Good Sturdy Tri-Pod?

Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 7:03 pm

Quote:

If not, I hear nothing but good info on these Manfrotto knockoffs. People that have won the bids are getting them for about $40 plus S&H. It sounds like they are very stout. I must warn you that people are mentioning the weight of these tripods. But if you can pick up a good sturdy tripod for under $100 then it might be worth it for you.

A Manfrotto 3221 and pistol grip is about 6X the average winning bid.

858 tripod

828 tripod

That's a post from another forum, I took a look at the auctions and decided to bid on one. I won the auction for $26.50 + Shipping and handling. I did a search for reviews of these tripods and everyone that's gotten one seems very pleased with them. For the amount they charge for shipping, you'd think they would be quicker (they are up front that unless you want to pay an additional 15 bucks for "rush" shipping...it won't ship for 5-7 days) about getting it out to you, but if I can get a good sturdy tripod that comes close to the quality of a manfrotto 3221 with a pistol grip ball head for $50.50...I can wait an extra week for shipping.

Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 333 Location: Allentown, PA

Lets us know what you think of it when it arrives. Maybe post a better photo then they have.

I have 2 bogens tipods and 2 monopods but I would like to get another to keep in my work vehicle. I don't won't to spend big money for one that will be knocking around in a work vehicle. So I may be really interested in one of these 858's or 828.

thanks for the link

K

Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 4:16 pm

Quote:

Lets us know what you think of it when it arrives. Maybe post a better photo then they have.

Will do...I got the 828, it gets a bit taller and goes lower than the 858 otherwise I didn't see much difference.

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:09 pm

Got it today. Here is a kinda haphazzard review.

Dynatran AT-828BL Professional Tripod

Specs:
Tallest: 79 inches (6.583 ft)
Lowest: 15.8 inches
When folded: 33.5 inches
Weight 7.65 lbs
max load 13.2 lbs
Head: grip action ball head

All thumbnails are clickable

I am very pleased with this tripod, it is very sturdy, easy to use, easy to set up and with a reversible center post you can shoot from ground level all the way up to 6 1/2 ft. This is the first tripod I've ever been able to use fully extended without having to stoop.

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:10 pm

This tripod utilizes a grip action ball head (pistol grip) which makes minute adjustments a breeze. Just squeeze the handle and adjust away, let it go and it stays put. There are three bubble levels on the head, one on either side of the pistol grip and one on the base of the head.

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:11 pm

The head has a quick release and the tripod comes with one plate (I would have preferred two), one thing I like about this quick release is there is a safety built in, switch the lever and it raises a pin to lock the locking mechanism in place. (sorry about the blur, wrong focus point)

Adjusting the height of the center column is (like all tripods) a simple twist of a knob (lever in this case). The legs open to three positions, the locking mechanism is easy to use, just takes a press of the thumb.

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:12 pm

The legs extend via two quick release levers making setting up the tripod very easy.

As mentioned before the center column is reversible to allow you to get very low. These next photos alos show the legs in the mid-spread position as well as the widest spread.

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:14 pm

As mentioned I'm very pleased with this tripod, it's rock solid with an all metal construction, it's sturdy and simple to use. It's a little heavy, but for 55 bucks...I couldn't be happier.

Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:05 pm

could you possibly pm me with the seller info?

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:50 am

PM sent

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:35 am

Thanks for the review, I found it really useful. I've been wanting to purchase a tripod for a while but could never afford them. Just waiting for the bidding to end on an 828 :-)

Cheers, Mike.

Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 1875 Location: BRISTOL ENGLAND

Thanks for the review Kevin, I saw the original post and brought one myself from ebay -same model.

Im just waiting on delivery now - its taking slightly longer as I'm in the UK but I've been advised its been dispatched and Im awaiting my tracking reference.

Im glad you are pleased with it, I cant wait to get it now and try it out its looks good a good tripod for the price.

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:40 pm

Interesting..... i have a Dynatran Roll Bracket System. It too is a Bogen/Manfrotto knockoff and it's great.

I had seen these on the Amvona site but I was wishing they'd make a "spreader" style tripod for the studio use.

On a separate note, do the Manfrotto quick release plates work? I was just wondering about the carbon monopod.......

Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 1875 Location: BRISTOL ENGLAND

wooooo

my tripod arrived today, wasnt expecting ot for another few days. Ive had a quick look at it and it seems very good, nice an sturdy and easy to use.

No wIm just waiting for the moon to come out to see how it compares with my other tripod at 500mm!

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 2:01 pm

Hey Digz, how long did it take for yours to reach the UK? I just got mine on ebay yesterday.

Mike.