Slik Pro 330DX Tripod With Head (Black Legs) - 613331
by SLIK
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List Price: Our Price: $94.95 You Save: $64.95 (41%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Slik Pro 330DX Tripod With Head (Black Legs) - 613331
Customer Review: Modidied SLIK 330DX
Summary: 4 Stars
I wanted a really lightweight travel tripod to supplement my full-size Giottos MT-8180. The stock SLIK Pro 330DX offered me a good lightweight tripod which, with two modifications, has become an excellent tripod that is light enough to carry boonie tromping and is small enough to fit in my airline luggage.
I first replaced the stock center column with the optional shorter column sold as an accessory. I do not believe that a lightweight tripod such as the 330DX should be used with an extended center column. Another option would have been to shorten the stock center column by sawing off a portion of its length. However, I opted to use the accessory column as a more professional looking modification.
Secondly, I replaced the rather heavy stock SLIK pan/tilt head with an Adorama Flashpoint F-1 Arca Compatible magnesium ball head. This head not only considerably reduces the total package weight but allows the use of a Really Right Stuff L-Bracket. The RRS L-Bracket increases stability by eliminating the need to cantilever the camera/lens over to the side of the head when using a non-tripod-ring equipped camera/lens in the portrait position. This head provides a significant advantage in stability while lowering the total weight of the modified tripod/head package.
The modifications reduce the weight of the SLIK Pro 330DX tripod/head package from its stock 3.5 pounds to only one pound, eleven ounces yet allows me to adequately support my 1.6x cameras with either my 17-55mm f/2.8 IS or 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses. The modified tripod/head has performed very well; even in some rather heavy winds while photographing Bryce Canyon, Utah.
The one drawback with this package is that it is fairly short in height. I adequately compensate for the lack of height by using a right-angle viewfinder which weighs only an ounce or two and allows me to comfortably shoot from the lower platform. I would give this setup five stars if it were only a bit taller. However, if it were taller, it would also be heavier. I wish that the SLIK Pro 330DX had been available without the need to purchase the pan/tilt head but, tripods in this price range are usually not offered without a head.
I really like my modified SLIK Pro 330DX and since it is so light and small of a package; I can carry it everywhere with no problems.
Customer Review: Excellent value
Summary: 5 Stars
I choose this tripod after reading favourable press reviews, in its price range it stood out as the best.
I'm not disappointed. It's lightweight yet strong, the slender legs proving remarkable stable. They are easy to use, and while they can be set in any position, they lock into three set positions, one of which brings the tripod head very close to the ground at . The maximum usable height is 1.6m, and while the spec sets the minimum height at 51cm, it will in fact go down to 29cm by unscrewing the bottom half of the centre column. It is designed for equipments weighing up to 3kgs (6lbs 10oz)
The tripod is well made, all the mechanics having the feel of quality, with perhaps a couple of exceptions. One is the rather slight plastic clips that secure the leg extensions, they do not look as though they would stand up to rough handling; but they do have the convenience that when together the two clips on each leg can be operated as one. The other exception is the quick-release plate on the tripod head, in which there is some play, I would have liked a more solid fixing.
But all in all the tripod is a pleasure to use. With locking handles for both vertical tilt and pan-and-tilt, and a pan locking nut, sett the camera is easy. The pan head itself is surprisingly compact, and one thing I am particularly pleased about is that access the battery compartment on my Canon is not obstructed, I do not have to remove the camera from the tripod head to change the battery. The top section of the legs has a soft grip covering making it comfortable to carry, and the legs have non-slip rubber tips. For the price I think you will find it hard to beat.
Customer Review: Excellent Value
Summary: 5 Stars
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.Customer Review: Slik Pro 330 DX Tripod
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a decent tripod for "beginners" and by beginners I mean new to tripods not photography. Although many reviews and forums recommend saving your money for a better tripod, this is fine for now for what I need it for. In the future I will probably purchased something better. That said, this tripod is fine and that's why I gave it 4 stars. The legs are pretty sturdy and set-up is easy. It is on the heavier side but that's fine with me because it makes it sturdier. One problem is with the center post in that you have to push it up and down yourself as opposed to using a handle to turn it up and down. Once set up, it's fine. If you can't afford much for a tripod, this will do; otherwise, save up for a better one.Customer Review: Not your average tripod!!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I really liked the Slik Pro 330 DX tripod from the start! For around $100, it didn't make much sense to go cheap on equipment that will be responsible for holding up my $800 camera. This tripod has been to the driving range on numerous occasions where I can video my golf swing. With all the activity going on at the range, I needed a tripod that was easy to setup and sturdy enough to withstand the occasional gust of wind. The feature that sold me was the ability this tripod has to widen the legs even wider than the standard width of your typical tripod. You will not be disappointed in this tripod.