The Slik Pro 700 DX is probably the best tripod value in the world. I
have two. One uses the standard double bubble level pan head, and the
other is set up with a heavy duty ball head. After reading all of
replies here that claim that all cheap tripods are junk, or metal
tripods don't work when it's cold outside, or that you cannot buy a
good tripod for near $100, it is clear to me that they never spent
time with the Slik Pro 700 DX.
It is reasonably light for it's size and capacity. It is built very
well (solid, durable, nothing cheap about it), and can place a 40D
with battery grip at my 6' 5" eye level without raising the center
column. It is as solid as a rock, and is not subject to lingering
vibrations.
It will easilly support 15 pounds with the standard dual bubble level
pan head, and with the proper sized ballhead attached, it is not only
lighter overall than the stock setup (just under 7 pounds, as opposed
to just a bit over 7 pounds total), but it will support over 25
pounds without even straining a bit. It's tough to beat, and easy to
afford.
It is the easy choice, even if you are not restricted by budget, as
it can stand up well to the $300 tripods suggested here earlier, and
in many cases, beat them outright. Carbon fiber can save a pound or
two for a high price (matching capacity and height), but if you are
buying a tripod on a reasonable budget, don't worry about CF right
now. Some people are so bent on owning carbon fiber that they will
give up their first born child, lots of functionality, height, and
capacity just to have it.
Don't go there. Just buy a solid tripod that will be a pleasure to
use for years to come, and buy it cheap. Buy the Slik Pro 700DX. Here
is a bad shot taken with a P&S camera during the recent Lunar
eclipse. The entire mess is supported by a 700DX with the big Slik
SBH-550 ballhead installed (better for tracking the motion of the
moon), and is as solid as a boulder.
--
Voyager
