SLIK Pro 330 DX Tripod with SH-705E 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head - Black

This tripod is super light weight, easy to use, and stable. The head is a three way pan-tilt - a quality item with smooth action and an easy to use quick release plate - not exactly the easiest head to use, so I have replaced it with an inexpensive but well made Sunpak pistol grip. So my cost is still reasonable but I have a good travel tripod for less than $150.I'm 5'10" so it's a bit short, but if I use the center stock extended about half way, it's totally comfortable. The center stock has two pieces that screw together so you can remove one and get down low. I have added a small hook to the bottom stock's cap (it screws in, which is really a nice distinction from just popping in) and I use it to hang my bag for greater stability.This tripod fits in my carry-on bag and is easy to carry around. I doubt it would hold up to rigorous field use, but for someone like me - a photo enthusiast who likes to go out and play on a Saturday afternoon - it's great. I'm planning on taking it to Italy this summer to get some good architecture and landscape shots. I think it will be a really good travel companion.

You can't beat this tripod for the money. One misconception I had and a I think a few others do also is that you need to buy a short center column to lower the tripod to it's lowest position. I'm not sure about all of them but my center column is a long two piece that unscrews so that only the short column is in place. Given the max height of this unit I'm pretty sure they are all like mine. Check with each Seller but they should all be the same. There is one thing I would prefer but it wasn't a big enough issue to not rate this 5 stars. The leg locks would be nicer if the tension was adjustable but as long as they do not loosen over time this whole thing is a 5. I also agree with a few other reviews in that the weight rating seems to be really low. Don't take my word for it because I have no super heavy lenses but this thing is solid as a rock. Folded length is fine, I'd even take this on a hike with no problem. I bought the pan instead of ball head because I do shoot quite a few pano's. The head is also really well built and the quick release is works very well. This is an excellent tripod. If anything happens to this one I would not hesitate to buy another.

I purchased this in February so I could practice with it for a May trip to Hawaii. Well, back from Hawaii now and found this tripod to be rather unusable in real conditions. First of all, the design of the dual handles takes way more time than it should to set things up, but of course I knew this going in. Secondly, something was off during a shoot and it started to rain. I got really frustrated trying to figure out which setting was loose causing the thing to either set up with a slanted horizon or slide back and forth in the wind and given the rain I gave up and just folded the thing up and threw it in the trunk pretty much the rest of the trip. When I had time to figure out what was wrong I realized just how much of a pain in the arse this thing really is to use. It is small and rather lightweight/portable and I do love the legs on it but I absolutely hate the head on this thing. My only condolence is that thankfully the head is removable - I just don't know yet if I want to spend more money on a head for this or go with something that's just better overall. I do wish that I had figured all this out when I could still have returned it.Update 8/2016: I decided rather than completely give up on this tripod I would try to salvage it since I do like the legs/base of it. I ended up buying a Benro S2 fluid video head and it is like night and day - sooo much better. The head that comes with this tripod is just absolutely terrible and is now in the trash where it belongs but with the Benro head on it I finally feel like I have the tripod I've been looking for.

Slik is an awesome tripod company. I was not paying attention when I got this. If your after a travel tripod look at the Slik Sprint 150. 3lb 12oz may not sound like a lot and it's not. But this is more than I wanted to lug around and it's too much for my travel backpack, it makes it too heavy on one side and the backpack leans. I'm using a small pack made by Acuvar and holds the body and 2 lenses. But don't be confused I love this tripod and have bought 2 more for the studio. This thing is a tank, super stable and all three have a loop added to the center column for a sand bag or weight, but I haven't needed to do that yet. I would have preferred a ball head, but that would have added some serious expense and I manage without as I use 2 for lighting only. You really can't wrong with a Slik, they are top notch.

This review is for the legs-only model.It is surprisingly light in weight and sturdy and folds down to a compact size — great for travel!I may have misread the description, but it comes with a 3/8"-16 mounting screw for a pan/tilt head, which is standard. I was under the impression that it has a 1/4"-20 screw but it is actually 3/8"-16.It does not have a spreader for the legs, but I don't think you'll miss it. The flip-type leg locks make for quick setup and teardown.So far I haven't found anything not to like about it.

I use it for everything. I ordered the wrong one. I wanted the smaller one. I already have this one but will use this one when old one needs to be replaced. I've had thy one for 10 years now. Used on 15x binos and rifle rest.

I bought this as a gift for a friend to take on a weeklong photo trip. On the first day she had all the controls and adjustments down pat. Lightweight yet sturdy, she used it with zoom lens up to 300mm. She said it improved her photograhy immensely. With the included multi-action pan head this is a great value at less than a $100.00. In fact, I was somewhat jealous as I lugged my heavier Manfrotto and she bounced down the trail with her lightweight SLIK. She uses it for her Nikon D3100 and I think it would be a good choice for any of smaller to midsize DSLR's. A good economical investment that will pay big dividends in the quality of your photography.