Cullmann - 51381 - Primax 380 Tripod with compact 3-way Head and Quick Release Unit (159 cm Extension Height, Weight 153 g, Maximum Load 3.5 kg)

+ Price to quality ratio, click lockers of the legs, rubber on legs as handles, many options for adjustment for view-finding, no studs is floor friendly and quick connection sockets.- Short arm to pan horisontally, some lockers less easy for beginners or should have signs for moving directing when released. Additional: I plugged the centre pole low end (used a half champagne cork!) and attached a hook to hang a bag with 1kg when windy outdoor conditions!

Perfect, arrived quickly and is a good value sturdy tripod, ideal for what we need it for!

Received this as a present. Thought I would have a look at what other people think of it and was surprised by the price, seems expensive to me at 45 quid, can't believe anyone would charge 65 quid for it. I'm also surprised at the price differences between the 350, 380 and 390 since these tripods seem to be identical apart from a few extra cm of hollow aluminium tubing depending on the final maximum height of each product. To describe the 390 as the "top" model when a brief look at the photos of the 380 and 390 show them to be identical apart from an extra 10 cm of height.My experience is that the tripod is stable and from the centre bracing down it feels like a good quality product. The legs and bracing are very adjustable and feel solid and fairly durable, right for the price. However, I give this three stars because most of the time I use this tripod I find myself taking the camera out and holding it in my hands which obviously defeats the purpose. I find the head difficult to adjust or aim with any precision, either too stiff or too loose. I set up shots waiting for a bird to arrive and when it does I fail to be able to make small adjustments, so take the camera into my hands instead. My camera is light, but the lens I'm using does affect things with longer lenses e.g. 50-300 being harder to use successfully with this tripod.In its defence I would say, I don't know if anyone else manufactures a tripod with a smooth head in the price range. Anyone know about one please tell me below. I believe I will be able to use it successfully for night sky, low light conditions etc where I don't plan on moving the head at all.