Manfrotto 290 Xtra Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit with Fluid Video Head MK290XTA3-2WUS Black

I was looking for a decent inexpensive fluid head tripod for shooting with a small video camera. After looking through the reviews on some of the cheaper brands, I decided to trust Manfrotto and I was not disappointed. This is a nice little tripod, pretty sturdy and lightweight, and the fluid head is smooth and responsive - better than I was expecting for the price. The legs have three sections (I only extended two in the pictures) and the head can raise too, so it can go pretty high. It's still an inexpensive tripod, so don't expect the performance of a professional weight unit, but for the price this is a great little tripod with a surprisingly good fluid head. The only thing I wish it had was a bubble level on the head, but aside from that I'm really happy with this tripod. Read more

Very nice and sturdy Read more

I bought the Manfrotto 290 Xtra Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit with Fluid Video Head for my son two years ago. He is an amateur photographer who sells some photos now and then to businesses and others. He has used this tripod constantly throughout the two years he has owned it and it is still going strong. He has had no issues at all with it. It is stable, sturdy, and the video head is just fine. The tripod goes where he goes in case of a good photo opportunity and it isn't treated with kid gloves yet it looks new and is can be depended on to do the job every time with no issues. Highly recommended. **Amazon has disabled the ability to attach photos for now. I will return when that ability is restored and attach several photos I took of the tripod in use. Read more

My business partner and myself upgraded to a Manfrotto with a fluid head from really cheap $25ish plastic tripods. We can't say enough great things about this tripod! Pros: -The leg locks never get stuck and the legs always extend fully when you loosen the locks. It is terribly annoying when you think a tripod leg is extend all the way but it isn't. -The tripod is significantly taller and much sturdier at maximum height in comparison to plastic tripods. Cons: -The bag the tripod came with has two separate strings sewn from the top that connect to metal rings by a knot. These knots come undone very easily so often that we gave up re-tying them and just have long red loose strings flying around everywhere. I suppose could cut them but then we wouldn't have a strap when it necessary to have one. -The handle gets in the way when collapsing the tripod. So what I did was put the handle on backwards and then when I put the plate on my cameras I make sure the "Lens this way" is actually pointing AWAY from the lens. It's an easy fix and I never forget which way the plate goes on but couldn't they have just designed it a tad better? Read more

I purchased this item and when it arrived the box was damaged and the top of the tripod was significantly crooked. I contacted amazon and they shipped me a new one the same day. So customer service was great! The product itself works and functions well. It feels very sturdy structurally. The only mini disappointment is that it doesn't have a leveler but I did know that before ordering so make sure you double check the details when looking at tripods. The fluid head is nice and smooth and there is no jerky movements. Read more

Manfrotto is a great tripod manufacturer and this is no exception. Sturdy tripod legs and a quality fluid head that doesn’t come loose and allows you to easily adjust the tension. This tripod is absolutely worth the price. It is shocking to me how many people have reviewed this tripod negatively, saying that the head comes loose. I guarantee most of those reviews were people who didn’t bother reading the manual and expected their tripod head to just screw on and be ready to use. Manfrotto Tripods all have a set screw in the part that attaches to the head to prevent the loosening of the tripod head. A simple reading of the manual would tell you how to set it up correctly. All in all, I’m happy to finally pick one of these up for myself. I’ve rented this tripod for films at school many times and have never had any issues. Read more

Not happy at all with this product. I purchased this after reading and watching a ton of reviews. The 128 head is highly regarded and definitely not the source of my complaint. My issue lies with the tripod itself. It’s definitely sturdy and appears well built. However, there is a small set screw that secures the head against rotating on the tripod. The bottom of the 128 head is serrated every 1/2” and the set screw is suppose to interface with it. This was, when turning the tripod counter clockwise, you don’t unscrew the head from the tripod. It doesn’t work. I’ve tightened it a dozen times, moved the head in different directions to “hit” one of the serration shoulders. Still, after enough horizontal panning, the head becomes loose and wobbly. Don’t get me wrong. The fluid head is fantastic but the weak link is how it interfaces with the tripod. Ordering a replacement and will adjust the review accordingly. Read more

I’ve used much more expensive Manfrotto tripods too. I use this one now for work and personal use. I was considering spending much more on a tripod, but I decided to give this one a shot. I’m very impressed. It’s super lightweight and easy to use, even for video. 100% perfect for photo. I’d say 85% perfect for video. I like the head on this tripod. Super smooth. Sometimes it comes a little loose, but you just have to tighten a little bolt underneath the head and you’re all good. I rarely have to do it, now that I know how to use the tripod better. I like the quick-release plate as well, even though it’s not the standard Manfrotto style. Amazing value for money. If you’re not a suuuuper high end professional, just get this one. You won’t be disappointed and you’ll be happy you saved the money. Read more