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ZeeDan
180
Sep 24, 2016
Since Climbrocks sort of opened up this discussion, I'll add a few observations. Without actually touching this tripod, but studying the pictures very closely, this tripod is very similar to a lot of other off branded tripods. Zomei is one of them. I happen to have about four of those in hand. When everything looks just about the same, I can be pretty sure this Fotopro came to life exactly the way Climbrocks described. It is a branded tripod from a large Chinese manufacturer.
There is nothing inherently wrong with that. As long as you know what you are buying.
The tripod part of the tripod is good. It is solid. The thing is super compact, that folding the center pole back over makes it really easy to carry around. The tripod is stable. It isn't Bogen, Manfrotto, or Vanguard strong - it is just a good solid tripod. It is a major step up from the really inexpensive tripods.
The thing that isn't good about this tripod is the head. The ball is coarse, the adjustments are not very precise, it is hard to get it to hold with heavier equipment, and the quick release plate is a bad design (there is no retaining clip on it and your camera can fall out of it if you accidentally loosen the retaining knob on the tripod). If you buy this, you will probably buy a new head, just be aware of that.
The whole idea of a tripod and monopod in one is super nice. But it takes a lot of practice to get any good at converting the tripod (you have to unscrew a few things and they can get dropped or lost). I would never do that in foul weather. And the monopod is just kind of OK. Better to buy a dedicated monopod if you really need one.
So it is a great tripod and a good deal, if you are upgrading a kit tripod, you want to test the waters with carbon fiber, you have a lightweight camera, you want portability, you don't want to break the bank, and you are willing to buy a new head when you get tired of the one on this tripod.
And if I were buying one myself - I would buy the carbon fiber, hands down, over the aluminum. Carbon fiber will last a lot longer, feels much better in your hand (think about using this outside in the cold - aluminum stinks at that), and it is sturdier.
Unfortunately they didn't include the one great thing about the other brands of this tripod - the carrying case. This normally comes with a fantastic padded case that can't be beat. I mean the case is way better than a lot of Vanguard and Manfrotto cases. Too bad they messed that up.
Just search for Zomei on Amazon, you'll see the similarity.
book
257
Sep 25, 2016
ZeeDanThere are two bolt heads on the QR plate and the recessed cutout on clamp will catch that bolt heads in case you accidentally unscrew the QR knob.
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climbrocks
124
Sep 26, 2016
ZeeDanZomei! Thanks, ZeeDan, that's the one I got--couldn't remember the name the other day. Maybe the Z668C? Whatever. Great for my needs. I also agree that the ball heads are pretty average--but the "quick release" plates are plain awful. No matter, I use my RRS head or a really lightweight Benro head instead (anyone wanna buy a Zomei ball head??) and good RRS L plates or other Arca compatible plates depending on the circumstances.
One thing to add--the monopod looks like a really strong billy club, great for appearing well-defended. It isn't really good, of course, because it's carbon fiber and will break when you smack someone with it...but it looks strong. It's pretty much useless as a monopod, since it's about 3 feet high (monopods should be eye level).