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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Slik U212
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12/03/2005 02:03:23 AM · #1
Can anyone comment on the slik u212 tripod. I am thinking of buying it, are there better alternatives in its range?
Thanks
12/03/2005 05:32:57 AM · #2
Many years ago I used an earlier version of this tripod. It's definitely a decent tripod, but it is heavy and it is bulky and it is somewhat awkward to hike around with. I prefer my Manfrotto 3021 Pro, not least of all because it allows horizontal mounting of the center column. However, the Manfrotto is quite a bit more expensive, more than the listed price difference would indicate, because the Manfrotto requires that you purchase a head separately, at a minimum of about $60.00 or so for a decent one. One difference is the Slik has a geared center column; some people like that, some don't.

If this is what you want, I think it's likely to serve you well, at least until your total camera/lens weight goes over maybe 6 lbs or so. Slik tripods are decently built and they last a long time if cared for.

Robt.
12/03/2005 10:34:04 AM · #3
I have a slik, but I don't remember the number. I think it has a 6 in it somewhere. (That should prove to be really helpful, huh?)

I like it. I know it doesn't have a lot of the "features" some fo the more expensive ones do, but it holds my camera steady when I need it to. :)

edit: it's a 0099n.

Or is that U6600. :)

Message edited by author 2005-12-03 16:12:48.
12/03/2005 11:19:16 AM · #4
I have the Slik Pro 400DX which a s great value at $109.00.

The Slik U212 seems like it might be light with only a 5.5 lb max load capacity. If your shooting in wind or even a light breeze a 6lb tripod might not be sturdy enough.
12/03/2005 12:11:30 PM · #5
I have a 20 year old u212 deluxe. Great tripod... as long it you don't have to carry it very far. It does weigh a lot, but it is very sturdy and easy to use.
12/03/2005 03:17:15 PM · #6
Don't know that tripod, but I have a Slik U9000. It is a nice tripod overall, but has a plastic crank for the center column. That broke off.

When we did our DPC get together a year ago, we met at a local mall and scalvert and others packed in my car and threw there stuff in the back. When we went to sort things out, both scalvert and I had U9000s, and both had the same broken crank. We only sorted them by the patterns of dirt on the legs.

Moral of the story: Beware of plastic when picking a tripod, especially for load bearing parts and cranks.

FWIW, I was going to buy a nice new tripod, but my other issue with tripods is weight. I rarely wanted to carry the u9000 around, even though it's pretty light.

So I took a chance recently and ordered a SunPak DigiPro CS, which is a really compact and light tripod. Not for use with a camera and a heavy lens, but it's actually very nice for general use because you can stick it in your backpack or carry it around as if it's not there. In fact, you can leave it attached to the camera hanging on your neck and you will barely notice it's there.

Sunpak DigiPro Compact 5-Section Tripod (Silver) with Ballhead - Supports 3.3 lb (1.5 kg)

I worry a bit how long this will last, but I now have no problem carrying around a tripod anytime I take my camera!

Message edited by author 2005-12-03 15:18:53.
12/03/2005 03:48:18 PM · #7
Originally posted by RebAl:

Can anyone comment on the slik u212 tripod. I am thinking of buying it, are there better alternatives in its range?
Thanks


Seeing by your profile you don't own any overly heavy glass, but I would rate anything less then the DX700 of the Slik line less then sturdy enough for a good DSLR such as yours. The heads that come with these Slik tripods are for the most part sub-standard as he mounting plates become sloppy with much use. I have had the DX400 and the DX700. Both are still usable after years of use, but only after replacing the heads with Gitzos and Manfrottos. My son still uses my old DX400 with a Bogen head to mount his D50 and his N50. The setup seems to work well for him.

I wouldn't even consider the U212 for anything other then occasional light use.

Message edited by author 2005-12-03 15:49:30.
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