I replaced the head earlier in the year (after 28 years use) with a Slik SBH-550 ball head and it has given it a new lease of life. The head was the weakest part but it was smooth and stable. It has given excellent service over the years. I too have a Slik U212 Deluxe (Black Diamond) bought in the mid eighties along with a couple of Canon T90's. can mount the camera on the bottom of the center post or one of the legs for tough to get at macro shots, built in spirit level, angle settings for panoramas and the quick release post system. Having extractable spikes in addition to usual rubber 'feet' mayĬome very handy when shooting on icy surfaces.I have been using a Slik U212 Deluxe for about 25 years and really like it. (important in case you're on a hike) and still have it stable - youĬan always use your backpack as a weight, especially if there are Weight hook can give you an option of having a lighter tripod Only tells you your base is 'leveled', meanwhile your head could be With 3-way adjustable head one bubble meter (usually located on theīase itself, not on a head) does not do you any good, as far as it I would say having 'reverse' position available for aĬlose-to-groud shots (thisnk of those bugs and flowers close-ups) Would be a nice feature, I don't think I do a lot/any of these. Like that it is taller overall, and although the low ground shots So I guess I'm kind of leaning towards the Vivitar right now (I do

Tripods like that (even stopped by a few local stores today, butĭidn't see any) and honestly I don't think that it is something I My primary concern now is the twist lock legs-I haven't seen any The Vivitar has the spikes along with the rubber feet. Yep, I seem to agree with everything you say Nikolai. Hope this is helpful with your deliberations. A bubble level is incorporated into the top of the center post, below the pan head, and is surrounded by concentric circles with markings to establish and re-set positions.Its height with the center column retracted is 54' to the surface of the pan-head,and 64'' with the center column fully elevated.The camera connecting post has a Quick-Release feature Leg tips have retractable spikes for different terrain. Rectangular legs maintain torsional strength,and are fully adjustable independently.In addition each leg can be unlocked at its connection to the center post to accommodate irregular surfaces ,and even allow lowering of the center column to almost ground level.The geared center column provides locked support for a broad range of camera weights.One leg even provides a threaded mounting post for mounting another head for lo-level shooting. This SLIK U212 Deluxe Tripod with 3-way Pan-Tilt head, in excellent condition, is extremely sturdy,and stable. retractable spiked legs, independent legs adjustments, inverted middle bar attachment.). The SLIK is one sturdy tripod and has many of features that appear on higher end tripods (i.e. If you travel a lot and want your tripod in carryon luggage for example, you may want to consider the Velbons. The real shortcoming of this tripod over the Velbons: is the portability of the velbons both in terms of weight and overall size.

I took a strap from a gym bag and attached it to my tripod, so it is easier to carry around. I paid $35.00USD for mine and am so very happy with it. You can pick these up on Ebay for a real steal. I considered the Velbons but in the end chose the much heavier but sturdier Slik. My perametres: cost, durability and fear of legs collapsing. I was trying to decide between tripods a little while back for my 707.

Slik u212 camera mount