Customer Reviews

Slik Heavy-Duty Tripod with 3-Way Fluid-Effect Head and Built-In Bubble Level

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is NOT a "heavy duty" tripod, nor is it for the serious creative amateur using a video camera. The instructions enclosed said the tripod could withstand a camera up to 4lbs. 3oz., but when I used a video camera just under 4lbs., the top assembly flopped over easily and had to be tightened VERY tightly with the handle grip, which then kept me from moving the camera vertically or at angles during during filming. In order to move the head up and down during a shoot, the handle must be unscrewed many turns, and the whole upper assembly (and camera) jiggles always while doing this, thus ruining any attempts at smooth transitional shots, which in turn ruins the video. I do not know how this would be with a small ultra lightweight camera, though. Also I did not like the way the small plastic piece attaches to the bottom of the camera--it has to be screwed in and secured by using a coin. If one wants to set up or take down the equipment quickly, one as to rummage around for a nickel somewhere, and then hang onto it for later. This plate piece could have easily been designed with a serrated knob (for traction) that could simply be turned by hand without any hassle, like I have seen on other better models.

However, this being said, I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 or a 1, because the price is very good, the assembly head DOES move very smoothly horizontally, even with a heavy camera, and the tripod is very lightweight and sturdy for its size. It is great for still cameras, and for limited lightweight video use.

If I had to do it over, I would not have bought this tripod, but gotten a more professional one for a higher price.

-K.Brett

When i was picking out a tripod i basically focused on price and the weight of the tripod, not the weight capacity. The more they weigh the less top-heavy they are. This one is nice. It's sturdy, adjustable, i can rotate and pitch the camera on it when in video mode smoothly, the quick release feature is awesome, and it has a extremely little useful bubble level.

I found this to be the best tripod in my price range. The only thing i would change is the crank for the elevation, the plastic looks a little weak compared to the rest of the tripod. Overall i'm definatly satisfied.

Good stuff :)

Very pleased with the tripod - it has a very nice silky feel to the catches and threads that hold the head in place. I wouldn't call it 'heavy duty' by any stretch, but it can handle my Nikon D50 with a Nikkor 70-300mm zoom on it, without much problem.

I have used a video tripod with my camera and it kept everything pretty tight and steady, for even long night-time shots. This one does the same, but isn't as heavy or bulky to carry.

However, if you have an older, heavier camera or use heavier lenses, this might not be for you. For all-purpose serious amateur use with modern cameras, it's fine. Pretty lightweight for travelling and fits very nicely in the bag, which I also bought (from separate Amazon vendor).

Minor irritations - I probably could use a few more inches on this, as I'm 6' 2", but it's manageable. Also screw plate that fixes to the camera needs to be screwed down quite tightly to prevent movement. Otherwise all fine so far - very happy with the product and vendor.

I had an old slik tripod that I loved. So to stay with the brand loyalty - I chose this model. The quick release mount works only if you shoot in a horizontal position, the second you flip it to vertical - the screw loosens and the camera flops over. The screw won't wont stay tight enough to hold the camera steady.

The tripod is easy to adjust, just the right height, fits in my large suitcase and is very attractive. I wish it came with a carrying case or at least a built-in handle. I was leery of its low price and "D" shaped legs but it is well made and very sturdy. The legs are easy to set-up at different lengths, in case you are working on a non-level surface. I'm concerned that the handle is plastic and the pan-head is tight when trying to move up and down.

I'm not a professional photographer, I have a Canon S3 IS and a Lensmate adapter with a couple filters, that's about it. The main things I photograph are my artwork, friends/family and things for reference images/ideas (objects, landscapes, etc.), this tripod works great for all of those. It's sturdy, looks nice and works exactly like it should. I don't drag it around with me all the time and I treat it well, I expect it to last me at least a couple years. If you pretty much just do a lot of miscellaneous amateur photography and you'd like something better than those cheap, generic tripods but don't want to spend a ton of money then I'd highly recommend this one. I think it's great and I was actually pretty impressed with it when I opened it up.

Two things to keep in mind, it isn't the smallest tripod in the world and it doesn't come with a bag or strap to carry it.

This tripod is heavy duty, allows for easy adjustments in many directions, holds your tripod at a variety of angles, is light and folds easily. My only regret is not buying the $15 bag (available seperately from Amazon) at the same time, but I'll get that with my next Amazon order.

This is an excellent value for the $ spent. The tripod is lightweight, stable and very easy to use. I particularly like the bubble level and the ease of camera attachment and removal. It provides a stable platform under most conditions. If you are shooting under windy conditions where there are gusts above 30-40 mph, there is some loss of stability. If there is a slight weakness, it is using the tripod for panoramic shooting, where there is some loss of linearity at the extremes of 3 or 4 overlapping exposures. However, considering the very reasonable cost of the item, this is a nitpick. In any event, this minor issue can be offset for the serious hobbyist or professional by using a high quality stitching program such as PTAssembler / PTGUI. Overall, this is nearly an ideal product for the price and is especially well-suited to back-country use or other scenarios where weight is an issue.

This tripod arrived on time and in good condition. However I have to put the "heavy duty" in quotations as this item is for amateurs mostly and is made of plastic as well. The weight you can put on it is limited. However it does the job well for the amateur photographer or videographer.

I love this tripod! I am extremely happy with my purchase. It's built heavy duty (like its name implies). All controls operate easily and stay in the position you put them in. It's a trust-worthy piece of equipment that will definitely make my 'shooting sessions' easier, with a higher quality of photo. Quick shipping and well packaged. I'm happy all the way around with this purchase. The bubble level and feet which allow a soft stand or spiked stand are nice as well and can actually be used (unlike on similar ones that are not dependable). Most definitely worth the investment.