I have a very cheap tripod now and it never works right. Looking to pick up a better one and still spend around $100.

Browsing B&H I found a few Slick Pro Tripods that I like, just wondering how they hold up and how well they work. If anyone here can answer that for me.

Slick Pro 340DX with 3-way pan/tilt Head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/376385-REG/Slik_613_340_Pro_340DX_Tripod_Titanium_.html

Slick Pro 330EZ with 2way pan/tilt Head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/507996-REG/Slik_613_033_Pro_330EZ_Tripod_with_2_Way.html

That or recommend me one for ~$100.

Thanks!

No they are not worth it

Find a used Bogen 3021 or 3221 if you are on a strict budget. Look on ebay, they are solid but heavy. Mine's lasted for 10 years of abuse. Bogen's ball heads are useable, you can find a used one there too.

You should read this:
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

The Sliks are Ok, they are a step less expensive than the Bogens, but that means there are some differences in functionality, finish, etc. The Pro 700dx is cheaper than the 3021, 3221s but doesn't have the same leg spread features, the fliplock, IIRC from looking at them when shoppings isn't as easily tightened, can't be fit with retractable spike feet and the Slik qr systems aren't as broadly applicable as Bogens, Bogen makes a variety of heads and many of them have compatible qr systems or can be selected for a compatible qr type.

But beyond the suggestion that some people get from the article linked above, that only Cf and only the sturdiest CF is a good buy, you do need to understand the uses you'll have for the tripod to make good judgements about the weight capacities, and then the other compromises you might or might not want to make. Budget is certainly an issue but you can spend under $200 and get what will serve functionally if not lightly and elegantly or over $500-$700 and get one that's not even close to right for your needs.

Jammy,
Thanks for the input, and great article to boot!

There are a few Bogen 3021's on ebay i'm watching. Thanks again.

WesM63 wrote:
Jammy,
Thanks for the input, and great article to boot!

There are a few Bogen 3021's on ebay i'm watching. Thanks again.

No problem.

The Bogen pan tilt heads on most of the 3021' on ebay come with are perfectly serviceable, good luck!

Agree there. I have a Bogen 3031 (since replaced) and it's not very elegant but it is by far a better functional tool than many similarly or even higher priced ball heads. Just less convenient.

I've had my Bogen 3221 pod for years. It's performed flawlessly. I don't find it heavy at all.

KK

What do you guys think of this Bogen one on B&H?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html

WesM63 wrote:
What do you guys think of this Bogen one on B&H?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html




Looks flimsy but it's hard to tell, I do know that small ball head is junk last time I tried on in a store. The whole thing only supports 7.7lbs... that's kind of a joke. I'd still go for a used 3221.

Jammy Straub wrote:
WesM63 wrote:
What do you guys think of this Bogen one on B&H?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html




Looks flimsy but it's hard to tell, I do know that small ball head is junk last time I tried on in a store. The whole thing only supports 7.7lbs... that's kind of a joke. I'd still go for a used 3221.

Thanks. I ended up hitting Buy it Now on an ebay Bogen 3021 with 3047 3-way head. Hope its worh the $175 I spent

I've got one. I've probably used it as often or more than my "real" tripod recently. That said, I'd never consider it as a primary tripod for a dslr user. Bogen doesn't describe it or rate for use with an slr or dslr. It's a digicam tripod. The head is essentially a permanently attached 484rc2 head. It's small and a bit touchy from a fit standpoint, need periodic fiddling to get the locking lever in or out of the way.

I use it for a light, small, easily carried tripod - I'm not sending $500+ on a super CF pod and fancy head for random trips to the museums, walk-arounds where a tripod might be needed, early sunset type shots, etc.

It does OK with a dslr with a smallish lens. KM 7D with the 28-70/2.8G was pushing it. D200 with an 18-70 or 12-24/4 Tokina is fine under calm conditions. Get some breeze and you will get some vibration problems. More than just a light breeze and it might be better than handholding but may not be. It's not really great with a d200 and the 70-300 VR. Will be kind of saggy. You can work through the sag and it will be OK, but it's a light pod not designed to handle a regular dslr type load. I find it beyond awkward to try to work with in "portrait" but many tripods are. I'm still deciding on a better ball head for my regular tripod, when I do, I'll swap the plate on this so I can use an AS compatible L bracket.

Other than the used ones mention, I have a lot of trouble considering lighter than the new 055 series Bogens or the older 3021/3221s. Yeah, the 190 series are out there but I'd still look to the sturdier/larger ones.

The Slik Pro 700dx with the Slik pan/tilt is, I believe, about $130at B&H, the 700dx w/o head is $85. The new Bogen 840rc2 head is under $70. these aren't light, they are very functional and sturdy.

Don't get the U212 types.
It does fairly well for what it is. It's rated for 7.7 lbs because it and it's pan/tilt counterpart (728?) have better heads than similar digicam pods with even less studly heads.

Crossed posts, the 3021 and 3047 combination should be excellent. It's not light but assuming it hasn't been run over by a truck, should be fine.

WesM63 wrote:
Jammy Straub wrote:
WesM63 wrote:
What do you guys think of this Bogen one on B&H?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html




Looks flimsy but it's hard to tell, I do know that small ball head is junk last time I tried on in a store. The whole thing only supports 7.7lbs... that's kind of a joke. I'd still go for a used 3221.

Thanks. I ended up hitting Buy it Now on an ebay Bogen 3021 with 3047 3-way head. Hope its worh the $175 I spent

Good job, that's money well spent. If it didn't come with a bag look for one or get the Bogen carrying strap.

It also makes an excellent self defense tool.

If I may add a few tips about the 3021 for you:

1. Remove the second lower half of the central support column. It's next to useless. You don't want to shoot with the center column extended anyways. There should be an allen wrench in the rubber stopper at the bottom of the column. It also takes out a bit of weight.

2. Don't bother with Bogen's spiked feet. The rubber covers are more stable.

3. Don't push your tripod down in the snow, you'll snap the legs like a toothpick (this is true of any tripod)

4. If it didn't come with a leg lock adjuster tool get one, the leg locks tend to get hard to open after a few years of field use. Using mine in rivers has made them sticky. It's a little plastic doohikie that clips on the legs.

Now that Its paid for I can share the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120259688301&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=002


Jammy,
Thanks for all the help. I'll keep those things in mind when it arrives.

I have the slik pro 803cf. It's a superb tripod especially for travel. Leg locks are so much easier than my gitzo 1325. I would strongly advise buying a carbon fibre tripod....you'll use it way more than an aluminum one and although it will cost you at least $200 you will save money in the long run as you won't have to replace your aluminum pod with a CF one in a few years!

I have a slik 700dx, and it's hardly junk. It was 130$ ish with the head. The head leaves a little to be desired, but is certainly usable.

Slik PRO 400 DX Deluxe Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release)

ROCK SOLID and worth every penny. Been using it for 4 years.