bit-tech Shopping: Sony VCT-R640 Tripod

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: stability, always the first concern for a tripod, 4.5/5.0flexibility with smooth operations, 4.9/5.0value 5.0/5.0weight, one factor you must consider for your trip, 5.0/5.0

Weaknesses: without a carrying handle.

Summary: I'm quite satisfied with this tripod. It's made of decent aluminium alloy and engineering plastics, which let it be suitable for heavy duty use. Although the weight of the tripod is somekind light, the stability of it is still excellent and I don't believe any tipping over could happen under general conditions. this tripod costs me $34 totally, and I'm completely happy with my purchase.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 10 Days

Strengths: Lightweight, smooth operation, black color, reliable brand, low price

Weaknesses: bounce back a little after moving up or down

Summary: I got it from Amazon for about $23. For the price I am completely satisfied with the tripod. I first bought a Taugus tripod from MicroCenter for about $20. I returned that and turned to this one from SONY. The tripod runs very smoothly - which is the 1st concern for a tripod. It's a 3-section tripod with quick release, central elevator, and a bubble lever. The black color gives a professional looking. It's SONY, a well-known brand. Though it may not be so famous in tripod area, I like it. One weakness I found is that after moving the panhead up or down, it bounces back a little at the end. This little bouncing is magnified when you zoom in your camera fullly. Operating horizontally also has such problem but it's much better. But I guess this may be a common problem with tripods in this price range. I'd like to give 5 stars for the value and performance.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Easy to carry. Nice black color. Simple to handle

Weaknesses: I didn't find weaknesses yet.

Summary: It was very good deal. It was a reasonable price, although it is Sony brand. Although I use DSLR camera and camcorder, it is enough to use those kinds of heavy items with this tripod. In addtion, it is easy to handle.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Light and steady with the ability to hold a camera with an extended long range lens without tipping over.

Weaknesses: A carrying case for tripod would have been nice

Summary: Light and steady with the ability to hold a camera with an extended long range lens without tipping over. Easy assembling and the built in bubble level takes the guess work out leveling tripod. I wish a carrying case for tripod was included with tripod.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 5 Days

Strengths: Light and easy to adjust height. Easy to attach camera/camcorder to base.

Weaknesses: None really. It's lightweight, but don't think of it as a regular portable tripod.

Summary: This is a pretty good tripod, with good stability and easily adjustable heights. Most of the material is metal. It is very easy to manuever the camera on the tripod and has a wide degree of allowed movement. You can probably get a cheaper tripod, but you know you are getting something solid with the Sony name.