Buy Vanguard Alta Pro 253CT Carbon Fiber Tripod with SBH-50 Ball HeadVanguard Alta Pro 253CT Carbon Fiber Tripod with SBH-50 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
Award-winning Alta Pro 253CT tripod + Best-selling SBH 50 ball head = A winning combination. 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 50 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
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful.
Strong, Stable, Light Weight
By Daniel G. Lebryk
This is an incredibly sturdy, lightweight, stable, and versatile tripod.This kit includes the tripod, a carrying bag, a detachable gear pouch / counter weight, a multi-tool key, an SBH-50 ball head, and a second quick release plate.The tripod itself is pretty darn amazing. I've used Manfrotto and Bogen tripods, none were as light weight or as stable as this tripod. The carbon fiber legs make this a very light weight tripod. Usually light weight translates into tippy, and unstable; not this tripod. I was able to lean very hard into the top post and this tripod remained rock solid - it never budged. There are two leg extensions that release and tighten with a quarter turn. The legs slide in and out of each other smoothly, the finish on the carbon fiber is super smooth. When locking the leg in position, the quarter turn stops firmly when the leg is locked, there's no second guessing.The center post is a miracle. The post glides up and down smoothly, there is a big rubber O-Ring under the tripod head to help dampen a sudden release of the center column. There is a unique flipping attachment at the center post. Pull the center post all the way up, flip an orange lever and the post can now flip almost 180 degrees. With this arrangement it is possible to quickly and easily position a camera within inches of the ground.There is some kind of damping built into the rotation of the center post. It isn't exactly a fluid drive, but it feels a lot like it. This is super smooth rotation; there is no grabbing when starting the rotation. Although this is not really a video tripod; in a pinch, that smooth rotation could be used for panning.I like the design of the tripod head mount. The multi-tool key has a two point tool for removing and tightening down the adapters for 1/4 or 3/8 inch screw mounts. There is a wonderful storage spot on the head for the adapter not in use. The tripod head is not only secured with the standard 1/4 inch screw, there are three hex set screws that virtually bolt the head to the tripod. Once attached, the head cannot twist off. The multi-tool kit also contains the correct Allen wrench.There is a small bull's eye bubble level on top of the leg mount.The legs can be adjusted from a standard 25 degree spread, to 50 and 80 degree spreads. The 80 degree spread gets the tripod low to the ground and is incredibly stable. I'm not a huge fan of the release buttons for changing the leg angle. There isn't a solid click when the leg is locked at a particular angle. I prefer the old school metal spring loaded clip of my Bogen tripod.The weakest link in this tripod is the SBH-50 head. It is a small ball head with a simple quick release mount. The base is very nice, with 360 degree markings to help visualize rotation. The release knobs are well designed; they are large and covered with a rubber grip that makes turning them very easy. The quick release is excellent, the screw knob tightens down the mount, and a red button has to be pushed to release the head. It's a very good design. The problem I have with this head, it just doesn't lock tightly. Everything about this tripod is sturdy, stable, and rock solid. When I lock the ball head as tight as I can, I can still manage to move the head with my hand and pushing on the top. A heavy 300mm f 2.8 lens would not be a very good idea on this particular head (the tripod can handle it; it's just this small ball head). The other problem is the bubble levels. There is one at the rear and another on the side. The rear level is impossible to see from up above. So it's impossible to actually level the head perfectly with those two levels for panning.The carrying bag is cheap junk. That's kind of sad in a way, this is a moderately expensive tripod, and the carrying bag could be a bit nicer. No matter, I've found some very nice padded bags from Calumet Photo that are not very expensive.The accessory pouch or counter weight bag is also really cheap. I'm not sure I'd trust putting expensive items in that thing. It also doesn't look like it would hold much weight. The center post has a hook for hanging counter weights.I really dislike the instruction sheets. They are many pages of drawings with letters. Many pages later is the text describing the letters and the captions for each drawing. The instructions are in 13 different languages, making it almost impossible to understand the pictures.Overall this is an amazing strong light weight tripod. The ball head is decent. Since the tripod is so solid, it wouldn't be hard to add a better head. As a kit, this is a really good deal.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.Impulse buy, but really needed it...
By Scott C Tobin
Bought this during a lightning sale for for about 2 Ben Franklins. I've been using an aluminum Amvona tripod with a pistol grip. Both knockoffs, but they really did serve me well, took abuse. My major issues with that setup was the leg clamps were wearing out and because the pistol grip ballhead has so much space between the ball and the clamp it struggled supporting my Nikon D300 with heavier lenses. It would sag and generally frustrate me.So to the Vanguard Alta....So far I have only used the rig a few times being winter out here in PA. I am very pleased thus far. The rig has great flexibility with the positionable center column. So much more then a simple adjustable center column. My last outing was in about 20 degrees and the Vanguard did amazing. The Carbon Fiber was considerably lighter then my old aluminum. Additionally the ball head held my Nikon 17-55 2.8 and the D300 at any odd angle with no issues. I made it a point to use the multi angle center column in any way I could just to see how it would support my rig. It was a test of both the column itself and the ballhead. Both passed even with the center extended, again at odd angles. Also important to note much of the strain on the BallHead came from using the camera in portrait orientation putting all the weight to the side if you follow what I mean. i actually could have alleviated this 'portrait' stress to the BallHead by angling the multi angle center column differently, however, doing that would not have been a test to put my mind at ease for when out in the field. I extended the legs out which worked to stabilize the tripod with being so heavily side loaded. Another option to stabilize would have been to use the included rock/weight shelf that clips between the tripods legs. I generally use it to drop remotes, smokes, etc quickly as a holding area. Super handy in muddy areas or in the water. Understand although I love my gear, I use it like a tool. I have no problem setting up in the middle of a flowing creek, river or on a rock ledge.Although I have seen the included SBH-50 handle my rig so far, I would like a heavier ballhead. I feel what I did was pushing it and doubt, although maybe I'm wrong, it would hold my D300 and 70-200 2.8...That's my heaviest, but even so I always could use the multi angle center to allieviate stress on the Ballhead.Overall I am very very pleased. The quality is really noticeable from the smooth twist locks on the legs to the outstanding multi angle center column.For 2 bills it is an absolute no brainer and for 3 bills I'd still buy it again without hesitation.Regards,Scott
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Excellent Tripod
By KT Kannan
I was looking for a tripod that I can use for taking dance photography. The customer reviews for this tripod and the ball head were very good and so went ahead and bought it. Indeed it is an excellent tripod. I had already used it for few events. It is very light but stable even with the weight of a Canon 7D and 70-200mm IS lens. I can flip the camera from vertical to horizontal so quickly using the ball head and won't miss the moment to capture. Worth the moeny!!!
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