Then, just flick the tripod leg, or bump the camera gently, while watching the live view image… I call it The 200 Test: mount a lens that can go to 200mm, then focus on a distant subject and use live view to zoom in to 200%. To help quantify how stiff a tripod is, I’ve developed a method that is relatively universal, and easy to understand. The Slik ‘AMT’ (Aluminum, Magnesium, Titanium) alloy makes for a very stiff combination, with very low vibrations. So, wash off the 700DX from time to time, then dry it off properly, and you’ll get many years of use out of it. If you shoot in salt water or other dirty conditions often, the leg joints of any tripod can become jammed shut, or be at risk of breaking if not properly cleaned. However, all tripod leg joints require routine maintenance to truly stand the test of time. (In other words, don’t throw it onto rocks or concrete with the leg locks open, and you’ll be OK.) The only way you’ll ever break one of these leg locks is probably if you’re absolutely diabolical in your abuse of the tripod, while the leg lock lever is open. They’re made of the good stuff, not the cheap plastic you find in lightweight generic junk. The Slik 700DX leg locks may be made of plastic, but don’t let that fool you. Neither style of leg lock is perfect – the important thing is simply whether or not they’re well-designed and strong. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and to be honest, I have seen both types of leg locks fail, sometimes causing severe gear damage. Simply put, some people love twist locks and can’t stand lever locks, while others are the exact opposite. Most photographers seem to be very divided on this issue of leg lock design. Heck, it’s the first thing that fails on even the best tripods, too! This is the first thing I look at with any tripod I review, and it gets its own category in my reviews because it’s usually the very first thing that fails on a poor quality tripod. Slik 700DX Tripod Review | Leg Locks & Joints SPOILER ALERT: it’s heavy, it’s tall, it’s relatively indestructible, …and yet incredibly affordable. With that in mind, let’s dive into this review of the Slik 700DX. Of course if you’re more singular in what you shoot, and how you shoot it, just one of these tripods might do the trick, but these days it seems that many “traditional” landscape photographers are also branching into “adventure” landscape photography too. One ultralight travel tripod, which weighs just 2-3 lbs, and one “boat anchor” tripod that is heavy, tall, and relatively indestructible. shooting, and wilderness/mountain adventures. I believe that all serious landscape and nightscape photographers should come to terms with the notion that one single tripod may not be able to do everything they need it to.Ī two tripod solution is best, especially for anyone who does both roadside etc. Of course if a ballhead is also commonly included with a set of tripod legs, that comes into play as well. Overall stiffness and “indestructibility”.It’s been around for a very long time, and you can pick up for a bargain price of under $100 (legs only).Īs a self-proclaimed “destroyer of tripods”, I’ve come up with personal criteria for tripod reviews that I believe gives potential buyers a fantastic insight into not just whichever one tripod I’m reviewing at the time, but also helps shoppers know what to look for in any tripod, period. What is my favorite tripod of them all? Well, I have more than one favorite, and we’ll get to that next, but the Slik Pro AMT 700DX is definitely one of my all-time favorite tripods. I have probably tested and/or broken at least one or two of every budget (and mid-priced) brand of DSLR tripod that is commonly recommended. Personally, I have been testing tripods (and, I’ll be honest, often breaking them) for about 15 years now. Strangely enough, despite the fact that most photographers don’t seem to care enough to invest in a high-end tripod, everybody loves to give advice whenever someone asks for recommendations in an online group, etc.Įvery single time the question “what is a good tripod?” gets asked, literally every single tripod brand on the market will get a recommendation. Ironically, most of the time it’s the tripod which has the greatest impact on the sharpness of your images – not the lens or the sensor! Unfortunately, tripods also seem to be one of those unglamorous accessories that nobody wants to spend much money on, compared to exciting gear such as lenses and bodies. One of the most important tools for landscape and nightscape photography (among many other genres) is a sturdy tripod. This is a guest review of the Slik 700DX by landscape and nightscape photographer Matt Saville.
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