Buy Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT Carbon Fiber Tripod with SBH-100 Ball HeadVanguard Alta Pro 283CT Carbon Fiber Tripod with SBH-100 Ball Head Product Description:
- Central column moves from 0 to 180 degrees
- Legs adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles
- Smooth fluid-like ball head
- Enables extreme low-angle photography
Product Description
By popular demand, we merged our award-winning Alta Pro 283CT tripod with our popular SBH 100 ball head. Alta Pro tripods have unmatched flexibility, stability and enabling more angle possibilities than ever before. Its innovative Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) System allows users to move the central column from zero to 180-degree angles in variable vertical and horizontal positions making macro-photography and special wide-angle shots a breeze.The Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System securely repositions the central column in one simple movement, in just a few seconds, while maintaining the tripod’s stability. Additional tripod features include advanced camera vibration and shock control, lightweight carbon fiber legs legs that adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles, quarter-twist leg locks, patented premium magnesium die-cast canopy, hexagon-shaped central column for extra stability, and non-slip, spiked rubber feet for changing terrains and a removable hook for hanging camera accessories. Its SBH 100 fluid-like ball head rotates 360 degrees and has smooth locking knobs, an outstanding loading capacity and fine-tuning functions.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful.
Why didn't I find this tripod sooner?
By E. J Tastad
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RGEDAZ8R0A8XD ProsBuild QualityFeaturesIncluded ExtrasConsNeck isn't carbon fiberA bit heavy for a carbon fiber tripodBottom LineWhy didn't I look at this tripod before looking at other name brands? The ball head is better quality and include, the plate design is better, the neck design is better. All the lock knobs are more secure, and finally the value is much better.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful.Sturdy and well constructed, head works very well, even with telephoto.
By Two kids mom
First of all, some info from the product specs not listed on Amazon.Alta Pro 283CTExtended height 1700 mm (66 7/8ths) inchesFolded height 640mm (25 ¼ inches)Weight 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs)Max loading weight 8.0 kg, 18.0 lbsMax loading when tilting 7kg, 14.5 lbsSBH-100 Tilt 90 degreesSwivel 360 degreesMax loading weight 10kg, 22 lbsWeight 450g 15.9 ozHeight 105mm 4 1/8 inchesThe actual measured weight of the tripod and head in the included case is 72 ounces and just shy of 30 inches (in the case).The absolutely most important thing about a tripod is that it be rigid and strong. This one is very much so. For further stability a weight can be hung from the center column, in order to counterweight the camera and lens. However at 8 kilos, you would have to have an 800mm lens (like the ones you see photographers in sports events using) to even approach the limit. I could practically mount my telescope on this thing.My previous experience with ball and socket heads had lead me to distrust them as I always had trouble adjusting the tension so that I could move the camera, but it would not fall over if I let go. That is not true for this head the camera (a digital Canon Rebel with a telephoto lens (75-300mm) was easily moved but stayed upright if released. The tension is easily adjusted and the head feels solid and well made and has an easy to remove screw mechanism for attaching to the camera. Noticeable difference from using a pan tilt head, when using to shoot soccer players, I was easily able to keep up with the movement across the field.The legs use collar locks (twist to unlock or lock). Personally I do prefer lever locks as they are faster to adjust but collar locks are actually better in the long run as they are less likely to break and are actually less stable.This tripod is sturdy enough that the engineers did not have to include cross bracing which limits the extension of the legs and consequently how low to the ground the tripod can go. This model has three preset angles (25, 50 and 80 degrees). At 80 degrees you can get the camera very close to the ground for close up shots. Each leg can be adjusted individually, which is great when the ground is not flat.Multiple built in levels are included which make leveling the camera and tripod easy.Last of all the spikes in the legs are easily covered or exposed, just by twisting the bottom, much better than having to remove and replace them.It comes with a little tool that has an allen wrench (for adjusting the tension on the center column) and a screwdriver type tool for removing the protective cap over the camera mounting screw).Overall a great tripod for the serious amateur photographer and I suspect a good choice for professionals as well. My one question would be the price/value point, since I have not used multiple carbon fiber tripods I cannot offer an opinion on that point.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Function & Durability
By Lyssa Seefeldt
Update: 6/15/12As an FYI for anyone that has purchased or is planning on purchasing a Vanguard product... there is a $50 mail-in rebate available if you purchase your carbon fiber tripod in the month of May or June 2012, with the rebate needing to be postmarked by July 31st. See the link in my comments section to get the rebate form.As an advanced amateur photographer, trying to find a tripod that you won't outgrow but can still afford can be a challenge. The Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT carbon fiber tripod with SBH-100 ball head is priced right around $300 if you catch a sale. For me, that was the upper end of my budget, but was worth every penny. Not only do you get a height of 66 7/8th inches (~5 ft 6in), the legs adjust to angles suited for low level photography (80, 50, 25 degrees). This partnered with a central column that not only adjusts vertically, but also horizontally to act as an arm to get you camera equipment tight to where you are shooting makes this tripod one of the best that I have seen on the market for the price. The SBH-100 ball head is an added bonus with fluid movement, easy to use knobs to adjust the tension and angle of the head.Overall this tripod is easy to use and quite intuitive on how to adjust everything once you spend about 5 minutes playing with the knobs to see what they adjust. Some reviews state that this tripod is a bit heavy for a carbon fiber due to the magnesium alloy used in the central column. That may be true, however, I believe that the extra weight adds stability and durability to an already brilliantly designed tripod. In case you encounter one of those breezy days, the tripod set-up also includes a weight bag that attaches to the legs to add additional stability.This tripod also comes highly recommended from professional wildlife photographers due to the durability and functionality presented in this model of tripod. What one photographer told me is that you don't want to waste your money on an "okay" tripod because you will never use it and you will just end up buying a better one in the long run. So save your money and buy a tripod that you won't outgrow-like the Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT carbon fiber tripod with SBH-100 ball head. As an SLR photographer the last thing that you want to do is be without a GOOD tripod for that perfect shot!
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