Manfrotto 3401 Tripod Legs Tripods
Manfrotto 3401 Tripod Legs Tripods
USER REVIEWS
[Jun 23, 2015]
J Welch
Intermediate
Strength:
A good medium strength set of tripod legs, but could definitely be better. Seems durable if taken care of.
Weakness:
This is my BIG GRIPE. The thumb latches (this one has the righty-lefty type, no the flip type) are not gripping as firmly. While setting up the tripod on soft ground and exerting light pressure on the legs to nestle them into place a leg is prone to slip/slide down making you have to loosen the leg and reset the tripod...extremely aggravating. I'm not sure it would completely collapse and tumble your camera over or not, but it's a worry that I have. The heaviest load I've had on mine is a gripped 6D and a normal zoom and it has held it ok. It just bugs me that a tripod that appears to be a sturdy one can have this slippage. I've been considering another tripod (I've had this one for 15-20 years), but the slipping problem has thrown cold water on me owning another Manfrotto. I can't really recommend this tripod unless you have a lightweight camera and will be using it mostly in a studio/indoor environment. Similar Products Used: I've got an old, scraped-up tripod that a friend gave me....it's a lightweight (who knows what brand). This was being thrown out by a statewide newspaper agency in Montgomery, Alabama. Though the center post wobbles a bit it still works well and the legs (twist grip collars) don't slip. |
[Aug 11, 2000]
Sailor Jerry
Intermediate
Strength:
Awesome range of motion. This tripod has a reversible center rod that can also be put into the horizontal position and moved around in a 360 degree range of movement.
Weakness:
The first time that I used this tripod for macro work I ran into a problem with the center rod in the horizontal position. Have you ever had to take a tripod mounted shot from over the very edge of a railing or ledge without including the legs of the tripod you're using? Customer Service I did not use it. Similar Products Used: Bogen 3221 |
[Oct 22, 2000]
Rick Del Prince
Intermediate
Strength:
Very solid Tripod. When you set it up it stays put. Easy to adjust legs. Excellent construction. This tripod should last me a lifetime.
Weakness:
The only thing I don't like about the 3401 is it does not have a level, although many tripods don't. I fixed that problem by purchasing a Johnson Bullseye level for $2.00 at a local hardware store. I mounted it on the base of my 3047 head, now I know for sure when my tripod is level. (Of course there are two levels on the 3047 to make sure the head and camera is level but you need a level for the tripod for when you want to pan) Very easy fix and cheap too. This is a very stable piece of equipment, it comes with two center columns a long one and a short one, for when you want to get a low angle shot. Also the center column is reversable to enable you to mount your camera below the tripod.You can also mount the center column in the vertical position so you can take a photo of a flower or a bug from directly above, this can also be rotated 360 degrees. Customer Service None needed yet. Similar Products Used: A cheapo at Wall Mart |
[Dec 15, 2000]
Mark Gustafson
Intermediate
Strength:
Built very solid. I love the horizontal capability. You can also use it in a very low profile stance with the supplied shorter center rod.
Weakness:
Clamp does not prevent the center rod from twisting unless you REALLY crank it tight. Could have a better gripping clamp. This is one of the most versatile tripods I have seen. Bogen builds equipment to last a lifetime. Customer Service Not used Similar Products Used: Velbon Tripod |
[Jan 03, 2001]
Anthony Manansala
Intermediate
Strength:
Variable spread legs (3 positions).
Weakness:
Did not come with spike feet, although this is easily remedied with accessory feet. I like this tripod alot, especially the ability to take pictures of (architectural) models/subjects with the center column horizontal - makes an inexpensive copy stand. Originally considered a 3021 but opted for this one (3401B) Started taking some macro of flowers and appreciate the variable leg spread and the short column and usually leave it on. I teamed this legset with the 3410 3-way head (I highly recommend it). Customer Service Not needed. Similar Products Used: Originally looked at 3201 legset. |
[Jan 02, 2001]
Yýlmaz User
Intermediate
Strength:
Mine is a Manfrotto.
Weakness:
It may be heavy for some people, but I have bought it for being heavy for sturdiness and stability. Center column could be locked more stiffly-in fact you can lock it tight, butyou have to turn the locking screw lock very hard- it costed a lever of the tightening screw to a friend of mine. It worths the money I have paid. I have chosen it because it's heavy, so I don't moan while carrying. Customer Service I had no problems, but my dealer has been very helpful to my friends, having problems and they know every detail about the products they sell. Similar Products Used: Slik U9000 |
[Feb 10, 2001]
Bill Wisser
Professional
Strength:
Quite light for what it does
Weakness:
The locks on the leg sections work themselves loose very easily and the tripod 's legs start collapsing while you're shooting -- extremely annoying and maybe even unsafe in some situations. The tension on each leg section locking mechanism (controlled by a little screw) needs to be tightened almost every time you use the tripod. Bogen does provides a neat little plastic wrench to do this, but having to bend down to make this adjustment while on location -- say while shooting in the middle of a street at night -- is The weak leg lock design ruins what is otherwise a great product. On the other hand, I don't know of a better tripod in this price range. Customer Service When I needed an extra leg lock wrench, Bogen supplied it quickly and free of charge. Similar Products Used: Benbo, Gitzo |