Manfrotto 3021BPRO Professional Tripod without Head Black

I started earnestly into photography with my first DSLR purchase in June 2006, and I learned the value of a good tripod around the 4th of July at a fireworks display. Previously, I used a cheap camcorder tripod, which worked fairly well with my previous camera, a higher end point & shoot, but which failed miserably with my DSLR. After some research and finding a sale at Amazon, I purchased the 3021BPRO with the Manfrotto 486RC2 (I'd recommend a larger head, incidentally). The difference is amazing! The 3021PRO is absolutely stable and is simple to use. The leg extenders are stable, and the locks are secure and easy to engage and disengage. One great feature for me is the ability to remove the center column and attach it horizontally. With the ability of the legs to widen considerably, you can secure your camera at a very low angle -- ideal for macro work. The only downside is the weight and bulk of the tripod. Even completely compacted, it barely fits in my large suitcase, and I had to remove the head to make it fit. It's also not light, especially with the head attached. It's close to 7 lb with the 486RC2, and keep that in perspective with the weight of a laptop in terms of carrying it around. The trade-off is somewhat weight for stability but more importantly weight for money -- light, carbon fiber tripods cost a small fortune. It is manageable except probably for hiking and if you want to remain somewhat inconspicuous -- you WILL stand out carrying this thing! Fortunately, it is designed with two foam pads on the legs so you can rest it on your shoulder if you don't have a bag (which I would recommend as well) to sling it over a shoulder. A great product! Read more

I finally have a REAL tripod now after being the owner of 3 flimsy pieces of junk. I was shocked and thrilled at the build quality of this pro tripod. The 488RC2 ball head sits atop this beauty and is a piece of perfection in its own right too! I especially like the way it supports my Canon 30D (with battery grip) with a Canon 70-200 4L (tripod collar attached) in all possible positions and with such rigid sturdiness. Now I can shoot in vertical position with such great ease. I stand at 6 feet tall and the height of the tripod (without adjusting the center column) when fully extended allows me to shoot without bending over to peer into the viewfinder. A remote switch for your camera will only enhance your shooting experience. If you're thinking about getting your first REAL tripod and head, then this combination IMO is the way to go. I know it will be around for a long time. Last Note: For the reviewer who seems to get "pinched" -- I have not experienced this problem after adjusting the legs many times. Read more

Very solid and quality product. I use it all the time for steady solid shots. It's a little heavy so I wouldn't want to take it hiking. Benefits - High quality very sturdy - Easy to adjust the height and legs Drawbacks. - Be careful moving the legs horizontally. Easy to pinch your fingers. - Come with long neck so it's not very useful in very low closeups Read more

This is my first 'serious' tripod. I've owned a couple of other lesser quality tripods in the past (which were more suitable for small video cameras and palm-sized point-n-shoot cameras), and I immediately understand the difference in quality and purpose. I bought this tripod with with the 488RC2 ball head, to use with my Nikon D70s. Upon first touch of it, you can feel the solid build quality and attention to details in the locks and levers. I really appreciate having the two foam 'leg warmers' to handle the tripod when it's cold outside - and even with just general handling, it is nice to grip. I haven't really put the tripod 'through its paces' just yet, but the flexibility of it is ideal for me; from low-to-the-ground macro shooting, and rock solid, sturdy long-exposure night shooting, this is a great tripod for my needs. Yes, it is a bit heavy - especially with the ball-head. It's not really a suitable tripod (in my opinion) for going on long nature hikes. However, this aspect is also what helps in providing a nice, stable platfrom to shoot from. I am going to buy the the accessory strap to help with carrying it around. I am only a hobbyist but don't believe in skimping on quality, and I wasn't sure how much I wanted to spend on a tripod. I've read up on the pros and cons of materials like aluminum, magnesium and carbon fibre, and for the price, features, and quality, this is a great aluminum tripod and I am very happy to have bought it. Read more

This is an excellent tripod and just oozes quality. Made in Italy. It has one of the best instruction sheets I have seen, and the flexible design and fit/finish are outstanding. It is strong enough to handle the heavier still, video, and fieldscope equipment. Built like a tank. The feature I like the most is the rotating center column, which allows unobstructed downward photography-always a nightmare with my old tripod. Another feature I like is that the Bogen-Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod fits in my Costco 22 inch carry on bag when the center column is removed. This only takes a minute and no tools are needed. The tripod does have to be placed diagonally but the bag zipper does close. I recommend wrapping the column and the tripod in plastic bags. If you can check baggage it will fit in a regular suitcase. Don't forget to register your product to get the full 5 years warranty.. Read more