Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AGH Tripod Kit

I've had this tripod for short of 2 years now. I've travelled throughout Europe, and as a travel tripod, it's a no no. Bulky, heavy, and too long, but, manageable. My main issue with this tripod is stability and it has cost me endless negative shoots. No matter how hard you try to tighten the various awkward nuts, you cannot stabilise it, there's always moving parts. Since day one, the centre column on mine has never being stable. When locked hard and fully, there's still an unacceptable amount of movement. I even brought a vice grips on a shoot to tighten it and it made no difference. When shooting long exposures, it's a huge issue, because you don't know until you start post processing that the wind has had an impact on the centre column. The design is brilliant, but the functionality of the tripod is sadly wrong. I came back from a shoot today totally frustrated because none of the lock nuts would stabilise the tripod enough to take images, and then one of the leg nuts locked, and not matter what, I couldn't move it until I got home and open a tool box.

I sought out this tripod to complement a much heavier studio tripod that has always proved too bulky for carting around outside (although I fitted it with a strap). I was pleased to find that the Alta Pro, though lighter, still provided a very stable platform when used outdoors with a timed remote control exposure. The axial adjustments of the ball head platform are positive and secure. I particularly liked the incorporated horizontal and vertical spirit level bubbles that enabled basic setup to be squared off. A removable platform with a standard screw thread for attaching the camera is a very useful timesaver, since it very quickly can be slid into place into a rail on the ball head and securely locked with no sign of free play. A key part of the decision to purchase this model is the ability to release the central column to hinge through 90 degrees to enable downward shots 'legs-free' of the tripod itself, as well as a variety of other configurations, where overhangs or low shots are a requirement. The quality and detail of the engineering is impressive for the price, and certainly a vast improvement on what was available when I was a post-graduate student.

Buying a new tripod can be a bit of a hit or miss exercise. Getting a tripod that is sturdy enough to deal with a heavy DSLR camera but still be light enough to carry around has to be a compromise. I read numerous reviews before finally settling on the Vanguard Alta Pro 2 + - and I seem to have made an excellent choice. It certainly is sturdy - whether it proves light enough to carry around remains to be seen. It is very easy to set up and it’s features will certainly get well used. What I particularly liked is the ability to set the tripod so that the camera is just a few inches from the ground. A tripod will be used over a number of years - it won’t actually wear out - so get a good one. I am impressed with the Vanguard.

My usual tripods are a Benbo Mk1, and a Manfrotto 190 XproB. I love the Benbo, especially the ability to tilt the centre column, but it can be a chore to adjust with a camera attached as when the lock is loosened you're wrestling with both the legs and the centre column. The Manfrotto is compact and light in comparison, so a bonus, yes the centre column can go horizontal but it can't lock off at tilted angles.The Vanguard really offers the best of both worlds. It is compact and a reasonable weight, I don't like them too light. The 3 way pan head, which isn't a bad head at all, was swapped for my current favourite, an Artcise MB52 ball head https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B081TP7FSS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The leg locks, both for length & angle operate well and are smooth and easy to use. Finish is excellent throughout.For my current needs, mostly table top macro & flower portraits, this tripod really does tick all of the boxes, and I'd recommend it to anybody, especially for the price paid

A good, well built tripod and for the money it is excellent - it is much more sturdy that my original tripod. The ball head is a similar, robust, standard and the two parts working together means that you can get your camera mounted in just about any position that you want it to be, The leg locks are easy to operate and do their job well and the ability to open up the leg angle means that you can get a wide spread to get low or ensure stability in windy conditions.The only downsides (and hence 4 stars) are the weight and size that it packs down to. With the weight, I don't think you can get the build quality without it being much lighter unless you go for carbon fibre and the associated increase in cost. The size is a minor issue for me, though if you are looking fir a small and light travel tripod it might be worth looking at something else in the range.

Bought to replace an old and cheaper Vanguard tripod after a day looking around "The Photography Show" and originally selecting another make at nearly twice the price. Things I like: twist lock legs, ease of adjustment, secure and solid when set up. The ball head is also secure and when used with a 500mm lens on a crop sensor camera, giving an effective lens length of 800mm, there is very little movement when tightening everything up.The tripod itself probably deserves 5 stars, but the way that Amazon package stuff results in one star being deducted. The tripod is supplied by the manufacture in a solid box that Amazon then place diagonally in a flimsy cardboard box about 3 feet x 2 feet stuffed full of paper roll, which arrived damaged

The Tripod is built well sturdy, being able to move telescope in variable positions is good great for all kinds of photography.

Very sturdy and solid. Expected to be bit lighter. Not for travelling but great for professional work.