Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)As a photographer, I'm what you'd call a "weekend warrior". Just a hobbyist that enjoys capturing images and sharing them with friends and family. I've been using a DSLR camera for the last couple of years, starting with a Canon 400D, then moving up to a Canon 40D. When I first got the 400D, I purchased an inexpensive, starter tripod that, for me, worked fine for the occasional low light or portrait shot. But after I upgraded to the 40D, I realized that I needed a higher quality tripod. The weight of the 40D compared to the 400D was quite significant and my cheap tripod was just too unstable. On numerous occasions, this resulted in blurry shots due to camera shake on shots with longer exposure times or on extreme macro shots where the slightest movement will ruin your photo.
After researching tripods I decided on getting a Manfrotto simply because of their reputation for quality and from recommendations from many other photographers, both professional and hobbyists like me. The cost of a Pro class Manfrotto was a bit too steep for me so after some research, I decided on getting the 7301YB. This tripod replaced Manfrotto's 728B model which got good reviews all around and the cost of the 7301YB fit into my budget perfectly.
SOME OF THE PROS I FOUND WITH THIS TRIPOD:
*Its light weight and compact design. When I travel, my camera gear always comes along with me so a tripod with this size and weight are perfect.
*Stability is head and shoulders above my old generic aluminum tripod. My usual setup is the 40D with the BG-E2n battery grip, and either a Sigma 17-70 2.8 lens or a Canon 70-300 IS USM lens. The combination of these is equal to about 4 lbs and with the tripod rated to safely hold up to 7.7 lbs, it's very solid and stable.
*The height of the tripod is perfect for me. It extends to maximum of 56.3 inches.
*Quick release plate is made of metal and has a much lower profile than my older tripod so it's not an inconvenience for me leaving it attached to the camera 24/7.
*The center column can be removed and inverted so instead of the head sitting on top of the tripod, it can be set up so it hangs down under the tripod, making it possible to get the camera even closer to the ground.
*The quality and construction is solid all around.
*Comes with a carrying bag.
SOME OF THE CONS I FOUND WITH THIS TRIPOD:
*The head is permanently affixed to the tripod so there is no upgrading to a higher quality, professional head in the future. If you want to upgrade, you'll have to buy a whole new setup, legs and head.
*There is no level built into the tripod.
*The forward and backward movement on the head could be a tad bit smoother.
I also tried the tripod with my Canon ZR80 compact DV camcorder with a 0.70x wide angle lens attached and it was equally stable.
Overall, I think I made a great choice and I'm glad I did my research beforehand. It's a great upgrade from the starter tripod I had to one that is more of a serious part of my photographic gear.
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Manfrotto 7301YB M-Y Tripod with 3-Way Head - Replaces 728BThe 7301YB has an integrated 3-way aluminum head and is designed for providing smooth movements when using small video cameras or photographic equipment. The head has separate pan and tilt locks, a quick release plate and a short ergonomic pan bar, particularly useful for panning or tracking moving subjects. The tripod legs can be set independently in two different angle positions thanks to a new designed selection system.This tripod comes complete with a carrying bag. Maximum Height56.3"/143cm: Closed Height 20.1"/51 cm; Weight3.7 lbs./1.67 kg; Max load7.7 lbs./3.5 kg;Leg section diameters in mm: 26, 22, 18, 14. This tripod replaces the Manfrotto 728B.
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