p.2 #1 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
I don't know if this is legit, but I just saw this amazing deal of the Marsace XT-15 for $109, with an additional 5% discount! (They charge $13 shipping to the US from wherever it is...) Proceed at your own risk, but I'm almost tempted to get another one....
p.2 #4 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
I really like the tripod. As I said, I sold my Peak Design after I got this. Seems the price on this site has now gone up too $149, still a good deal if it's legit. Someone on DP Review.com ordered it at $109, he'll report if it's for real.
p.2 #5 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
jeffbuzz wrote:
This same tripod (or at least clones of it) are being sold under a variety of brand names. Not sure who the actual manufacturer is. Certainly intriguing. I do wonder how the internal expansion lock mechanisms will hold up in dirt and sand.
I ended up buying the Fotopro and it arrived today. I really like how light and small it is when folded. The ballhead is a bit stiff as is the center column. In addition, it flexes more than the Veo 2 264, the 3 Legged Thing and an old Feisol (yes, I have way too many tripods). I think this would be fine for light or moderate conditions. But I wouldn't trust it with a birding lens or in windy conditions. I think I'll keep this along with my 3 Legged Thing for a sturdier option (which also has a detachable monopod that's very useful when birding). Time to get rid of the other tripods.
lt;dr: Looks nice and easy to carry. Expected better performance.
Pros:
Aesthetics build quality are top notch.
Carry size (350mm) and weight (891g) are incredible. While not noted in the included instructions, the head has cutouts that precisely (or coincidentally) fit the legs.
Impressive 1530mm extended height is close to standing height eye level for me.
The XB-25P micro sized pano head is awesome. Sunwayfoto should sell that by itself but it appears to only be available with the tripod kit.
Cons:
One of the lower leg segments does not lock as reliably as the other 14. You really have to crank it tight to make it secure. I'm torquing it beyond the point I feel I should need to. If you get one, always press down and check the legs before loading your camera on it!
The center column is super wobbly. Everyone knows center columns are a weak point. But other center column equipped tripods I own do lock securely using some type of collar. The TT2650CE center column locks using a set screw that only contacts it from one side. Even with the column lowered it wobbles. I think the wobbling is actually worse with the column lowered rather than slightly raised. The upper aluminum segment of the column may be slightly undersized compared to the lower carbon portion.
The tripod is essentially disposable. The leg locks cannot be disassembled for cleaning or servicing. This info was only disclosed on the included printed material: "Do not put the tripod in water, mud or sand due to the non-detachable leg tube design." This is a big problem given how often I have to clean dirt out of the lower segments on some tripods.
p.2 #7 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
runamuck wrote:
Now that the arguments are out of the way, what about the tripod?
One more argument. I have issues with someone purchasing something just to try out well knowing in advance they will be returning the item.
Nothing is ever free in this world and I know businesses don’t eat costs so this type of attitude ( try and return ) just hurts everyone else with.l higher prices
p.2 #8 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
I agree the ordering something with the intent to return it has moral peril and certainly increases costs to everyone. My original intent was not to return the Sunwayfoto tripod. I need a tripod that fits in a 18" tall bag. This seemed like the best option. My expectations were quite high and I was disappointed by what I found. I tried to get an answer as to leg serviceability before I ordered the tripod. But I never received a response from Sunwayfoto. I could find no instruction manual available online. The information was only available on the printed sheet in the box.
I am returning it because there are 3 issues (detailed above) which I cannot accept. Hopefully my review here will save someone else from having to order and return one for the same reasons.
p.2 #9 · A worthy Peak Design tripod challenger for $200?
one of the few times i believe they deserve what the get in return. i know they are playing the odds on a relatively cheap sale. but i also hope that is a learning experience too.
a "special order" at B&H could have ordered it there and returned as required. no restrictions it seems unless that's what you did.
