Opteka 70" Full Size Professional Photo / Video Tripod
by Opteka
|
List Price: Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
|---|
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Opteka 70" Full Size Professional Photo / Video Tripod
Customer Review: Weak tripod
Summary: 2 Stars
At first, I was pretty excited about receiving this tripod. At first glance, it seems to be a great product for its price -- the legs seem sturdy, it's got a convenient accessory hook and a useful carrying handle, plus it came with its own carrying case and built-in bubble levels!
The problem with the tripod, I think, is that it's poorly constructed, or at least it's made out of cheap material. There are a lot of weak plastic parts that seem like they would break easily with moderate use. At first, I chose to ignore these flaws considering the low price (mostly, I was worried the frail snaps on the legs would break), but on my third photoshoot, the vertical adjustment knob died on me.
I was using a wireless remote shutter (which is to say that I wasn't even touching the tripod) and suddenly, my camera swung down and my zoom lens crashed back into the tripod. Luckily, nothing broke, but I was still pretty worried. After checking to make sure that it wasn't my fault (maybe I didn't tighten it properly?), I realized that the vertical adjustment knob was completely busted -- no matter how much I tried to tighten it, it stayed loose. I removed it completely and found broken bits of plastic threading, which could only mean that I'd have to get the tripod replaced -- it should have been made out of metal.
But even assuming that my particular tripod was defective to begin with, this is not a great tripod to purchase in general. The weak plastic parts are always a concern, even if the vertical knob doesn't break like mine did (besides the plastic snaps, the crank handle and accessory hook are also plastic).
In terms of convenience, although it's great to have a tripod tall enough (70" is GREAT if you're looking for a taller tripod), it's pretty inconveniently bulky when collapsed to its minimum length -- but I suppose that's a necessary compromise for having a taller tripod. The built in bubble levels are useful too, unless you're vertically orienting your camera -- then, there is no bubble level for that orientation, so it's hard to be sure your horizon is properly aligned (unless you have one of those fancy $70+ photography hotshoe bubble levels. Or unless you just never turn your camera and take pictures vertically on this tripod.).
There's also a detachable plate which makes switching from handheld shots to tripod shots really quick and easy (which I love). Technically speaking, I suppose that's just another movable part that may promote vibrations that keep your pictures from looking tack sharp, but for its convenience, it is more than forgivable.
Aesthetically speaking, the tripod is a bit disappointing. Those dull plastic parts look really tacky, although they make the tripod relatively lightweight.
Finally, the name "Professional" photo/video tripod is a misnomer. Although I am an amateur/enthusiast myself, I highly doubt any professional would use this tripod instead of a good ballhead tripod. In my opinion, (and in retrospect) the convenience of a ballhead tripod make even the most inexpensive ballhead tripod worth it (but be prepared to pay at least 4 times more for one than for a tripod like this one). Plus, with a ballhead tripod, you'll at least LOOK more like a professional photographer, even if you don't know what you're doing :)
Overall, I would not recommend buying this tripod. Instead, do yourself a favor -- buy a ballhead. I'd suggest anything by Bogen/Manfrotto for starters. Hope this helps!
Customer Review: Great For Starter Packages
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased the Opteka 7000 Tripod last spring for an up and coming photographer. I gave it a solid test run before I handed it over to my niece. It held its own out in the elements as well as in the studio. As of last weekend, its still a vital part of her inventory of photography tools. By no means will it get confused with my Manfrotto or Induro gear but for the price alone, you do get a lot of bang for your buck.
Made primarily of aluminum, this tripod weighs in at almost 4lbs and measures 25" folded and 70" fully extended. The manufacturer boasts that the maximum load is 35lbs. I find that very hard to believe and think that its closer to maybe 12lbs at best. Like most gear the head mount thread size is the standard 1/4" and 3/8".
Economically priced, I find myself liking this tripod. I'd probably use it in a pinch if my primary gear was unavailable. Some of the things that I like about this model are;
1) Center Brace w/Handle - Sturdier then most, its re-enforced structure is sound.
2) Lower Brace w/Locking - I like the overall degree of steadiness with this system.
3) 90 Degree Vertical Platform - Its rock solid and definitely built to last.
4) 3 Way Panhead - Surprisingly the movement is quite fluid and not overly tight.
5) Gear Operated Center Column - A good design that adds structural support and helps in reducing vibration.
6) Quick Release Plate - Average build and locks in nicely. I definitely recommend users to pick up more then one of these.
7) Dual Bubble Levels - Above average and are great aids in adjustment, uneven panning, and tripod head movements.
8) Channel Lock Legs - Thicker then most in this price range, I like the quick release and overall spread. The feet are mounted with non slip rubber boots.
9) Weight Hook - Held up rather well when I put it to the test with a loaded accessory bag.
Like most serious photographers, my biggest gripe with the Opteka 7000 is that it did not come with spiked feet and the overall weight. Its a personal preference and by no means a slam to this product, but I usually like my tripod heavier. This model is packed with a one year warranty and an above average zipper mounted, nylon carrying case. Its finished in black.
For the investment alone, this product covers the bases quite well. Its overall durability and functionality speaks volumes. Its an ideal accessory for starter packages for those budding photographers. Even for the once in awhile photographer on a budget, you can't go wrong with the overall quality and price.
Customer Review: Not Bad ... for the money
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the seond tripod I've purchased in the last 12 months, the other being a Bogen Manfrotto 728B (cost over $110). The Bogen is very nice because it is truly sturdy and well built (rated to hold several pounds while most tripods are not), and works very smoothly, but it lacks a gear crank on the main tube, does not have the weight hook at the bottom of the central tube and did not come with any bubble levels. My wife and I are both amatuer photographers, and my camera weighs over a pound. Having used both tripods, I still prefer my first one. The Opteka is made of much cheaper materials (obviously), and came out of the box looking used. It had scratches on the legs, the pan head is poorly made of cheap plastic, the central tube had been dented right at the bottom end, and I thought it was missing the weight hook. I found the weight hook in the included carrying bag, and I bent the tube back into a roundish shape so I could shove the weight hook into place. Mind you, the weight hook is plastic, and it's not threaded into the tube (it's ribbed), so it's not going to hold more than a few pounds without getting yanked out. I attached the mounting plate to my camera, and tried out the tripod. The motion (on all parts) is not terribly smooth. The legs do not glide nicely as you extend them, the controls on the pan head are not smooth and gentle, and the crank to raise the tube is not terribly smooth either. They all function just fine, but if you're looking for something that feels substantial and works smoothly, this isn't it. PROS: It's cheap, fairly light, and has a lot of features for a tripod under $40. CONS: The materials are very cheap, and the parts don't always work smoothly together. Overall, it is a great option if you don't want to risk losing or damaging a more expensive tripod, but go to a camera store and try some tripods out to see what really matters to you. Another thing I like about the Manfrotto, the legs are in four sections (the Opteka is just 3 with longer legs, too), so it collapses down to a smaller size. ON 47TH STREET: WHen I initially thought I had been denied the weight hook, I sent an e-mail to two different e-mail addresses I found for them. It took them a week to respond, and the repsonse was "call us". I found that very disappointing.Customer Review: A Good Tripod
Summary: 5 Stars
Hi, everyone! My name is Dennis, and I'm a budding photographer writing his first ever Amazon review. I just ordered this tripod from Amazon yesterday and it's already arrived. Amazon does it again... Anyway, I've always loved photography and for thr first time ever I have a real camera to do something with, a Nikon L110. I also have a Canon XSi, which is much more of a "real" camera, on the way and I'm very excited that I don't have to take pictures around campus with my extremely mediocre cell phone camera anymore.
After a few hours of researching tripods online yesterday, I found this one. It wasn't too expensive, but not too cheap either. I know better than to buy a $15.00 tripod. It was getting lots of good reviews, but also some bad ones, most of which bashed the tripod's build quality. Several reviews also mentioned that the panning isn't very fluid for all you videographers out there. I just got done setting it up and I don't see why some people reviewed it badly. Obviously, this tripod isn't extremely high-end, but it's not bad at all. It seems very sturdy to me, even without the addition of any weight to the hook on the bottom of the center pole and it's very light. I shot some video on it as well, to see how it panned. While not perfectly smooth, it was pretty close. All you have to do is loosen the correct part of the head (I'm not sure about the correct terminology) enough and it'll pan just fine. Any jerkiness could probably be attributed to me, not the tripod. It even comes with a carrying case, which I think is a nice touch.
Setup took only a few minutes (this coming from someone who has never set up a tripod in his life), but I can easily see it being set up in probably just over one minute, especially after one becomes acquainted with how it works. It doesn't come with instructions, but, again, it only took me a couple minutes to set up, the hardest part to figure out being the head.
Overall, this is a very good buy. The bulid quality seems very good (although I have no real frame of reference) and I'm fairly confident that it will hold up in the long run if I treat it gently and refrain from knocking it around too much.
Good luck to all my fellow photographers! Happy shooting!
Customer Review: Opteka 70" (ahem, "Professional") Tripod
Summary: 3 Stars
The 'Opteka 70" Full Size Professional Photo / Video Tripod' is the first tripod I've owned though I have used Sunpaks in the past.
I bought the Opteka because of the "Professional" connotation. Pfff - I don't think so!
A "Consumer" tripod would have been much more appropriate as a descriptor. Maybe even "Prosumer", at a stretch. But to call this thing "Professional" - obviously the work of a marketeer run amok - is just wrong. I mean, there's way too many plastic knobs on this thing making it look a tad flimsy, which in turn leads me to question it's long term durability. And the thought of placing a heavy camera on this tripod makes me shudder. For lighter cameras though, like mine, it should be fine. At least, I hope so!
On the plus side, The Opteka (cough, cough, "Professional"), didn't really cost all that much, so, if I get a year's use out of it, I'll be reasonably satisfied. That's why I'm giving it three stars. Now, if I'd seen it first in a Circuit City or a Fry's Electronics bricks and mortar store, I probably wouldn't have bought it, even at $29, but then, that's often the case when purchasing sight unseen.
Incidentally, mine arrived from 47st PHOTO in not the greatest condition. It looked a bit banged up, scuff marks all over the aluminum legs. And, it was not even in a retail box - it was just lying loosely in an unsealed plastic bag inside the UPS box. I hate getting (supposedly) new merchandise in that state - makes me wonder if it's brand new, or rather if it's somebody else's defective return that was then shipped out to me.
Which brings me to the merchant - 47st PHOTO. On the back of their sales invoice was the notice: "if there are any problems with your order please contact us and we will resolve them quickly and professionally."
Credit where credit is due. When I emailed 47st PHOTO re my concerns about the condition of my new tripod, 47st PHOTO shipped out a brand new replacement tripod to me within one week. I did not have to haggle, or request RMA's, or get some manager's approval, etc, etc. The new tripod just arrived at my door, one morning, courtesy of UPS. Most impressive! Thank you 47st PHOTO. Much appreciated!