Flexible! Sturdy Tall Goes very low without having to invert camera. Right-angle in "center" column gives even more low-angle flexibility. Waterproof lower leg sections "Center" column supports 2 heads at one end and one at the other.

Heavy. (I use a Bogen 3021 if I'm going to be carrying it long distances.) Takes a bit of getting used to the leg adjustments. Can be tricky to get the center column perfectly vertical.

I've owned the Uni-Loc System 2700 for around 5 years. It's heavy, admittedly, but it gives a stable platform no matter what the ground is like. I've used it on stairways (straight and spiral), in narrow corridors (by locking the legs to the walls), on plain ol' floors, and outdoors. The leg locks are easy to use; a quick twist and they're loose or tight. Unlike most, they're attached to the lower leg, making it simple to loosen, adjust, and lock in one motion--there's no need to hold the leg and lock a separate clamp. Works as a monopod, but I've never used that in practice. It works in-theory, but it's a bit of a hassle to disassemble, and I just use a separate monopod for that. It goes very high. With the "center" column fully extended, it's around 8' high, and, if the legs are solidly locked, surprisingly stable at that height. (Not perfect, but very good.) It's well-suited for outdoor work if you need a heavy 'pod, as the lower legs are sealed, and can be submerged up to about 18" or so. Excellent choice for tabletop photography as well; the flexible "center" column makes it as easy to move the camera over the table as just up-and-down next to it. Great for macro work due to the 2 above "features".

Customer Service

Excellent. I lost a piece over a cliff a few years back, and was able to get replacement parts within weeks.

Similar Products Used:

Bogen 3021 - a nice lightweight tripod. Matthews M-20 video tripod. Good geared column, not really portable.

Totally flexible design, improved in the last few days by purchase of the (recently introduced) centre column tilt bracket. This allows independent movement of the centre column after locking the legs in place, which isn''t possible otherwise. Can be converted to a Unipod, (and with additional items, can change leg lengths if required). Centre column can be cantilevered at an angle from central clamp - allowing camera to be placed closer to subject. Wide range of accessories and modular construction. Lower legs can be immersed in mud and/or water - they''re waterproof.

Setting up can be daunting at first, but the instructions are clear, if you take the trouble to read them!

This review is about the S1700 - the lighter of the System tripods. Could be the last tripod I''ll buy because it gets where conventional tripods don''t even start thinking about. The lockable swivel joint on the main arm is a tremendous boon when getting down really low and trying to keep the camera upright. Ideal for use with a macro lens when taking photos of mushrooms etc. (I bought mine s/h with case for 80GBP.)

Customer Service

Excellent - when purchasing the centre column tilt bracket direct from the manufacturers in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, UK.

Similar Products Used:

Benbo standard - heavier and more stable, but too heavy for taking with me on nature outings.