Customer Reviews

Induro AKB1 Tripod Kit (Black)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a photographer that shoots in various terrains, packing quality gear that can go the distance is a given. Coming from a steadfast user of Manfrotto tripods, I have to say that Induro's AKB1 Tripod is a nice surprise that leaves quite an impression. Originally I purchased this model as a backup tripod. However, after a little over eight months of use its found itself as my go to tripod. Its proven itself time and time again.

Made primarily of a magnesium alloy and aluminum, the AKB1 weighs in at about 3.5lbs and measures 26" folded and 62" fully extended. Even though I've been guilty of exceeding it a few times with both my Nikon D3s and D300, the maximum load is rated at 12.8lbs. The head mount thread size is the standard 1/4" and 3/8".

Like I said earlier, the AKB1 leaves quite an impression. For me personally the biggest selling points are the;

1) Adjustable Quick Locking Legs - Even on an uneven surface the height and spread is easily set by a flip of the quick lock leg levers. The legs are double keyed sections that unlike cheap knock offs don't rotate.

2) Snap-in Quick Release Plates - One of the better QR systems out there. I highly recommend picking up more then one of these durable plates.

3) Ballhead with Single Action Control - Well constructed, this single lever locks camera position and head rotation simultaneously.

4) Spider - Impressive magnesium alloy body. Rock solid and built tougher then most. Its cross braced and is the center system that provides for excellent core stability.

5) Center Column - Grooved and nicely built. It prevents unwanted column rotation and allows for low angle shooting.

6) Center Column Lock - Definitely a great design that adds structural support and helps in reducing vibration.

7) Bubble Level - One of the few mounted levels that works well for me. It aids in adjustment, uneven panning, and tripod head movements.

8) Weight Hook - Sturdier then most, its spring loaded and allows additional weight mounting stability especially during windy conditions.

9) Foam Grip - I actually like this more then I thought I would. It provides comfortable handling in extreme conditions and surprisingly has held up well.

10) Weight - Usually I'm not a big fan of light weight tripods. Durability and overall quality makes this one an obvious exception.

The only negative with this tripod is that it did not come with spiked feet. I had to purchase those separately. The Induro AKB1 comes in both a black or gun metal finish. This tripod is also packed with an above average nylon carrying case with a padded shoulder strap. The all metal hardware on the bag is top notch. The manufacturer also tags on a two year warranty.

For me personally, this product has gone the distance and more. The overall quality of this tripod speaks volumes. Without a doubt, I would recommend the Induro AKB1 to any serious photographer out there.

I purchased this and the matched BHD1 ballhead for a photo project in Paris and the French countryside (ballhead also reviewed). When I researched this, I knew I was looking for compact size when folded, lightweight and a good extended height. I have another tripod I use around a studio or when I won't need to carry for extended periods. I spent about 4 hours reviewing the specs of various manufacturers. I selected this Induro product because of it technical specs, ease of use and because of the recommendation Scott Bourne gives for the Induro brand based on his own use. When making a purchase like this there are trade-offs and I perceived that this tripod gave me everything I was looking for at an acceptable investment.

When I received this tripod and ballhead, I immediately was reassured that I had made the right choice. Very compact, very lightweight and VERY solid. I packed the tripod and ballhead in my small suitcase with no problem. My photo project included making a series of HDR images, including some very long exposures for HDR in Notre Dame. This requires ensuring the camera does not move. I was using my Nikon D700 with a 70-200 f2.8 lens. The tripod supported this kit with no difficulty. If I had planned to take a larger lens, I might have gotten the next size up Induro.

This tripod and ballhead were great. They allowed for fast, easy set up and adjustment. There is a bag hook under the center column to increase stability. The rubber tips on the legs can be quickly swapped out for metal spikes. I used this combination on cobblestones, in 12th century churches, parking lots, and fields in the French countryside. Most importantly is that I USED IT. One of the worst things is to have a great, stable tripod and ballhead, but not use it because it is too heavy to carry comfortably. This Induro set was just the opposite. EXCELLENT for packing, carrying and using throughout the day. It's compact size was also convenient when folded and carrying it through the busy metro stations of Paris.

At the end of the day, this is a tool I highly recommend. I researched other brands before buying, but have not regrets (except for not having purchased a few extra quick release plates so I could leave them attached to the camera and various lenses). This tripod and ballhead enabled me to create the images I wanted for my upcoming 2nd iPhone-iPad app (Everglades Originals is already available at iTunes). Very HIghly Recommended product

Yay Gold Box deals! Almost bought this at Fry's last weekend, held off because I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend the money on taxes (Yay no Taxes online), and then saw this as a Gold Box item on Saturday night.

The legs are nice - easy to clamp and unclamp for height - and only 3 section, so it gets tall without getting unstable. The column is reversable, which is cool for close to the ground photography.

The ball head does not have a panning feature, so this may not be the best for panoramic shots, but it has NO issues whatsoever holding the camera at some weird angles with a heavy lens and body. Tightening the head is easy, untightening is a little more difficult.

Easily worth the money at full price, never mind half price!

First, let me start off by saying I'm an amateur - photography is just a fun hobby. It's a passion of mine, but I don't make any money from it, so with that being said, I don't want to throw 1000 plus dollars into a tripod system. I researched tripods for a few months, and came down to the must have list for me: good quality, able to hold 20 to 30lbs, half-turn leg locks, lightweight - 3-4lbs, and reasonable priced. This tripod fit all of the must have's for me. It is well build - I considered carbon fiber, but the price was double and I only saved about a pound in weight(I only take this out on distance hikes a few times a year), still my total weight with the BHD1 ball head attached is 4.1 lbs. I've used this tripod/ballhead combo with a Canon 7D with a 580 speedlite and a 70-200 f2.8L IIis lens attached and there is absolutely ZERO creep with the BHD1 and the legs are very stable. The find that most of the time I use it with the 3 sections fully extended and the center column down. I've read that with the center column fully extended that it becomes a little less stable. Overall, I'm very happy with this and the BHD1 and would recommend this to anyone looking for a fairly lightweight, but very strong and stable tripod. Also the bag that comes with it is very well made!

Read the earlier review by J.D.P. After a week of intensive use this tripod has won me over big time. It is of surprisingly good quality and easily handled my Nikon D90. I know it isn't a good practice, but I found myself leaving the D90 attached to the tripod and ball mount as I swung it over my shoulder while walking around. Needless to say, the tripod had earned my confidence to do that.

That's all I have to add to this review. Again J.D.P. pretty much nailed it in his review.

This tripod is not heavy because of its alloy construction, and its framework is very strong. It will not shift under normal use. It holds significant weight and is very easy to operate. You won't need to replace this tripod!

I wanted a tripod that would be strong and handle anything I would eventually do. I was looking at the Manfrotto 055PROB as my choice until I read a review somewhere to look at Vanguard and Induro as they seemed pretty good also and the price was better.

I wanted a tripod for life and one that would be strong enough to meet my needs. This is not my first tripod but things have changed since I looked at tripods many years ago. My other tripods are anciently old aluminum ones with pan tilt heads that are the screw in type. One was from my Dad and one I got from a relative and one is my $20 special. They are probably strong enough except the $20 one (which I bought for my digital camcorder which died soon after I bought the $20 one). My Dad's used to hold a Nikon F (with various lenses both fixed and zoom)and a Rolleiflex 2.8E which is no lightweight either so that one might be ok. The other one from the relative looked like my Dad's and it held a Besseler SLR with a zoom lens of some type and I actually used that one in a pinch and it was fine. However, since none of them had a name or model number except the $20 one and the boxes for all of them are long gone, I felt it was time to buy a tripod that would handle anything I would want to do and I had confidence in.

After reviewing both Vanguard and Induro, I zeroed in on the Induro AT213 or AT313 since my budget does not allow for a carbon fiber tripod. I eliminated the AT313 as being overkill since it's load rating is 33lbs and was more than I cared to spend. I don't think I will ever get close to that load, at least I hope not.

Before buying either, I went to a local camera store and saw their floor models and checked them out. If you buy a DVD or book, you can do that sight unseen, but for a tripod, find a good camera store that specializes in cameras and camera equipment and test it out. You might think that it is cheesy to test it at a store and then buy it online for cheaper. Well how much cheaper was it? Put it this way, the store prices were $225.00 - $250.00. As I state later, this is good bargain hunting.

The AT213 is also about $40.00 cheaper online than the 055PROB. So was I was bargain hunting or just being cheap? I think both probably.

Finding reviews for the 055PROB is easy. It is all over the Internet, but I have not found any on the AT213, so I am doing this for anyone who is thinking about this tripod and is wondering how good it is.

Specifications between the 055PROB vs the AT213 is as follows:

055PROB AT213
Folded length 25.8" 25.6"
Weight 5.2lbs. 4.4lbs.
Maximum load 15.4lbs. 22.0lbs.
Maximum height column extended 70.3" 65.8"
Maximum height column down 55.9" 56.7"
Number of legs 3 3

Pretty much a dead heat. Two things the 055PROB has over the AT213 is 1) a sideways column so that you can squat the tripod down low with the camera off to the side and 2) it squats lower than the Induro. Handy feature for shooting plants and flowers. The Induro does not have the sideways column, but I believe Induro just came out with a column that will do that. I will check it out one of these days.

On the other hand, the Induro has a spring loaded hook on the bottom of the column to add weight and stability on windy days. My backpack hangs very nicely there as a plumb.

Based on my countless hours of analysis, I ordered the AT213 and it arrived promptly. Upon opening it, I found the tripod and two bags. On holding the tripod, it did not feel like aluminum but then not like carbon either. It felt different but good. I know an aluminum feel since I own a Manfrotto 679B Monopod. Bag 1 was a nice carrying case and bag 2 contained the tools and spiked feet that come with it. No manual was found. However, on Induro's website, you can find the manual. It is only 2 pages which makes sense. It is a tripod after all. How much is there to it?

The legs are tight and tad stiff, but that is good since you don't want one loose from the start. Everything else was smooth and worked as advertised. The twist lock legs are great and unloosen with just enough stiffness to know it is solid. The legs extend smoothly and easily. The center column extends smoothly. I imagine over time as it breaks in, it will loosen a bit but never to the point of sloppy. Extending the legs and setting my Nikon D60 on with a 18-55mm kit lens on it feels solid with very little play. Ball head is Vanguard SBH-100. Conclusion is build quality is excellent.

I have used it 3 times already and it feels solid and good in that I never worry about the camera falling over.

There is one more curious fact if you order this from Amazon, you will see 2 AT213 for the $143.00. One is a 6M (which is the straight aluminum tripod) and the 8M which is the alloy one. After looking at Induro's website for hours, I realized the Amazon 6M was a typo since 1) all the specifications were for the 8M model and 2) there is no 6M AT213, at least I didn't see one. In addition, the 8M listed on Amazon is heavier weight wise, so I am not sure what that is about. Induro's site list the weight of the 8M AT213 as 4.4lbs.

My final conclusion after studying until my brain overloaded, I made the right choice.

***Update 2/27/10***

I made a comment that Benro is not sold in the US. I went to a Calumet Camera store in San Diego and guess what? I saw on the tripod rack a Benro tripod. So I guess they are sold here. I checked it out when I got home and sure enough, Benro's website indicate they do sell in the US. So as far as my comments go about Benro's warranty in the US, that comment is null and void. Please ignore it.

I have also removed any comments on Benro from this review before my update.

I used to have a tripod that was more stable than this one - it had a couple features this one didn't have, like on that tripod you could screw the feet in and out to make points for outdoor shots while exposing rubber feet for indoor shots.

But, well, today's electronic cameras are lighter. The ability to make the feet into points was unimportant. And weight is important - I want a tripod that is light enough that I am going to carry it - not just think about how well it will work in my closet.

I like the ability to have two levels more - so that I can be sure that the camera is level with the horizon. It is cool that you can hang a weight on the center post - and also cool that you can invert the center post to go macro.

And, well, I really liked the ability to get the legs out at different distances from the center. I used to have to handle that by making the lengths different lengths, and this system will give me a way of working on uneven ground that allows me to spread the legs more, not less.

Now this is not a "panhead" so making movies with it is not such a good idea. But it will be a great tripod for my little high end point and shoot.

Definitivamente sólido, fácil manejo del ajuste de las patas, podría mejorarse los pies de goma (no son muy adherentes) y el cambio por pines es muy engorroso

I bought this because I needed a lightweight tripod that would fit into a suitcase when traveling. It fills the bill perfectly. I just got back from a two week trip to four countries in Asia and took my tripod with me. Everything on it works well. I do prefer the locking levers I used to have on my Manfrotto tripod to the twist locking collars on the legs. But that is a tradeoff for the things that are more important to me. I highly recommend this tripod. Especially sweet is the included carrying case..