SLIK Master Classic Tripod with 2-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head, for Mirrorless/DSLR Sony Nikon Canon Fuji Cameras and More - Black (616-725)

I have hiked many miles carrying this tripod with me. It is a heavy tripod especially when I carried it over my shoulder for several miles through the woods of Yosemite. It doesn't have a quick release plate which I didn't want anyways so after a couple of times of attaching and detaching the camera I just carry it with the camera attached and the legs fully extended slung over my shoulder. The tripod is pretty heavy and I have been bruised by doing this more than once but I have gotten some pretty awesome shots for my pain.This aluminum tripod does get pretty cold in the snow, to the point where skin will probably stick to it if it gets cold and wet enough.To be honest I have pretty much beat the hell out of this tripod and it still works perfectly. I have even used it with the legs extended as a pole to brace myself as I was rock hopping once. I have used it in pretty rough water about waste deep to freeze water and the surrounding rocks have come out crystal clear. Although I do have to say that my new 70-300mm VR doesn't get along with my tripod because it vibrates ever so slightly. Although I did learn the hard way that VR actually will blur a picture if it is mounted on a tripod.On many occasions I have cussed out this tripod, telling it that I am going to replace it with a carbon fiber (you know the names, bogen monfrotto, gitzo, the thousand dollar tripods?) one with padded legs and a shoulder strap but I never do and I've put this thing through the paces for about a year now. This thing supports my d200/grip/sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 with ease, although I have found through experience that using a remote or timer does very well to avoid shake because this tripod transfers vibration really easily. Don't try taking pictures off the pier while waves are hitting it because you will see it unless you use really fast shutter speeds.This is a true piece of photographic equipment, I've beaten it up, dunked it in salt/fresh water, and covered it in various kinds of dust and it's still awesome. It truly deserves the title of "Master," and "Classic." This may sound dorky but this tripod is a legend, I went from a target tripod to this one and wow what a difference it makes.

Very convenient multi-motion head with combined Pan/Tilt Handle. So useful to find a tripod that does not have a compulsory quick release plate. These are a nuisance to have to mount and carry on compact travel cameras! This replaces a much used almost identical Slik tripod I oiriginally purchased in Port Moresby PNG in 1975! Only difference is lack of a leg brace for additional stability. This is still present on the Slik Master 67 which is not listed on Amazon and is almost impossible to find elsewhere new. Pity Amazon does not ship to Zimbabwe (despite being listed as an item which does) so had to use MYUS plus Fedex which was expensive and took almost a month to arrive!

At the end of 1970 I returned from a stint as a combat photographer in Vietnam. I brought with me this tripod, which I had bought used from a colleague there. It was a simple affair, with no quick release head etc. It was happy supporting my Hassy 500c and my Nikon F Photomic with 300mm f/4.5 long lens. I used it professionally for many years until it was eventually stolen. I replaced it in 2001 with a Gitzo, which also one day walked off with someone. This year I bought another tripod. It is heavy (I'm 63 now) and a cow. So I ordered this Slik, which is very close to my original Slik from 1970. I almost cried when I got my hands on it. It is a simple, no nonsense affair: no quick release head, no quick-flip plastic leg segment releases; just a simple, honest, no frills tripod that does what it's designed to do without breaking either your back or your bank account. It works great with my Nikon D70 and D700. It fits nicely in my studio or the trunk of my car for location shoots. I love its sexy black legs. And I love the sense of history I have with it. I am a happy photographer once again.

It took me a few months to find a good tripod, almost went with a different brand until I found this. It's built like a tank and the legs have grooves in them with, also has a very nice geared center column. One thing the head is a bit old I might replace it with a modern ball head. . . Did I mention the bad puppy is made in JAPAN not china like 85% of the tripod market is lol

Very nice tripod, didn't know how bad the previous one was until I started using the new one.

Bought this for photography and as base for an easel. It works well for my DSLR and has worked outstandingly as a base for my painting easel. Very steady and the ball head is a solid performer. Recommended.

I purchased an older version of this pod back in Europe in 1982 primarily for my Bronica ETRS. I carried it all over Europe, as others have pointed out; it gets heavy lugging it around. But when I set my camera I knew it would stay in place. Over the years I've tried lighter tripods for packing, but after only a few uses I'm back to my Master Classic.These days it's mostly used for spotting game or on the shooting range spotting shots, yet it's still just as sturdy and reliable as always.If I ever wear it out I'll get the new Master Classic, but after 29 years, it doesn't look like it will be replaced in my lifetime.Why settle for less to save a few bucks, only to spend those few bucks over and over.This Tripod is THE tripod.