Content area
Full text
You can easily find a Manfrotto 501 series head and 351MVB2 two-stage aluminum tripod for less than $400 retail, which makes the combination twice the price of really inexpensive tripods in the $200-and-below class, and less than half the price of those in the low four-figure range. In this review, I'll describe what you get for the money, and how the Manfrotto bundle compares with those in other price ranges.
There's a lot to like about the 351MVB2 tripod, which features a 75mm-diameter ball-leveling system that extends a 3/8in. connector up to the head. The black aluminum unit weighs 7.7lbs. and can hold 28.6lbs. The 501 head weighs 3.5lbs. and has a capacity of 13.2lbs., for about 17lbs. maximum total weight on the tripod. This means the tripod capacity isn't the limiter in this bundle - it's the head capacity.
Each tripod leg has a three-position shoulder spreader that locks into position at 15 degrees or 25 degrees, or any arbitrary angle. This adds rigidity when working at 15 degrees or 25 degrees, and makes it simple to quickly set up all three legs at the same angle. At the 15-degree position, the top of the tripod comes to 59in., and the head adds another 4.5in. to the overall height. Looking back at the majority of my shoots, the only scenario in which this height wouldn't be sufficient is when I'm shooting live events, such as a ballet, behind a seated audience. So long as the crowd is in their seats, 63in. is enough; but once they stand up and applaud, I would need about 18in. more.
The tripod has three sections. The top is a tandem leg section for additional stability, with flip-lever locks at both levels and a mid-level spreader. You can adjust the tension of all flip-lever locks with a key that snaps to the tripod. Tension wasn't an issue in my trials - all flip levers locked easily and stayed in place.
All three feet have twin spikes for stability on grass. A simple rubber cover fits over the spikes to protect floors. The kit also comes with flat pads that you can slip on when you're working on stable floors. The tripod is compatible with several Manfrotto dollies -...