Though I haven't taken any panorama shots with the tripod, it does swivel very smoothly when I loosen the securing screw to reposition the camera.
So far I am very happy with the tripod. It is very easy to set up and take down, and seems very secure with my camera and telephoto lens.
Here is a picture with it attached to my daypack when we hiked up to the summit of South Sister this weekend.
New backpacking tripod
- rainrunner
- Posts: 627
- Joined: June 29th, 2011, 6:55 am
Re: New backpacking tripod
The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir
John Muir
Re: New backpacking tripod
Good to hear. Thanks for the update!
- Waffle Stomper
- Posts: 3707
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: New backpacking tripod
Nice to hear about the field test. On my list now.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." - John Muir
Re: New backpacking tripod
Thought I'd post a follow up in this thread. Because of it, I ended up buying one and just returned from an overnighter with it.
Pros-
Pros-
- * I found the max height sufficient for pretty much most of my needs in the backcountry. I am 5' 10" and do have to bend over a bit to look through my viewfinder but I'm ok with that. They do make a model with a higher max height if you need it (the XC-525 but it adds another 1lb).
* I liked and used the level bubble that's integrated into the leg.
* I like the safety "lock" feature that prevents the camera base plate from sliding out if the head clamp is loosened.
- * Only one portrait orientation cutout on the head. I wish it had one on both sides.
* I feel that the bubble levels built into the tripod head are too small and useless. It's easier to use a bubble level mounted into your camera's hotshoe.
* The twist locks. Maybe it will change over time but they seemed a little too easy to unlock when you didn't want them to.
* Partly due to my own muscle memory with my primary tripod head's layout but more than once I nailed myself in the face with the large lock knob that secures the base plate to the head.
- rainrunner
- Posts: 627
- Joined: June 29th, 2011, 6:55 am
Re: New backpacking tripod
The biggest con I have seen so far on this tripod is that when you align the camera up for a shot then tighten the ball head securing knob, the ball head will sometimes sag a bit from where I had it set. Once it is set it stays where it is, but the minor drop can be aggravating when you are in a tight shot, and have to re-align the camera again.
I found I don't have a problem with the level bubble on the side of the quick release mount. It works for me especially when I am taking night pictures.
I found I don't have a problem with the level bubble on the side of the quick release mount. It works for me especially when I am taking night pictures.
The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir
John Muir