Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head

by Vanguard

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 33 x 6.8 x 4.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003XDU2Y0
• Item model number: Alta Pro 263AGH
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 26, 2010

Product Description

Quite possibly the most flexible tripod/ball head pair in the world, Alta Pro 263AGH is everything you need for out-of-this-world photography. Alta Pro tripods have unmatched versatility and stability, enabling more angle possibilities than ever before. Its innovative Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) System allows users to move the central column from zero to 180-degree angles in variable vertical and horizontal positions making macro-photography and special wide-angle shots a breeze.The Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System securely repositions the central column in one simple movement, in just a few seconds, while maintaining the tripod’s stability. Additional tripod features include advanced camera vibration and shock control, aluminum alloy legs that adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles, quick-flip leg locks, patented premium magnesium die-cast canopy, hexagon-shaped central column for extra stability, and non-slip, spiked rubber feet for changing terrains and a removable hook for hanging camera accessories. Its GH-100 pistol grip-style ball head has a Grip Position Release System with a handle that allows 360-degrees of panning movements and -32 to +90 degrees of side-to-side tilt and -8 to +0--degree back to front tilt movement all around.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY Professional and Thought-out. Tripod that does more than expected, December 15, 2010

By 

Kiyo M. - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head (Electronics)

(What's this?)

This is definitely not your ordinary tripod and the retail price isn't surprising. I'm a quite harsh rater, but I really am impressed with the quality and how innovative, versatile, and how very thought-out this product is. It easily deserves a 5 star and it's really no surprise that everyone else is giving it the same rating too.

+ Legs can spread exactly at 25, 50, 80-degrees preset angles -- all you have to do is press a button on the leg and it'll stop each time to that degree.
+ Dual locking quick release
+ Anti-shock ring
+ Pistol Grip allows easy 72-click 360 degree panoramic photography

I agree with the other reviewer about the pistol grip itself wouldn't be good for video panning, but I disagree that this tripod can't be used for video. For panning, you wouldn't use the pistol grip for that purpose because you can unlock the "Swivel Lock Knob" (described as letter 'E' in the manual) -- for the tripod -- and that will allow you to pan.

There's so many features on this tripod that you can get really creative with it; I know it's intended purpose is for photography, but the fact that the central column on this tripod can tilt in a unique way, it can actually act as a mini-jib! Personally, I will use this tripod for video shooting as well.

This tripod is just really thought-out from preventing damages to features to get all the types of angles you've ever wanted. Very impressed from the moment I opened it to hours after I learned all the features and the way to use it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Tripod for All Your Photography Needs, March 8, 2011

By 

STSL - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head (Electronics)

Solid, sturdy and very stable. The stability of this tripod and the pistol grip will save you a lot of time on aiming your object of interest and making sure it stay focused. A stone bag is included too so that you can hang it on the hook below the central column to add more weight for further stability. Once you've locked your camera at something, it wouldn't slide away slowly like those cheaper tripod do. Very useful for extreme macro or telephoto shots as every micro movement matter.

The multi-angle and flexibilty of the central column, legs plus pistol grip can be set up at every imaginable and odd positions you can think of. Reaching the unreachable with ease.

Besides the versatility, the weight of the tripod is one of the factor which made me buy this. It weighs at only 2kg and the pistol grip at 635g. To me, it is light taking into consideration of the features and price range. Back to back, it is only about 300g-500g difference from the carbon fibre version. And much lighter than many of its competitor in the same category. Can be carried around for outdoor photography with the included tripod bag, if the 2kg weight is not a problem to you.

I myself like some of the reviewers, have used this for video shooting and it works fine. But you'll need to have a strong wrist as the gripping of the pistol head will require some strength. Not recommended for people with wrist problems.

All in all, it is a very well made tripod right down to the smallest detail and very user friendly. Easy to setup, quick release is efficient and no sharp parts that might cut your hands. If you are thinking of upgrading or buying a new tripod, get this stylish looking tripod. You won't regret it!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tripod/grip combo!, November 15, 2010

By 

I. R. Smart. "Tzu Crazy" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head (Electronics)

(What's this?)

The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head (seriously, that's a mouthful) is an excellent tripod/grip for the prosumer entry range. It's definitely not the lightest tripod out there, but for the money this is a decent weight, and I found excellent built quality throughout. The tripod is easily assembled/disassembled, and the "buttons" for allowing the legs to lie flat are easily released. The GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head worked really well, has an easy-release switch for your camera (in my case, a 5D MKII), and my camera felt very secure on it with my 24-105L lens attached.

That said, I don't recommend the grip for video, since it's a little too unlock->move->lock (i.e. not smooth enough for a pan), but for general photography it's excellent.

The tripod came with a decent bag, but for more slamming-around protection you might want something heavier duty (which would add to the weight, of course!).

The bundle came well packaged, with the grip in its own box inside the tripod box. I really enjoyed using this tripod, and highly recommend it for those needing a decent tripod/grip!

5 stars out of 5!