Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head
- Price: $189.95
- Instant Savings: -$20.00 Offer ends FEB 29 '12
- You Pay: $169.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
Combined with the FM18 Fluid Video Head, the Davis & Sanford ProVista 7518 Tripod provides rigid support for those who need strength more than versatility in height options. It assembles to its working height very quickly thanks to a 75mm claw ball and self-aligning quick-flip leg locks.
- Double strut top leg sections enhance stability
- Pivoting rubber feet
- Perfect studio tripod for applications of up to 18 lbs
- Bubble level
- Dual adjustable pan handles for greater control
| Maximum Height | 64" (163cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 57" (145cm) |
| Minimum Height | 28" (71cm) |
| Folded Length | 35" (89cm) |
| Load Capacity | 18 lbs (8.2kg) |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Leg Lock Type | Self-aligning Quick Flip |
| Independent Leg Spread | No |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Center Column Type | Rapid |
| Center Brace | Yes |
| Spiked Feet | No |
| Head Type | Two-way fluid head with quick release |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 75mm Claw Ball |
| Weight | 10.2 lbs (4.63kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 258 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (165)
- Unfolds quickly (96)
- Lightweight (58)
- Folds away (40)
- Smooth movement (36)
Cons
- Heavy (69)
- Cumbersome (16)
- Poor quality (15)
- Difficult to adjust (11)
- Unstable (5)
Best Uses
- Video (97)
- Home (60)
- Weddings (57)
- Landscape/scenery (43)
- Stabilization (43)
- How long have you owned it:
A month or less
One-to-three months
Three-to-six months
57%
(4 reviews)
More than six months
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (72), Pro photographer (48), Photo enthusiast (20), Semi-professional (18), Professional (17)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (98)
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Choice for Canon XL-2
I use this tripod with my Canon XL-2 filming wedding videos, short films etc. The tripod gives tight, smooth pans and tilts and is very stable. The XL-2 is front heavy ...Read complete review
I use this tripod with my Canon XL-2 filming wedding videos, short films etc. The tripod gives tight, smooth pans and tilts and is very stable. The XL-2 is front heavy because the image stabilization is in the lens, which requires a strong tripod to not have jitter when panning/tilting. This is definately the tripod to use. Once you set the adjustments you can move them completely out of the way. It's not that heavy, if you carry groceries from your car, you can carry this with the neat bag it comes with. If you are in pro-video, this tripod is well worth the money.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
You get what you pay for...
I'm using this tripod with a small Canon Vixia camcorder with a Bracket One, wireless mic receiver, wide-angle lens and large battery. If it was just the camcorder, it would look too small ...Read complete review
I'm using this tripod with a small Canon Vixia camcorder with a Bracket One, wireless mic receiver, wide-angle lens and large battery. If it was just the camcorder, it would look too small for this tripod, but with all the other accessories, it's about the right size and could easily hold a much larger camera.I bought the Pro Vista Tripod & FM18 head to replace a Manfrotto head with Gitzo legs. Mostly it was just to get leveling and replace the head since I couldn't get smooth pans. I looked at lots of different tripods and decided on the Davis & Sanford because of all the good ratings, but really didn't have high expectations. While there were some nice surprises, some things only confirm that "you get what you pay for."The GoodPanning movements are not bad. They're not great but they are better than the Manfrotto head I had. It's hard to get smooth movements for anything but wide shots. The tilt movements are a little better but only after you completely loosen the lock. Adjustments are about non-existent. Either it's too tight to move smoothly or too loose to control anything. No in-between. At least when you lock down the movements, it doesn't move.I don't understand the statement from another reviewer saying the tripod is too stiff. I'm not sure if they're referring to the movements or the legs. I certainly don't want my tripod legs springy or spongy and I don't think the movements are stiff. The legs are stiff but somewhat prone to vibration under certain conditions. (windy, bouncy floors, etc.) I like the height of the tripod when fully extended. It brings the camera at about nose height for me and I'm about 5'10". The mid-spreaders make it easy to open all the legs at once and provides some added support. I only wish the joints didn't look so flimsy.Leveling is a breeze. Just loosen the large handled grip under the head and center the bullseye level. Tighten and you're done...at least in theory. There are some issues, (mentioned below) but it does adjust fairly easily.It's nice that there's an extra QR plate and that it accepts both 1/4" & 3/8" threads. I like the secondary release that prevent the plate (and camera) from sliding right off the platform when I loosen the lock. It comes with two pan arms. I'm not sure why I would need to have both pan arms on the head at once, but you can if you want it. The BadFit and finish are a good indicator of quality for me. I own a few Gitzo tripods and I'm used to the quality build on their products. Judging by the construction and finish, the Pro Vista is obviously [*] In fairness, my other tripod legs cost more than this entire tripod with head. The painted finish had runs and was glossy in areas that were otherwise matte finished. Some parts feel a little cheap and flimsy. Paint around the bowl was chipping off the moment I loosened and repositioned the head. And why was the surface of the head that moves inside the bowl painted? It made it hard to accurately level the head. I would tighten the bowl and it would shift from indentations in the painted surface.Leg locks are hard to adjust. When they're easy enough to clamp shut, the legs don't hold under weight. To clamp tight, they need to be so tight that I could barely flip the lock closed. That makes it tough to setup quickly, but I'd rather have them too tight than too loose I suppose.The tilt lock is too large and will hit the pan arm if you have one mounted on the same side. To completely tighten the lock, you need to lift and reposition it. Solution: remove that pan arm.The weight of this tripod becomes an issue if you carry it much. At about 10 lb. it's nearly twice the weight of any of my other pods. Padding the legs would be difficult, but with camera and gear mounted, it gets heavy and just begs for some cushioning.It comes with a bag, but I'm not sure if the bag was originally made for this tripod since the wrap that pads the head doesn't quite fasten.Overall, it's a decent tripod for the money and if you're on a budget, it will do the job without too much investment. No idea about durability and longevity.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 258 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
I was in the need for a new video tripod to work on my Thesis film, and also one that was relatively inexpensive, and when this one arrived I was surprised by the build quality of it. It is just about good enough for any type of production under that of million dollar movie production. I was very pleased with this purchase
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
The head is very smooth and the tripod is very sturdy. Plus it comes with heavy duty dolly for the tripod. Cant beat the price for the quality.
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
It seems solid. The tripod seems sturdy enough (the clips are plastic, which concerns me a little, but time will tell...so far they seem fine).
One of the two handles kind of blocks the "plate tightener", and one of the lockdowns, but they seem to have taken it into consideration when designing it. (You could also remove the handle, if desired)
The head seems pretty smooth on pans. Mine is a little stiff on tilts, but it hasn't been a big issue.
It came with a free dolly, which was a nice touch. However, plan on using it just for moving the tripod around as it requires a VERY smooth surface to use when filming. (Or a track)
It also includes an extra plate and a decent soft carrying case.
I would buy it again, if I had to do it over.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Collapses Easy
- Good Stability
- Great Construction
- Thick Legs
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Movies
- Sport Events
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
When I got this tripod, it surprised me how heavy duty and big the legs were. You for sure get a good quality product for a great price. I feel like I can put any consumer or prosumer camera on this tripod with no trouble at all. The case that the tripod comes with is a heavy duty bag with extra protection to keep the fancy head of this tripod safe. Great product in every way.
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
- Weak Construction
Best Uses
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
The head is not fluid. Stiff is the word.
The bracket in the middle, that holds the legs in is plastic. Mine broke after a day or two. Worthless.
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
It's a good started Tripod. Good weight capacity for average dslr rigs.
Some people are complaining about not being able to tighten some of the tightening levers because they hit the camera, or other parts of the tripod. I just wanted to mention that if you pull on the spring loaded lever, you can reposition it and tighten some more; if hit hits the camera when tightening the quick release, pull out the lever and reposition it so that you can tighten it more. This can be done as many times as you need. No short sight in design here.
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
This Tri-Pod is the best value I have seen for the money. Retailing at [$] it is comparable to a Monfrotto 501 head. The Legs are also very solid for the price point. The quick release buttons on the legs feel a little cheap but everything else is solid. The Head is very smooth in pan and tilt. highly recommend this tripod for the dslr movie maker. A little beefy if you're running and gunning but very solid. Absolutely no worries about the camera or stability.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Value
Cons
- Heavy
- Stiff
Best Uses
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
Having gotten used to Sachtler tripods through my TV station, I personally wanted a quality tripod that was sturdy and smooth but also affordable for use with both my 5D rig and an EX3 on local corporate and business gigs.
I've researched the following tripods: Sachtler Cine DSLR 2D, Secced Reach, Manfrotto 504HD, and Libec RS-350, all of which are in the price range of $900-$1300. But alas, couldn't afford it.
The Provista 7518 w/ FM18 Head is an amazing price, and possibly the best tripod under $800. I'm overall impressed with the quality of the things that matter - smooth panning/titling and sturdiness. But the construction itself in some areas are sub-par, and makes this a stiff tripod to work with.
The legs are sturdy and solid, though definitely stiffer when unfolding than quality Sachtlers. The locks on the legs are stiff, and can pinch fingers. The pan resistance and pan lock are both controlled by 1 screw (same goes for tilt). Once you find the right resistance, the movement is controlled and smooth - much better than I expected. The plate system is not precise. Inserting the plate is jerky, because it's trying to find the right alignment. But once in, it's solid. The tripod is heavy, but also provides sturdiness for outdoor use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
This tripod is very sturdy, very easy to work with, and extremely reliable, for the price you're paying, you definitely get more bang for your buck than you would with any other tripod in this price, the smooth motion of the fluid head combined with bowl neck adjustment make for a very smooth and versatile shooting experience. and it ships out with a tri-wheel dolly... PERFECT!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- SMOOTH
Cons
- I haven't found any
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
I watched a video on this Tripod and the guy was claiming that this Tripod works like those expensive heads. I was skeptical at first was man he was right about it. The head is very smooth for video. I shoot music videos and commercials and I used this last week on two shoots and I could not be happier with it. You can control it so well without any shake that it's amazing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Solid build
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
I'm so glad I came to B&H after first looking at[@], where the reviews were quite mixed on their limited selection of budget video tripods. This one is a TANK! I'm very excited to use it and B&H got it to me fast!This is my first fluid head tripod and it didn't come with instructions. So at first I wasn't sure why the head was floating loose or how to tighten it, but I figured out how by tightening the shaft underneath.Everything about this tripod is great quality. I love that every clamp can be repositioned after tightening.The only thing I wished for is that the dolly wheels that came with it had a place in the bag. I dunno it might fit, but I need to find a cloth bag to put the wheels in so the two don't scratch each other. I really can't complain much about this because both the wheels and the bag were an unexpected bonus.This puppy is heavy but that's not a con. It's not incredibly heavy.. it's heavy enough for support.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to level
- Good Stability
- Pans and tilts with ease
- Price
- Supports 18lbs
Cons
- Stiff out of the box
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
I'm a college student, so when it comes to budgets, mine is the lowest of the low. But I love shooting video! I have had the privilege in college of working with some of my university's professional equipment, so I knew what I wanted and needed out of my tripod. Unfortunately I only personally owned a rickety, cheap piece of junk tripod that was built more for photography than video. I knew if I wanted stable footage, then I needed to upgrade, on the cheap and FAST! The Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 w/FM18 head was my godsend. While it does not sport all of the features that some of the more expensive tripods I have worked with had, it comes pretty dang close, and for under $200 there is no tripod that even comes close to its functionality. The legs are sturdy and stable. My only complaint on the legs is that the clamps that hold them in place are extremely stiff out of the box. I used the supplied Allen wrench to loosen them up a bit, and then they were the perfect tension. The head is stiff at first, but I worked it around for a few days and now it pans and tilts like a dream! The only small design issue I had with the head was with the knob that keep the quick release tightly secured to the head without sliding. If the knob is loosened too loose before your camcorder, or in my case a DSLR, is attached to the quick release plate and reattached to the head, then you wont be able to tighten it again because it bumps against your camcorder, and without that knob tight, then the plate will slide around on the head which can ruin some shots. Its not a big problem, but it is slightly annoying. Bottom line: I would recommend this tripod to anyone on a tight budget. It will do what your looking for without hurting your wallet! I've listed my pros and cons below:
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Head moves too easily
- Poorly designed knobs
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
For less than $200 this might be the best video tripod out there. It's easy to set up and it works. Is the FM18 as fluid as an $1100 head? Of course not. Thats why you don't have to pay $1100 for it, but I'm convinced that a professional photographer can shoot video with this better than most people would be able to shoot with an expensive set up. This tripod provides what is required for stable shots and smooth pans and tilts.
It would be nice if it were just a bit taller, and if the knobs were better designed, but like I said, this set up works. Also, its too easy to move the head after it's been leveled and tightened.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
After reading many online reviews, I opted for this item. My wife and I have expanded our photo hobby to movies. All my previous tripods were for still pictures. I like this one because it offers me all the features I expect from this type of tripod at a very affordable price (smooth panning, fluid head).
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
Yes it's Heavy but it is Heavy Duty. When you strap on a Canon 5D plus a 400mm lens it stays put . There is no tripod jiggle from all the weight . Certainly a plus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Price
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
My other tripod heads are too small and bowed the housing of my Mamiya C330. The large platform of the D&s Provista happens to be the EXACT size of my Mamiya. Yes it's bulky and heavy, but it's stable. No number of cons could offset the B&W prints I'm getting with this tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Movies
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
LOVE IT!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
So I really do like this tripod. If you want steady footage with smooth panning, all built in a sturdy apparatus, this is a great value. Personally, I love it and also found another use for it and that is a rig. The head actually screws off, and the handle can be screwed back onto it once it's off for good control. Now I can be mobile as well with a decent amount of steadiness, but the head is still kind of heavy. But I still think that's great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Very strong
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
I'm giving this 5 stars based on the 'bang for buck'. It's an incredibly strong tripod (By far the strongest I've found under $500), and works perfectly fine. There are lighter tripods to be found with better better pan/tilt control, but you'll easily double the price for those options.
I was looking for a simple tripod that would work with an 8' jib that I purchased and this one is perfect.
Very happy with the purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies
- Stabilization
Comments about Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Tripod w/FM18 Head:
Great weight for video use. the only con is that there is no adjustable drag on the tilt. You CANNOT beat this tripod for under $200. Even just to have as a back up tripod or one to complete a rail system. It also supports 18lbs for jib use. Again for [$] you hit a jackpot.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
System Extensions
- Price: $25.95
Spreaders & Dollies
- Price: $39.95
Bags & Cases
- Price: $6.95
What's in the Box
- Padded Case
- Quick Release Plate
- 10-Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
