Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT Aluminum Alloy Tripod Legs with Multi-Angle Central Column System

by Vanguard

• Multi-Angle Center Column can be adjusted from zero to 130 degree s; Quarter-Twist Legs adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles
• Advanced camera vibration control
• Extended Height 65"

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 5.1 x 21.1 inches ; 4.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003BQ0TFQ
• Item model number: Alta Pro 264AT
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 10, 2010

Product Description

Alta Pro tripods have unmatched flexibility, stability and 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 130-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. Other features include advanced camera vibration and shock control, legs that adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles, patented premium magnesium die-cast canopy and head, hexagon-shaped central column for extra stability, and non-slip, spiked rubber feet for changing terrains and a removable hook for hanging camera accessories. Alta Pro 264AT is aluminum alloy and  has quick-flip leg locks.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Exception value and INCREDILY versatile TRIPOD... March 28, 2011

By Gregory J. Mcbride

Amazon Verified Purchase

First off this is an absolutely great tripod which is extremely well engineered with solid construction as well as being the most versatile "must have" accessory for any photographer.

I am a professional photographer and over the years I have owned several tripods. I got into the light weight tripods for a short while because I was concerned about the overall weight I was carrying.

That went on for about 2-3 years until I was shown how a light weight tripod holding an expensive Canon 5D (at the time $2,500) along with a 70x200mm series "L" (at the time $1,250 lens) had taken a really nasty fall because of a very slight nudge from a shirt sleeve as the photographer was setting up. (OUCH!)

He said it all happened so fast and then down it went. The remains of the 5D looked like someone had taken a sledge hammer to the front of it. And that "L" series beautiful chunk of glass was now many pieces of useless glass.

I have long since changed my theories on tripods and their weight of burden, and true stability for holding a camera steady (which is why one should use a tripod in the first place) vs the use of more substantial sturdy tripods while sacraficing possibly only a few onces more weight.

Sure if you're on a 10 mile uphill climb in high altitude or on a dessert 100 degree treck, yeah I might go for the lighter tripod. But...how often are you doing that?

Sure you say that you must steady the tripod with something hanging from the center bar etc. But as in my fellow photographers calamity, as he was setting up this accident happened. Where was the time to properly steady the tripod? You're after the fading rapidly changing light.

Moral of the story "USE A MORE STEADY / POSSIBLY A MORE HEAVIER TRIPOD AND GET THE SHOT AS WELL AS POSSIBLY AVOIDING THE FATE OF A SMASHED $2,500 CAMERA AND A USELESS $1,250 LENS."

Now why did I go into all that? This tripod does not weight that much more than your so called "light weight" models. Yet it will give you a whole lot more versatility as well as a much more steady base. And again, seriously ask yourself how often are you going on that strenious jaunt?

Nor will this tripod totally prevent accidently knocking it over.

BUT, after setting it up. I did give it a complete work out. I tried all the adjustments it allows, which are absolutely phenomenal for a whole wide range of shooting circumstances not just "macro" photography.

I tried to jiggle the head, the legs, the adjustable angle center post and every other part of it. Each time as I tightened it down following all the adjustments, the more I began to admire and truly be amazed at the solid construction of this slightly heavier "confidently more sturdy" tripod.

I am astonished with the full concept and "ease of usability" thinking that went into the design of this incredibe piece of equipment.

GOOD JOB, maybe that is why it won the 2009 award for being one of the "Best Accessories" for photographers.

This baby will have the assignment of holding my "Pride and Joys" and I not only feel like I have broaden my horizons for shooting angles but I am confident it will do the job, SUPERBLY.

Thanks photo equipment designer engineer guys. And thanks for offering this highly evolved accessory for sale at a very reasonable price.

And for all of you out there wondering if you should go ahead and pull the trigger on buying one of these tripods. Go for it! IT WILL BE MONEY EXTEMELY WELL SPENT!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow. Talk about extreme value! November 2, 2010

By sexotron5000

Amazon Verified Purchase

I can't believe that Vanguard can make these so affordable. This tripod just screams of quality. The instructions are great. The included bag is awesome. Works perfectly with Vanguard ball head systems. I picked up an SBH-250 to go with it. This Vanguard Alta tripod, the Vanguard SBH-250 ball head and an extra Vanguard quick mount cost me less than the most popular Manfrotto tripod alone, and it's a much higher quality product.

Try one out for yourself. Seriously! Get one now before prices go up!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars First Sturdy Tripod February 17, 2011

By North Mainer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is my first pro-level tripod. I have used a light-weight aluminum tripod from Woolco (For those who remember Woolco from 30 years ago). It was too short and too light-weight - too cheap. This tripod is heavy duty and is substantially sturdier than any tripod I have ever used except for some heavy video tripods at the office.

I live in a substantially cold and snowy area (Average snowfall 116 inches) and have always hated the twist-lock legs on the tripods available to me. The flip-lock legs on this tripod work extremely well. The subzero cold does not have any effect on their functions. The foam covered legs are most appreciated in the cold weather. The foam create an increased resistance during carrying and hands (also tongues) do not stick to the cold raw metal during setup, use and take-down. Also the center column functioned equally as well in the cold.

Very stable - comes with handy weight holder that fastens under the center column to add weight for windy conditions. A previous reviewer described the bag that comes with it as awesome. I agree it is a great bag but I like to be little less visble as the bag has a screaming bright orange cover to the bag.

Do I recommend the tripod - definitely - and with their Model 250 ballhead I bought with it - absolutely. Excellent buy for a moderately heavy user down to an infrequent tripod user.