Advantages: Sturdy and dependable
Disadvantages: Weight and manouverability

...MANFROTTO TRIPOD There comes a time in every photographers life when he/she gets tired of having slightly blurred pictures at a high magnification or a long exposure. Cameras and lenses can be heavy and it tires the arms to hold up to your eye for any length of time. You want support. Technical details Model 028 Max load 11.9kg (26.5lbs) Max height 179cm (70.5in) max height w/column 227cm (89.4in) Min height 77cm (30.4in) Closed length 82cm (32.3in) Weight 4.1kg (9.2lbs) Black anodised aluminium geared central column with non roll back feature. Threaded with 3/8" mount on the column for low angle shots twin shark leg design, built in spirit level rubber feet with retractable spike. 029 deluxe three way pan head black max load 7.5 kg (16.6lbs) head height 18cm (7.1in) Pan 360 degrees tilt-30 +90 frontal... Read review

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Advantages: Basic in design and foolproof
Disadvantages: None that I can envisage

...I Recently purchased 234RC Head, First time use proved to be either too stiff or too slack in operation with a 50-500 zoom. I dismantled the head for a quick look and found a disc of friction material of approximately 25mm outside diameter x 6mm bore. In a similar manner to another review of this item, I fitted P.T.F.E. shims cut out from sheet material and fitted these in place of the original friction disc. When dismantled, friction disc originally fits in a recess. I used 1 off 1mm shim at opposite end to recess to avoid metal to metal contact, and 2 pieces 1mm shim with a 6mm I/D-25mm O/D washer sandwiched between to make a shim-pack to fill recess. While you are at it, replace the 6mm x 65mm bolt with a stainless steel item. Similarly with Manfrotto 680 or other model monopod where all 5mm mild steel screws and nuts were replaced... Read review

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Advantages: Simple, inexpensive.
Disadvantages: None yet.

...I have one of these heads on my monopod, they're great. I paid £21 formine abotu 7 years ago, and it has performed faultlessly since new. I don't really see this as a "Tripod head", as it only pivots in one plane, indeed, it's designed to enable a monopod user to rotate the camera from landscape to portrait format. I don't use mine in this way, I mainly use it when using a long zoom lens with built in tripod collar, and this head enables forward and back rocking to enable up and down elevation as required. I have modified mine to inlude a PTFE shim, so that I can adjust the friction more precisely, and I often use the head with the lock screw slightly slack, to enable movement. Th quick release mechanism is efficient and secure, and features a secondary lock lever to prevent accidental release of the camera plate. When... Read review

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Advantages: Lightweight, Sleek and attractive looking, Easy to use, Affordable
Disadvantages: Possibly too light for heavier equipment

...My tripod is the Cullmann 54100 Euro Uno Stitiv/Tripod This is the first time I have purchased a tripod of my own, having researched the market I decided to buy mine at a Photographers Exhibition so at a reduced price. Having only previously used second hand tripods found in charity shops, made of heavy metal and designed in a bulky style. I was very pleased when testing the newer tripods, that weight has been considerably reduced, and the style and shape has been streamlined for convenient handling and transporting. The Cullmann 54100 has a handy carry handle that allows easy transport. It is also extremely light. Not so light that it topples over when standing, but light enough to be manageable. Easy to use, the camera fixes nicely into place via a plastic square that detaches from the tripod and fixes to the bottom... Read review

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Advantages: Great piece of equipment for great photos
Disadvantages: Sometimes can get blown about a little if the winds too strong

...I bought my Vanguard VT 133 about 2 years ago from a local camera shop that was closing down so I got this product brand new for about £15.99 when other shops where selling it at about £50.00 mark, some lower, some shops slightly higher. The tripod was bought not long after I had purchased my camera from the same shop. The tripod is fully complete and has a quick release system and tilts in the direction you would want all with a nice hand controlled lever, which is very easy to use making this very convenient to use as a travelling companion Fully folded this tripod closes upto around 21 inches and is very light to carry around.. I have both a Nikon F65 35mm SLR and a Sharps Video camera,, also for a period had the used of a medium format camera from the college where I attend.. This tripod well suited all cameras used... Read review

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