Zeikos 72″ Full Size Professional Photo / Video Tripod with Case (Avg. street price $39.99)

Features:

• Professional Photo & Video Tripod

Special Carrying Handle

Professional Foam Grip

Self Leveling Rubber Legtip

Built In Bubble Leveling

3-Way Pan Head

3-Section Leg

Quick leverlock

Rubber Legtip

Deluxe Soft Case

This product has a 10 year Limited warranty.

Spec’d to support ~10lbs

Product Details:

Product Length:  22.0 inches

Product Width:  4.0 inches

Product Height:  4.0 inches

Product Weight:  2.0 pounds

Introduction

I received my order about 3 days after payment was made and after opening the slightly ripped box I pulled out a nice (albeit cheap) nylon case containing the tripod. After opening the case, pulling it out, and clicking the lock tabs open, to my surprise the legs fluidly slid to the floor. “Wow, solid for $30, nice bubble level, good finish…”

About Zeikos

Zeikos is a budget electronics and photography accessories company headquartered in New York. They offer a wide range of products for who they consider “professionals”.

Introduction

Let’s face it, in today’s economy we’re all looking for a deal. I have been needing another tripod for quite a while and at around $30 US I figured I had little to lose by trying out this piece of gear. I got mine from Amazon, as Zeikos sells directly to the public there.

In Use

The Zeikos 72″ tripod is by no means a replacement for my Gitzo, but it works. The first thing I noticed is that the tolerances are pretty tight which makes for a solid and stable tripod. The quick-release plate is nice, but not integrated very well – it was the only thing that didn’t feel quite as secure as it should – that is, until i locked it in with a firm push. When shooting with this tripod, due to the position of the pan/tilt controls, you have to mount the camera with the tilt arm under the lens – VERY inconvenient. If you don’t, good luck getting your face to the viewfinder. At about 10″ long, it’ll poke you right in the center of the chest. The good news is, if tightened loosely, it does what it should and will allow fairly smooth movement while still supporting a heavy camera (although I personally wouldn’t use it for video). I tested this out in a variety of positions with a Canon 40D and 28-135mm IS lens – a pretty common kit. Problem #2 – the bubble levels aren’t positioned for anything useful. One circular level, sure – it works well; The tube though is set in the side of the head parallel to the camera’s side – only telling you if you’re level up and down but not with the horizon; you’ll have to use your viewfinder grid for that. A second bubble, or moving this one would be a good idea, Zeikos. This also adds to the 3rd problem I have with this tripod – in Portrait configuration, with the plate hinged up it’ll take you framing up something and locking it down instead of glancing at the level, which would be much, much more useful.

Final Word

For the money, it’s worth it. For someone wanting a light, stable tripod that they don’t have to worry about being stolen it’s worth it. For me, I think it’ll be just fine for what I intended to use it for – holding a second speedlight. This will probably be my beach tripod as well since sand and ball joints just don’t seem to get along. Overall it’s a good buy, but don’t expect it to stack up to a $300 tripod. If you think it’s better to save $$ on this than to save for a Manfrotto or Gitzo, forget it. On the other hand, if you’re like me, always needing more tripods AND more money in your pocket – I say go for it. You’re only risking disappointment if it’s the only tripod in your bag and you’re used to a nicer brand. Be prepared to be talking about upgrades(which may lead to the spouse getting you that Gitzo Explorer next Christmas).

-Joshua Camp

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joshua Camp is the owner of Caffeine and Cream, ATL Photographers and Bella Sorrisa Photography in Atlanta and specializes in a range of wedding, assignment, destination and abstract photography. His team is available for shoots at very reasonable prices andcan be contacted for quotes by visiting The Website of Bella Sorrisa Photography and filling out the Contact Us Form.