturdy systems. The almost perfect outdoor system with the 3265 head. Would be perfect if it weighed 3 lbs., but then I am a dreaming. Way to go Manfrotto! Couldn't be happier. If you do a lot of outdoor work, especially in the cold, then the 3221W can't be beat. Customer Service NA Similar Products Used: Bogen 3001 |
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[Feb 07, 2001]
Shumin Wu
Casual
Strength:
Very steady & fairly versatile.
Weakness:
weight Nice tall, stable and versatile tripod. The joint of the 2 center column piece seem to be an after thought. More thoughts could have been used to trim weight and retain same stability. Similar Products Used: Bogen 3001 |


