ANOTHER SET OF STICKS

  While surfing the 'net recently I read about another tripod that I just had to have.  It's the Dolica "Proline" ( AX620B100).  Why do I like it?  Because it is small, lightweight, and also rugged and with many neat features.


  Here are the key specs of the tripod.  Folded length 23 inches, weight 2.9 lbs, three leg stages with an adjustable post that when all are extended raises the height of the head to 62 inches with a lowest position of about 22 inches.  The legs have three positions of spread.  Specified maximum load is about 13 lbs.


  The folded length along with its weight is what first attracted me to it but as I read more about its various features I just had to have one.  Be aware that, as delivered, this is really not a video tripod.  It has no pan head but rather a ball head that makes it great for still camera use.  However, as I will discuss subsequently, a pan head can be added to the unit if really needed.


Features I like


  The two features that really attracted me to were its light weight and folded size.  It beats even my beloved Shotoku SH5 in that respect although the Shotoku includes a fluid pan head.


  As I investigated the unit in more detail I kept finding things that made it even more attractive.


  The unit is very well constructed of aluminum and feels very sturdy.  It has non-slip rubber feet with retractable spikes that make them suitable for a variety of surfaces.


  The tripod itself has a built-in bubble level and a built-in compass!  This could come in handy for you trekkers that haven't upgraded to GPS yet.  8-)


  But wait, there's more.  The ball head has its own bubble level for a final camera leveling capability.  The camera plate is of the quick-release variety with addition plates available as an option.


  As shown in the picture at right, the ball head can be removed leaving a 3/8 inch post for mounting of other heads such a a pan head like this.


  But the feature I liked most of all was the price.  It is available from either Adorama or Amazon for less than $40!  There's no identification of country of origin but this is an amazing price for such a well-built piece of gear.


  It comes with a very nice padded case.  The small size and weight of the unit makes it ideal for keeping one the ClamCamVideomobile at all times for those extemporaneous shooting opportunities.


  As you can see from the image at right the tripod extends to its full height via three leg stages that have quick-release levers for rapid extension or collapse.  There's even a hook on the bottom of the center post in case you need to hang some weight to stabilize the tripod.


  All-in-all a well-made bargain.


  Here's a spec sheet on the unit that includes more pictures and specifications.