Magnus VT-350, Aluminum Video Tripod System with Fluid Head, Extends to 82”, Max Load 15 lb Mid-Level Spreader, Spiked Feet with Rubber Covers. Free Quick Release plate, Carry Case with Shoulder Strap

I needed and purchased several fluid head tripods over 72 inches in the past, but this Magnus VT-350 tripod is perfect for my Canon XA20 Camcorder. Ironically, their manual even shows the Canon XA Series camcorder for their illustrations. I needed a lighter weight yet strong enough tripod than my Sanford & Davis HD pro tripod and better construction than a basic tripod. It's easy to carry around with camera attached at tradeshows or on location shoots without getting a hernia with the HD pro model tripods. But it really depends on the weight of your HD camcorder. If you have a 15 pound or heavier camcorder, then you'll need a heavier tripod. Of course, Magnus or Sandford & Davis have those too.The two way pan tilt fluid movement is really smooth as the pro expensive versions. The pan/tilt knobs are good quality and work well. This tripod has more height than really needed up to 82 inches, but always nice to have extra height at recording classes in the back of a classroom or a speaker on elevated platforms. The camcorder mounting plate locking mechanism is very secure with a firm locking lever and easy to use. The aluminum legs are very stable, but I haven't needed to extend them to the full length everytime for the extra height. The leg extension locks are reliable and very easy to use. The leg spreader lock is easy to use and can lock in any position as it slides up or down the center column. The bubble level is easy to see and works nicely. And the folding hand crank works well and the riser column is very stable when extended.I like the sturdy steel handle as it is rubber coated with a nice feel with enough space for mounting a LANC remote controller on the handle. The carrying bag and adjustable carrying strap is excellent quality and should last a very long time. Overall, nice construction and excellent reliability for a mid priced fluid head tripod. I'm very happy after using for one month on several shoots.

Purchased this for use in my church. This is my first time working with a tripod that costs over $30 and a fluid head tripod and wow what a difference it makes. No more jerk when following a subject on the pulpit. Very smooth motion and also very tall, so easy to have this at the back of the church and zoom in on the subject without having to worry that someone's head or hand will block the view.It is a very sturdy tripod and also comes with some extra rubber feet in case the original set gets worn out.

The media could not be loaded. BIG, basically sturdy. There is only one scene-bashing issue about this tripod; the crank elevator allows slack/jitter when panning IF the set screw is not tightened. Once tightened, on the other hand, it pans and tilts as expected; smoothly without jitter. This was my first true fluid action panning head so I honestly did not know what to expect. I knew what I wanted - smooth pan and tilt. I think I have it.Most of all I wish to convey just how large this thing really can be. I am 5' 8" tall; this tripod can tower so far above me that without a stepping stool I can barely reach the camera (arms outstretched). I only let out on the first two legs of the tripod and crank up the elevator to eye level for general use. It has another two plus feet it can extend vertically beyond that. It does have heft but is still pack-able. It comes with rubber swivel feet and replacements. I did not get any spikes with it, and there is no obvious way it would take them. One more need to know - the elevator and crank are smooth but not good enough during recording.I am willing to take this thing with me out for forest and lake shots, and of course parks. It puts my camera above any interference, literally. The head tension is adjustable via touchable screws, but only to a point. It will tighten into place.Once the set screws are let out the tilt does not loosen up to much - which I am thankful for, I have yet to adapt to video pacing. The pan does allow much more freedom of movement than the tilt, but it is still very smooth with no jittery start - at least that I could find. I suppose if one forced it... but why?The bubble level is odd as it only moves if the tripod is tipped so far over center that I know the angle is blown before it shows a sign.The head has graduated marks for pan and tilt. The mounting plate is "quick" release but unless I can walk away with my rig, "quick" quickly becomes fumble and relative to a given situation. The quick release lever has a snap lock so when the plate is replaced it snaps back to lock the plate and camera into place - das ist good.I like the initial apparent build quality. It looks and feels tight enough to survive anything but a direct strike. If you trip over it - there might be blood, but the legs will most likely bend as most aluminum stands would. If one is using a $13,000 video camera one would not be using this stand I suppose.See my pics. I have added a very quick video showing pan and tilt for what it's worth. I apologize for the jitter in the video. It is not due to the tripod. Unfortunately I converted the video to a usable/uploadable quality and when I did it skipped frames. I am still learning.I think this tripod is a keeper.Thanks for reading my post.

This is an excellent value for the money. The quality of the product with the combination aluminum and plastic parts is very good and all moving parts are assembled well. I specifically purchased this tripod for its vertical height which is one of the tallest I have found, I have a couple of other Manfrotto pro units that I have been using but they are extremely heavy. This unit is very compact, easy to setup and extremely light. I am very happy with the purchase and actually have another one on order. I would also like to mention that ordering from iStockOnline was very prompt and I received it several days earlier than the expected ship date. I would definitely order other products from this company!

Nice tripod but it came with a broken knob. No way to contact seller. Hopefully they see this and will just send me the knob. I don’t fell like sending the whole thing back just for this but I need the knob to use the tripod. Help!