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- Verified Buyer
I just got a new DSLR camera so I also bought several accessories for it. This was one of the items I chose. I have had mini tripods before and they were all fine, but in the past I've only had to deal with Point & Shoot types of cameras, which are obviously lower profile and less weight. When I saw this one (and a couple of others, I was intrigued because of its style). There is no doubt a DSLR with a lens attached is heavy and front loaded (relatively speaking), I really didn't think one of the typical mini's would work based on my experience. This design seemed like a good gamble because it basically resembled a real tripod...just, well....mini sized! I was a little hesitant about the price ($30 shipped), but risked it because at this point $30 was a small amount and really a small price to pay to protect the DSLR.I just got it today and messed around with it for about a half hour or so. The camera I got was a Canon Rebel T4i and for "testing" purposes I put the bigger of my 2 lenses on which is a Tamron 70-300mm zoom, which at full extension goes 7.5" past the camera body and weighs about 3lbs, 1.7ozs (camera & lens). I can't really be happier, tbh and I'm glad I bought this tripod. Granted, I set it up in my kitchen where everything is flat, solid, and relaxed....but seriously with a short tripod, I'm not going to take a whole lot of risks with my thousand dollar camera....I'm just looking for a secure place to quickly set up the camera when I need to and a big tripod is not practical. This does exactly that.Pros:-Sturdy- when used with the legs out and a little common sense, I'm not sure what would make this sturdier. Here's a tip....some have suggested that with a long/heavy lens that you shouldn't set it up without putting one of the legs out under the lens. This works and I agree, I also found that if you extend that leg (just the one under the lens) that it will make the setup even sturdier because it pushes the weight back to the camera. I could slowly push down on the lens and not tip the tripod in this configuration.-Functional- It operates very similar to any large tripod. The camera screw onto the plate and you swivel it to where you want it, then just lock it in.-Ease of operation....Its not complicated and can be set up in probably less than a minute...even including screwing the base in (I might be exaggerating, but not by much).Cons:-Width- It is wide, as others have said (about a 10.5" triangle)....but I'm using it with a heavy DSLR that sticks out a long way....without screwing it to the solid structure....physics is going to dictate that the base be wide. Not sure how to avoid tipping without spreading the legs out. It may not be practical in all situations, but having the camera fall isn't practical...ever.-Locking legs- The legs don't lock, they just spread out to their natural (wide position). It works ok, but seems like you should be able to lock them in.Neutrals:-Price- Is it worth $30? That's up to the buyer. I think it is, but I also think its build quality is on par with typical cheap tripods and you can buy them for less. Where's the cost in this thing? The legs are like 90% shorter and there aren't as many parts? I'd buy it again, but I'm not convinced there isn't some gouging going on.-Build Quality- Its on par with typical cheap camera tripods. For what I'm going to use it for, I'm ok with this....but its not bullet proof. The biggest issue I have is that I think I should be careful over-tightening the knobs...I can get them tight without too much torque, but I definitely get the feel that if I overdo it, I'm going to hear a "crack" and it'll be game over.Issues-I wanted to address a couple of issues I'd seen in some of the less than happy reviews. Someone said the suction cup only works if the legs are in some weird position. I'm not sure what they meant, but I didn't have this problem. The suction cup is at the bottom of the shaft that adjusts the camera's height. It can be moved up and down by loosening the lock nut just below the swivel head. Set the legs, loosen the shaft, and set the suction cup. It can't work at every height, but if you can use it...its there.Height...someone complained it wasn't very tall. The top of the plate is 8.5" tall at the fully extended position. I'm not sure how high its supposed to be, its a "MINI" tripod. I don't have a problem at all with the height.One other reviewer says its too heavy....wait, what? It weighs 12ozs and is a little over 8" all stowed away. Its a little unwieldy I guess for a mini, but I still think it has to be big in order to protect the camera. I'm sure someone could figure out a design that stowed nicely, but at what cost. Weight is absolutely not an issue.Anyway, real happy with it and I'd buy it again. If I have any issues, I'll update....but for now its a good little tool in the box or bag.
