Loved the ending. Nice review. I've had this tripod for years. I've seen some negative reviews about its sturdiness and ability to handle a heavy camera. My Nikon D810 with the 80-200mm AF-S F2.8 has no problems. Except that I use a screwdriver to tighten the camera to the round thingy...Can't think of the word.... Other than that, this thing is a beast.
+Ariana Espinal . First, it appears that you have all your settings set to private and I can't reply to your comment or send you a message. Second, yes, I still love this tripod. Since I shoot a lot of selfie type stuff, it's really handy to turn the head around so the grip is on the lens side of the camera. The only thing I've had to do is tighten up one of the leg clamps because it started to creep a bit. I'd actually like to have a second one for shooting video on two angles with a second camera.
Thank You! I have a few more videos in the can and a few more I want to shoot, but I had a little surgery on my tongue, so I'm on hiatus right now. Thanks for subscribing!
excellent presentation. what is the spec. number for the mobile phone holder. I liked this when you hooked it to the Vanguard Alta 263 AGH. Does this tripod comes with a head? What is the definition for both Tripod and the head + QR and all?
Am I right I’m thinking if you want to shoot upward, trees or sky etc you can move or angle that pistol grip in a certain way that it WILL angle upward? The default / usual setting would render the pistol grip on the way.
I have had this tripod for several months now and I love it, only problem is that now that I have a 100mm and my camera with a battery grip, shooting portrait, it starts to droop from the weight of the lens. Have you had this issue?
Still love it. The only potential issue I see is that if its going to see some hard use the legs could bend when fully extended; wouldn't be a problem with the carbon fiber one. I REALLY like the articulating arm for use when shooting straight down or over my shoulder. The omnidirectional quick release shoe is nice too since I shoot all my videos solo. When I want to shoot myself, I just turn it 180 degrees so the pistol grip is facing me and the camera's articulating screen rotated toward me.
Thanks for the review Matt. I take a lot of video and photos of clouds and the moon etc. and have been looking for a tripod that would allow me to shoot straight up and odd angles. The only question I have is about a number of posts on Amazon and a couple of photo sites about parts breaking. From that research that I have done so far this ball head tripod with the pistol grip would be great for what I am looking for at a good price so let me know how sturdy you think it is. Great video.
I've hauled it all over the state, shooting waterfalls and hiking into the hills. Although I've never dropped it or knocked it over, it's solid as a rock and I think it would take some serious abuse to break anything on it. After using it for so many years, I can say that I think I'd prefer the long handle to the pistol grip. Easier to get the perfect framing with leverage than fidgeting with the pistol grip.
I've tried shooting the moon with it, but since the moon is moving, it makes it difficult to use a long enough exposure to get a good picture. The tripod is solid as a rock, but for the best pictures of the moon, you need to shoot through a telescope with a motorized equatorial mount. I suppose if you had a lens with a large enough primary lens that could really gather the light while keeping the shutter speed faster than 1/125 or so that could work.
I bought this tripod because I was informed that I can remember the angle I shot at for a next fotoshoot (productphotography from a certain angle). I think it is not possible is it?
Hello Matt, Thanks for the great review. Great tripod but got a question to you. I live in Holland so it's very windy and how is this tripod holding up in the wind. Have the little brother from vanguard for travel and in a little wind it's not usable. But how it this tripod in a little on a windy day. Are there other tripod from vanguard that are more suitable for this and timelaps photography.
+Tasso Kaleas With the legs splayed out all the way, it's a pretty big footprint. For time lapse or big winds, I would use the hook on the bottom of the center post to hang a bag of rocks. I believe you can buy stake feet to replace the rubber feet too, so you can stick it in the ground.
Great video Matt. I use 2 Canon DLSR's mainly for video work. i currently have the Vanguard elite 4 which has amazing panning smoothness. I can slowly pan left to right or right to left and also slowly pan up or down at the same time. The Vanguard Alta Pro 263 with the ball head, doesn't look that it would allow extremely slow smooth pans. I need a second tripod with this capability. Would you recommend the Vanguard Alta Pro 263 for smooth panning while shooting video? I want to buy another Vanguard elite 4 although don't see them being sold new or used anywhere-
+David Tybor You can buy this tripod headless and order a head of your choice. I will say that mine has super smooth panning left and right, but not up and down because of the ball. The left/right action is in the tripod itself. Looks like Amazon has an Elite 1 with a pan head: www.amazon.com/dp/product/B0016D1HVQ/?&tag=g07de-20
Matt, I really appreciate your time and link. You really got me thinking about mixing and matching. I really love the Vanguard PH-55 Magnesium Alloy 3 Way Pan Head as that is the head on the Vanguard Elite 4. I think I'm going to get the PH-55 head with the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT. You rock!
This is a great tripod - great review, Matt. Two other things. 1- you can put the center column in upside down and get the camera right down on the deck. i.e. hanging down from the tripod. 2- I found the quick release works even better by grabbing around the rotating disk with your index finger and thumb - you can manipulate the safety button and release lever easiest this way. I position the button and lever out front in front of the camera, not behind it like in the video. Hope this helps. Cheers!
As an update, I was out on the Appalachian Trail in a marsh and while adjusting the center post, a couple of pieces flew off the tripod. When I returned home, I called up Vanguard, they took my contact info, and within 3-4 days I had a replacement part. Excellent service, would buy more from them in the future.
Hi Matt, thanks for the review. Quick question: Do you think this could be used as a support to film down vertically on a table for example? I'm looking for a way to film drawing from above. Many thanks.
Yes it will work it has the thing at end to tie sandbags for counter weight, or you can buy this Jib, is great it worked like a charm : CowboyStudio Portable DSLR Mini Jib Crane Video Camera Jib Video Jib Arm Extension 4FT, MJ-906 JIB
Hey Matt- Good review on the tripod I've decided to go with. You mentioned you own the Panny FZ-200? How do you like the camera? I ask because that too happens to be the exact model camera I have decide to purchase! Your review here covers the same products I will buying. Ironic! Like to know your honest thoughts on FZ-200. Graham Houghton does some excellent tutorials on that camera. The Vanguard 263AT is one excellent bang for the buck, IMO !
Awesome choice of gear Wm! If you buy the gear on Amazon, please do me a favor and use one of the links in my video descriptions to get out to Amazon, that raises my ranking and might even make me a few cents. Graham does an awesome job and I encourage you to watch all his videos and download his new cheat sheets. He's also working on an e-book manual for the Zed 200. So far, I love the camera. There are a few little annoyances like the battery/card door being on the bottom instead of the side, so you have to take it off the tripod to access. I'm also not really impressed with it's full auto performance. I shoot in shutter priority 80% of the time, and full manual the other 20%. Depending on which tripod you get, they still have some rebates available: www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/component/content/article/6-other/232-rebates.html
Hello Matt, thanks for a very nice and usable review. I am very close to the purchase of this tripod with same head, but I am little unsure of video shooting capability. Is it possible to use it for smooth video panning? I saw on your review that is it not so smooth while rotating the head, maybe I am wrong? Thanks in advance, Regards, Zoran
It's VERY smooth. I didn't demonstrate it on the video, but the knob at the leg joint can be loosened to rotate the head very smoothly. There's a tiny bit of tension in the joint which makes it very smooth and easy to control. The tripod is also heavy enough to use as a stabilizer when shooting video on the move. I simply shorten the legs up 1/3 of the way and carry the camera with two hands holding onto the foam grips of the tripod legs. Perhaps I'll shoot another video with these two features and post it this weekend. Thanks for asking.
Matt KnowsThat ty so much for ur lighning fast respond :). I am well aware that this tripod could be used as a stabilizer too. I am very thrilled that it can be used both for "almost like a pro" photo and video shooting in various ways, and I will def. purchase it. Nevertheless, it would be also very nice of you if you could shoot that video :). Thanks once again.
No, but my equipment doesn't weigh that much. You might email Vanguard and ask their advice. Perhaps there's an adjustment we don't know about or a different head for heavier gear.
Hi Matt, I am looking into tripods and this one looks really nice, it has nice features, It seams to me it could be used for shooting nice videos to. Would there be any problems if I am to use Nikon D5100 and some regular lenses like 18-105 or in something up to 70-200? Would there be any wobbling? Thank you!
The head on this thing is super solid, I think almost any DSLR and lens combo would be fine. I just pulled mine out of the case, and with the knob turned to lock the head down, I can lift and hold the tripod (with the legs collapsed in) from a 45° to horizontal by grabbing the top of the mount and lifting the legs. It might get wobbly with the legs extended all the way and the top extension all the way up, but that's a rare circumstance.
Hi, first, thanks for the vid. Second, I have a question about the panoramic clicking funktion. Can you loosen the 360° rotator enough to where there is no clicking vibration or noise? Im interested in using this tripod combo for Video use. The clicking feature would make that a little difficult. Thanks for any help. - Jacob
I just posted a quick video that shows the knob you can turn to loosen up the center post for super smooth panning: ruclips.net/video/vRjnyeAz198/видео.html
Picked up the Panasonic FZ-200 for Christmas. So far so good. I'm 95% sure I'm getting the Vanguard AT-263 with Pistol Grip & the rebate for the 100 Ball head for free. Great looking and well made tripod IMO. Any thoughts on the slightly shorter 264 model? About the same weight I think? Just curious if I'm missing anything spec wise between those two as I'd obviously prefer the shorter folded package all else being equal. Thanks~
I'm sure you might never use the extra height, but I was pretty sure I wouldn't be packing the tripod into a backpack and carrying it around. I wanted the extra stability of only three section legs instead of four. It will also hold a little more weight. Other than that, the specs are so close as to be inconsequential. Hope you're happy with your 200. I'm still loving mine. Be sure to download Graham Houghton's manual for the camera as well as his printable cheat sheets: www.grahamhoughton.com/download-section/
Hi! Is it possibile to remove just the pistol (not the whole head)? I was wondering that because I imagine it would be a bit bulky to carry in a bag the way I see it in the video. Thanks.
Hi , It was very Interesting review of Vanguard Alto pro 263AGH. I actually bought the tripod and now I am looking for a Case for my Galaxy S7 edge so that I can mount it on the tripod, something like the one you used in your video. Can you please let me know where you bought it? thanks in advance.
I bought my phone SnapMount case on Amazon a long time ago (this video is 4 years old now). There are some universal mounts available if you look around.
I have the 263AGH - My legs don't lock in position anymore. Sometimes 2 do but the other one wont kick in. The salt water/air is eating away at it it and rusting (Even though it gets cleaned).
I have this tripod also an went on a 4 week trip to the Seychelles with it, an even though I cleaned and washed it, all the leg locks to spread the legs don't work or even hold, the spiked feet are rusted to the rubber, an the tightener for the swivel plate has fallen apart.... Prior to that holiday ive been to all over the UK with all sorts of weather without a problem, but it would seem salt water air is a killer for this tripod.
Sure, you can use any camera on it. It's a typical mount and very sturdy for anything from a tiny point and shoot to a heavy DSLR with a telephoto lens.
Hi Matt. Even if this video of yours has already a few years, I'm thinking of buying this tripos within the next week or so. However, its weight seems to low to be a sturdy tripod (less than 3 Kgs). Could you confirm is this is a problem? I know it has a hook to hang some weight, but is this a sturdy tripod at such a "low" weight? Thanks in advance.
If it was any heavier, it would be a pain in the butt to move and carry around. It's lightweight because it's aluminum, but VERY strong. If you wanted the strongest one, that would be carbon fiber which is even lighter than this one. Don't connect "sturdy" with "weight"
can the camera be completed inveterate on this tripod? as in turned completely upside down? is this model worth the extra 10 bucks for the pistol grip?
hey matt, i want to purchase a vanguard tripod but i don't know which one should i get, I'm looking at the 263agh and the 283agh, I'm not a professional photographer i just like taking photos with the family and we travel every year. i want to use it with my canon 6d with the 24-105 and the flash, want to know if its sturdy enough
Looks like the difference between the two is the built in shutter release and all terrain feet. Personally I'd still buy the 263 and use my own shutter release instead of needing batteries for the tripod. It also looks like the all terrain feet could fall off and get lost. Keep it simple. They come with a nice carrying case with a shoulder strap. I have three tripods, but this is the one that gets used all the time. I do plan to buy a smaller table top tripod that I can slip into a backpack to take on trips because this is pretty big to lug around.
You might also check for rebates and freebies before ordering it. Mine had a free camera bag with the purchase. It was from the manufacturer, so it didn't matter who I bought it from.
Have you ever tried to do a long exposure photo? That's the problem with this light tripods...as soon as the shutter comes down while you do a low exposure all the pictures are blurred.
+andreiiasi I haven't done anything over 1 second or so for long exposure. The waterfall shots I took that were 1 sec exposures came out perfect for me. My camera is pretty light and it was not a windy day when I took them.
yeah..I need a good solid tripod because I've got a Nikon D750 and its quite big and beside that I do minutes of slow shutter speeds photography, so in my case I guess fiber carbon won't work. Back to old Chinese metal tripods . LOL...build like a Russian tank but lasting.
+andreliasi - You can weigh the tripod down with a Vanguard SB-100 Stone Bag. Costs under $15.00 right now on Amazon. I have one. Though I haven't used it yet. But it has good reviews on Amazon. I love this tripod!
there are three allen head machine screws up underneath the big disc, loosen those and it should come off. Extend the neck up so it's higher and you should be able to get to them easily.
Atouk Vanguard has a rebate right now for $20 to $60 various models: www.vanguardworld.com/files/Banner/Alta_Pro_Mail-In_Rebate.pdf looks like it goes until May 15, 2015 I got in the habit a while ago that whenever I'm going to buy something big, I google for rebates!
Excellent review. I am soon to get one of these. Thanks for the detailed information.
Matt, thank you for fast demonstration of all advantages of tihs tripod.
Just bought this at Bass Pro Shops. Got it for my Swarovski ATS HD 65! Can't wait to use it, and good review!
Absolutely amazing review! Thank you.
Just ordered this, very excited, so many new angles :)
Excellent review! Thanks from Chicago
Subscriber number 1,000
Great video Matt, I am soon to get one of these...greetings from Switzerland!
Just purchased one thanks to your review!
Loved the ending. Nice review. I've had this tripod for years. I've seen some negative reviews about its sturdiness and ability to handle a heavy camera. My Nikon D810 with the 80-200mm AF-S F2.8 has no problems. Except that I use a screwdriver to tighten the camera to the round thingy...Can't think of the word.... Other than that, this thing is a beast.
Fantastic review Matt. Subscribed!
Great review, I am now sure I just bought the best tripod for my use!
Can't wait to start getting to know it out and about :)
Just bought this tripod, love it.
Great video review. Thanks!
+Ariana Espinal . First, it appears that you have all your settings set to private and I can't reply to your comment or send you a message. Second, yes, I still love this tripod. Since I shoot a lot of selfie type stuff, it's really handy to turn the head around so the grip is on the lens side of the camera. The only thing I've had to do is tighten up one of the leg clamps because it started to creep a bit. I'd actually like to have a second one for shooting video on two angles with a second camera.
Nice video! Thanks, Matt.
Great review! Awesome Tripod!! :D
im thinking of ordering this tripod, how is it still holding up and do you still recommend it
Thank You! I have a few more videos in the can and a few more I want to shoot, but I had a little surgery on my tongue, so I'm on hiatus right now. Thanks for subscribing!
excellent presentation. what is the spec. number for the mobile phone holder. I liked this when you hooked it to the Vanguard Alta 263 AGH.
Does this tripod comes with a head? What is the definition for both Tripod and the head + QR and all?
Thoughts on a pistol grip vs the traditional lever / grip style of tripods? Considering entry level vanguard options of each.
Hi Matt, thanks for the video. Can I use my Canon 5D Mark IV with 70-200 f2.8 IS II lens with this tripod?
Thanks for posting!
I am trying to detach the pistol grip but cannot figure out how to do that. Or if it comes off?
Any help would be appreciated
It's good to see these "out takes" I thought it was only me who screwed up my "to camera presentations" on nearly every review I do.
hi,im planning to buy this tripod and im wondering if i could put another ballhead there instead of using the pistol grip head?
Am I right I’m thinking if you want to shoot upward, trees or sky etc you can move or angle that pistol grip in a certain way that it WILL angle upward? The default / usual setting would render the pistol grip on the way.
I have had this tripod for several months now and I love it, only problem is that now that I have a 100mm and my camera with a battery grip, shooting portrait, it starts to droop from the weight of the lens. Have you had this issue?
Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 or Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT tripod legs comparison, which is better build quality?
Still love it. The only potential issue I see is that if its going to see some hard use the legs could bend when fully extended; wouldn't be a problem with the carbon fiber one. I REALLY like the articulating arm for use when shooting straight down or over my shoulder. The omnidirectional quick release shoe is nice too since I shoot all my videos solo. When I want to shoot myself, I just turn it 180 degrees so the pistol grip is facing me and the camera's articulating screen rotated toward me.
Thanks for the review Matt. I take a lot of video and photos of clouds and the moon etc. and have been looking for a tripod that would allow me to shoot straight up and odd angles. The only question I have is about a number of posts on Amazon and a couple of photo sites about parts breaking. From that research that I have done so far this ball head tripod with the pistol grip would be great for what I am looking for at a good price so let me know how sturdy you think it is. Great video.
I've hauled it all over the state, shooting waterfalls and hiking into the hills. Although I've never dropped it or knocked it over, it's solid as a rock and I think it would take some serious abuse to break anything on it. After using it for so many years, I can say that I think I'd prefer the long handle to the pistol grip. Easier to get the perfect framing with leverage than fidgeting with the pistol grip.
Thanks Matt. That really helps to be able to talk to someone who has a lot of experience with it. Appreciate the reply.
Hi, can i use this tripod on panasonic GH5 ?
Can it bear the weight of a camera like canon 7d with a heavy lens like 500mm?
I've tried shooting the moon with it, but since the moon is moving, it makes it difficult to use a long enough exposure to get a good picture. The tripod is solid as a rock, but for the best pictures of the moon, you need to shoot through a telescope with a motorized equatorial mount. I suppose if you had a lens with a large enough primary lens that could really gather the light while keeping the shutter speed faster than 1/125 or so that could work.
ANy tips on fixing a loose d-ring?
I bought this tripod because I was informed that I can remember the angle I shot at for a next fotoshoot (productphotography from a certain angle). I think it is not possible is it?
Can i use that Pistol grip Ballhead on a Manfrotto Tripod ? If yes will i need some sort of Adaptor to attach it to the Manfrotto legs?
I have this gun grip(older version)!!! Excellent gadget! Must have.......
Hello Matt, Thanks for the great review.
Great tripod but got a question to you.
I live in Holland so it's very windy and how is this tripod holding up in the wind.
Have the little brother from vanguard for travel and in a little wind it's not usable.
But how it this tripod in a little on a windy day. Are there other tripod from vanguard that are more suitable for this and timelaps photography.
+Tasso Kaleas With the legs splayed out all the way, it's a pretty big footprint. For time lapse or big winds, I would use the hook on the bottom of the center post to hang a bag of rocks. I believe you can buy stake feet to replace the rubber feet too, so you can stick it in the ground.
Great video Matt. I use 2 Canon DLSR's mainly for video work. i currently have the Vanguard elite 4 which has amazing panning smoothness. I can slowly pan left to right or right to left and also slowly pan up or down at the same time. The Vanguard Alta Pro 263 with the ball head, doesn't look that it would allow extremely slow smooth pans. I need a second tripod with this capability. Would you recommend the Vanguard Alta Pro 263 for smooth panning while shooting video? I want to buy another Vanguard elite 4 although don't see them being sold new or used anywhere-
+David Tybor You can buy this tripod headless and order a head of your choice. I will say that mine has super smooth panning left and right, but not up and down because of the ball. The left/right action is in the tripod itself. Looks like Amazon has an Elite 1 with a pan head: www.amazon.com/dp/product/B0016D1HVQ/?&tag=g07de-20
Matt,
I really appreciate your time and link. You really got me thinking about mixing and matching. I really love the Vanguard PH-55 Magnesium Alloy 3 Way Pan Head as that is the head on the Vanguard Elite 4. I think I'm going to get the PH-55 head with the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT. You rock!
This is a great tripod - great review, Matt. Two other things. 1- you can put the center column in upside down and get the camera right down on the deck. i.e. hanging down from the tripod. 2- I found the quick release works even better by grabbing around the rotating disk with your index finger and thumb - you can manipulate the safety button and release lever easiest this way. I position the button and lever out front in front of the camera, not behind it like in the video. Hope this helps. Cheers!
As an update, I was out on the Appalachian Trail in a marsh and while adjusting the center post, a couple of pieces flew off the tripod. When I returned home, I called up Vanguard, they took my contact info, and within 3-4 days I had a replacement part. Excellent service, would buy more from them in the future.
when you quote the price of under $200 doesn't include the pistol grip?
Hi Matt, thanks for the review. Quick question: Do you think this could be used as a support to film down vertically on a table for example? I'm looking for a way to film drawing from above. Many thanks.
Yes it will work it has the thing at end to tie sandbags for counter weight, or you can buy this Jib, is great it worked like a charm :
CowboyStudio Portable DSLR Mini Jib Crane Video Camera Jib Video Jib Arm Extension 4FT, MJ-906 JIB
Hey Matt- Good review on the tripod I've decided to go with. You mentioned you own the Panny FZ-200? How do you like the camera? I ask because that too happens to be the exact model camera I have decide to purchase! Your review here covers the same products I will buying. Ironic! Like to know your honest thoughts on FZ-200. Graham Houghton does some excellent tutorials on that camera. The Vanguard 263AT is one excellent bang for the buck, IMO !
Awesome choice of gear Wm! If you buy the gear on Amazon, please do me a favor and use one of the links in my video descriptions to get out to Amazon, that raises my ranking and might even make me a few cents. Graham does an awesome job and I encourage you to watch all his videos and download his new cheat sheets. He's also working on an e-book manual for the Zed 200.
So far, I love the camera. There are a few little annoyances like the battery/card door being on the bottom instead of the side, so you have to take it off the tripod to access. I'm also not really impressed with it's full auto performance. I shoot in shutter priority 80% of the time, and full manual the other 20%.
Depending on which tripod you get, they still have some rebates available: www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/component/content/article/6-other/232-rebates.html
nice review
VANGUARD ALTA PRO 263 AGH VS MANFROTTO MT190XPRO3?
Hello Matt, thanks for a very nice and usable review. I am very close to the purchase of this tripod with same head, but I am little unsure of video shooting capability. Is it possible to use it for smooth video panning? I saw on your review that is it not so smooth while rotating the head, maybe I am wrong?
Thanks in advance,
Regards,
Zoran
It's VERY smooth. I didn't demonstrate it on the video, but the knob at the leg joint can be loosened to rotate the head very smoothly. There's a tiny bit of tension in the joint which makes it very smooth and easy to control. The tripod is also heavy enough to use as a stabilizer when shooting video on the move. I simply shorten the legs up 1/3 of the way and carry the camera with two hands holding onto the foam grips of the tripod legs. Perhaps I'll shoot another video with these two features and post it this weekend. Thanks for asking.
Matt KnowsThat ty so much for ur lighning fast respond :). I am well aware that this tripod could be used as a stabilizer too. I am very thrilled that it can be used both for "almost like a pro" photo and video shooting in various ways, and I will def. purchase it.
Nevertheless, it would be also very nice of you if you could shoot that video :). Thanks once again.
No, but my equipment doesn't weigh that much. You might email Vanguard and ask their advice. Perhaps there's an adjustment we don't know about or a different head for heavier gear.
Hi Matt, I am looking into tripods and this one looks really nice, it has nice features, It seams to me it could be used for shooting nice videos to. Would there be any problems if I am to use Nikon D5100 and some regular lenses like 18-105 or in something up to 70-200? Would there be any wobbling? Thank you!
The head on this thing is super solid, I think almost any DSLR and lens combo would be fine. I just pulled mine out of the case, and with the knob turned to lock the head down, I can lift and hold the tripod (with the legs collapsed in) from a 45° to horizontal by grabbing the top of the mount and lifting the legs. It might get wobbly with the legs extended all the way and the top extension all the way up, but that's a rare circumstance.
I just posted a quick video that shows how tight the top head is: ruclips.net/video/vRjnyeAz198/видео.html
Hi, first, thanks for the vid. Second, I have a question about the panoramic clicking funktion. Can you loosen the 360° rotator enough to where there is no clicking vibration or noise? Im interested in using this tripod combo for Video use. The clicking feature would make that a little difficult.
Thanks for any help. - Jacob
I just posted a quick video that shows the knob you can turn to loosen up the center post for super smooth panning: ruclips.net/video/vRjnyeAz198/видео.html
Picked up the Panasonic FZ-200 for Christmas. So far so good. I'm 95% sure I'm getting the Vanguard AT-263 with Pistol Grip & the rebate for the 100 Ball head for free. Great looking and well made tripod IMO. Any thoughts on the slightly shorter 264 model? About the same weight I think? Just curious if I'm missing anything spec wise between those two as I'd obviously prefer the shorter folded package all else being equal.
Thanks~
I'm sure you might never use the extra height, but I was pretty sure I wouldn't be packing the tripod into a backpack and carrying it around. I wanted the extra stability of only three section legs instead of four. It will also hold a little more weight. Other than that, the specs are so close as to be inconsequential. Hope you're happy with your 200. I'm still loving mine. Be sure to download Graham Houghton's manual for the camera as well as his printable cheat sheets: www.grahamhoughton.com/download-section/
Hi! Is it possibile to remove just the pistol (not the whole head)? I was wondering that because I imagine it would be a bit bulky to carry in a bag the way I see it in the video. Thanks.
+josephpino07 It doesn't come off separately, but it can be pushed pretty close to the base to get it in the bag.
Hi , It was very Interesting review of Vanguard Alto pro 263AGH. I actually bought the tripod and now I am looking for a Case for my Galaxy S7 edge so that I can mount it on the tripod, something like the one you used in your video. Can you please let me know where you bought it? thanks in advance.
I bought my phone SnapMount case on Amazon a long time ago (this video is 4 years old now). There are some universal mounts available if you look around.
I have the 263AGH - My legs don't lock in position anymore. Sometimes 2 do but the other one wont kick in. The salt water/air is eating away at it it and rusting (Even though it gets cleaned).
I have this tripod also an went on a 4 week trip to the Seychelles with it, an even though I cleaned and washed it, all the leg locks to spread the legs don't work or even hold, the spiked feet are rusted to the rubber, an the tightener for the swivel plate has fallen apart.... Prior to that holiday ive been to all over the UK with all sorts of weather without a problem, but it would seem salt water air is a killer for this tripod.
Rudy Monthy I see a carbon fiber tripod in your future.
YES. You can take the center post out and insert it upside down.
How has it held up? I heard of certain parts failing.
can you use a real camera like a olympus or Panasonic micro four thirds system or a fuji x system on this??
Sure, you can use any camera on it. It's a typical mount and very sturdy for anything from a tiny point and shoot to a heavy DSLR with a telephoto lens.
Hi Matt. Even if this video of yours has already a few years, I'm thinking of buying this tripos within the next week or so. However, its weight seems to low to be a sturdy tripod (less than 3 Kgs). Could you confirm is this is a problem? I know it has a hook to hang some weight, but is this a sturdy tripod at such a "low" weight? Thanks in advance.
If it was any heavier, it would be a pain in the butt to move and carry around. It's lightweight because it's aluminum, but VERY strong. If you wanted the strongest one, that would be carbon fiber which is even lighter than this one. Don't connect "sturdy" with "weight"
can the camera be completed inveterate on this tripod? as in turned completely upside down? is this model worth the extra 10 bucks for the pistol grip?
Yes. You can take the center post out and insert it upside down.
hey matt, i want to purchase a vanguard tripod but i don't know which one should i get, I'm looking at the 263agh and the 283agh, I'm not a professional photographer i just like taking photos with the family and we travel every year.
i want to use it with my canon 6d with the 24-105 and the flash, want to know if its sturdy enough
Looks like the difference between the two is the built in shutter release and all terrain feet. Personally I'd still buy the 263 and use my own shutter release instead of needing batteries for the tripod. It also looks like the all terrain feet could fall off and get lost. Keep it simple. They come with a nice carrying case with a shoulder strap. I have three tripods, but this is the one that gets used all the time. I do plan to buy a smaller table top tripod that I can slip into a backpack to take on trips because this is pretty big to lug around.
Thanks, i think i would go for the 263
You might also check for rebates and freebies before ordering it. Mine had a free camera bag with the purchase. It was from the manufacturer, so it didn't matter who I bought it from.
Have you ever tried to do a long exposure photo? That's the problem with this light tripods...as soon as the shutter comes down while you do a low exposure all the pictures are blurred.
+andreiiasi I haven't done anything over 1 second or so for long exposure. The waterfall shots I took that were 1 sec exposures came out perfect for me. My camera is pretty light and it was not a windy day when I took them.
yeah..I need a good solid tripod because I've got a Nikon D750 and its quite big and beside that I do minutes of slow shutter speeds photography, so in my case I guess fiber carbon won't work. Back to old Chinese metal tripods . LOL...build like a Russian tank but lasting.
+andreliasi - You can weigh the tripod down with a Vanguard SB-100 Stone Bag. Costs under $15.00 right now on Amazon. I have one. Though I haven't used it yet. But it has good reviews on Amazon. I love this tripod!
Hi matt,
Just wanted to know if the pistol head is removable or not.
+Ankit mani Lamichhane YES, in fact, some of these tripods come without the head so you can buy a different one separately.
Hi Matt,
I got one with the pistol head but i cant take the pistol head, its super tight and i can't remove. Do you have any idea about it?
there are three allen head machine screws up underneath the big disc, loosen those and it should come off. Extend the neck up so it's higher and you should be able to get to them easily.
in fact, did your tripod come with a funny looking little tool, flat metal with a hexagon piece? That's the tool you probably need.
Thanks Matt,
That worked perfectly.
Thanks for you help :D
Can u Please tell me how tall this tripod can go?
KingSanj 009 With the legs extended and the neck post all the way, the center of my lens is at 72" off the floor.
how much weight it can handle?
+bishuelvish - Amazon says the loading capacity is up to 13.2 lbs
I cannot find it anywhere with that head for $189. I placed an offer for $225 on ebay and got it that way.
Atouk Vanguard has a rebate right now for $20 to $60 various models: www.vanguardworld.com/files/Banner/Alta_Pro_Mail-In_Rebate.pdf looks like it goes until May 15, 2015
I got in the habit a while ago that whenever I'm going to buy something big, I google for rebates!
Matt KnowsThat - Thanks Matt. I found the rebates after my comment, so it looks like I have $34 coming back to me!
I'm using it with a T3i that's paired with a 400mm prime L lens. Lots of weight, but the tripod and pistol-grip head handle it with ease.
пасиб
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