Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

One of the pegs on this thing just lost its grip all of a sudden and my camera (5D Mark iii with 16-35mmL 2.8) Smashed on the ground. What a joke. This tripod literally resulted in me snapping my lens in half. THERE IS NO WAY IT CAN HANDLE 18 pounds. DO not buy this if you ever want to add a slider or anything somewhat heavy on it. I am going to email [*] and Davis & Sanford about this

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

This is a good tripod for this price point. I have only tested it and not shot with it yet but it seems sturdy and the fluid head is pretty smooth. I am happy with my purchase.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I shoot DSLR video. This tripod is a bit of overkill for my use, however I selected this model because it has the best bang for the buck. After comparing some reviews and using a Davis and Sanford tripod for a film in Nepal, I was sold. You could save $50 and get something cheaper, but the pan and tilt and ball head of this tripod is of much higher quality than anything you could get cheaper.
At first the pan and tilt was a bit stiff, but after an hour of use it loosened up to be perfect. The independent legs add another step to setup, but make working on uneven surfaces easier. The leg buckles are also a bit stiff and can be a pain (literally) but you know that this is a VERY SECURE system.
If your wanting to get a GREAT video tripod for a budget, look no further than the Davis and Sanford line. Its worth it to spend a few extra $ if you are looking at the cheaper models. If you are looking at the far more pricy manfrotto models but want to get a good product and save cash, this is the way to go.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I bought this to take to Uganda to shoot a doc. The first one delivered had a leg that would not lock, but B&H was immediately on the case and rushed me one out so that I could have it before I left. Thanks B&H.

For the money it is a great deal. My chief complaint is the lack of range on the pan and tilt. Pretty much either locked or totally loose. Everything else works pretty well.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Great value. Professional equipment that does the job. Why spend $1000 when this more cost effective model more than holds its own.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

This product works great but came with one bent bolt for the arms. I sent info on this to the manufacturer but did not any response.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I don't have complaints on performance. The pan and tilt actions both functioned well for me. I've used heads that were smoother, but they were a lot more expensive. The bag that comes with tripod only stores the legs and handles. If you have the head attached, it won't fit in the bag. Even if it did, the bag wouldn't protect the head very well. Currently, I store and travel with the head in a separate case. But I have a feeling that assembling and disassembling the tripod each time will get old. I don't really see this as a big enough reason to dismiss this tripod.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Love the two handles!!

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I ordered this tripod after reading all the reviews. I was not disappointed. It is solid, easy to use, and as a bonus includes the 3 wheel dolly. I've only had the tripod for a couple weeks, but I can tell this is one that will provide me many years of service. I also love the fact that the legs can lower all the way flat so it rides low to the ground. Great for some cool, low, stabilized shots. Please note, the soft case it comes with is not big enough to store the tripod assembled. You will need to remove the fluid head when storing it back in the bag. This shouldn't be an issue if you already have a padded hard case that can take the whole tripod/head assembled.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Needed an inexpensive 75mm bowl tripod and decided to go with this one, the fact that the legs could bend all the way up to be able to go lower looked helpful as well.

Deceiving though.

Fluid head is not very fluid. Pan is fine, but the tilt was jerky when I tried it.

My biggest problem with this is the head is only really meant for this tripod, or maybe a 50mm tripod. Head is NOT 75mm. Absolutely not.

I have another piece that I use that has a 75mm bowl adapter. Absolutely does not fit this size. Too small and it sits on the rim.

I have Pearstone VT2500B tripod system and the Davis and Sanford FM18 head fits into the Pearstone tripod perfect. The Pearstone head fits the Davis and Sandford fine. And the VT2500B is listed as a 50mm head. One of these is incorrect. The Pearstone 50mm fits into my 100mm adapter fine, but not the Davis and Sanford.

Do yourself a favor and pass on this and pickup a Pearstone if you're looking for inexpensive. There is nothing positive about the Davis and Sanford tripod.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

really solid
the fluid head is perfect for the t2i with a little bit of accessory on

this is the perfect tripod for small budget filmmaker

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I bought this product and sent it back because it's not as tall as I thought it would be (the product description claims the maximum height is 64", but standing next to a 67" tripod it was much more than 3" shorter).

Also, the leg extensions were a little difficult to lock/unlock.

And I'm sure it's a fine material, but I prefer the sturdy feel of a metal tripod.

When I panned and tilted the tripod it felt very smooth so that's not an issue.

All in all a FINE tripod for the money, but for the way I use my tripods, it was worth spending more (about 3x more) for a taller/sturdier/easier to set up tripod.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Used for video and still film photography, sturdier than a Manfrotto costing three times as much though Manfrotto head a bit smoother

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Very sturdy and stable. Head is a little rough even when it is loose.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I got this for my Canon 7D and this pair of sticks works wonderfully for the price. It can support a matte box, follow focus, camera cage, external battery and a cine lens and still pan and tilt smoothly. If you are looking for a heavier sturdy pair of sticks for the price look no further.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

This is a great tripod for the money. Nice, smooth panning. Works especially well with a heavier rig, but will work just fine with a DSLR mounted solo. It locks down quickly and easily and is great for stills and long exposures.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

You do not need more to work with all DSLR equipment

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I got this tripod to replace a broken Davis & Sanford. You get what you paid for. The head has a good fluid movement. I have another legs that I believe it work better but for lotation this ones work just fine not as stable as other more expensive brands. as I mention for the price will do the job. if you have more money to spend I recoment to spend it.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I use these tools to film videos and weddings.

The two handed feature onthe Tri Pod makes for easy directional shooting.

The wheeles for the dolly could use a little tweeking but over all two great products.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Needed a sub $1000 tripod. Heck, sub $500 if I can. Based on all the positive reviews I splurged for this. I use it for shooting weddings, and interviews, attached to a DSLR, and/or slider.

Pros: It's not incredibly heavy, but heavy enough that it won't blow over in a moderate breeze. Fluid head works (after a couple uses it loosened up). It can go pretty low to the ground. Ball and socket mount is beautiful when the ground you're on is uneven. Two handles on either side (I guess for left/right handed users. Reasonably compact when retracted and stowed away. Comes with a bag (more on this below). Leveling bubble will save your unbalanced life.

Cons: The legs snap tight. I had to loosen all the screws to decrease tension. Getting it open was a pain and snapping them shut was all but impossible. Snapping is not to my liking. They already caught my skin, and its not easy in a pinch. Height is only 5'. Couldn't they have made it taller? Tilting handle is so big it bumps into the right side hand grip when rotating it. Both of which you are forced to work around. Mounting plate is not compatible with manfrotto tripod plates, meaning I'm purchasing a 577 quick release as I type this. Carrying bag that it came shipped in was ripped in more than one place. To BH's credit, they handled the return very quickly and sent me a bigger, sturdier bag to my surprise! For that they earn my high respect. Some of the edges are a little sharp (hence the bag holes). Could they have smoothed out some hard edges?

Bottom Line: This thing is so cheap it more than makes up for everything I found wrong with it. The value you'll get out of this far exceeds the price you end up paying.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

One of the pegs on this thing just lost its grip all of a sudden and my camera (5D Mark iii with 16-35mmL 2.8) Smashed on the ground. What a joke. This tripod literally resulted in me snapping my lens in half. THERE IS NO WAY IT CAN HANDLE 18 pounds. DO not buy this if you ever want to add a slider or anything somewhat heavy on it. I am going to email [*] and Davis & Sanford about this

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

This is a good tripod for this price point. I have only tested it and not shot with it yet but it seems sturdy and the fluid head is pretty smooth. I am happy with my purchase.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I shoot DSLR video. This tripod is a bit of overkill for my use, however I selected this model because it has the best bang for the buck. After comparing some reviews and using a Davis and Sanford tripod for a film in Nepal, I was sold. You could save $50 and get something cheaper, but the pan and tilt and ball head of this tripod is of much higher quality than anything you could get cheaper.
At first the pan and tilt was a bit stiff, but after an hour of use it loosened up to be perfect. The independent legs add another step to setup, but make working on uneven surfaces easier. The leg buckles are also a bit stiff and can be a pain (literally) but you know that this is a VERY SECURE system.
If your wanting to get a GREAT video tripod for a budget, look no further than the Davis and Sanford line. Its worth it to spend a few extra $ if you are looking at the cheaper models. If you are looking at the far more pricy manfrotto models but want to get a good product and save cash, this is the way to go.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I bought this to take to Uganda to shoot a doc. The first one delivered had a leg that would not lock, but B&H was immediately on the case and rushed me one out so that I could have it before I left. Thanks B&H.

For the money it is a great deal. My chief complaint is the lack of range on the pan and tilt. Pretty much either locked or totally loose. Everything else works pretty well.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Great value. Professional equipment that does the job. Why spend $1000 when this more cost effective model more than holds its own.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

This product works great but came with one bent bolt for the arms. I sent info on this to the manufacturer but did not any response.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I don't have complaints on performance. The pan and tilt actions both functioned well for me. I've used heads that were smoother, but they were a lot more expensive. The bag that comes with tripod only stores the legs and handles. If you have the head attached, it won't fit in the bag. Even if it did, the bag wouldn't protect the head very well. Currently, I store and travel with the head in a separate case. But I have a feeling that assembling and disassembling the tripod each time will get old. I don't really see this as a big enough reason to dismiss this tripod.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Love the two handles!!

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I ordered this tripod after reading all the reviews. I was not disappointed. It is solid, easy to use, and as a bonus includes the 3 wheel dolly. I've only had the tripod for a couple weeks, but I can tell this is one that will provide me many years of service. I also love the fact that the legs can lower all the way flat so it rides low to the ground. Great for some cool, low, stabilized shots. Please note, the soft case it comes with is not big enough to store the tripod assembled. You will need to remove the fluid head when storing it back in the bag. This shouldn't be an issue if you already have a padded hard case that can take the whole tripod/head assembled.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Needed an inexpensive 75mm bowl tripod and decided to go with this one, the fact that the legs could bend all the way up to be able to go lower looked helpful as well.

Deceiving though.

Fluid head is not very fluid. Pan is fine, but the tilt was jerky when I tried it.

My biggest problem with this is the head is only really meant for this tripod, or maybe a 50mm tripod. Head is NOT 75mm. Absolutely not.

I have another piece that I use that has a 75mm bowl adapter. Absolutely does not fit this size. Too small and it sits on the rim.

I have Pearstone VT2500B tripod system and the Davis and Sanford FM18 head fits into the Pearstone tripod perfect. The Pearstone head fits the Davis and Sandford fine. And the VT2500B is listed as a 50mm head. One of these is incorrect. The Pearstone 50mm fits into my 100mm adapter fine, but not the Davis and Sanford.

Do yourself a favor and pass on this and pickup a Pearstone if you're looking for inexpensive. There is nothing positive about the Davis and Sanford tripod.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

really solid
the fluid head is perfect for the t2i with a little bit of accessory on

this is the perfect tripod for small budget filmmaker

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I bought this product and sent it back because it's not as tall as I thought it would be (the product description claims the maximum height is 64", but standing next to a 67" tripod it was much more than 3" shorter).

Also, the leg extensions were a little difficult to lock/unlock.

And I'm sure it's a fine material, but I prefer the sturdy feel of a metal tripod.

When I panned and tilted the tripod it felt very smooth so that's not an issue.

All in all a FINE tripod for the money, but for the way I use my tripods, it was worth spending more (about 3x more) for a taller/sturdier/easier to set up tripod.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Used for video and still film photography, sturdier than a Manfrotto costing three times as much though Manfrotto head a bit smoother

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Very sturdy and stable. Head is a little rough even when it is loose.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I got this for my Canon 7D and this pair of sticks works wonderfully for the price. It can support a matte box, follow focus, camera cage, external battery and a cine lens and still pan and tilt smoothly. If you are looking for a heavier sturdy pair of sticks for the price look no further.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

This is a great tripod for the money. Nice, smooth panning. Works especially well with a heavier rig, but will work just fine with a DSLR mounted solo. It locks down quickly and easily and is great for stills and long exposures.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

You do not need more to work with all DSLR equipment

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I got this tripod to replace a broken Davis & Sanford. You get what you paid for. The head has a good fluid movement. I have another legs that I believe it work better but for lotation this ones work just fine not as stable as other more expensive brands. as I mention for the price will do the job. if you have more money to spend I recoment to spend it.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

I use these tools to film videos and weddings.

The two handed feature onthe Tri Pod makes for easy directional shooting.

The wheeles for the dolly could use a little tweeking but over all two great products.

Comments about Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Grounder Video Tripod:

Needed a sub $1000 tripod. Heck, sub $500 if I can. Based on all the positive reviews I splurged for this. I use it for shooting weddings, and interviews, attached to a DSLR, and/or slider.

Pros: It's not incredibly heavy, but heavy enough that it won't blow over in a moderate breeze. Fluid head works (after a couple uses it loosened up). It can go pretty low to the ground. Ball and socket mount is beautiful when the ground you're on is uneven. Two handles on either side (I guess for left/right handed users. Reasonably compact when retracted and stowed away. Comes with a bag (more on this below). Leveling bubble will save your unbalanced life.

Cons: The legs snap tight. I had to loosen all the screws to decrease tension. Getting it open was a pain and snapping them shut was all but impossible. Snapping is not to my liking. They already caught my skin, and its not easy in a pinch. Height is only 5'. Couldn't they have made it taller? Tilting handle is so big it bumps into the right side hand grip when rotating it. Both of which you are forced to work around. Mounting plate is not compatible with manfrotto tripod plates, meaning I'm purchasing a 577 quick release as I type this. Carrying bag that it came shipped in was ripped in more than one place. To BH's credit, they handled the return very quickly and sent me a bigger, sturdier bag to my surprise! For that they earn my high respect. Some of the edges are a little sharp (hence the bag holes). Could they have smoothed out some hard edges?

Bottom Line: This thing is so cheap it more than makes up for everything I found wrong with it. The value you'll get out of this far exceeds the price you end up paying.