Editorial Review:Product Description:A deluxe standard size dual tripod features a unique 3-way panhead ideally suited for use with 35mm SLR cameras, point and shoot cameras, digital cameras, compact and full-size camcorders.The 3-way panhead (PH-349Q) features a sure-grid pan/tilt control handle that is positioned on the left side for more positive panhead control. This allows the right hand unobstructed access to control camera function. The right-tilting camera platform allows 35mm cameras vertical as well as horizontal composition. In addition, cameras with heavier lenses will seat more securely to the platform in the vertical position. The panhead incorporates a large bi-directional quick-release camera platform (QB-4W) with retractable camcorder alignment pin (wide position for 35mm cameras and long position for use with camcorders).
Amazon.com Product Description:The sturdy Velbon CX-570 Deluxe is a full-featured standard-weight tripod. Impressive features include a three-way fluid pan head, a leveling bubble mounted on the body, a maximum extension height of nearly 60 inches, and a geared center column with preset friction control. It is designed for use with all 35mm cameras (including heavy SLRs), digital cameras, and video camcorders.
The CX-570 Deluxe has a large, right-tilting, quick-release camera platform with a retractable camcorder alignment pin. The pan/tilt control handle is located on the left side to allow free access to the camera's controls from the right. The 3-section tubular aluminum legs are equipped with braces, rubber-tipped feet, and side-lever locks for quick adjustments.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
-
OK, but caveats
This tripod is what it is - a $40 tripod. I bought it as my first tripod because I didn't want to drop $100 on something I might not end up using in the long run. Overall, I'm satisfied - because I paid $40, not because it's a particularly good piece of equipment.
This is mostly an all-plastic deal, which while not necessarily bad, I believe is the undoing of the thing. Panning is fluid, yes, but tilting is not. This is the biggest problem. The tilt control is rough so it's not really useful for motion shots. Further, one needs to be careful to *always* pin it down when leaving a camera on top, especially when using a larger/longer lens. I was unfortunately surprised when I thought I had tightened the tilt and suddenly a borrowed $1,400 500mm telephoto had a rather rough encounter with one of the aluminum legs as the head tilted down. Be careful.
My other gripe is the plate. It uses the same mechanism as other tripods, a sort of thumbscrew at the bottom, to attach the bolt to the camera. The problem is that the screw head is made out of what looks like el-cheapo plastic and is hard to get really tight. I find myself being very careful when fastening it to avoid damaging the screw mount somehow. But if you don't tighten it well, you'll find yourself panning with it.
Other than that though, everything else is OK. The fasteners on the telescoping legs are well finished and can be fixed mid-way easily. The column elevator is also plastic, but it works OK.
All in all, it's a good piece of equipment - for $40. It's a good starter tripod, no doubt, as long as you know the shortcomings. I'll probably replace it with something more solid in the $80-100 range in a while, but for the time being it gets the job done.
Rating: 
-
Very Happy
Ditto to the previous reviews on this tripod. However, nobody talked about the video uses, so here I am. I gave it 5 stars because I took the price into consideration. Without considering the low price tag, this product would likely be a 2-3 star. The panning is smoothe, the legs are sturdy, but it holds the camcorder in place only fairly good. It does the job though. I recommend this for use with home video more so than any kind of film work, but this could very well be the best tripod at this price range. It extends nice and long as well, something the taller folks will appreciate.
Rating: -
Solid stand
This is a very solid stand. It survived a 25 foot drop onto the lawn from my back deck. I doubt that sort of stress testing was done in the factory. It still works perfectly with no slippage.
Rating: -
Does exactly what it says on the box
Don't get too hung up on the decision if you are considering this tripod and on paper it does everything you want it to do. Take it from me, it is amazing value for money. I purchased mine from Fry's Electronics for ten spot more than here (doh!) and I'm still happy as a happy thing with it.
It does just about everything you could want a portable tripod to do, I bought it for the purpose of throwing in the back of my truck rather than trying to lug a big old studio 'pod around with me wherever I go (I hate to miss a shot for want of a steady spot) and in the use it has had over the last few weeks, it seems to be a great mix of size, features and weight. Sure, it isn't super duper rigid, sure the fluidity of the joints leaves something to be desired, but for goodness sake, this isn't some high end carbon fibre/magnesium alloy poser 'pod, look at the price! A 'pod for the common man!
In terms of negatives, I wish it cost five spot more and came with a bag (tripod bags are useful sometimes, though not something you can't do without), and a slightly more 'finger accessible' tripod screw might be nice (if you want the quick release puck for the tripod on tight, you do it with a coin, works well and keeps it compact, just a little inconvenient if you don't have a coin to hand.)
All in all, a tremendous piece of kit. Amazing price, here especially. Does what you need.
Rating: -
EXCELLANT!! BETTER THAN EXPECTED!!!
When I chose to buy this tripod I was a little skeptical about purchasing without really seeing it. I was very lucky. This tripod is everything I wanted. Lightweight. Easy to use. It has a level so that you can be sure that your pictures will be accurately shot and not crooked. It moves in several different directtions so that you can shoot from most angles. I carry this thing around everywhere I go! I thougth it came with its own travel bag, probably one drawback to it. But overall a great tripod.
