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| Click photo to see images of all the Editor's Choice 2007 products. |
This three-pound carbon-fiber tripod offers one of the best values in an ultracompact model these days. With four twist-lock leg sections, it collapses to just 18 inches. Although the legs look thin near the feet, the 'pod is built to support up to 11 pounds of gear. It extends to a maximum height of 47 inches, or 61.2 inches with the center column fully extended. The column can be reversed, and has a built-in weight hook. The 714 even comes with a canvas bag that you can fill with stones (or other available materials) and attach to the tripod legs like a little hammock, for extra, on-the-spot stability.
The new Slik's legs lock at three angles and have retractable spikes integrated into their rubber feet. At their most splayed-out position, they allow the tripod to be lowered to its minimum height of 7.25 inches when you reverse the center column. Padding on the legs' top segments makes for comfortable handling, though it's not really necessary on a small carbon-fiber model and creates a little extra bulk when the tripod is closed. About $245.
Sunpak Ultra 757
If you're buying a tripod on a shoestring budget, this aluminum model will give you all the basics for well under $100. It's the only tripod in this year's group with a head included in the price, so there's no need to purchase one separately. The head's three-way pan/tilt design, which is operated with twist-locks and a panning handle, is suitable for both photo and video shooting; the tripod comes with two quick-release plates so you can leave one attached to your camera and one to your camcorder. The standard head can also be removed, either to use a different head with the legs or to mount the head on the bottom of the center column for low-level shooting.
Built to support up to 11 pounds of gear, the 757 weighs a modest 6.2 pounds, head included. The head isn't made of the strongest stuff, though, so we'd keep one hand on it if mounting a very heavy lens. Closed up the tripod is 29.3 inches long. Fully extended, it rises to 61.5 inches; crank its geared center column all the way up and you get a surprising 74.8 inches of height. Although this model's three-section legs aren't particularly sturdy, it compensates by attaching them to the center column with built-in braces. Other handy features include two spirit levels (one on the head and one on the legs) and retractable foot spikes. About $80.
American PHOTO Editor's Choice 2007
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