Uh....yeah, I know, Weak. But I had to try out the new tripod and ball head.
MUCH improved from my old Velbon victory 550 "grounder".
It is somewhat heavier than I was hoping for though and I am not
sure what hiking with it is going to be like.
11-24-2004:
Well, Id rate the new $200 'pod'/head like this:
Much more sturdy than the old Velbon $70 unit which got bent when run over by a car (while I was using it). The thing is reasonably solid with some exceptions. Its pretty easy to use and I really like the secondary lock on the quick release plate so that your camera cant fall off when walking with it slung over your shoulder like I do a lot. But they make the secondary latch very easy to use - definite kudos here. The head it much more solid than it really needs to be though -it seems like a tank to me and will hold more than the legs I think.
The leg latches are easy to use. It is a LOT heavier than my old cheapie the new one is ~5.4 lb total- I guess thats the price to be paid for a decent tripod unless you can afford the lighter carbon fiber ones (dont pick one up unless you have $200 extra not including head in your wallet!). The Head is quite easy to use and intuitive. The grease they put in it is too thick though so when it's cold (like this morning - see pics in landscape folder) it is harder to turn than it ought to me - a minor point. All in all its fine.
The three things that they could have done better are making the center post a bit thicker - its shaped / rolled / welded sheet aluminum and isn't as stiff as the rest of the tripod. Secondly, the rubber feet on the bottom of the legs are smooth and rounded and slide on just about everything. This was not smart and is a bit of a problem. They need to be softer, grippier, and ribbed or something to make them stay put (they do have optional spike feet if you want to buy them though). I might cut grooves in them. Its a bit hard to carry since the legs dont lock closed - only partway closed. So, unless you put a strap or handle on it.... (again, they do have a strap kit you can buy).
