Extended center columns get shaky because the cheaper the legs, the less well they hold it because of of weight and spring in the materials. When it comes to stability, the less you extend a center column, the better. If a tripod is too short, you'd want to extend the center column. There are some trade-offs that can be made as long as one is aware of them. I do expect that redundant heads for different things not withstanding, that I'll end up with a legset and head that's at or over $200 to maybe $250. I know I can't spend that much even though over time, I'll replace (have actually) some cheap heads and eventually will get better legs, I'll probably never get to Arca Swiss compatible plates, never get a super ballhead over $300, never get CF leg sets, etc. Robert B.There will be those who assert that one will need to spend hundreds if not over a thousands dollars to get a long term reliable, sturdy, stable tripod with a good head and good quick release system. Malia Campbell Photo… on Property Video Workshops by Ma…
Slik sdv20 how to#
Okay, so are you all convinced to run out and buy the Sunpak 6601 UT? Let me show you how to do a quick umbrella mod for it.
As I’ve already established, things smaller than a tennis ball tend to disappear in my gear bags so trying to remember/find coins to tighten the plate down was, pretty much, a lost cause for me. Why is this awesome? You no longer have to carry around coins in your bag/pocket/car to tighten the quick release plates to your flash foot. Unlike the SDV-20’s, the 6601 UT’s tightening screw is a twist tab (I’m sure there’s a more technical name for it). It’s also worth noting the Sunpak’s quick release plate. It took me awhile to get used to the new latches (truthfully, I’m still not really used to it and curse silently to myself every time I want to extend the Sunpak legs and realize I’m trying to do it the wrong way). The latch to release the legs opens to the right on the Sliks and to the left on the Sunpaks. *The only obvious difference in construction is the joint extenders.
This is really handy when you’re already carrying a camera bag, a lighting bag and a tripod. If it’s like Slik’s – which I assume it is – it’s big enough to carry two stands inside and has an adjustable strap to sling over your shoulder). According to the B&H link they’re also including a carrying case (they didn’t when I bought mine so I can’t really comment on the quality/construction of the bag.
The ~$18.00 USD price tag actually makes it cheaper than the SDV-20 was and it comes with an extra quick release plate, something that doesn’t seem like a big deal but if you’re like me you’re always losing small items so this is a nice addition. The Sunpak 6601 UT is widely available and includes all the great features of the SDV-20 and then some! Like the SDV-20 it has a very small footprint, same basic construction*, and extends up to 58.3″ (the same as the SDV-20).