Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg)
The Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift, combined with the FM18 Fluid Video Head, provides rigid support for those that need strength more than versatility in height options. The Airlift version features a pneumatic cylinder in the center post which provides smooth and easy floating action height adjustment for cameras weighing from 2 to 12 pounds.
It assembles to its working height very quickly, thanks to twist locks that only require 50% of a rotation. With double-strut top leg sections for extra stability, a center brace with lock, and non-skid rubber feet, this tripod is perfect for field, studio, educational or industrial applications.
- Double strut top leg sections gives extra stability
- Pivoting rubber/spike feet
- Air cushioned center column gives precision control
- Perfect studio tripod for applications of up to 12 lb
- Bubble level
- 3.75 x 3.25" camera platform size
- Dual adjustable pan handles give more control
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 12 lb (5.5 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 72" (182.9 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 61" (154.9 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 36" (91.5 cm) |
| Folded Length | 37" (94.0 cm) |
| Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | Yes/Non |
| Weight | 10.3 lb (4.7 kg) |
| Warranty | 10-Year Warranty |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Counter Balance System | Not specified |
| Quick Release/Wedge Plate | Yes |
| Balance Plate | Sliding |
| Tilt Drag | Adjustable |
| Tilt Range | +90°/-90° |
| Tilt Lock | Yes |
| Spring Loaded Counter Bal | Adjustable |
| Pan Range | 360° |
| Pan Lock | Yes |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 3/8"-16 |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 2/3 |
| Leg Lock Type | Wing nut |
| Independent Leg Spread | No |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No |
| Center Brace | Yes |
| Center Column Type | Pneumatic |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 143 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (103)
- Unfolds quickly (49)
- Folds away (25)
- Lightweight (21)
- Easy mount (11)
Cons
- Heavy (52)
- Cumbersome (9)
Best Uses
- Video (93)
- Weddings (63)
- Landscape/scenery (41)
- Home (35)
- Portraits (32)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (54), Pro photographer (40), Photo enthusiast (11), Casual photographer (8), Semi-professional (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (68)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good solid tripod for the price
I shoot news at night for the local news as a stringer and use this tripod almost every day. I open and close this tripod several times per day, while in a rush, without...Read complete review
I shoot news at night for the local news as a stringer and use this tripod almost every day. I open and close this tripod several times per day, while in a rush, without any concern if I'm gentile with it -- all that matters is I get on the scene and get the shot asap (house fire, suspect being arrested, etc). The fluid head is great for smooth pans and tilts, which is a huge improvement over cheap tripods without a fluid head, and the bubble levels are a nice feature too although they can be hard to see at night. The tripod is very stable, although sometimes when you let go, it will move a millimeter or two left/right/up/down. Locking the brakes tightly and waiting a second or two for it to settle is all it takes. This may be related to the "loose head" problem explained below. I really like the airlift center column. When I first got the tripod about 2 months ago, the center post would go up perfectly (without any weight and w/ the lock off). However, over time the center post seems to get stuck and I have to help "pull" it up. It still assists with the weight of my 10 pound camera (Canon XL2), but for some reason it isn't as smooth as it once was. If you are buying this tripod for the airlift purpose primarily, I'd look elsewhere. It works great for when I need to raise my camera height quickly, but is by no means a replacement for a jib crane or higher-quality airlift. The leg latches tend to be kind of loose when you first get it, but I tightened them with the included wrench and it works fine. Before tightening the latches, I noticed that if I would set my tripod down with the legs folded in (not spread) somewhat quickly/abruptly, the legs would slide upwards slightly, thus lowering the height and requiring adjustments every time. So tighten the latches and you should be fine. All in all I love this tripod considering the price, but I knew before I even bought it that it would not last forever. It's still running strong so far, but if you can afford it, I would recommend going for a better tripod from a more reputable brand. If you're in a pinch and need to get by for a few months or don't use it every day, this tripod should work fine. The bag is padded to protect the head and has small zipper compartments to hold small flat items. I'm sure the bag will outlast the tripod, as it is made of durable materials. I also like that it comes with two tripod adapter plates, so if you have two cameras you use with this, you don't need to worry about buying a second adapter plate. I bought this with the dolly which seems to be really nice. I have yet to use it other than playing around at home with it, but I am confident it will work great and smoothly when the time comes. My one complaint would be that the head is coming loose. Now this is probably my own fault from user error. Often times I need to quickly tilt my camera up or down and do not have time to unlock the tilt brake (for example, a suspect at a scene makes a sudden move). This puts strain on the head. I think the head is coming loose from me doing this often. Always remember to loosen the tilt brake and you should not experience this problem (learned this in college). There is a very large bolt which I suspect could be tightened, but it is impossible to get a wrench in there without taking apart the head or a very flat skinny wrench, which I'm afraid to do.Again, please keep in mind I use this tripod almost every day and I really put a beating on my equipment. To the average wedding videographer or average joe, this tripod should meet or exceed your expectations and last a long time.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Solid tripod for the money
This is a solid tripod. Its sturdy and reasonably well built. Its heavy, and not terribly portable, but the included carrying case and wheels are a good value. I just traveled with this...Read complete review
This is a solid tripod. Its sturdy and reasonably well built. Its heavy, and not terribly portable, but the included carrying case and wheels are a good value. I just traveled with this tripod on a flight. I managed to squeeze a second smaller tripod and monopod into the bag with the the ProVista and checked it in as luggage. The tripod and bag are sturdy enough for travel of that nature.
The "Airlift" part of the tripod is a bit jarring. I didn't know what it meant when I bought it, but I found out the first time I untightened the column lock knob. The column shoots up to maximum extension very rapidly. If you were standing over the tripod head it would give you a solid crack in the jaw. If you had a camera on the head and cables connected with little or no slack, the force would most certainly break an audio/video output on the camera. They call it "Airlift, but I think its just a big spring in the column. Its a theoretically cool concept, but it could be called clumsy for a device designed to hold very valuable video equipment.
Now you may be wondering how the column is lowered after its been let loose. There's no mechanical way to lower the column, which leaves only the physics of brute force. The only way to lower the column is by pushing straight down with a force greater than that which the spring exerts upward. The tripod actually comes with two handles that screw into the base of the head. The purpose of these handles is a great mystery until you realize that you need a sturdy grip to push the column down. Only then will the column recede and be locked down, ready to spring into action at the next turn of the lock knob, intentional or otherwise.
The airlift function is alarming at first, but becomes quite routine after a couple of minutes. Once situated, the tripod operates well. The pan and tilt are a bit tight, but very smooth and stable.
The column issues aside, this tripod is a reasonable buy. its affordable and comes with a sturdy bag and a set of dolly wheels. That's a tough deal to beat.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 143 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
You can spend nearly any amount on tripods, and there is certainly some "get what you pay for" give and take to the cost/return value. We have over-worked less expensive sticks for years, watching them fall apart. Getting these into the hands of our production team thrilled everybody: high-quality item while still at a value price. Recommended!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Solid
Cons
- Head is stiff
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
This product is sturdy and well made with a lot of features. The bubble level and center post lift are solid and the head is smooth. The only issue is that the head is naturally pretty tight for pan and tilt and can only be made tighter so it takes some force to move it, more than I'd prefer. But once you get the feel of it, its very smooth.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Build quality
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
A little stiff on the vertical axis but works out in favor because it doesn't have to be locked but can still easily be moved when shooting. Good build quality & cant beat the free dolly!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
Kind of heavy but sturdy. The fluid head takes some practice but you can pull off some nice shots with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Poor Quality Drag
- Second Handle In Way
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I bought this tripod for use with my NEX-FS100, and for the most part it does the job rather well.
The drag mechanisms for the pan and tilt are probably my biggest concerns with this tripod, but they aren't by any means a deal breaker. What I am talking about is the fact that the drag mechanisms are really more like standard locking mechanisms as they don't provide very much in the way of variable drag coefficients and it all is pretty much a standard drag; especially when it comes to tilting.
Another little nuisance is the two handle design. It's a neat design and a lot like what you would find on a production studios tripod, but personally I find that the secondary handle gets in the way as I try to adjust my settings and line up my shots. This is easily remedied however by simply taking the second handle off.
Besides these minor nuisances I think the tripod is a decent quality beginner/intermediate tripod that seems to be quite durable and not overly bulky when it comes to traveling with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
A sturdy heavier, easy to use tripod.
Got it for a JVC semi-pro video-cam
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I use this for video with a DSLR camera, it's pretty sturdy (almost on par with the similar but more expensive Manfrotto model) and it's fairly lightweight for its size.
The one downside I found was that since the head doesn't rely on a crank to move up if the lock for the head isn't tight enough it will periodically creep up.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
Watch out guys, this is pro stuff. And by pro I mean all the goods and bads that comes with it.
It is really sturdy. Upgrading from a Velbon for my 60D this is very welcomed. Now I can be sure I won't have to stabilize my timelapses in After Effects. Every nut, clip, everything is solid and for the price it is incredible.
But sturdy rhymes with heavy. Not particularly heavy, but I would not want to climb a mountain with it attached to my backpack.
The FM-18 head is probably the best you can get under the 200$ mark. Combined with the Airlift tripod it's an incredible deal. Very smooth, pans and tilts like a charm.
I just don't really get the whole Airlift thing. Sure it's cool that your camera lifts up like nothing at the spin of a bolt, but it lifts up too fast to make precise adjustments, and when you want to bring it down, yo have to press hard, I mean REAL hard to get it back down. You will look professional when you bring it up, but also look like you don't really know what you're doing when it's time to bring it down... I don't really know what to think about it honestly.
All in all a pretty good deal, really happy with it for the price, since you can't get anything better in that range.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Built tough
- Great hieght
- Smooth motion
Cons
- Heavy
- Need muscle to lock legs
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I use this on my DSLR for shooting video. It's fun, smooth, and a great value. The fluid head is smooth enough for the price. The dual handels are a nice touch. I like the carrying bag it came with.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Great Height Adjustment
- Lightweight
Cons
- Leg clamps stiff at first
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
This is a great tripod. Very sturdy and the three wheeled dolly base makes it even better. The pneumatic center post is great, but don't count on it to give you tilting shots. It's strictly to raise your camera level. The plate holding the camera can be tricky to slide into place, but some graphite lubrication will take care of it. The paint on the release plate and the tripod head can stick together a little.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
For the most part this Tripod does everything I need it too. The panning and tilting functions are very fluid and the pneumatic centerpost easily lifts my 8lb camera. I would say for the money that it was worth every penny. My only complaint is the weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I did a lot of research before choosing the ProVista and changed my mind several times. I have had heads before that say they are fluid but are really just a bigger version of a friction head.
Other reviews say this is bulky and heavy, I would say it is solid and stable. I cut my teeth on Mitchell sticks and an O'Conner 50 with a Panaflex or Arri so this is not bulky at all.
I was super impressed with the pan and tilt and have owned $2,000 Libecs that are not as good. It has a good operating height without the post up and with it up you should be above head height of most crowds.
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Hard to get to tightners
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I use it with a Canon XHA1 and is very smooth an solid
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Tall
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
Really good tripod! Tall, supports a good load of weight. The only complaint is that the pan head isn't very smooth but I usually don't move the camera anyway.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Great Pans
Cons
- No Good Instructions
- Support Leg Releases
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I had attended a video seminar and the instructor, from tv production, was using a Libec and I was instantly impressed. He had stated that the Libec was available for about $350 which wasn't the case. Still impressed with videos and testimonials about the Libec but was out-of-my-budget at about $800. While watching YouTube "tripod product" videos I came across the "Davis & Sanford" tripod. What a value! The dual function fluid heads are a must. It also included the trolly, storage bag (nice) and 3x "Quick Release Plates." I ordered an extra plate not realizing that it came with 3x. The quick releases on the support legs were a little stubborn initially but seem to be working a little smoother. You won't be disappointed with this tripod [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
Cons
- Cumbersome
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
It is firm and professional. I particulary like the materials the tripod is made from. The only downside, a little bit bulky.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
- Large
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
Was a more tripod than i thought. I have owned several $25-$40 tripods. Between breaking and loosing parts, i wanted to get a good tripod. This thing is pretty stout. I probably will never carry it into the field due to size and weight. However, It does work great in the studio.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I like the price. The airlift takes time to ajust to but I need the hight and it's quicker and easier to ajust than any of the others I've used. This is a very sturdy Tripod and the wheels come in handy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
Very nice and steady tripod. The airlift is not as steady as I would like. The lift became loose and wobbly within a few uses this is why I am rating it only two stars. I am going to hope it is just a lemon. The fluid head is one of the best that I've used in this price range.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head - Supports 12 lb (5.5 kg):
I am a full time videographer/producer. I use this tripod about 15 hours a week and I find it very stable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Quick Release Plates
- Price: $12.98
- GBP 8.29
Dollies
-
- Original: $41.95
- Save: $4.19
- Price: $37.76
- GBP 24.11
General Tripod Accessories
- Price: $89.99
- GBP 57.46
What's in the Box
- Padded Case
- Quick Release Plate
- 10-Year Warranty
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