Vanguard's Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head is made of 6X carbon fiber to provide a lightweight (3.97 lb) and versatile camera support. The tripod has a maximum load capability of 18 lb, extends to 63", and folds down to only 21.12", which makes it very easy to transport. The SBH-100 Ball Head is an impressive, lightweight (15.9 oz) support that will keep equipment up to 22 lb securely and accurately positioned on your tripod, aided by two built-in bubble levels.
The 4-section legs can be independently positioned at 25, 50 and 80° to allow positioning of the tripod at low and unique angles and are quickly secured into position with one-twist leg locks. The center column has a tilting bracket which also helps to achieve unusual camera positioning and is spring-loaded to provide your equipment with protection against shocks and vibrations.
Vanguard's Single Piece Ball Unit Technology incorporates the ball head's ball and stem into one solid unit which provides a core strength that is resistant to degradation from everyday use. The Advanced Magnesium Housing System couples a rugged magnesium exterior with a hollow interior to provide the precision, fluid-like movements of a standard head minus any extraneous weight. This ball head only weighs 15.9 oz . It comes with two QS-39 quick release plates which make it easy and convenient to remove one camera from the ball head and replace it with another.
The Alta Pro 284 CT is a popular choice for those who need a tripod that is flexible, easy to set up, and meets the needs for landscape, wide angle and macro photography applications.
| Maximum Height | 63" (160.0cm) |
| Minimum Height | 50.4" (127.9cm) without center column extension |
| Folded Length | 21.12" (53.65cm) |
| Load Capacity |
18.0 lb (8.0 kg) When central column is tilted: 15.4 lb (7 kg) |
| Leg Sections | 4 |
| Diameter | Leg diameter: 1.1" (2.8cm) |
| Leg Lock Type | One-twist |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Center Column Type | Sliding |
| Center Brace | No |
| Spiked Feet | Yes, retractable |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 1/4"-20 |
| Weight | 3.97 lb (1.8 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Up to 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Quick Release | Yes 2 x QS-39 camera plates (included) |
| Bubble Level | 2 |
| Panning Range | 360° |
| Tilts | +90 ~ -35° |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 (1/4"-20 adapter included) |
| Camera Mount Thread Size | 1/4"-20 |
| Height | 4.13" (105mm) |
| Weight | 15.9 oz (450 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
I carry this tripod everywhere. It's sturdy and quick to set up and break down.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
This tripod stands really stable and it can be extend to a very tall hight. It allows you to do lots of different angles too. But one of the down side is that this tripod is a bit heavy when you need to do some long hour travel with you carrying around.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
LIGHTWEIGHT, STURDY EXCLLENT FOR BACKPACKING AND ON THE GO
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
Have had this tripod for 2 weeks and I love it! Love the height and multiple angles it can be set to. Extends to about 6'3" with center column extended and ball head attached. Very sturdy. I have tried putting most of my body weight(175lbs)on it and it doesn't budge. Get the stone bag if you plan to have the center column at 90 degrees for extra stability.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
This AP 284 CT tripod was purchased as an upgrade to replace a Vanguard Alta 203 AP. The 203 was purchased to use with a Canon Rebel. Although it is portable and light, the 203 is not sufficient to use with a larger Canon body.
The AP 284 is sturdy. It holds the larger Canon camera body and macro lens steady even when the center column is elevated. The tripod's weight is reasonable given the size of the tripod. Given the fact that this combo unit includes an SBH 100 Ball Head, it is a very good value.
A not too obvious disadvantage: While the Ball Head is useful for general photography, it is less than ideal for macro-photography where it is a challenge to position it for level vs composition. To overcome this aspect, I have removed the Ball Head and replaced it with a Vanguard pistol grip. I will see if that is more suitable.
Vanguard system disadvantage - The Alta pistol grip uses a different size quick detach plate than the plates used by the SBH 100 Ball Head, the 203 AP tripod and a Vanguard monopod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
very beautiful carbon fiber tripod. solid build, a bit heavy for carrying around(when compared to Manfrotto 190cx)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
Did a lot of reading of reviews, etc. This baby has everything! Lightweight, three level bubbles, fast set up, holds 18 lbs, low to the ground shooting and a case! Best part is that B & H had the best price from anyone!! Highly recommend!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
Great for difficult angle shots
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
Happy with tripod but not convinced with quick release plate. The screw is not ease to tight to the camera. You need a tool to do it. Others have attached a half ring that makes it handy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 284 CT Carbon Fiber Tripod With SBH-100 Ball Head:
I work at a photography studio and we have been using the AltaPro 284 CT tripod for about 2 months now. Overall, it's been working like a dream. The height is variable through the middle column and it can be moved into a number of different positions and it is SO LIGHT! I highly recommend it.
The only con is that when fully extended, the weight of the camera causes the tripod to fall over. It's easily remedied by putting your foot at the base and keeping it balanced. Again, this only happens if the 'crane' is tilted parallel to the ground. This is because the tripod is so light.
Displaying reviews 1-10