Vanguard Tourist-2 Compact Travel Tripod

by Vanguard

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 4 x 3 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006JQKM
• Item model number: Tourist 2
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 7, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Great when space is limited, the Vanguard Tourist-2 compact travel tripod is the perfect companion for use on a sturdy table. The tripod comes with 2 way panhead movement, quick shoe, brace lock, and spiked feet for added security. It also breaks down to a mere 10.2 inches for ultimate compact travel.

Product Description

2-WAY PANHEAD 7 SECTIONS SMALL & COMPACT DESIGN FOR TRAVEL EXTENDS TO FULL-SIZE TRIPOD EXTENDED HEIGHT: 49.375" FOLDED HEIGHT: 12.375" RUBBER FEET 1-YEAR WARRANTY

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Does what it suppose to....but, August 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Vanguard Tourist-2 Compact Travel Tripod (Electronics)

I was looking for a tripod that I can take with me anywhere. But I was wary of flimsy construction of the most compact tripods. The sturdier tripods, even the ones that claim to be COMPACT, fold down to the vicinity of 13 to 14 inches. The Vanguard Tourist-2 folds down to 10.5 inches. I decided to go for the Tourist-2, not really knowing what to expect since I bought it online, sight unseen except for the pic. Here is my assessment:

My first impression is that the tripod felt much heavier than I expected, even though the box states that it is only 1.1 pound. This may be a bit too heavy to loop around your belt, but it would work fine in a back-pack. The legs are on the flimsy side, as I expected. They are pretty much like large extendable antennas on cars. Construction is fairly nice, but I'd have to doubt that the longevity of this tripod is very long when it is used extensively. This tripod would work well for occasional use out on the road, as intended. However, I would NOT pay it's list price; it is not worth it! Fortunately, I got it for a lot less. Since it is still too heavy to loop around the belt and has to be toted in a back-pack anyway, I think I would prefer now a 13" tripod that extends a bit higher with much sturdier legs. Oh well...next time.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars WYSIWYG, August 9, 2004

By 

T. Meerloo "tmpix" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vanguard Tourist-2 Compact Travel Tripod (Electronics)

Okay; if you want something STURDY this may not be the tripod for you. Out of the box I was a little afraid, but I liked the fact that it is this small, while extending a fair length. I do miss a quick-release and the (easy extending & retracting) legs don't spread out very wide, but for a cheap, lightweight tripod compared to the price I paid I cannot complain. In practical use it does all that I require it to do and it holds my 2.2 lbs camera stable and still (I shot some long exposures of the moonrise over Palm Springs from a windy 10'000ft peak). Nifty carry bag easily clips to your belt, but as mentioned elsewhere it may raise some eyebrows (looks like you are into something kinky). So; if you don't like to tote around a big tripod and you don't require easy (or any) panning and your camera is at or below 2 lbs, this may be all you need.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is what it is, January 28, 2004

By 

Jason Nadler (Wading River, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Vanguard Tourist-2 Compact Travel Tripod (Electronics)

I am an intermediate digital photographer, and this is my third tripod. I travel frequently, and wanted something that could come anywhere. My first tripod, inherited from my father is exceptionally sturdy, but heavy and immense. My second is smaller, folding up to about 15 inches in length and nearly 3 in diameter. It's light enough to be portable, but large enough to be combersome. The Vanguard Tourist 2 is not designed to be a primary tripod. It's small and lightweight (it actually does weigh about a pound). It isn't very tall at full height, but it will due for those moments when you need to have either A: a steady camera in a low light or night shot (a tripod is a definite must here) or B: to use the self timer and hold above a crowd. It comes with a small travel case, so if you already carry a camera around with you, throwing this into a bag or hooking it to your belt (although a little weighty and sure to raise eyebrows at security checkpoints), it's an excellent choice to have. It's not plastic or flimsy, it feels surprisingly sterdy considering the size and weight, but don't expect it to take too much abuse. If you need something better, get a real tripod.