Customer Reviews

Digital Concepts TR-68N 72-Inch 3-section Deluxe Tripod with Carrying Case for Use with Most Camcorders

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Why I bought a new tripod: I already own an old garage-sale tripod of some unspecified brand that I've used with my video camera for several years. In retrospect, I took its stability for granted, but it lacked a few of the conviences typically found on current tripods. It folds up nicely, but is heavier to carry than current models, and the camera must be unscrewed from the base plate to remove it from the tripod. Having bought my first high quality digital still camera, I wanted a lighter-to-carry tripod and one that allowed quick removal and replacement of the camera.

Why I chose this one: This unit offered good height, light weight, a "fluid head" for smooth pans with the video camera, a snap-in base plate, and a carry bag - all at a great price.

Why I'm returning this one:

Least reason: The base plate attaches to the camera using a built in plastic tab attached to the screw. While this is a convenient idea, the tab must be folded down flat to get the base to lock onto the tripod. Not so bad until you want to remove the plate - you may need a screwdriver to pry up the tab or risk losing a fingernail. The screw itself does not have slots for a screwdriver.

Most reason: The stability I took for granted in my old tripod is lacking in the new one. Specifically:

1. The legs flex. On a vinyl floor, it was difficult to get a stable stance because the extended legs woud, one-by-one, flex and "dance" across the floor. On less-slick surfaces the feet stayed in place, but there was still movement in the unit.

2. The top pole (that raises with the crank) is shaky when extended. The idea of the "fluid head" for smooth pans seems lost when touching the camera causes considerable wobble in the bar itself. The top pole is better left down. (Yes, I tightend the connections.)

3. The bars of the center brace are attached by loose-fitting rivets. The brace may prevent the unit from collapsing should you need to set the legs at a narrower stance, but it does little to "solidify" the tripod.

Summary: At full height, it was difficult to take even still pictures without movement in the tripod. The setup may look stable, but then you have to touch the camera (unless you have a remote). It`s worse with the video camera - I was unable to get a smooth pan in spite of the "fluid head". Stability is better at half-height.

This tripod seemed to be very nice... Until we tried to extend the legs all of the way. Two and a half of the legs worked well, the third had a section that would not stay extended. The locking devices are pretty poor. They are made of a cheap plastic and I believe that even the ones that do work well now, will not last very long with even moderate use. Next time I will try to find a tripod with a set screw type of leg extension lock.

This goes up to 5 feet 10 inches, while others go to up to an average of 5 feet. No bending over in an uncomfartable position, tape while staying at your height. Its very sturdy and woth every penny. Compatable,safe,comfartable - You should buy this one!

The height is very nice but why does it woble so much even when it is not fully extended? I also did not like the way the leg clips are made. They are plastic and one has already broke off.

Haven't used it much but the panning is horrible. Not smooth at all, better take the the camara off the tripod with the quick release function which is nice.

This is my first tripod. I don't use a tripod very often. So I didn't want to spend a lot of money for a very good one. I just wanted a mediocre one, and it is just that.

When fully extended, the stability of the tripod is so-so. On hardwood floor, it tends to move a little. But it is pretty stable when I hang a bag carrying 5-6 pounds of weight from the provided hook. I do not extend the neck to get the full height, because I am only 5'7" tall -- the three legs when fully extended give me sufficient height. I read in some reviews that the neck is wobbly. I checked that fact with both my light-weight camcorder and a tiny digital still camera. After extending the neck I tightened the screw that holds the neck in place, and I did not think that the neck was wobbly. I do not know if it'll wobble with heavy cameras though.

The features I like in this tripod are its light weight, good height, quick-release camera mounting plate, two spirit levels to check leveling, the handle on the tripod to carry it, and the handy carry-case that comes with it. Some reviewers apparently could not figure out how to mount the camera on the tripod correctly. The correct way of doing that is to take out the mounting plate using the quick release hook, align the camera on it, then tighten the screw from the BOTTOM of the plate holding the plastic thingy that is attached to the screw. Then put back this assembly on the tripod.

Now let me highlight the negative points. THE PANNING AND TILTING IS NOT VERY SMOOTH. I tried loosening everything. At best panning and tilting is so-so. The "fluid head" is not very fluid.

The other negative point is the tripod does not come with any written or illustrated instruction sheet. That is annoying. I went to the manufacturer's website to look for instructions. No instructions there either. I found a link to write to the company asking for help. My message was sent successfully, but no reply came. That is a shame.

In conclusion, if you want a tripod for occasional use and don't want to spend much for it, then you can buy it keeping in mind what to expect. But if you want a very good quality tripod that you want to use regularly and you expect it to last long, then increase your budget and buy a professional quality tripod. Expect to pay at least $200-$300 for such tripods.

I give this tripod a 3-star rating

Liked the EZ set up and gives me the height I was looking for to produce quality video. Found a squeak during a horizontal/level turn with and without the video camera attached. Didn't see a way to reduce the squeak sound. Otherwise, this is a solid tripod and will work great for still photos.

Haven't tried it in windy conditions yet but I like that it's lightweight, easy to transport and extends to 70 inches. The extra height extension prevents you from stooping over when shooting videos. Good value, and free shipping (delivered in 5 days to Hawaii - not bad!) from Amazon only makes it better! Highly recommended.

I've used this product extensively for the past 7 years. It has traveled with me over a broad range of terrain and climatic conditions. It is easy to use and sets up quickly, level gauge is quite helpful. It is light-weight (aluminum frame) which makes it easy to carry in a sling case over the shoulder, but makes it harder to remain steady in a windy location. There is a hook at the bottom of the center stem that takes care of that issue, by loading a weight on it. This product is suitable for most cameras and plastic optics, however if you are using a glass based telephoto lens (>3 lbs) the plastic platform on which the camera/lens rests can buckle under the weight.

Use carefully if shooting on sand, as it can get into the sliding mechanism of the legs and can potentially seize it.

This tri pod is easy, simple and does the job great! It is a good quality device at a very fair price. I highly reccomend it.