VANGUARDAlta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod with SBH-100 Ball Head for Sony, Nikon, Canon DSLR Cameras, Black

Bought this to replace my wife's amazon basics tripod. Huge upgrade and well worth the money. In fact for around $150 it is a great value. The ability to reposition the center post at any angle has been incredibly useful for macro photography, as well as wildlife photography where one might find themselves having to sit in odd spaces for a long period of time to get a shot. Very solid build, the head tightens down very solid, no unwanted movement. The plate-lock for the camera is very secure too. I wasn't sure about it but the dual lock system keeps everything very secure. After about three months of moderate use for outdoor, wildlife photography, photography, and indoor macro photography, this thing is showing no signs of quitting any time soon. I highly recommend it.In response to many reviews that comment that one or more leg locks didn't work on their tripods: I had one leg that wouldn't lock, when extending it, the leg would open all the way to the 80 degree position, unlike the other two that would stop at 25 and then 50 degrees. It seems this problem is the result of a stuck release button or locking bolt (when open all the way you will see a rectangular "bolt" that retracts slightly when the release button is pressed). This problem was easily remedied by first giving a quick blast of air from a compressed air can (like what you use to clean the dust out of your computer) to remove any possible debris from the release and then carefully applying a few drops of household 3 in 1 oil to the bolt and under the button. Careful to use just a small amount and not get it on top of the button or where you might handle the tripod (I found holding the tripod upside down while depressing the release button of the leg in question provided ample room to apply oil under the button). Work the release button for a minute to get the oil into all the moving parts. All 3 legs now function properly on my tripod. If you do this, give it a couple days before using in dusty conditions so that excess oil can "dry" a little.

Let me come straight to some of the features that stand out1. The pistol grip (GH100) has its own learning curve but has its uses. for a amateur photographer/video shooter this offers the best of both worlds with the flexibility of a ball head with the panning ability of video heads. I use it both ways but since this will be primarily used by photographers, let me rate this 8.5/10 - my frame of ref being the Manfrotto 498RC2 which i would give 92. Legs - this is where the flexibility lies with the ability to flex at 25-50-80 degrees and all with a push down of a button and configuring. Legs also have spikes open/hide combination by simple twisting - can be used on a carpet to outdoors - helps.3. Dual locking release mechanism - ensures safety while releasing the camera from the tripod4. Middle arm also described as the Multi-Angle Central Column - which is actually innovative compared to the manfrotto 055proxb - a comparable tripod. the MACC actually can be configured at odd angles and places to get the right shot - you just have to use it to believe it.I refrained from writing a review for 5 months - had been burned on an earlier product on Amazon (not photographic equipment) - but the usage over the months compelled me to write a few lines highlighting the product. It deserves a 5 star for combining value for money with flexibility and innovation. And yes please do not compare it with a carbon fiber tripod - some of the ones from Gitzo are very very expensive and some like the ones from Dolica (sold at Costco suck) - it has some weight like mentioned in the product description but nothing like tying it to a good camera bag and going on a small hike - this is very much up its alley.and yes just to mention my equipment so highlight the load bearing capacity of the tripod - started it out with a canon t3i with battery grip with 18-200, 24-10L and then over the last 2 months using it with a 5dmark III with canon 70-200 IS mkIII (w/wo flash). So that's it - have not tried it with other combinations but but with whatever i have in my kit, this tripod fairly has held up well without complaints (in the windy state of IL and around)

dude, ok this is my second one. and its beat to hell. I shoot real estate photography as a side business. ive done this for about 15 years. the only reason i had to buy a second one (which to be fair my old one had seen better days) was 8 years ago when my car got broken into and it was stolen... even in its very beaten up shape. dont get me wrong it holds up. i threw this thing in and out of my car for nearly a decade and it still worked. 10/10 and honestly is better than some of the higher price ones i've used. Photos only though i cant speak to how it operates as a video tripod. but for the price to get like 8-10 years out of it is crazy. and the build quality is good. its hefty and FEELS like a pro level tripod. which honestly i think it is.