Staunchly

Really complete photographic equipment is only if one calls his own a tripod. You know what I mean: Man lurking in field, forest and meadow for hours and the arms are paralyzed, of all the important moment - or you verreißt otherwise. No matter how. Always hats shaky images result. The - even possible with today's DSLR cameras - video in HD make only limited fun when the cameraman freehand tölpelt be jolting through the film to the end of world history. First, then, is the question of what you want to achieve, closely followed by what is expected to cost the fun because / can / may. The market has indeed a lot to offer and even Amazon aims his basics house brand for a long time on the price-conscious customer photo. However, if you specifically as Sony users researched a bit, probably will eventually reach the VCT VPR1 an interesting alternative from Originalhersteller- specifically for Alpha-owners.

Black is black

The black aluminum tripod is not only befitting (almost) all equipped with what one of such a model - especially in this price range - expect today, it has as a special treat that is equal to a removable, wired remote control for Sony equipment on board. Thanks to the standardized control protocol for the devices by the manufacturer with each other, the good piece is suitable for video cameras as well as just for DSLR / SLT cameras for example, the Alpha series. Because here a Alpha 58 on the new playmates so would best conditions for an intimate and sympathetic relationship. Since the tripod 3 kg payload is indicated, also fits the fighting weight together with telephoto lens (package 2.7 Kg) nor just. In the framework of the official feasible, which felt quite more in it than the specified limit

The stand itself is with 900 grams quite a flyweight what the sluggish lazy wanderer delighted in me. For the compact pack size applies selbiges - merged and -geschoben everything fits in a 20 x 40 cm (included) Carrying Case, which can be carried over the shoulder. Dear wärs been me that you somehow even more practical pocket - on additional straps, eyelets etc. - Could attach or lashing on Fotorucksack. For about 130 euros, the quality and the comparatively thin synthetic fiber bag should generally quiet but a bit better. For the tripod can then already einheimsen more points. Key features are - certainly the three-stage extendable telescopic legs and the 3D multifunctional head which, although made of plastic, but moves smoothly-smoothly and without Geknarze round - in addition to the remote control. This makes the mounted on the quick release plate camera continuously from horizontal to vertical position.

There is already a matter of course that the camera is screwed on that quick release plate - using conventional standard thread and thanks also knurling tools. The perched thanks dovetail clamp prism dimensionally stable and virtually captive in her seat. All adjustments can be locked by means of clamping knobs or the working height via screw-crank to a maximum of 1.75 meters puschen high. Otherwise, the function head resides at 1.5 meters when fully extended legs. This is also the only real difference to its competitors, which are mostly already offer in this price segment constructions, which can be very close to the ground to work with spread wide booms. This is not possible with the VPR1. At least not as low and stable as it would be quite reasonable as desirable in some applications. Its construction as a "classic" tripod has thus so some drawbacks, however, which actually may be disturbing only for hardcore Clippers.

Under Control

Horizontal and vertical panning facilitates the lever on which normally the cable remote control is mounted, but can be removed quite, it was because they were perhaps not needed, or because they want to use "on a long leash". Now so long is this line - respectively the cable - not (nearly 50 cm), but if necessary it could also stretch literally means USB extension. However, to what extent this may result in conflicts with the power supply, the RC has finally its own battery and is supplied via the camera battery, I do not know. Of course, the tripod can also be operated entirely without. In any case, the RC will be immediately accepted and their functions are fully available:

- Power (Camera On / Off)
- Photo mode (auto focus / shutter / duration of exposure)
- Video mode (start / stop recording)
- Digital Zoom - besides choice Slow / Fast
- Grid Line (Optical Guidance and composition help)

However, before any of this comes at just the application, the stand must be placed of course. Serve as already mentioned, and also perfectly logical to understand, first, the three-part telescopic legs. Their plastic clamping levers fix the extracts continuously in almost any desired position. This clamp technique is not 100% my encouragement, since I already bad experiences with similar constructions have made in terms of tendency to fracture, but for the time being applicable in benefit of the doubt. So far, no signs of fatigue have occurred, but it would now incidentally also far too early, after the VPR1 is not so long in the market. We will see - says the blind.

To assist in the alignment of its product Sony has a small dragonfly donated - so to speak, an integrated spirit level, as they are among others also enjoying billiards. Small but nice. In the upper class, there are indeed quite candidates with their two (one in addition to the head itself), but should not be - a dragonfly reached. What is not so well thought out, goes deeper. At the end of the legs there are indeed rubber feet, but they are made rigid. Here what would have been suited with (ball) joints in my opinion better to compensate for any unevenness in the floor. Since the Japanese have either slept in the design a tiny bit, or maybe set the red pencil to improper location. Too Bad.

_Kurz & Bündig_

On the whole, a successful, pleasantly light-compact tripod, where the extremely practical remote control certainly is the main selling point. A real plus for my Alpha 58. Here only the cable could very much still a Tacken be longer. The remaining features is in compliance with the more upmarket standard and stab neither particularly positive nor negative forth. Of course it may at that price also like less overall ABS plastic (particularly at the terminals of the telescopic legs), But if it works as smoothly here as the processing but in principle is fine, you can, however little grumbling. After all, with the 3D head soft smooth pans without annoying creaking and Geknarze it. Waive one must generally to stable, ground-level use, offer to other manufacturers at this price almost self-evident. The pretty cheap nylon bag is not a badge of honor. All in all, cost the Sony smooth a star at bottom-line price-performance ratio.