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I have owned one of these Bogen tripods since the early 1980s. They are professional units -solid, incredibly durable and best of all nicely machined. PROs: 1) Tube construction 2) Twist locks for legs (far more reliable than 'snap' type levers) 3) Center struts to minimize vibration, etc. -This is GREAT as it allows you to attach a weight bag to either the legs OR to the struts when you need extra stability or vibration control (example: high wind) 4) Well machined parts (the column rises and lowers with incredible smoothness) 5) The head swivels and tilts so smoothly that it almost makes a fluid video head unnecessary. 6) Camera platform size allows for a REAL (aluminum or magnesium) Quick Release Plate -such a combination of tripod and Quick Release device MUST be solid and rigid enough to make accurate adjustments as well as to protect expensive DSLRs and Video Cameras when in vertical or horizontal position. 7) Has a 1/4" threaded stud at the bottom of the column to attach the tripod head for Eye Level photos, etc. CONs: 1) Heavier than currently available tripods (on the 'plus' side, this also contributes to its stability) 2) Bright anodized aluminum (in a studio environment, this may show in reflections of polished surfaces) I bought this one as a spare. I had tried out several of the tripods that are currently available and almost all of them are poorly designed (does a tripod REALLY need a carrying handle?), poorly assembled and use inferior materials. Tripods that are truly 'professional' grade ARE) well made (for the most part) but they are also pricey. If this Bogen 3030 were manufactured today, it would probably be priced around $250-300 USD. It is a heck of a deal and if you are in need of a solid tripod that you can feel confident about mounting your photo or video gear on, this is an excellent choice!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great Manfrotto design and construction. High quality vintage tripod. If you need a heavy tripod for stability, then you need one of these. Larger than the standard 055 series tripods, very stable and tall, thanks to the extra stabilizing struts. But these struts prevent independent leg angles. Geared column provides stability and precise height, but adds a lot of weight. The quick release levers are rockers. And are the fastest to use. Note that this model 3033/3233 is heavier than their larger 475B model! Unfortunately, previous owner engraved company name on the tubing. GRRRR! Only gripe is that my copy has a warped center column tube no longer round at the end. Last owner must have over-tightened the stabilizer knob clamp and squished the tube oval. This made the geared column get jammed at its last inch of travel. Be sure to check for such damage if you're buying a used one.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Just as solid as any of today’s larger carbon fiber tripods, and when found used are easily 1/4 the price. This is serious studio and location gear. Not for the overhead bin or beach. Solid cast fittings and leg locks, all adjustable. 99% metal.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have now owned 3 of these tripods. They are very stable and the quick release legs make it very fast to set up. The geared center post makes for a very tall tripod which is important to me. I am 6'6" and this tripod lets me shoot over the crowd. The video hear is smooth although perhaps not as nice as a Satchler which costs 5 times as much. My first was stolen so I bought another. My second developed a crack in a leg support and spares are no longer available so I bought a third tripod just for the parts. I love this tripod.
They don't make em like this anymore. Not for the price anyway. Very stable and a joy to use. Lightweight considering the build quality. What a tripod.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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