The Vista by Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head is an aluminum tripod that weighs only 3 lb (1.36 kg) and folds down to 21" (53.34cm). It features 3-position independent leg adjustments, a quick lift 2-section center column, and the BHQ8 multi-directional ball head. This tripod will hold point & shoots, SLRs and DSLRs, and camcorders weighing up to 8 lb (3.62 kg). This versatile tripod is equipped with a directional compass, bubble levels, rubber spiked feet and comes with a high-quality padded carrying bag.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 8 lb (3.62 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 63" (160.02cm) |
| Minimum Height | 7.5" (19.05cm) |
| Folded Length | 21" (53.34cm) |
| Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | Yes |
| Weight | 3 lb (1.36 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | BHQ8 Ball Head |
| Quick Release | FZ10 Quick Release: QRBHQ8 |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Leg Stages/Sections |
4-sections Diameter: 0.90" (2.3cm) |
| Leg Lock Type | Snap lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | 3-position |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | Yes |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Quick lift |
| Dimensions |
Diameter: 0.94" (2.4cm) Height: 14" (35.56cm) |
| Center Column Sections | 2-section |
| Special Features |
Directional compass set in tripod base Bottom center post hook |
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Most Liked Positive Review
WOW
I am really impressed with this tripod. I would have never expected such a nice tripod for the money.
first my only complaint is that there is a tiny amount of cr...Read complete review
I am really impressed with this tripod. I would have never expected such a nice tripod for the money.
first my only complaint is that there is a tiny amount of creep in the head and when laying it all the over doesn't bring the camera to 90 degrees it's more like 95 or 100 so you have to lift the camera slightly to level out portrait shots.
Since those two issues are kinda big I docked the tripod a star. But for those weaknesses there are a ton of strengths.
First the tripod feels extremely sturdy, I have no worries with my D300 and my 70-300mm lens on there.
the foam grips are really nice when shooting outside in the cold.
you can set the tripod flat on the ground by removing the lower portion of the stem. And you get two bubble levels.
The legs move and operate with ease and the spiked feet are really nice, you screw up the rubber guards to expose the spiked feet and screw the guards back down when shooting indoors.
This tripod is really light but very sturdy and it is really compact, when attached to my back back it doesn't take a lot of room or stick out really bad. It also comes with a very nice case for either storing or traveling.
For the money you can't beat this tripod!
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Most Liked Negative Review
No 2 piece Center Column
I didn't receive the 2 piece center column as stated in the product description. I did register the product on line, mentioning the discrepancy, and received an e-mail stating that a replacement 2 piece...Read complete review
I didn't receive the 2 piece center column as stated in the product description. I did register the product on line, mentioning the discrepancy, and received an e-mail stating that a replacement 2 piece center column would be shipped to me within 2-weeks.
The lower leg extensions of the tripod are very small in diameter and the locking clip does not provide a stable tripod with the legs fully extended. If you only extend the lower section about half way, the tripod is very stable under my cameras weight.
The ball head is permanently attached to the center column, so don't plan on upgrading to a different and/or better ball head in the future.
I like the aluminum construction. No plastic parts at major loading points to break or wear and lead to wobbling.
Reviewed by 129 customers
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
I was looking for a good tripod for long while after quickly out-growing my $25 Targus. It was a good learner, but no match to the heavy lenses and use my SLR was giving it. I wanted a flexible unit that would comfortably support my system while remaining reasonably compact and simple to use without paying hundreds of dollars. Enter the Vista Voyager Lite :) First off, I dare anyone to find another tripod at regular price that can hold 8lbs. for under $100! Making this a very capable support for not a lot of money. This unit folds down to under 2 feet in length weighs at only 3 pounds. For a strong support, this is an excellent traveling tripod. It also comes with a pretty nice carrying bag and an allen-wrench to keep the legs tight if it's ever needed. I love the mount release on this tripod. Once the lever is pulled, a little spring pops up the mounting plate and locks the lever in the open position. This means that mounting the camera is as simple as placing it on the head, and it locks itself in place. I also love that the base doesn't have a locating pin, since my cameras do not have a hole to use it anyway. It's just one less thing to get in the way and makes mounting the base to the camera that much less fiddly. Unscrew the center column, and this tripod will get really close to the ground.The only notable cons are this tripod can be a little flimsy when the legs are fully extended, but with only two extended and the column raised the tripod is well planted. And despite this being a Tiffen company, which advertises making their filters in the USA, this tripod was made in China. But it's manufactured to acceptable standards for the price and seems well engineered.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
I use this tripod for long exposure shots and i haven't had any problems with any camera shake.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Everything works great, build quality is exceptionable, the foam is a great touch, an all around awesome tripod
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
I give it 4 stars because there is only 1 thing I have a slight problem with. The post where the camera is attached to doesn't move up and down fluidly. Perhaps I need to give it more time to loosen up? Anyways, that problem wouldn't stop me from buying this tripod again. Overall it's a great tripod, and I love the quick release plate. Oh, and the bag that it comes with is a big help when transporting!
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Much better tri-pod for the same price as what you'd find in the box stores. For as much as I use a tri-pod, this fits my needs.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Strong and reliable but weak coating on plate.
Good little features help you to take better picture and give better stability.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Well I just did an extreme test with this tripod today and it passed!!
I do not know how people say that the ball head travels, when tight I can't even shove it over.
The leg sections are very sturdy and I can even lean on it with all the sections out without anything sliding.
I love the three angles available for each leg section, I constantly leave the adjustment at the middle choice it gives the perfect height and is more sturdy than a sand bag. It's the perfect weight too, heavy enough it will not blow over or tip, but not too heavy that you will not want to carry it with (the case included also makes transport very comfortable, it's lined with foam!)
I was worried that the foam on the legs would fill up with water and would never dry out(I constantly plant my tripod in over a foot of water) but no worries, the foam does not soak up water easily and dries fast even if it does soak up water.
The only thing that could work smoother is the quick release system, it is a little slow but is definitely usable and will keep you going back to using this tripod. It is plenty stiff.
Final conclusion I will be getting these as gifts for photography friends in the future and do not regret my purchase in the slightest.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
I use this for my Nikon D90. It's lightweight yet strong and sturdy and comes with an excellent carrying case. The quick release lever is a little tricky but the ball head maneuvers easily, the leg extension is smooth and the locks are very secure. This is my first tripod and I'm very pleased. It seems like an overall great value.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
I use this to carry into remote places on large natural areas. It's very lite and sturdy, and I can find rocks, etc. to hang on the hook for excellent stability. The head could be smoother, but for the price it's well worth it.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
love this product small easy I use this everyday
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Great tripod! I loved the ball head! And the price is very nice!!!
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
it has some weight, but it is good when to use it on windy condition or unbalanced ground.
it is very solid and bold.
it is my second tripod, but first to try this 'professional' ones.
it is very easy to use for ball head,
very very stable in ANY direction.
I own Canon 60D, and with 28mm, 85mm, and 75-300mm, it was great for outdoor uses.
and it comes with the bag which fitted just right length with my messenger, so i hooked it with my messenger to not to carry it with my shoulder, having extra band over my neck/shoulder.
tripod size and that compact, yet it could go high enough to shoot one floor building as a bird-view looking pictures.
great for first tripod user, don't think, just get this !!
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
I use this tripod for portrait photography. With the price it OK even vertical shooting the clamp isn't strong enough to keep camera in place.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Bought this tripod for my 80mm spotting scope. I wanted something light and small to fit in/on my backpack. This tripod fits the bill perfectly! My scope is 4 lbs. and the tripod is stable enough for this use (also has a hook to add weight for more stability). I did try digiscoping with this tripod and found the ball head flexed under the extra weight of the large point and shoot camera (but adding weight via ditty bag and bottled water to the other end of the scope helped alot). Otherwise, very lightweight and very collapsible, extremely adjustable too. I like the padding on the legs for carrying around with scope still attached. The quick release feature is awesome, wish it came with two though....
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Really happy, I was a little concerned since the price was low, but it's a great tripod
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Great price, light weight, the built-in level a bit primitive.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Great tripod for the price
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Great quality tripod. Love the ease of the ball head.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
I am completely new to photography, so I don't have other products to compare this one to. I needed a cost effective tripod, as I do a lot of low-lighting shots. This one was affordable, sturdy, and I love the case. The ball head makes it nice to quickly and easily get the exact angle I need.
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Comments about Davis & Sanford Voyager Lite with BHQ8 Ball Head:
Very easy to transport and set up. Love the ball head which is very secure. And the case is also nice! The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it is a little shaky with a long lens, but hanging a little weight from the hook helps with that.
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