Mini Review of a good value Tripod

[loz]

I just bought a Slik 700DX Pro tripod. I wasn't looking to take out a 2nd mortage, but wanted something sturdy and well engineered. The Slik seemed to fit the bill, and is also available at a pretty good price if you shop around. I bought one in my local camera store for just £95 which is cheaper than some on-line retailers. Best I found online was £85.

It comes complete with a 4 way head.
Nice leg warmers too


It has 2 spirit levels, and a quick release plate that also rotates (one of the 4 ways). You can releave the tension and rotate the plate without taking it out. More useful than the square ones you often get.


Is very well engineered. Though it weights a fair bit too (which is good if you want a stable tripod, not so good for your back...). Though not that heavy.


It goes very high. (higher than me...)


Yet, also very low, thanks to multi position legs. Note the centre column unscrews into two pieces to create a short height


And even upside down. Take the centre column out from the top, and put it back in the bottom. Useful for copying, and macro


Thoroughly recommended
I think it is a bargain for the price, and should last for years.

[Cadire]

Thanks for the pictures and comments.

I'm also in the market for a half decent tripod that is neither rubbish nor costs one or more appendages, and this looks very interesting.

The round quick release plate is a good idea that I haven't seen before.

[lightpainter]

Very good review! Now get on with the decorating.

[jenufa]

Originally Posted by lightpainter

Very good review! Now get on with the decorating.

I dont think loz can afford the decorating now, spent it all on the tripod

[loz]

Don't mention the decorating....

First we have been waiting for Lord Lucan to come and fit new radiators. OK, I mean the plumber, but Lord Lucan would be easier to track down and commit to a date. He was meant to come week before last, but he had a guy leave, then had to go into hospital.
He is meant to be coming tomorrow...
I would have done it myself, but its complicated as we are having new "designer" radiators fitted so all the pipework is being rerouted.

And it was also meant to have been replastered by now - but of course, the plasterer can't do his stuff tilll the plumber has been. Fortunately for us, but not for him, the plaster has shingles, and then cracked two ribs, so he can't come till the 29th anyway....

and then, we can start decorating. Well, when I say we, I mean the wife.

[T0MAT01]

Originally Posted by loz

and then, we can start decorating. Well, when I say we, I mean the wife.

lol!

At least you've got a good tripod for taking the progress photos!

Nice review, how short does it close up to?

[loz]

Originally Posted by T0MAT01

lol!

At least you've got a good tripod for taking the progress photos!

Nice review, how short does it close up to?

Basically as shown in the first photo

http://www.slik.com/pro/4906752105122-e.html
LENGTH FOLDED 760mm (29.9")

I don't think those specs are up to date thought as they seem to have redesigned the centre column so it now splits into two parts, whereas before you had to buy an optional short column for low level work.

[loz]

FYI, I got mine from Wokingham Photographic
http://www.wokinghamphotographic.co.uk/lst189.htm

Good price considering it is a small independent store.
I could have got it a little cheaper online but not much once postage included. But I wanted to go see and feel it first.