Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Tripods
-- Michael Rivera, December 23, 1999
I purchased a Velbon CX-687 which comes with the "Vel-flo 9" PH-368, pan head.
The pan head has a built in "quick release level" making mounting and dismounting
of the camera a breeze. It was very inexpensive, works with still and video
cameras, stable even in the wind, easy to use and adjust, comes with a leveling
bubble built into the framework, and has served me well for nearly three years now.
With the soft carrying case it weighs 4 lbs.
It comes with a three-way pan head which holds position regardless of angle. The
Pan head is viscous damped and does not seem to be effected by heat or cold. There
are angle markings on the pan head so one can get a "general idea" of what they are
doing. It must be a fairly rugged unit, as I've throw it into the back seat of my old
Chevy numerous times with no sign of damage. It has two, quick lock/unlock
levers on all three legs, making adjustments a snap. The feet have spikes built-in
which can be extended or retracted by simply turning the feet.
Negative comment? Don't grab this unit on a freezing Christmas morning with your
bare hands. It won't let go of you. (Aluminum legs)
Other than that, it's inexpensive, a good work horse, and durable so it's a good unit
for photographers like me (financially poor). It works well, and has lasted thus far.
I can't complain about it.
-- Marika Buchberger, January 2, 2000
After reading comments on this page, I decided to purchase my first 'real' tripod. I
went with a Bogen 3221, w/ 3030 head (Sorry, i'm not into ball heads).
1) Ubiquitous? Who cares? Build your own if you want to be 'unique'.
2) Heavy? Not really. I got tack sharp, long exposure shots first time out, standing
in the middle of a hilly, muddy wheat field with HEAVY wind gusts; I was happy
to have the weight. Furthermore, I actually love carrying this thing around, but I'm
not carrying it for more than a few miles at a time (check back in a few years to see
if i still like the weight).
3) Well made? A quick (true) story: I fold the tripod up, and lean it against a wall in
my basement. Oops, poor judgement. The tripod starts to slide and I'm too late.
BANG. The Bogen hits the hard cement floor, with quite an impact. Wow, a
gigantic chip comes out of it, and it's ALL scratched up. Oh, I'm talking about the
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg (32 of 53)7/3/2005 2:21:13 AM