I bought this tripod to replace my top-quality Manfrotto, which has been a trusty companion for over 20 years of professional photography.
I needed a smaller, but still solid tripod to fit in the back box of my Honda 50, along with a large medium format camera, for local photo-trips. I measured the back box interior and noted the dimensions information that was given with the tripod, and it fits perfectly (see photo).
I was a bit dubious about the ball head holding my very heavy camera, so I replaced it with the heavy-duty pan and tilt head from the Manfrotto and it works perfectly. I've put the ball head from this one on the Manfrotto to hold a DSLR that I use for digitizing negs.
No, it's not as sold and robust as the Manfrotto (which cost 3 times as much), and that's to be expected. But it looks like it will do the job, and saves me from putting a really heavy tripod on my back when I go out on the bike!
I needed a smaller, but still solid tripod to fit in the back box of my Honda 50, along with a large medium format camera, for local photo-trips. I measured the back box interior and noted the dimensions information that was given with the tripod, and it fits perfectly (see photo).
I was a bit dubious about the ball head holding my very heavy camera, so I replaced it with the heavy-duty pan and tilt head from the Manfrotto and it works perfectly. I've put the ball head from this one on the Manfrotto to hold a DSLR that I use for digitizing negs.
No, it's not as sold and robust as the Manfrotto (which cost 3 times as much), and that's to be expected. But it looks like it will do the job, and saves me from putting a really heavy tripod on my back when I go out on the bike!
15/08/2021
K & F products first caught my eye at the Photography show back in 2019 but I didn't really have a close look at any of their tripods as I was fixated on getting a Three Legged Thing. As it turned out I didn't buy anything and didn't get a tripod for more than a year. With finances tight I decided to take a chance on a K & F tripod figuring at that price it wouldn't be too much of a wrench if it wasn't great. I was very pleasantly surprised when it arrived to find that it was more than I expected for the money - seemingly very well built and nice and light into the bargain with a quality carry bag. There are only two negatives in my mind - why use all that lovely magnesium alloy and then stick on plastic knobs for the ball clamp and adjustment? Surely it wouldn't have increased the cost too much to make these in the same alloy? The ball clamp did click ominously one time I tightened it so I'm hoping it isn't going to be a possible weak point. Also, the tripod leg that unscrews to make up the monopod - the female thread is metal but I believe the male thread is plastic, why? I doubt I'll use this feature much so not too much of a concern. I wouldn't hold out much hope with customer services - I did email them about something and had a very strange reply. I don't think I'd even bother trying to pursue a warranty claim. TLT on the other hand are great to deal with and solved a problem with my Ellie very quickly.
It would have been nice to have detachable feet but I guess you can't have everything at this price point? The tripod has a very large height extension so unless you're over 6' 5" you won't have any problems using it. Lastly I really like the orange colour of the alloy components - it matches my Three Legged Thing Ellie L bracket perfectly! I honestly don't think you can go wrong at this price - mine will certainly suit my needs until I can upgrade to a carbon TLT in the future.
It would have been nice to have detachable feet but I guess you can't have everything at this price point? The tripod has a very large height extension so unless you're over 6' 5" you won't have any problems using it. Lastly I really like the orange colour of the alloy components - it matches my Three Legged Thing Ellie L bracket perfectly! I honestly don't think you can go wrong at this price - mine will certainly suit my needs until I can upgrade to a carbon TLT in the future.
14/08/2021
So, I had to send the first one back. The centre column was not straight. In fact it was quite a way from being plumb. I checked all the locking nuts etc, even measuring the individual legs but no, it was defective. When the centre column was extended and the large orange locking nut was tightened, it pulled the column to one side. It was also noticeable when not extended. Not want you want with a tripod.
Not a good start but with good customer service from Amazon, I obtained a refund and ordered another. This time success!
This is a great tripod. The photo's of it are accurate. It feels good and it looks good. It has a good 'weight' to it and does appear to be well made. The ball head clamp tightens up well and there is no movement. Same with the legs, the lever locks are very good and once locked off there is no movement. An Allan key is provided to tighten up the bolts should the need arise.
I'm glad I wasn't put off by my first experience with this tripod. I have confidence in this tripod with my expensive gear on top!
Not a good start but with good customer service from Amazon, I obtained a refund and ordered another. This time success!
This is a great tripod. The photo's of it are accurate. It feels good and it looks good. It has a good 'weight' to it and does appear to be well made. The ball head clamp tightens up well and there is no movement. Same with the legs, the lever locks are very good and once locked off there is no movement. An Allan key is provided to tighten up the bolts should the need arise.
I'm glad I wasn't put off by my first experience with this tripod. I have confidence in this tripod with my expensive gear on top!
11/08/2021
It's my first non cheap tripod and what a difference it made. So sleek and sturdy. Adjustment fine tuning easy and all legs retract smoothly. It's easy to set up for my use. The carrying case has padded cushion and carrying strap.
10/08/2021
09/08/2021
I'm using this with a Bosch laser tape measure and it works very well. This is very nicely designed and made making it sturdy over a massive rang of heights and angles.
16/07/2021
08/07/2021