Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Tripods
The Slik 700DX is a different beast altogether. Yes, the 700DX is large, and yes,
it's heavy, but it's definitely rock solid, and that's why you buy this tripod. If you're
carrying around pro glass or longer teles, that's where the "strength" of this tripod
really shines. A comparable tripod that possesses the same capabilities and features
from Bogen/Manfrotto would probably cost twice as much if not more. Within the
same price bracket, I looked at the Bogen 3021 with appropriate quick-release pantilt-head
and thought it was flimsy in comparison.
The 700DX has a professional finish with titanium colored legs and black anodized
metal hardware. The legs are tubular with a slot on the underside to prevent
twisting. Also, the leg locks are flip-type, which won’t snag on clothing or cables
when in the locked position – unlike the butterfly twist levers found on other
brands. It has two built-in bubble levels – nice touch. I’ve found the head so solid
and stable that I’ve taken short hikes with the tripod slung on my shoulder like a
heavy rifle, with the legs extended and an ElanIIe and 70-200/2.8 mounted on the
head! I was able to walk around a small lake, and every 50’ to 100' or so, I'd put the
setup down, unfold the legs, take a few shots, then simply pick it up and hike some
more. Pretty convenient. (However, I’m not blindly recommending this method to
anybody.)
Nonetheless, I do share some folk’s sentiments. It’s heavy – about 7 pounds. Just
buy a lighter tripod for extended hiking purposes, and you'll have the 700DX
available for location use or when you need its strength for your big glass or other
applications. The quick release plate, however, can become unwieldly. In my
opinion, it's large and a tad too heavy to carry mounted to your camera body or
lenses at all times. At one point, I thought of getting extra quick release plates for
multiple bodies and lenses, but I can’t imagine carrying all that additional weight
on hiking trips. Luckily, the QR plate’s design and size is very easy to remove and
install securely w/o any tools, so you can easily get by with just one.
I would recommend this tripod to action shooters as well - its horizontal and
vertical panning capabilities are top shelf. I also think that medium format folks
would heartily welcome its larger head and base platform. In addition, the center
column can be reversed, so your camera/lens combo can be as close to the ground
as you'd like - a must for macro aficionados or even copy work. My only wish is
that Slik had included a shoulder strap and mounting points, but this can be
overcome with an aftermarket tripod strap.
I haven't yet found a better value on the market! If you only got the titanium legs
alone for the asking price, that itself would be worthwhile.
Cheers, Cian Perez
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg (43 of 53)7/3/2005 2:21:13 AM