Slik Pro 330DX Tripod With Head (Black Legs) - 613331
by SLIK
List Price:
Our Price: $94.95
You Save: $64.95 (41%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Category: CE
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: SLIKModel: 330DX
Product features:
- SLIK A. M. T. alloy offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio more than 40% greater than similar tripods.
- The easiest to use leg lock Lift lever to unlock, push lever to lock
- Releasing the Center Column Locking Collar frees movement of the Center Column, in both vertical and horizontal directions
- Choice of three different leg angles for quick set up on inclined or uneven ground.
- Top section leg diameter 26.8mm
- SLIK 618-330 Replacement Quick Shoe for Tripod 300DX
- Adorama Tripod Case Medium (25")
- Slik Tripod Case 24 in. Medium
- Slik Padded Tripod Carrying Case - 25" / 660mm
- OP/TECH USA 6601332 Tripod Leg Wraps (Black) (1-Inch)
Digital camera reviews of Slik Pro 330DX Tripod With Head (Black Legs) - 613331
Digital camera Review: A Terrific Little Tripod
Summary: 4 Stars
I have used Slik tripods for years and I have always been very happy with them. Although plastics and lightweight metals are commonly used I have never had any problems with them holding up. I have one Slik U8000 tripod that I have had and used for over 10 years with no trouble.
Let's talk about the Slik Pro 330DX. This is a very nice tripod. It is light and easy to carry. It came with a pan tilt head which was not what I really wanted so I have replaced it with a Manfrotto 484RC2 ballhead. I use this tripod and ballhead combination for my product photography. When I am out hiking or backpacking, I use a Flashpoint F1 ballhead (which can also be purchased here at Amazon). This reduces the overall weight of the tripod and head to less then 3 pounds, which makes hiking with this tripod a whole lot easier. Overall, for me, this makes for a great setup. I have been using this tripod for over 3 months now with no problem whatsoever.
Now, I need to be absolutely clear. This tripod is not going to be adequate to support and stabilize most digital single lens reflex cameras. If you have a larger camera then you need to find a better tripod. But this one works quite well when using lighter digital point and shoot cameras as long as the weather is calm. I use the tripod combinations described above for my Canon Powershot G10 which weighs a couple ounces less then a pound. I have also used this combination for my Pentax ZX-60 35mm single lens reflex camera with the 50mm lens, which weighs a little more then a pound. Technically it is supposed to support equipment that weighs a little over 8 pounds but I would be nervous using something this heavy. I don't doubt it will hold that much weight but stabilizing cameras for photography is about reducing vibration as well so you need to be careful with a tripod that is this light. I personally would not consider using it for anything heavier then 3 or 4 pounds, or for any lenses longer then 100mm. Even when using it with light equipment, if a medium wind begins to blow then I recommend you attach some weight to the bottom of the tripod to further stabilize it. I have modified my tripod with an eyebolt on the bottom of the center column that allows me to attach my backpack, a camera bag, or use my foot looped through a bungie cord, to apply down pressure to the tripod while I'm using it so it dampens the vibration caused by the wind.
Slik has cut a few corners with this tripod to cut the weight down and to keep the cost low. For example, the leg locks are made of plastic. So far they have worked quite well for me and as long as I am careful with them I don't anticipate that they will present any problems. However, they do represent a potential failure point that you should be aware of. Another possible problem has to do with the height of this tripod. With my Canon Powershot G10 attached to the quick release on the Manfrotto 484RC2 ballhead, the camera is exactly chest height on me, and I am 5' 10" tall. Since I am usually using the rear display screen of the G10 the height of the camera is not a big problem for me, but if you are trying to use an optical viewfinder it would present a problem because you will have to stoop over all the time to look through your viewfinder. They have also used a 1/4-20 thread stud to attach the tripod head rather then the more common 3/8 thread. If you want to replace the head be sure to find one that will accept the 1/4 inch threaded stud, or find a 3/8 to 1/4 inch bushing to fit the tripod head you are planning on using.
So, in order to get the most from this tripod there are a few things you should be aware of. Purchase and install a ballhead and don't forget the 1/4-20 threaded stud. Do not plan on overloading it with large or heavy equipment. Use only lightweight cameras and shorter lenses. Develop a means to stabilize the tripod, especially when the wind comes up. Be prepared to stoop over a lot if you use an optical viewfinder instead of a display screen with live view. Be gentle and don't beat this tripod up too badly since the leg locks are made from plastic and the legs are light aluminum alloy which can easily be dented or bent.
There is a definite positive side to this tripod as well. The legs can be spread individually to accommodate uneven ground. The tripod legs can be deployed so that the camera is very close to the ground for macro work. It is extremely light and easy to pack with you. The price is certainly right. You can use aftermarket ballheads with it. Of course, if it fits your need, the pan tilt head included with this tripod is made of metal and is actually quite solid.
If you understand and can work within some very specific limitations, this is an excellent piece of equipment. By making a few, very simple, modifications, this tripod makes a terrific, very small and lightweight, backpacking tripod. If you have been researching tripods you know that you can easily pay $500 or more for good gear. It is really unusual to get extremely light gear like this, that works as intended, for less then $100. Add in a decent ballhead for $50 to $75, depending on what you buy, and you have a very, very nice tripod that rivals the weight of a very pricey carbon fiber unit. You may have better luck but, for what I needed, I could not find anything for less then $500 that was better then this setup.
Summary of Slik Pro 330DX Tripod With Head (Black Legs) - 613331
The latest metal, SLIK's exclusive A.M.T. super titanium alloy legs make the PRO 330 DX lighter weight than similar tripods, but with more rigidity for a more secure hold on your camera. It folds down small to just 23.5 inches and weighs just 3.5 pounds making this tripod great for traveling. The emphasis on the PRO 300 DX is ease of use. Any tripod should be easy to use, so that that you spend more time concentrating on your subject, and enjoying your photography, than you do stressing about and fussing with your equipment. The lightest of the PRO series, the PRO 330 DX makes setting up easy with secure, yet fast speed release leg locks, gearless center column for quick height adjustments, and 3 position adjustable angle legs for easy set up on uneven ground or steps. This adjustable angle feature can also be used to lower the camera for extremely low angle or macro photography out in the field. Despite its featherweight and ease of use, the PRO 330 DX can hold nearly 8 pounds of camera and lens. Perfect for the photographer with a digital camera or lightweight SLR camera and lens. Plus the head is removable, so that a variety of other heads, like one of the SLIK ball heads, can be used in place of the included all-metal 3-way pan head with quick release. With its application of lightweight super alloy, the SLIK PRO 330 DX presents an economical alternative to the more expensive carbon fiber tripods, allowing you to travel light, on any budget.Categories
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