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For Vanguard Alta+ 263AP, 50 customer reviews collected from 2 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.4.

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31.10.2014

An incredible tripod, fantastic value and so many design features for it's price, even if it cost twice as much I would be of the same opinion, although I would have taken longer to arrive at that decision.Let me explain, I bought my first tripod back in 1986 and although I didn't know it at the time it started me on a path looking what would be for me, the ultimate tripod. Many years later after numerous purchases from a number of manufacturers, some being good and some not so, I came across this as I was researching for a better head. I studied the reports, tests and customer reviews and decided to purchase it,Not since my old Slik Black Diamond of '86 had I found a tripod which was truly innovative.It's major design innovation is the centre column which transforms it from being a mere tripod to a camera platform par excellence.The centre column enables the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT to be point your camera anywhere you want in either landscape or portrait orientation. Other design features include a rubber like ring under the centre column head mount which goes a long way to cushion the impact of a camera, large lens and flash unit from crashing down and coming to a sickening stop as it reaches the end of it's travel - I have done this more than once with other tripods, a simple thing, but very effective in protecting expensive electronics, mounts and elements. The usual or standard refinements are all there; spiked / rubber feet, foam cushioning to prevent hands freezing in inclement weather and frosty morning / nights, a hook to hang weight from to steady an already stable platform, (I bought it from another vendor who didn't include the weight bag) quick release leg locks, multiple leg angles and coming back to the centre column; the provision to just release it without the whole thing collapsing in an expensive heap.The fact it comes without a head is an important plus for me, leaving the decision as to which head to buy resting on what my requirements are and not what marketing research says I should have (we are all individuals with individual preferences)The head I chose was the Vanguard GH-300T pistol grip ball head and it takes an already versatile tripod into a truly amazing platform (read my review of that on Amazon)One additional plus point for me was that the orange highlights are complimented by the highlights on my Sony A77.A minor gripe is that the tripod bag will not hold the tripod and head attached without the pistol grip hanging out. It will fit in if it's not attached - as I said, "A minor gripe"Have I completed my long quest to find the ultimate tripod / head combination?For me the answer is probably yes, it may be your answer also.Would I have bought it at twice the cost? Yes but it has been an expensive and long journey, and no doubt I would have tried a few others before coming to my journeys end.
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17.9.2013

The Alta Pro 236AT tripod is an accomplished tripod with some excellent features. However, it will not be for everyone for one key reason: weight. But first:The pros:1. It is very stable, offering rock solid performance2. It is very versatile, with a centre column not limited to vertical movement, but freely moving in any direction you wish. This lets you place your camera at interesting angles, such as very low down, to get an interesting perspective on foreground, or for a macro shot3. Aside from the centre column, the tripod legs also offer a greater range of movement than more traditional tripods, allowing you get the kit very low down and, or well set on uneven terrain4.It's better than reasonably priced for the performance and versatility it offersThe cons:1. It's heavy. This is sometimes a penalty you need to live with for solidity and stability, but some other tripods provide a hook to hang your bag on - this not only offers additional weight to hold the kit down, but also the security of knowing that your kit is in front of you rather than somewhere near by on the floor, or uncomfortably on your back or shoulder2. Although not outrageously expensive, it comes with no head. On one hand, this is normal in high-end tripods and allows you the option to pick between a ball head or tilt and pan head (the former is more suited to photographers, the latter for videographers). However, at this price, it would be nice to see at least a simple ball head included to get first timers going.The main issue, though, is the weight: it's heavy and that can discourage you from taking it out, or on holiday. If you don't take it with you, you can't use it. While it is certainly an excellent tripod, you need to think about whether you can live with the weight of this, along with the rest of your kit. An alternative might be to get a cheaper, lighter, perhaps not as good tripod - it will still be 'better' if you use it more. One option worth considering is the Jessops Major Carbon Fibre tripod, which sells for about the same price, is made of Carbon Fibre weighing in at 1.8Kg, has a hanging hook, offers 161cm height and comes with a cheap head to get you going. Alternatively, there is the Slik Pro
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16.7.2011

There comes a time in every photographer's life when investing in a really good tripod can be put off no longer because it really is an item that you should never have to think about buying again and again. Mind you, the last tripod I bought was twenty-something years ago when all it needed to support was a Nikon F3 and 24mm lens; good though it was, it's been groaning under the bulk of my D80 and D7000 with their attendant super zooms and the like. When it comes to a D3s... forget about it! Time to up the ante.This Vanguard really does cut the mustard, being eminently suitable for medium format and smaller cameras. It isn't particularly light, but it isn't so heavy as to make you want to leave it at home and trust to VR...besides, my daughter gets brownie points for carrying my kit for me. As far as stability goes, the 263AT is solid as a rock, you can even add rocks to its optional ballast bag or attach a counter-weight to a hook conveniently located at the bottom of the centre column.In addition to stability, the 263AT is incredibly flexible. The legs can be splayed outwards for stable low angle shooting and the entire centre column will swivel through a full 180' degrees so that your camera can be supported in almost any position imaginable. This is terrific for macro and landscape shooting.The ball and socket head is equally impressive being smooth and positive in operation and clearly as superbly manufactured as the pod itself. They even provide you with a spare quick release shoe, a big plus for anyone who habitually humps around a pair of cameras. I think one could spend a great deal more on a tripod and still not get anything appreciably better as a result. I can thoroughly recommend this pod to any seriously-minded photographer... it is an absolute joy.
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19.8.2017

This is now my third tripod I own and by far the best one. Since starting to shoot food and product photography having the ability to adjust the centre column to any position is priceless. This also works out well in landscape scenarios when needing to go down really low as you don't have any centre column in the way plus makes it a lot easier to navigate the tripod to the exact position you where in handheld. The tripod itself if quite light and having used it outside in the wind still gives you a perfectly stable shot. The lightweight of the tripod makes it excellent for long hiking journeys. The multipurpose feet of the tripod that can be detracted to reveal spikes make it suitable for anytype of terrain you use it in.I would have rated this at 5 stars if it weren't for the length of the tripod when folded. It is about the same length as my Manfrotto 055 but I so wished that Vanguard had made the legs fold to the same length as the centre column, because if they had, it would be roughly the same length folded as my Gitzo Traveller and at that stage, it would have fit inside my Kata bag that I use as carry on when flying along with the rest of my gear. Now sadly, I either have to have a checked bag or leave the tripod at home in favour of the Gitzo Traveller which I was hoping to be able to replace with this one when wanting to go as light as possible for a weekend trip or similar, but id does replace my Manfrotto tripod.Even with the folded length I still think it is a great tripod and it should not be overlooked on that point alone as it has so many other benefits.
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9.11.2013

I have been using this even though I am still waiting for the ball head ordered at the same time. I have been limited as to how I can use it but have taken some macro photos with it and am impressed. Not so long ago I would have said one tripod was pretty much the same as another, they only have to hold the camera steady don't they? I had been using two cheap tripods, one that I had modified to allow a very low but stable platform and one that was big but couldn't be adjusted very low. When I was trying to position the smaller, modified one recently, I managed to strip the tilt handle thread which rendered it useless.So I looked into a tripod that would allow all manner of positional adjustments and settled on this one after some research.Well I can report that it will allow me to put the camera in any desired position relative to the subject, even without the head. With the head, it will be quicker and easier to get those positions.The sturdyness of it is noticable. The way I have realised it mainly so far is how steady the magnified image is when trying to focus. Previously I have had to pretty much estimate the focus of a madly jumping image and the hit rate has been low and more by luck than judgement. With care I can now keep the image steady and focus much more easily. I am wondering if I will get sharper landscapes and other shots now to. If this is sturdy enough for macro image steadiness when manually focussing it should be less vulnerable to vibrations due to breezes etc!
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25.8.2013

I have a amassed a number of tripods over the years, the last before this being a Slik with which I was quite pleased. But having tried this I think it may well become my favourite. It has several features that put it above the Slik. It is taller by about 20cm (8"), it is easier to use with larger and more substantial release catches on the telescopic legs; but the star feature of this Vanguard has to be the centre pole which can be used either vertically or in the swivel head as a beam, which is wonderful for macro work or for when pointing the camera down to the ground or a table such as for copying work when usually the tripod legs get in the way.It also makes using the tripod when the legs are splayed out flat much easier.However I do feel this tripod is not the most rigid, it takes a good few seconds for the wobble to stop when used at full extension. There is also quite a bit of play when the centre pole is used in the "Instant swivel Stop-n-Lock", while lock in position there is still a certain amount of up-and-down movement, although it is unlikely to move while taking pictures.The tripod does not come with a head unit; I've added a ball head as I've tired of working out which grip does what on grip heads, and the grip handles seem forever to get in the way.A fine tripod, the advantages far outweigh any criticism.
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25.8.2013

Despite the odd-looking main picture, this is basically your standard tripod, only you can bend the neck for more dynamic shots. See my video for a better look. Most tripods I have suffered with in the past have been rather stiff with not capable of many poses or formations. This Vanguard model is not only considerably taller, but is capable of bending all sorts of ways. The legs and swivel points feel like proper hard steel, not aluminum, and even had foam padding if you are shooting in rougher conditions outdoors. Believe me, it will take a lot of pounding to wear this model down. Even the carry case is tough and durable, and will last you a long time. Make no mistake, it is well worth the money.The only bad thing I could say about it is that the shoe does not release, meaning you have to screw the camera on by spinning it. A minor complaint however.
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19.9.2013

This is a nicely made tripod. It extends to a good height amd can be planted securely down on its spikes or rubber feet. The headline trick is the tilting head that allows you to get very low for macro work, and also easily point straight down. This feature is new to me and I've found it very useful. The legs can be opened in three positions, locking with a side button I found slightly oversprung and needing a hard push to release. Still, better than getting knocked free accidentally.Bear in mind that you'll need to supply a suitable head for it, but it comes with both standard thread sizes via the supplied adaptor.The spirit level is better than most but still not perfect IMO.All in all,a good solid tripod at a reasonable price (remember to budget for the tripod head) but unexceptional overall. A great second tripod with cool that tilting head.
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22.8.2013

I tested out this tripod primarily with the Canon 600D and the Canon 700D cameras.The first thing you notice when you unwrap this beauty is its quality construction. It's sturdy and hard-wearing. Although it's not the most lightweight of tripods I've used, I'd trust this more on a mountainside (or with my cameras) than lighter, cheaper models.Aside from the quality of the the tripod, which for me is key, the tilting central column is fantastic. Perfect for awkward angles, particularly when it comes to macro photography and taking baby portraits. I've been having trouble photographing my baby and this (along with a shutter remote) has been a Godsend.The only other features I'd note are the rubber/spiked feet.Perfect both on rock and grass. Excellent grip.If you're looking for a tripod to match your burgeoning photography interest, this is it.
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27.1.2018

I was amazed at the quality of this tripod and the associated head. Together they provide a stable support that provides highly flexiblity, easy movement to the attached optics. It will undoubtedly serve me welll for the intended use of wildlife watching and observing the night sky. The pistol grip (which was new to me) seems a superior way to control movement of the telescope; it can even be 'softened' so you can simply swing the head around without having to squeeze the pistol grip. The only 'issue' regarding viewing the night sky is the the ball head can, in the normal arrangement, only be raised about 8 degrees. The solution is to turn the whole affair around (so the grip is on the far side)which allows the telescope to be raised up to a high angle. I've only had a quick check of this but it seemed fine. Overall, excellent.Read full review...
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6.2.2013

Bought this as my first serious tripod I am interested in macro photography and after reading several reviews and looking at dozens of tripods in retail outlets I found this tripod it is of simlar quality if not better than some other branded names it has the advantage that its centre column can be locked at an angle when used out side the centre locking channel some tripods can only lock in one horizontal plane with this in mind decided to go with it, it is very solid strong and steady well finished I mixed the tripod with a non vanguard head which required the use of a 3/8 converter bought from Amazon for coppersI have used the tripod with a Nikon D500 with 18 200 mm lens feels strong andsteady also has hook underneath to add more weight if required fully collapsed on the ground you can get to grass level no problem for macro shots
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19.8.2013

This is a very well built and sturdy tripod at a sensible price. Not too heavy, yet not flimsy at all. This tripod can contort itself into almost any position you could fathom and is extremely steady. I was worried that the tripod would have problems with stability when holding a camera with a fairly heavy lens, when positioned out to the side as the feet are hard plastic. I needn't have worried. It performed very well. You will of course need to source a header segment unit; I'm trying out a few options but will update the review when I have settled on the most appropriate for my needs.Update 30/10/2013I have settled on the Tripod head the Giottos MH 1311. Cost £75Just to summarise this tripod is sturdy,fairly light, compact and real master of contortion.
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21.9.2013

The key to a good tripod is stability, and as always the trade off for that stability is weight. This Alta Pro 263AT has stability in spades, which of course does mean that it also weighs a bit. However unless carry weight is a real issue for you then the Alta's rock solid stability more than makes up for that.It does everything well, although as with most tripods these days it comes without a head, which you'll have to buy separately. It does however at least come with a soft carry case, which most tripods don't, so that's a bonus (although the case isn't padded).All in all this is a good solid bit of kit which is unlikely to let you down.

23.2.2017

Initial delivery was of an opened tripod box where the previous person had removed (i.e. stolen) the case & key and damaged one of the tripod leg clips (one of the legs wouldn't stay locked at 25 degrees, where the other 2 would). Item returned without fuss and brand new replacement delivered 2 days later - excellent recovery there, Amazon!I've never had to return any goods previously, so was impressed with returns experience.Tripod is high quality and better than previous tripods I've had - handles multiple angles and heights and camera with heavy lens, with ease. Highly recommended.

10.8.2011

Ordered this tripod after trying unsuccesfully to manage a Benbo for several years. Read about this in the photo press and seemed like exactly what I was looking for - versatility and stability for landscape and macro shots without dumping the camera onto the floor when adjusting position. Received it quickly from a marketplace source and this set of sticks was everything it was cracked up to be - strong , stable and versatile, well deserving of its TIPA award. I would definitely recommend it to any photographer on any level of budget to try this exeptionally well made product.

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