SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead (615-315)
by Slik
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Our Price: $159.95
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SlikModel: 615-315
Color: black
Product features:
- Height\ 24 2/5 - 74 4/5"
- Weight\ 7 lbs.
- AMT alloy legs for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio
- Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 [OLD VERSION]
- Corel Photo & Video Pro X3 Bundle [Old Version]
- Slik Quick Release Plate
- OP/TECH USA 1201012 Tripod Strap with Quick Disconnect Attachment, Neoprene Pad (Black)
- Hama Double Bubble Level
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead (615-315)
Customer Review: This is really the Slik Pro 700DX tripod/head.
Summary: 4 Stars
I just received mine a few days ago from B&H photo. It cost me a bit less than 140 total (with free shipping), which was the same price as Amazon at that time, but B&H packs their shipments better, so I ordered directly from them. I will be using it mostly for my Canon 40D camera with 70-300 IS USM lens, as well as some macro equipment. It is a beautiful looking tripod, mostly black, including the black center post(s), but accented with titanium colored metal legs.
All three legs have a replaceable foam rubber protective covering in place. I have seen some photos that show this tripod with a silver center post and no foam rubber on the legs, but that was not the case for mine. The head looks nicely done, but the pan and tilt movements are quite stiff. The two pan and tilt handles have lots of slop in them when loosened to move the head, and the one handle is positioned to poke me in the chest whenever I look through my viewfinder. It has two bubble levels that work when my camera is in the horizontal (landscape) mode, but I do wish they had added a third bubble level for the vertical (portrait) mode. The quick release plate is a heavy, thick, round metal piece that is bulky on the camera; too heavy and bulky for me to leave attached to the camera in my bag. One reviewer complains that the round quick release plate turns in the head if the camera is in the vertical (portrait) mode with a heavy lens. I have not found this to be the case. What can happen though, is the weight of a lens can cause the CAMERA to turn IF THE QUICK RELEASE PLATE IS NOT FIRMLY SCREWED AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE CAMERA (in other words, if the camera is loosely attached to the quick release plate). I found this out the first time I used the tripod, but have not had a problem after correcting this user error. I suppose the plate could rotate in the head if the recommended camera/lens weight is exceeded. The quick release plate is firmly held to the tripod head by a substantial lug that presses against the side of the plate, and then there is a SECOND safety lug that fits into a groove as well, so the plate is not likely to turn or come loose. Furthermore, the tension of the securing lug is user adjustable! One thing I do not like about the QR system is that I must jiggle the plate to ensure it is completely seated, and manually close the main lever; my cheap Digital Concepts tripod has a much better system, it just snaps securely in place and the lever snaps shut by itself.
The tripod and head are mostly metal, but I am slightly disappointed to find the leg extension lock levers are made of plastic. Should a lever break off, the tripod is useless. I will say that those levers are well made out of high quality plastic and probably won't break, but the thought crossed my mind. The center post separates into two different length pieces to allow the tripod to be set up very low to the ground, but when fully extended, the tripod and head are taller than me! The shortness and the tallness available in one tripod are the main reasons I purchased it. I just got tired of lesser tripods that were not convenient for low macro shots but also caused me to squat down when I was shooting upwards at birds, aircraft, etc. This one solves the heighth problems well, but introduces a weight problem. If I am going to shoot in my back yard, in the park down the street, or if driving my car to a site, I will certainly put this tripod to good use. But if I have to carry my gear a half mile or more into the boonies (and back out), I will have my light weight, nine dollar, Digital Concepts brand tripod; it may be short and flimzy, but it is a joy to carry.
Finally, the carrying bag: It is an unpadded nylon bag, with cloth strap handles that are long enough to sling over the shoulder. It would be better to have a proper shoulder strap on that bag, considering the size and weight of the tripod. Another reviewer states a handle must be removed from the head to place the tripod in the bag; this is not correct. I can put the tripod with handles attached into the bag, but it is easier if I remove the right handle and screw it into the back of the other handle, then position the handles parallel to the center post.
So, I will heartily recommend this tripod (but not the head) to anyone who is ready to upgrade from a cheap flimsy model to a real quality product, and will not have to carry it any great distance.
ADDED: After using this tripod/head for a while, I have decided that the head isn't going to work for me, the movements are not precise enough for my macro and astro work; I am thinking about ordering the Slik 800 ballhead to replace this boat anchor. If I had known then what I know now, I would have just ordered this tripod (legs only) and the ballhead, and saved some $$.
Description of SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead (615-315)
SLIK's exclusive A.M.T. super titanium alloy legs make the PRO 700 DX tripod rock steady yet lighter than it looks. The A.M.T. alloy has a 40% greater strength to weight ration than standard aluminum, meaning the legs are lighter weight yet stronger than the standard metal used in most of today's tripods. Capable of handling the weight of large format (4x5) field cameras or heavy, long telephoto lenses, The PRO 700 DX offer professional photographers and advanced amateurs the strength and stability they need while its size, and the use of A.M.T. alloy, make it lighter weight and more portable than THE PROFESSIONAL series. A tripod should be easy to use, so that that you spend more time concentrating on your photography than you do your equipment. The PRO 700 DX makes setting up easy with secure yet fast speed release leg locks, gearless center column, and 3 position adjustable angle leg locks for easy set up on uneven ground or steps. The adjustable angle locks combined with the PRO 700 DX Short Column (optional accessory) allow the tripod to be lowered to just 15 inches for very low angle, or macro photography in the field. The included PRO 700 DX all-metal 3-way pan head has one of the fasted and easiest to use quick release plates in the industry. SLIK made a circular quick release plate that can secure the camera to the tripod pointing in any direction, making attaching your camera (once the SLIK quick release plate is attached) more intuitive than most other heads that have squared off or angled plates.Value, today it's more important then ever. Compare the price and features of the PRO 700 DX to other manufacturers' professional camera supports and you will see that dollar for dollar and feature for feature, this is one of the best values in a professional tripod available.Complete Tripod Units
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