Customer Reviews

Sunpak 620-020 Tripod

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Sunpak 2001UT tripod is a good basic tripod, esp. for digital cameras. The reason for my saying this is that this is a light-weight tripod, and its maximum load is about 4.2 pounds. This is sufficient for digital cameras that do not use interchangeable lenses, and also for SLRs or digital SLRs that use a lightweight lens. So, if you have a 300mm telephoto or zoom lens on your SLR you MUST get something heavier and sturdier. For others whose camera (plus lens) is less than 4 pounds, this lightweight tripod is perfect. It's pretty good quality, easy to use, has a quick-release camera plate (so you can take the plate with the camera for that quick handheld shot), and is light enough to carry with you anywhere you go.

After I lost my previous tripod, I bought this one on amazon. I really like this tripod

These are some of the cool features I like in this tripod.
1. I can adjust it to any height using center pole.
2. Using quick release pan head, it is easy to switch between camera and camcorder.
3. Adjustments are smooth, at the same time, we can stop the horozontal/vertical movement by tightening corresponding screw.
4. I can take vertical (portrait) pictures also. I was not able to do that with my previous tripod.
5. It is sturdy and holds camera tight.

The only thing I find it missing is, bubble indicator.

I agree with the reviews that speak of the good features of this tripod... it is lightweight, easy to set up, compacts to a reasonable size, and is not difficult to carry.

I purchased this tripod in 2004 but have never used it with my video camera; it always held my still camera. This year, I began using my video camera and a tripod was needed for smooth panning and tilt for an hour-long shoot. The subject was a corporate trainer whose motions did not follow a predictable path.

The first taping, I found the joints a little sticky, even though the clamps were loosened. To prepare for the next taping, I attempted to lubricate he mechanism. That is when I realized that the design and construction was the cause and not that the tripod needed the lubricant.

The construction of the joints had large clearances thus the tradeoff was keeping the adjustment snug or allowing the maximum freedom to eliminate the stickiness. On the second taping, I loosened everything up and was more careful. Some erratic movement could be edited out and some was compensated by the video camera's steady-cam features.

While I like this tripod for my still pictures I would suggest evaluating other tripods for video use when panning, or tilt is needed.

First it looks professional. Locks on the legs are "quick", you can release and adjust the legs very fast. One problem is that if you don't want to strecth the legs full way, then you have to use your imagination to make it stand level. It is much lighter than it looks. The legs and structure is made of thin and hollow pieces to reduce weight, still it is sturdy and holds the camera firm. The quick release pan head is also a nice feature that helps you to fix and release your camera without unscrewing the pan. An extra pan also comes with it that helps you to use two cameras alternatively without bother. The pan can be adjusted in three coordinates. A small complaint is that, there is no indicator with which to check if the pan surface is horizontal, so again one needs to guess.

The tripod has also a center pole that extends to about 1 foot and helps adjust the camera height without need to adjust legs. When legs are closed it is reasonably small.

I would say this is a great tripod for home and vacation use and for the price you pay, you get a worthy service.

I paid ~$20 for this tripod and I have to say that for the price, you just can't beat it. It is highly adjustable, stable, and has nice, removable camera footings. I've used this tripod quite extensively since I bought it, and it has held up very nicely.

This is the second product I've purchased from Sunpak - I also own one of their monopods. I've been very impressed with the quality of these inexpensive items. The tripod is light, easy to operate, and should be sufficient for the everyday photographer. As mentioned in another review, there is no bubble level. Luckily, my Sunpak monopod bases have a level and they are interchangeable with the tripod's!

The Sunpak 2001UT tripod is exactly what I wanted and needed! I have a D5000 Nikon and the tripod it is perfect for it, with the 55mm and 70 - 200 mm lens. Thank you!

You get what you pay for. Combined with a free bag (that I'm using for a Bogen 3001BN tripod), it's not such a bad starting tripod so you can evaluate something better. The legs are small and not very sturdy. The head movement is slow and tedious. An extra quick-release plate is good. If you have compact cameras (point & shoot or SLR w/ small lenses), it's okay.

After reading a series of mixed reviews of this tripod, with trepidation I bought one, and I'm so glad I did. It is sturdy, lightweight, easily adjustable, and perfect for my needs, which is to take stable photos with a Nikon D80 SLR. Among the reviews that were misleading were those that described the legs as not locking (they do...at any height or angle)and the case as not slinging over the shoulder (it does, it's just that you have to use it with the strap so that the zipper is at the bottom). This is an amazing value. My only regret is having spent so much time trying to decide whether to get it.

I'm one of those people who researches purchases -- almost all of them. Chose this tripod and liked it so well that when it was stolen from my car, I immediately bought a second one. Made this selection because I'm entering into light video production (professionally)and didn't have the bucks for more exalted models. Its light weight makes it ideal for my use out in the field. Perfectly steady for average use, swivel action is smooth, and the quick-release plate is very helpful (and the bonus plate is just that: a bonus!). Only caveat is that it might not be tall enough for some people, but I use the LCD screen, not the viewfinder, so it works fine for me. And taller would translate to bulkier/heavier.