Manfrotto 725B Digi Tripod with Integrated Ball Head with Dove Tail Plate and Carrying Bag (Black)

I upgraded from a cheap $35 Tripod to this one. I have been using it now for quite some time and do not find much wrong with it. The Ball Head may not be the best but it is definitely more than sturdy enough to hold my Canon 40D and a 70-200L.

The clamp for the Ball Head can shift a little when not tightened properly but besides that it works well.

The legs are sturdy - I hardly ever fully extend it but even the center pole (which is reversible) holds the Camera well.
I have to-date not found a better Tripod for the money. It's not too heavy but it's not a Carbon either.

When I first purchased the tripod about a month or so ago, I was pleased with the results -- it did, for the most part, as advertised. However, now I'm kicking myself for not shelling out the extra cash for something a bit better.

I'm very careful with my equipment; however, the center column lock no longer works... I'll extend the tripod to full height and the neck will slowly slide back down until it hits the stop plate. I'm using an XSi with a battery grip and a simple 50mm prime lens, so there's not great amount of weight or pressure being put on the head.

Now, I'm having issues submitting information to the company to find a solution. So, my honest recommendation is to shell out the cash for something that's going to properly support your equipment.

Its built strong, and sturdy!.Nice hard plastic legs that open with 3-clips for short to long. I think the coolest thing about this tripod is the dovetail plate.! So cool that when you release the pin you can swivel 360 degrees, up/down, right/left! This comes in very HANDY!
One or 2 small drawbacks: #1-The center pole that holds the camera, slips! If you put any pressure at all on it.
Not very taught. this pole goes up & down for length and has a red clip, to hold it, but it still can be pushed down or up very easily..
Also, there is nothing on this tripod to help you level it, so attch'ing your camera can be crooked, so be careful..not a huge hinderance though.
Overall, 4-stars..given for contruction,looks,durability..this is no CHEAP LOOKING TRIPOD, its very nice

This Tripod is quite a step up from the tripods I've used in the past.
It is constructed very well and all of the locking clamps are very secure.
The Ball Head is a really neat idea but is taking some time getting used to, but I think it'll work out alright. I take alot of segmented photos for panoramas and linning up each consecutive shot can be a little tricky, but over-all it's better than other tripods with the leveling bubbles which more often than not were rather frustrating. I also like the fact that the center post can be inverted, enabling the camera to get much closer to some ground level shots.The locking pin for the adapter plate lever is, (in my opinion only ), probably not necessary but never-the-less a very good idea. Over all this makes for a very good Tripod.

Great tripod. Very versatile. Snap off plate is easy to use and locks back in securely.