Specifications
Length Folded
655mm (25 3/4")
Maximum Height
1550mm (61 1/4")
Maximum Center
Column Extension265mm (10 5/12")
Weight
2.5 kg (5 lbs 8 oz)
Get the best tripod
you can afford. My first tripod was an inexpensive Vivitar which was more
trouble than it's worth. Just when I have composition right and let go off the
handle, the head tilts. This happens no matter how hard I tighten the knobs and
handle. But what can you expect from a pan and tilt head that's made of plastic?
That's when I started reading up on what's available in tripods. The usual
material for tripods is aluminum alloy. The lightest (and most expensive) are
made from carbon fiber. However, heavy isn't bad. Lighter tripods tend to sway
even in little wind. Thus, a tripod in the 2.5 to 3 kg range is not too heavy at
all.
The lighter tripods also need braces on the legs to keep them from bending
against the weight of the camera. Sturdier tripods don't need braces. Unbraced
legs are also more versatile as the legs may be spread apart allowing the camera
to be positioned closer to the ground.
A pan and tilt head seems ideal for most shooting situations. It's easier to
adjust since vertical and horizontal tilt may be adjusted independently of each
other. With a ball head, you have to adjust vertical and horizontal tilt at the
same time.
I got the Slik ABLE 300DX. At US$89.95 (B&H price, I bought mine for less in
Hongkong), it was well worth the money. It is sturdy and very well designed with
all the features mentioned above, and more.
First of all the Slik is all metal. It is sturdily built as you can see from the photo at the right. The legs have no braces and may be spread apart by pulling the angle adjustment locks (see arrow).
Even the Quick
Release Platform is metal. The Quick Release Platform has a Wing Nut underneath
that turns to tighten the mounting screw (see photo at left). Thus, you don't
need to scrounge inside your pockets looking for a coin everytime you mount or
dismount your camera from the platform. The platform may also be attached
sideways on the Pan Head's catch.
The Slik has two
handles, one for Pan & Tilt and the other for Vertical Tilt. This is a
quicker and more convenient set up. You may think that with two protruding
handles the Slik is bulkier to store, but the Vertical Tilt handle may be
removed and screwed at the rear of the other handle.
For close up or copy
work, the center column may be removed and inserted backwards from the bottom.
The Slik ABLE 300DX is not provided with a bubble level, which I think is a
major omission. Even my inexpensive Vivitar has a bubble level. However, you can
buy one of those bubble levels that attaches to the camera's flash hotshoe,
which should be just as convenient to use.
You are my
th
visitor.
©1998 PhSantiago