Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead
- Price: $209.00
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offer ends JUN 30 '12 - Price after Rebate: $184.00
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Vanguard's Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead provides the stability, durability and reliability you want in your gear. The aluminum alloy legs have settings for 25°, 50°, and 80° with easy-release buttons for quick set-up. This lightweight (5.38 lbs/2.44 kg) tripod collapses to 28.125" (71.5 cm) and can be extended up to 5.67' (1.73 m). It can support up to 15.4 Lbs (7 kg).
The smooth fluid-like SBH 100 ballhead is made of lightweight magnesium alloy and features a precision-cut ballhead, two bubble levels, and a fine-tuning function.
The Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) system allows you to move the central column from zero to 180° angles in various vertical and horizontal positions, making macro-photography and special wide-angle shots a breeze, and the Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) system securely repositions the central column in one simple movement.
A magnesium die-cast canopy, quick-flip leg locks, non-slip, spiked rubber feet and a removable hook for hanging camera accessories make this tripod a great addition to your kit bag. A stone bag that hangs between the tripod legs will hold weights of all kinds (including stones) to provide even more stability.
- Lightweight (5.38 lbs/2.44 kg) aluminum tripod
- Supports up to 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
- Central column moves from 0 to 180 degrees
- Legs adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles
- Smooth fluid-like ballhead is made of lightweight magnesium alloy and features a precision-cut ballhead, two bubble levels, and a fine-tuning function
- Enables extreme low-angle photography
Go To
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 15.4 Lbs (7 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 5.67' (1.73 m) |
| Minimum Height | 56.125" (1.42 m) |
| Folded Length | 28.125" (71.5 cm) |
| Weight | 5.38 lbs (2.44 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | Ball |
| Quick Release | No |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 3 |
| Leg Lock Type | Quick-flip leg locks |
| Independent Leg Spread | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | Yes, non-slip spiked rubber feet |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Bubble Level | 2 in ballhead |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 20 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (15)
- Easy to use (13)
- Lightweight (9)
- Reliable (8)
- Attaches firmly (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro photography (14)
- Landscape photography (12)
- Portraits (11)
- Everyday (9)
- Home (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (8), Semi-professional (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (19)
Reviewed by 20 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
i use the tripod for taking photo's at night and when i need a steady shot
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Great value for the price
- Large Range of Motion
- Lightweight
- Strong Clamp
- Sturdy
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Product Pictures
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
This tripod is mainly going to be used in the field. It fits my requirements for something that is lightweight yet sturdy. The carry bag is also constructed well and, with its' carry strap, will free up my hands to carry my camera gear. Have not found anything negative about this tripod and the ball head. I expect to get many years of service from it. I do recommend this product to anyone looking for a good tripod and lightweight ball head.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Dave
Stable and sturdy for those tricky shots.
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro
- Travel
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
I am a pro and have other tripods that cost a lot more money! This tripod for the money comes with a nice ball head and that the center arm comes out helps with macro photography. its light and packs well in its own carrying case. I am very pleased with it a great buy for the money
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
This is a great tripod/ballhead combo for the price. It is sturdy even with the center post rotated. I was able to set my camera at ground level for wildlige shots with ease. The ballhead adjusts quickly and securely and the multiple locks will support my 60D with 70-300 with no problem.
The ONLY drawback I have found is the so-called "instructions" which are completely worthless in 10 languages.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
Sturdy & flexible, and a great value. It's by no means a professional tripod/head, but will suit the entheusiast/prosumer just fine, and at a cost that is much better than some of the other "brand" names.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
Coming from 25 dollar tripod, i'm super happy with this one. I really enjoy the ability to use this combo as a video setup. It doesn't produce super smooth pans but is much better than hand held video. Center column is great for all kinds of unique angles.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
While this is my first ballhead, it is awesome! Very well built and very easy operation. Was worried about it holding D7000 and 70-300 firmly but no problem. Recommended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Poor instructionsmanual
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
I am a semi-pro/enthusiast photographer, and this is my first quality tripod. I looked at many, and this seemed to be the best quality with a decent price point. It is sturdy and comes with it's own carry bag. The only downside and reason for 4 stars is because the directions are useless. As a first time user I needed more direction. I had to go to you tube and the internet to figure some things out. Overall, great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
I use it for Landscape photography. I don't have anything bad to say about this tripod other than it is a little stiff in the joints. Nothing some graphite wont take care of. Love the independently adjusting legs. Lots of possiblitiies for great shots. Lightweight and sturdy. Can't find a better tripod for the money!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
Haven't had a single problem with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Good design
- Good price value
Cons
- Heavy bulky
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
Very good quality, versatile. A bit heavy for hiking, but perfect for the studio set up or short trips in the park. Fits in the supplied carrying case with the head attached.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
Tripod is easy to set up and take down. I love it. The service and delivery time was equally great! Thank you! I will enjoy this for some time!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
I took this to Yellowstone and the Tetons for a trial run. Great tripod for ease of use and adjustability.
It is rather heavy, but even with that weight, it still moves (causes blur) when my Nikon d7000 takes a series of pictures (mirror fip-up appears to be the culprit) and needs to be weighted. My other issue is that the round level on the tripod itself (which is rarely critical) is very hard to see under the ballhead with a camera mounted on it.
The ball head works very well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
By far the most versatile tripod I've ever owned. I'm very happy with my purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Traveling
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
This Tripod and and SB100 head is priced right and gets the job done. Simple to use. Great investment. Made very well... Outstanding....
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Macro Photography
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
I was looking for a tripod I could use with my new Canon 60mm macro lens. I wanted one with a center column that could be reconfigured for a lateral setup. This works great for that and because the legs also have three different angles I can use it in a number of different configurations depending on the piece of ground I want to use it on. If you look at the individual prices of tripod and ball head, buying this comb saves about $65.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
I like this tripod, it is well made, sturdy, light, with a good basic ball head with quick-change plate. Nice carry bag and stone bag.
My first real test with it was this weekend in the badlands of south dakota and in the black hills of the same state.
I attached my D7000 with sigma 70-200mm f2.8 lens to the head, cranked it down tight, and through it over my shoulder to trek a few miles in each location. I carry this way, with the legs fully extended and out in front of me to allow the tripod and camera to balance on my shoulder (easier on the back than many other carry techniques).
The prime reason for carrying this way is that I can deploy quickly, and this worked as well as any other tripod I've used. The basic height without extending the center column is just about right for me (I am around 5'10") so it was nice having the extra stability and convenience of not extending the center. Most tripods in this price range are shorter, so think about that when buying a tripod.
On the down-side, and the reason this doesn't get 5-stars, is there is some play in the fit of the rotating collar for the center column in the top main casting. Its very slight, but does bother the engineer in me just a little. I have noticed the same thing on similarly-sized manfrottos, so it's not unique, and may be one of the prices you pay for that cool transformer-like center column.
Recommended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
I've really only had one chance to use it, but it seems very sturdy and extremely flexible as far as range is concerned. Not being a big photography person, it took me a while to realize how versatile it actually is. It offered more positions than I first realized.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Flexible
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
This tripod does more than just hold the camera, it allows me to position the camera in nearly any position. Setting up to photograph flowers and critters with a macro is a snap with the Alta Pro. The tripod is exceptionally well made, light weight, and quick to set up. The SBH 100 ballhead is smooth, fluid, and easy to set in any position. The Alta Pro is well worth the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Reliable
- Solid
Cons
- A bit heavy
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead:
With so many to choose from... I purchased this tripod because its overall design features, quality construction and moderate price. As a photo enthusiast I wanted an all around tripod with as many features and functions that I can place my peace of mind in using medium weight equipment (T2i w/ 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8 lens). Its well suited for the studio or even toting around on a backpack, although its not the lightest pod available. With its reversible-tilt-center pole, it has great potential for those extreme or low angle shots which I look forward to using soon, but it was its solid SBH-100 Ballhead that sold me. The tripod comes with an second mounting plate which really helps if you need to flip two cameras quickly, a quality carry bag and a rock/weight pad to attached between the pods extended legs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $10.95
Dollies
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- Original: $41.95
- Save: $4.19
- Price: $37.76
General Tripod Accessories
- Price: $89.99
What's in the Box
- Tripod Bag
- Stone Bag
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
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