Product Details
- Item Weight: 14 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 16 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
- ASIN: B00139W0XM
- Item model number: AVTP
By : Ravelli
Price : $129.89
Technical Details
- Professional 3-Segment Interlocking Crutch Type Legs
- Supports Video Cameras/SLRs up to 27LBS
- Dual Handled Head with Continuous Drag Fluid Movement for both Pan and Tilt Axis
- Universal 75mm Mounting Bowl
- Maximum Operating Height: 54.5"
Product Description
The Ravelli AVTP is a complete Professional 75mm Video Tripod including legs, mid-level spreader, dual fluid head and carry bag.
The legs are a 3-Segment Interlocking Crutch-Type design with a mid-level spreader providing oustanding stability for Video Cameras up to 27lbs. The legs utilize large ergonomic lock adjustment knobs and rubber feet for stability. Interchangeable heads connect to the legs using a standard 75mm bowl with a separate lock adjustment providing pan and tilt adjustment in addition to the head.
The head features dual continuous drag fluid movement for both 360 degree pan and 180 degree tilt as well as dual handles for more precise control. There are independent locks for both the the pan and tilt axis. The camera secures to the head using a quick release video plate with a separate safety latch to prevent slideoff.
The carry bag is large enough to hold the legs, head and spreader and is included for your convenience.
Customer Reviews
I have always been a Bogen fan and I think Bogen makes the best tripods. Was shopping at Amazon for a Bogen 501 and saw this model at the bottom of the ad. The text said it was comparable to the 501. The 501 cost $499 and this model was $169. Given that price difference, I decided to give it a try but to be honest I wasn't expecting much. But this is actually a very good tripod.
My video setup with lens and accessories weighs about 20 lbs. That weight is not a problem for these legs - very stable. And the head is very smooth. At one point in the middle of a pan from right to left there was a slight "bump" in the panning movement. But I was able to fix this by adjusting the tensioning screws. It is true that the head is not as good as a Bogen 501, but for 1/3 the price it is more than good enough. You would really have to be a high end user to appreciate the differenece.
Comes with a decent bag too. You could get a nicer one, but this one should last for at least a couple years of road trips.
Pros:
The legs alone are worth the price!
Heavy and supports my Canon XHA1 no problem.
Pans are nice and smooth.
Gives off a professional look to impress clients.
x2 sliding plates! Plus my Manfrotto 357 Plate fits the head perfectly!
Pretty good carrying bag.
Cons:
The head sticks when trying to tilt up and down slowly giving you the snap most cheap heads offer. I've tried all tension settings and I get the same result every time.
Even with the screw taken off completely, panning left and right is so stiff, panning the tripod quickly can pull the entire tripod off it's legs.
The Tripod Head and the Ball leveler are reversed, which means if you wanted to replace the head, you'd have to purchase a ball leveler as well which goes for at least $50.
Wish I could do something to replace the cheap rubber feet.
Other Thoughs:
Buy this tripod for the legs as they are very well worth the price alone. I plan on replacing the head as I feel it's causing more problems than solutions.
Ravelli is very generous with their tripod accessories.
I have to mount my XHA1 backwards because the tightening knob on the head gets in the way, but I have this same problem with my other mount as well.
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Product Update:
After posting this review, I was contacted by Cheetah Mounts about the product. Let me just say that they offer some of THE BEST customer service a company can offer. Less than a week after I posted this review, the friendly Cheetah Mount representative immediately sent me a new head without hesitation as he feared I may have received a bad tripod head.
The new head preforms slightly better. The snap in the tilt action is caused by the weight of my camera. I'm assuming it's because the tripod head's comfort zone is less than 8 lbs. Without the camera, the snap is gone which means lighter cameras should have no problem tilting and panning.
This is an excellent tripod with an excellent company to back it up. Do not hesitate to purchase this tripod, especially if you're on a budget.
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