Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Very good, flexible and sturdy tripod.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Everything what I expected ~ sold my Vanguard 2 section aluminum legs for these and won't look back.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I was surprised at how much I like this tripod. In fact I had really planned on buying a lower end model without the center bar that can be adjusted sideways. But the price difference wasn't that great. Within a day I was completely sold on this feature and the flexibility it provides for setting up landscape shots to accommodate comfortable sitting positions as well as the ability to get about any angle you can imagine on a photo. My only complaint is one leg sticks hard on opening and closing requiring a significant effort to pull it all the way open. Did anyone actually test it before packaging? It never should have made it out of the factory. But I love the thing so much I'm loath to be without it awaiting an exchange!

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Great for landscape and close up. Bag that comes with the tripod a little short if ball head attached.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I use this product mainly for landscape shots. It's very sturdy, and will adjust in any fashion to suit your needs. The carbon fiber makes it light and easy to carry. I could not be more happier with this tripod. It supports my 5D mkIII with a 24-70L with no issues. I'm a tall guy too.. and was concerned that this unit would be too small... I'm 6ft 2in... no issues what-so-ever.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I've been using this tripod along with a Vanguard BBH-100 ballhead, and I must say I am extremely pleased. The quality of construction is top notch. It's lightweight yet stable and seems to be very durable and well-constructed. The control levers are, for the most part, very intuitive as it didn't take long for me to start setting them without thinking much about it. The quarter-twist leg locks are a breeze, and the retractable spiked feet are nice to have as well.This tripod is a contortionist! The flexibilty and variety of configurations are great for both getting the angle you want as well as getting yourself comfortable. Use of common sense is advised however, because depending on how heavy your rig is, you might tip the whole thing over if you try to cantilever too far without proper leg positioning. That said, there always seems to be a way around it by either shifting the center of gravity or setting the legs further out at various angles. Just keep a hand on that camera (or just remove it from the head) when you are shifting things around. All in all, I'm amazed at how versatile this tripod is.The thing is light, too. After all, it's carbon fiber. What else can I say?So what's wrong with it? Well, virtually nothing. I will say that if I had to find something to complain about, the four leg sections of this model means three extra twists to perform in getting it to its full height. But, that's just the tradeoff for it being such a compact tripod when folded. If you decide you want fewer leg sections and can handle a tripod that's a few inches longer when folded, then the 253CT is your answer. I chose to go with the more compact of the two.In the end, I highly recommend this tripod. It's light, it's sturdy, it's attractive, it's versatile, it's durable. It's a fantastic tripod.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I come from a Film/TV background and of course bought a vinten vision 10 for my payload. After going DSLT I needed something lighter to carry around.. I dont know if you guys have carried around a Vinten, but it's not the the weakling. Heavy, bulky, and even the tripod carrying case is like 15lbs. I researched decent tripods under [$] and nothing I could tangibly play with until I went to [@], and also at [@]. I was pretty impressed with how light it was.. I looked at glitz's price and quickly looked back to Vangaurd. It was def worth it.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

a lot of great features in a lightweight package. can't go wrong with carbon fiber

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

lift time warranty is a load something bad. It took them 7 weeks to tell me they will not fix my tripod. All I wanted was the part that might be 20$ but after shipping and the loss of shots from not have a tripod durning my schooling that cost me 20+ grand (rant). Too much to use there product again. But shipping was 38$, and they want 50 more to fix it after 7 weeks. They told me it was "impact damage" how do i impact the forged aluminum collar that is protected by the head and is the hard to access. As other well know tripod manufactures have replacement parts to fix my problem in way less time like an hr. These issue are things i didn't consider when buying a tripod and now has been caused of a loss of images and money being with out a key tool to my business.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

After months of shopping and comparing various tripods, I decided on this one. I was looking for a tripod I could take to a photo shoot I had in the Bahamas, so I was looking for something light, sturdy and affordable. I was extremely happy with this model. It is compact enough to get into a 22" roll on bag or pelican case yet tall enough unfolded I didn't have to bend over. I was able to bungee it to my backpack and breeze through TSA security with no problems. I used the Vanguard grip ball head with this. I was able to get it all to fit into the included bag by removing the whole arm with the head attached. I put it in head first, then the tripod fit in nicely after. The articulating arm was great for low, macro shots on the beach. Great versatility!

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

the legs can be spread out so you on the ground. The middle post can be used as extension vertical so you can get closer to subject.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I purchased this tripod to handle my 150-500 Sigma also got a SBH-250 BALL HEAD to go with it. So far things are working great. Still getting familiar with the ball head but over all a real good combo.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I own a Vanguard Tracker 4 tripod and I love it! I also own a SBH100, a SBH250, and a PH55 head. They are as good as any and better than most. I am going to Alaska this Summer and I really don't want to lug my Tracker 4 along. It is a great tripod, but it is very large and heavy. So I bought the Alta Pro 245CT. It is half the size and weight! Not only that, it is so well built, it will last a lifetime.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I had a professional photographer friend shove his in front of me and I was hooked. I purchased one for my self and love it. It is quite light for how solid it feels and completely adaptable to any shaped ground I have put under it.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I am using the tripod for avian photography. It is light and compact. Cons...not any.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I use this tripod Hiking. I hike up to 11 to 12 miles. There are lighter tripods but for the money difference I would recommend this tripod.
It unfolds quickly and in cold weather is isn't as cold to your hands as an aluminum and other Carbon Fiber Tripods cost more.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Just purchased this tripod to accomodate my Nikon D90 with a Sigma 150-500 lens. I use the Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 322RC2 ballhead. I have gotten extremely clear and sharp photos of sunsets and the moon. The tridpod is easy to set up, disassemble, sturdy, and light weight (I am a 5 foot tall woman). It gets close to the ground so that I can photograph flowers. Love to photograph landscapes, flowers, dragonflies, and birds.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Lightweight with many great features. Vanguard support was helpful in determining which one to purchase.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Really light but stable. Great for on the road use.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

simple to use and set up, twist legs cut down on volume, bag (which comes with tripod - don't buy extra like I did) is handy and great for throwing over your shoulder. Very stable with either hook or rock bag, even in high wind!

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Very good, flexible and sturdy tripod.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Everything what I expected ~ sold my Vanguard 2 section aluminum legs for these and won't look back.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I was surprised at how much I like this tripod. In fact I had really planned on buying a lower end model without the center bar that can be adjusted sideways. But the price difference wasn't that great. Within a day I was completely sold on this feature and the flexibility it provides for setting up landscape shots to accommodate comfortable sitting positions as well as the ability to get about any angle you can imagine on a photo. My only complaint is one leg sticks hard on opening and closing requiring a significant effort to pull it all the way open. Did anyone actually test it before packaging? It never should have made it out of the factory. But I love the thing so much I'm loath to be without it awaiting an exchange!

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Great for landscape and close up. Bag that comes with the tripod a little short if ball head attached.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I use this product mainly for landscape shots. It's very sturdy, and will adjust in any fashion to suit your needs. The carbon fiber makes it light and easy to carry. I could not be more happier with this tripod. It supports my 5D mkIII with a 24-70L with no issues. I'm a tall guy too.. and was concerned that this unit would be too small... I'm 6ft 2in... no issues what-so-ever.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I've been using this tripod along with a Vanguard BBH-100 ballhead, and I must say I am extremely pleased. The quality of construction is top notch. It's lightweight yet stable and seems to be very durable and well-constructed. The control levers are, for the most part, very intuitive as it didn't take long for me to start setting them without thinking much about it. The quarter-twist leg locks are a breeze, and the retractable spiked feet are nice to have as well.This tripod is a contortionist! The flexibilty and variety of configurations are great for both getting the angle you want as well as getting yourself comfortable. Use of common sense is advised however, because depending on how heavy your rig is, you might tip the whole thing over if you try to cantilever too far without proper leg positioning. That said, there always seems to be a way around it by either shifting the center of gravity or setting the legs further out at various angles. Just keep a hand on that camera (or just remove it from the head) when you are shifting things around. All in all, I'm amazed at how versatile this tripod is.The thing is light, too. After all, it's carbon fiber. What else can I say?So what's wrong with it? Well, virtually nothing. I will say that if I had to find something to complain about, the four leg sections of this model means three extra twists to perform in getting it to its full height. But, that's just the tradeoff for it being such a compact tripod when folded. If you decide you want fewer leg sections and can handle a tripod that's a few inches longer when folded, then the 253CT is your answer. I chose to go with the more compact of the two.In the end, I highly recommend this tripod. It's light, it's sturdy, it's attractive, it's versatile, it's durable. It's a fantastic tripod.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I come from a Film/TV background and of course bought a vinten vision 10 for my payload. After going DSLT I needed something lighter to carry around.. I dont know if you guys have carried around a Vinten, but it's not the the weakling. Heavy, bulky, and even the tripod carrying case is like 15lbs. I researched decent tripods under [$] and nothing I could tangibly play with until I went to [@], and also at [@]. I was pretty impressed with how light it was.. I looked at glitz's price and quickly looked back to Vangaurd. It was def worth it.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

a lot of great features in a lightweight package. can't go wrong with carbon fiber

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

lift time warranty is a load something bad. It took them 7 weeks to tell me they will not fix my tripod. All I wanted was the part that might be 20$ but after shipping and the loss of shots from not have a tripod durning my schooling that cost me 20+ grand (rant). Too much to use there product again. But shipping was 38$, and they want 50 more to fix it after 7 weeks. They told me it was "impact damage" how do i impact the forged aluminum collar that is protected by the head and is the hard to access. As other well know tripod manufactures have replacement parts to fix my problem in way less time like an hr. These issue are things i didn't consider when buying a tripod and now has been caused of a loss of images and money being with out a key tool to my business.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

After months of shopping and comparing various tripods, I decided on this one. I was looking for a tripod I could take to a photo shoot I had in the Bahamas, so I was looking for something light, sturdy and affordable. I was extremely happy with this model. It is compact enough to get into a 22" roll on bag or pelican case yet tall enough unfolded I didn't have to bend over. I was able to bungee it to my backpack and breeze through TSA security with no problems. I used the Vanguard grip ball head with this. I was able to get it all to fit into the included bag by removing the whole arm with the head attached. I put it in head first, then the tripod fit in nicely after. The articulating arm was great for low, macro shots on the beach. Great versatility!

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

the legs can be spread out so you on the ground. The middle post can be used as extension vertical so you can get closer to subject.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I purchased this tripod to handle my 150-500 Sigma also got a SBH-250 BALL HEAD to go with it. So far things are working great. Still getting familiar with the ball head but over all a real good combo.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I own a Vanguard Tracker 4 tripod and I love it! I also own a SBH100, a SBH250, and a PH55 head. They are as good as any and better than most. I am going to Alaska this Summer and I really don't want to lug my Tracker 4 along. It is a great tripod, but it is very large and heavy. So I bought the Alta Pro 245CT. It is half the size and weight! Not only that, it is so well built, it will last a lifetime.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I had a professional photographer friend shove his in front of me and I was hooked. I purchased one for my self and love it. It is quite light for how solid it feels and completely adaptable to any shaped ground I have put under it.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I am using the tripod for avian photography. It is light and compact. Cons...not any.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

I use this tripod Hiking. I hike up to 11 to 12 miles. There are lighter tripods but for the money difference I would recommend this tripod.
It unfolds quickly and in cold weather is isn't as cold to your hands as an aluminum and other Carbon Fiber Tripods cost more.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Just purchased this tripod to accomodate my Nikon D90 with a Sigma 150-500 lens. I use the Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 322RC2 ballhead. I have gotten extremely clear and sharp photos of sunsets and the moon. The tridpod is easy to set up, disassemble, sturdy, and light weight (I am a 5 foot tall woman). It gets close to the ground so that I can photograph flowers. Love to photograph landscapes, flowers, dragonflies, and birds.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Lightweight with many great features. Vanguard support was helpful in determining which one to purchase.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

Really light but stable. Great for on the road use.

Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 254CT Carbon Fiber Tripod:

simple to use and set up, twist legs cut down on volume, bag (which comes with tripod - don't buy extra like I did) is handy and great for throwing over your shoulder. Very stable with either hook or rock bag, even in high wind!