Hello all,
I was in my local London Drugs having a look around the photo section and they had a couple of tripods with the name "Milano" on them. Both of them were Carbon Fiber legs with a quick-release 1-1/2" or 38mm jaws ball head fitted. They seemed to be pretty good quality, one was $319.00cdn and the other was $399.00cdn so they are not "budget" models. (in relative terms).
Does anyone have any experience with them as I've spent some time trying find any more info but googling them does not return anything useful?
in the world of chinese made tripods who the heck knows. lots of makers hundreds of "brand names". this one at this point doesn't even show up on the radar except at London Drugs.
This is simply the continuation of store brand lenses. Now, everyone and his brother have store label tripods. Check with London to see about a warranty, return period, etc. Does the spider look sturdy and solid, or does it look flimsy? Main leg diameter of 37MM or so is usually a good sign. Large leg diameters can overcome some cutrate manufacturing methods.
Are the legs independently adjustable for angle? If they aren't just walk away quietly.
If there is a 2 week or so return period, try it. If it's no good, return it.
Three things we all want in a tripod: low price, light, and strong. Common wisdom holds that you can have any two factors, but not a third. One thing you don't want to give up is strong. Wimpy, shakey tripods are pretty much worthless except for lightstands or very light cameras.
The Milano pods you are refering to come under numerous badges . . . one of them being 'Three Legged Thing' being sold by BH at 20% higher price than L/D. At $200 to $400 they appear to be a good bang for the buck considering how overpriced certain popular brands are, last carbon fiber 'Man-pod' I bought was also made in China(assembled in Italy!!!), but it does weight 1/3 of the one I bought 25 years ago . . . thank God.
