Cullmann 1002 Compact Tripod

Comments about Cullmann 1002 Compact Tripod:

Plastic parts abound. Construction and operation exude flimsiness. Definitely NOT a solid chunk of engineering excellence. HOWEVER, it's cheap, it can be broken down into a small package (especially after unscrewing the ballhead), and despite its shortcomings, manages to get the job done in most situations. This is a good choice if you want a small travel tripod for occasional use for low price. I'd say that if you plan to use a 'pod in this dimension class more than 10x/year, just invest more money and get a premium one.

Comments about Cullmann 1002 Compact Tripod:

This tripod is small enough at 12" collapsed and light enough at 19 oz. that I don't hesitate to take it with me "just in case". I use it with fisheye, ultra wide zooms, and even a Sigma 50-150mm lens. Most of the time I will set it on the ground but if I need more height I have used a wall or a table.

I also use it as a light stand and will mount a SB800 on it and can position the flash quite easily and have it off camera and have both hands free. A SB800 also goes with me everywhere regardless of whether I am using a D3 with the SU-800 or a D300 with its internal commander flash as the master.

I like the plastic construction as I can plant it in the sand and not worry about corrosion or problems with the legs. I have 4 other tripods including a couple CF Gitzo tripods that each have a roll but when I am traveling overseas it is the Cullmann that I always take with me.

Comments about Cullmann 1002 Compact Tripod:

I bought this compact tripod for hikes in the Cascade Mountains. It is light weight, very compact and stronger than expected.
The included ball head is more than adequate for my Pentax K10D DSLR.

Comments about Cullmann 1002 Compact Tripod:

I rated it at 5 stars as it works very well for its intended purpose. It is the smallest and lightest tripod that will work with a full size DLSR with a large lens, like the 24-70mm f2.8 zoom. At 12" long when fully collapsed it easily ties to the bottom of a shoulder bag or the side of a small backpack style bag. I do not use it fully extended but will place it on a rock or wall or some other object if I need more height. The ball head also does a good job of supporting the camera, but I would not use it with a big lens except in a full horizontal position with the weight evenly distributed.

Comments about Cullmann 1002 Compact Tripod:

It is small it is light, but I am not confident.
Very packable, which is the main reason I purchased it. But with my SLRs and lenses I just am not secure with it and will likely try my long term old mid-sized Bogen/Manfrotto on my next hike. It is reasonably well made for the money, but likely best for small point and shoot or rangefinders.

Comments about Cullmann 1002 Compact Tripod:

Very very happy with this little guy. It feels a little cheap (hey, what do expect for under $60?), but it is as sturdy as heck. It nicely holds my 'Blad 500CM with a the old monster 40mm lens on backpacking trips. I used to carry a 5.5 lb Bogen...this thing weighs just over a pound & folds up nice-n-trim. I 'll admit, you need to be a little more cautious with that kind of equipment mounted on it--but it does the job! Great value. The ground spikes might be just the thing.Highly recommend it!

Problems Encountered: None that you'd expect from an inexpensive tripod.

Items I Recommend: ground spike?