stable, universal and good quality at a reasonable price

when I bought my first SLR end of 2013, I took a stand still for a component in the photographic equipment which does not have to be all too expensive a), and b) what you might someday could allow time to. I also thought that I perhaps more than one or two times a year would need a tripod, I bought one for 12 from the media market, as things currently stood to hundreds on a euro pallet next to the cash register. To investigate the effect of a tripod to see on a photo that was all right, but for a decent work with a camera, which is now in a slightly larger and heavier than a pocket camera, the part is completely unusable. And ever since I have the C5i I think that would have been 12 better invested in a crate of beer.
After a long search, I came here on Amazon by the customer reviews on the Rollei C5i and meanwhile, point a) has confirmed. A good, universal tripod has really no 300 costs.
The delivery took unusually long (almost two months when I was annoyed at the next 12 wash rack), finally it happened. I was really excited when unpacking and I was already twice pleasantly surprised. Bag and tripod are excellent workmanship for the price (139 in June 2014). As a designer for harmonic drive as I can tell for the metallic components tripod at least.
After a brief inspection I took a look at the manual, which I put away quickly, because the page is not really helpful and the ball head is not listed. I also got along without good because so complex is the cause and not the most self-explanatory. The legs can be locked in three different positions. The joints are but rigid enough sometimes to choose light tackle, a position between the locking points when the space is not enough time and you have not just the four kilo telephoto lens on the camera and the legs perhaps only half undressing. It was important to me to get as close as possible above the ground and thanks to the divisible central column that's doable. The diameter of the footprint size is then relatively large (about 85cm), but it is also very stable and can be quite handy for most shots close to the ground. The adapter plate is then in the lowest, upright 25cm above the ground. You can install the center column but also with the ball head down. So to get to the bottom and the legs do not need quite open (which is no longer even possible, otherwise the camera serves as a tripod).
The screw caps of the telescopic legs can I find now much more practical than eg brackets, as you effortlessly turn comes from each side and they can be opened with only a quarter turn and close. After the screw caps, open the legs do not quite voluntarily slipped out, but what I also prefer. You can still move easily, so that you need for just one hand. If the legs and center column are fully extended, it is still quite stable (on solid ground), but I would no longer operate it necessarily with the four kilo telephoto lens. For this I might retract the bottom leg segments again and also the center column not quite take off. The maximum amount of measured 158cm (adapter plate on the ball head) is (180 cm height) for me absolutely fine. For most applications, it is me personally much too high and the stability of the stand is then no longer quite as good, but still quite acceptable.
One of the legs can be unscrewed from the tripod by only solves the union nut and then veers off of a set screw in the joint of the leg attachment and together with the divisible central column, the result is a practical, lightweight monopod. The conversion takes a minute and this way I did not want to miss for landscapes at dusk. Unfortunately, the union nut is left loose on monopod. This can lead to rattling noises when you least need them (for the Great Blue Heron was warning enough). Nevertheless, for me just this possibility was an important reason to buy.
The center column some caution is advised when it is fully extended. When you open the locking screw (the part where the central column in this box) for example, to adjust the height, you should have necessarily thought of it that Feinjustierschraube is turned down below, otherwise experience camera and lens 40cm free fall and bang hard on the lower stop. That's why I would rather the Feinjustierschraube also called locking screw. Fortunately, opens the clamping of the center column not digital and you have the locking screw quite los rotate so that the center column enters alone. With the appropriate camera weight but you should watch something.
The ball head is the highlight of the stand. Three Levels, two for the horizontal and one round for the portrait to the clamping screw for the camera adapter plate, which is constructed according to the de facto standard ARCA SWISS. Friction setting for the play-free ball joint, which allows a very precise and controlled adjustment of the camera. Panorama joint with scale and fixing screw which, however, was turned down so firmly upon delivery of my stand that I kept the scale only for a useless fake. After I also get open this screw, the whole head was turning buttery soft with a pleasant resistance, as well as all other major adjustment on this stand. The entire ball head can be unscrewed from the tripod and replace it with another mechanism (three way heads, macro sled etc.). For the monopod can also remove it and use the recording as a mono pad. Personally, I like to go to the ball head under the camera, which makes it all but then a little harder and higher.
Several accessories, there are also as the wrist strap and belt clip for the monopod, a small tool bag with a box wrench, an Allen key and the hook for the center column. What's the point now is you can indeed read the product description.
All in all I'm pretty excited about this stand, which is almost too good and universal for my term for the price. At least so that it exceeded my expectations. The quality convinced the processing and the versatility is astounding. The handling is easy, convenient, and the weight is appropriate for the stability (with carbon fiber and 200 more will there still something). All locking, locking screws are provided with a non-slip rubber and on two legs is a foam cover for a secure grip and insulation against the cold. On the leg, which can be unscrewed, the foam handle is attached with Velcro, so you can still adjust it somewhat. The joints run clean, free of play and the force required can be set on ball head and center column at least. Those who expect more for the price, should think about its settings.