Fabulous mini-tripod for my specific need for low-angle shots
I really like this mini-pod, even though I only bought it for one specialty purpose. The extremely low-angle shot for the implementation of dramatic perspective is the exclusive point of making this purchase. It fills that purpose to the maximum degree. It is a wonderful camera accessory and has no cons to mention or observe. First, this mini-tripod is very solid, almost heavy aluminum. It makes for an extremely stable position at any angle and at any height. It locks into three positions with the lowest position being only an inch and a half above floor/ground level, which puts the center of a lens about four and a half inches from ground level. I had bought a smaller and cheaper mini-tripod, but it was almost all plastic. In fact, it was very lightweight to the point of almost being flimsy. More importantly, it would let my camera tip over too often and it could not get this near to the ground, so I returned it quite quickly. Second, the tripod head is also solid and is mostly metal, not plastic. It does not have a wobbly retaining wheel nut for attachment to the camera, as the other one did. They both have the ball head type mechanism and securely tighten down to keep a given position, however. Third, the length of this mini-tripod's legs are at least an inch longer the cheaper model I had bought. That model was not stable at all when the camera was tilted, whereas this Neewer model is quite stable. There is no danger of the camera falling over, no matter where it sits in relation to the legs. So, setting up for that specialty shot is quick and easy where you want and how you want! One could even get the camera and mini-tripod set up beforehand, then place it in position and make final adjustments. Further, the legs have much larger rubber tips which seves several purposes, including dampening vibrations. The upper part of these better legs are also covered in rubber, so for anyone who wants to use this mini-tripod as a selfie stick will find it very comfortable, even over long periods of time. Now, not to belabor the obvious, but this mini-tripod has limited capabilities and is designed with that in mind. In fact, both mini-tripods I address here are without any any extensions-- neither on the legs or between the legs and the tripod head-- there is no center post. This is only a mini-tripod, not a general-purpose, small tripod. I am not willing to compare any mini-tripod to any small tripod. Mini-tripods are specific to a desktop, tabletop or simple support for a camera or a wide wall, fence or other surface already at near eye-level height. You will need to pay a lot more to get a small tripod that will allow you to reverse the center post (to hang your camera underneath the top of the legs) or to allow attachment of your camera close to the ground. I decided I would only pay to meet my needs, not to have redundancy with existing equipment-- I already have two small tripods. Neither of them are suitable for my need for the very low-angle shots that I need in a limited number of projects. I also have a gooseneck monopod that clamps onto the edge of a desk for smartphone video that I might not trust to my camera. There's a principle I heard professional photographers advise to beginners and intermediates-- only buy some accessory that solves a problem or makes some aspect of your work easier. Rent it, otherwise. Spend money on more important or more helpful equipment or training, then. The sub-principle is only buy what you need, not going overboard at any time! Do not be a victom of GAS-- Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Anyone on a tight budget may have realized long ago that one only buys what one really needs, or to save money or to make money. It's not a matter of what you "like." Be frugal. If that's all you need for the next few years, then that should be all that you buy. Wait for a windfall to buy optional upgrades. So, I remind you to consider this product in light of its intended purpose and will warrant it to be good for my purposes keeping that in mind. It is a solid product for what I need to do, that's it. The cheaper model would suit part of my needs, but this one is far superior for that restricted purpose. It solves the problems of trying to shoot handheld and low-angle that I face. A more expensive model would give me the bonus of more features, but it would violate the principle and its corollary that I mentioned above. You need to do you. I offer the information, but you make your decisions. Well-recommended for my context, but your mileage may vary, as always. Be well. Be safe. A. D. Clark Read more
