Slik tripods ?

I am considering buying a new tripod. On paper, the Slik Pro 714 looks good. It's CF, weighs under 3 lbs., folds up short, has multiple angle legs and is about $250. Problem is, no one ever says they have a Slik tripod--that makes me wary. Does anyone have any comments about Slik products?

Thanks for your input.
Ken

I have a Slik tripod. Its not one of their CF models. Its one they describe as AMT (aluminum, magnesium, titanium composite). Anyway it a four section tripod that folds up nice and short, also weighs under 3 lbs, also has multiple leg angles and was only about $100. I got it because I got tired of carrying my Bogen three section CF tripod. Not from a weight standpoint, but because the Bogen was bulkier than I liked when going on hikes. The tradeoff is the max height is less than the Bogen, it isn't as stable in windy conditions, doesn't dampen vibrations as well, and I can;t use my 400mm lens with it. But I only use my 400mm lens maybe 5%. I really want to replace my Bogen CF tripod with another three section CF tripod that isn't as bulky and long when folded up because the max working height and vibration dampening is important, but can't justify it as my Bogen still gets the job done.

I've seen some positive reviews of the better slik tripods around. Like Velbon, they make some low quality, low end tripods, but they also make some better models.

Personally, I'm planning to buy a Velbon 630 because the height works better for me and the length and bulk are not issues with the pack I use.

I have a 614 for backpacking. It's as stiff as can be expected for a tripod that weighs 1.5 pounds but the workmanship seems pretty nice. I haven't used it a whole heck of a lot but it certainly worked fine on my last trip.

Ken,
Being a new NPN member and new also to "serious" photography, I purchased my first tripod this spring, after wonderful suggestions from several NPN members, I decided on a SLIK tripod after hearing/reading some great reviews on that brand. I did purchase the AMT Pro 500DX and having never used one, found this very user friendly. I am still learning of course, but feel I made an excellent choice. It is lightweight and very portable. I don't know all the technicals concerning it, but from the ease-of-use standpoint it is an excellent product that is very well made for the money. I believe it was approx. $139.00, with shipping approx. $150.00 all together. Well worth the money and I haven't had a single problem with it. Thanks, to all at NPN for your insightful input and I would encourage anyone in need of a new tripod to consider the SLIK brand. They range in price from under $100.00 to the "wack-in-the-head" range

I bought a Slik tripod primarily because it was light and compact. I had previously used a much sturdier and heavier tripod, but found that I was unlikely to take it with me because of its bulk. The Slik certainly flexes and even with an upgraded ballhead it can't heavy, unbalanced lenses, but in my mind a less than perfect tripod is a lot better than no tripod at all!

I bought a Slik tripod several years ago when I got back into photography. It was a PRO something. It was Aluminum and it was heavy. I used it about a year. It didn't suit me. I was able to sell it and recoup some of my investment, about $135 or so. I replaced it with a Bogen/Manfroto that was also Aluminum, but lighter, and not as heavy. It suits me better. I do not believe that this is the case for everyone as I know those, including a professional who manages to live well on his photography, who are happy with their Slik tripods. If you can borrow or rent a tripod for at least a weekend shoot, you can get a better idea about how it will work for you, that would make your decision easier and you will be happier with your choice. I wish I could have.

I wish you luck with whatever your selection is!

Hi Ken, I have used Slik for the past 11 years with no problem. Some things I don't like, but most I do! I had a slik master for a while when I was pretty much amateur but now I'm using the 814CFII and love it. I'm currently doing a degree in scientific photography and most people here use manfrotto. I have a bit of manfrotto gear myself but I have seen the leg clips break. I prefer twist legs, as they virtually never wear out and once used to them, I don't feel they actually take that much longer to set up. I have even used this for 4x5 although I wouldn't recommend that in heavy winds. I was impressed it came with a weight bag which easily clips on between the legs. My only two real gripes would be the center column which is divided in two. To shoot down at ground level, the bottom half needs removing and while this is fine, the thread between the two is sometimes hard to put back together when in a hurry and seems a little fine for me. I feel it could strip easily. The other one is that it doesn't cantilever for macro images etc - but I knew that when I bought it.

I have carried it on trains, bashed it through the bush, over rocks and in all sorts of water for two years with no problems, just a little bit of paint missing. I don't carry it in a case as I find them painful when you need a tripod in a hurry. It has a better height than most others in it's range and whilst I would prefer the nice new Gitzo's, this had far better value for money for pretty much everything I needed.

I feel this is just as professional as Gitzo, Manfrotto etc. I mean that, it's not just because I like the brand or anything. Hope this helps.