Product Description

Slik SDV-20 Digital /Photo /Video Tripod w/Head

Product Details

• Brand: Slik
• Model: SDV-20
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 4.30" w x 23.30" l, 2.65 pounds

Features

• Maximum height is 59 1/2"
• 3-way pan head with smooth pan, tilt and vertical flip motion control
• Quick release camera mount with video pin for solid camera mounting
• Can be used with a compact SLR, digital camera or DV camcorder
• 3 section rubber tipped legs with flip lever locks

Customer Reviews

Good Quality, Cheap Price
When searching for a tripod, I wasn't looking for an expensive professional broadcast grade product but, on the other hand, I didn't want something so cheap it would fall apart at the seams, collapse and destroy camcorder or camera. I was hesitant about purchasing this unit for that very reason, I mean come on, $15, how much faith can I put in that? Ultimately my bugdet prevailed and I opted for the SLIK SDV-20. I was impressed by its solid construction for a tripod of that price. It's relatively lightweight and can only support up to 4 lbs, but that's all I needed. I use it with a Canon Powershot A95 digital camera and a Samsung SCD27 MiniDV camcorder, the latter only weighting a couple of pounds with battery. That being said, I wouldn't consider leaving this tripod unattended in windy or other adverse conditions as it is lightweight and can be top heavy when fully extended. All in all, it's one of the best $15 I ever spent.

Pros: Cheap, Lightweight, Easy storage(fits in a small to medium size duffle), Durable, Excellent height(almost 60 inches, 10 inches higher than like priced tripods)

Cons: Lightweight(can be top heavy), Pan and tilt adjustments not very smooth(when used with a heavier camera or camcorder), Only 1 quick-release attachment plate(could've used 2 for both my cameras), Quick-release attachment plate needs a flat head screwdriver to attach to camera(have to carry around the flat head screwdriver with the tripod to switch between cameras)

Low price, quality to match
I received this product for free as part of a camera promotion. I wouldn't dream of using it for my camera, but I use it to hold my off-camera flash, and it works fine for that, though the head is poorly-built and wearing out quickly. I expect before long I'll have to replace the head because it will no longer lock (I'll probably just get a new tripod like this).

If you want to support a very light point and shoot camera occasionally, this might be okay. If you want to support any type of single-lens reflex (interchangeable-lens) camera, or even to use a heavier point and shoot, I'd get a better tripod. The Velbon Maxi tripods or the Bogen 3001 would be much more satisfactory (and cost more, of course).

Construction == Cost
As with all things in life, you get what you pay for. In this case, for less than $20 you can buy a tripod that might work for small point and shoot cameras in an indoor (wind-free) environment.

However, don't even consider this tripod for even the lightest SLR's. You'll be incredibly disappointed with the results. I should additionally mention that the maximum height of the tripod is quite short, so be careful if you are a taller person.

The construction is mostly aluminum and plastic. There is a quick release plate (something I wouldn't expect at this price range), but it requires the use of a screwdriver to attach to the camera.

If you are going to be in photography for the long haul, save yourself some money in the long term by buying a sturdier taller tripod now, instead of upgrading later.