Giottos Tripods
The VT-802
The smallest of the bunch is the VT-802, it’s very lightweight and the legs have 3 sections and each section has a tab which you can flick open allowing the legs to drop via that clever thing called gravity.
The centre column can be locked by a simple twist and a three sided brace allows the tripod to be used in small tight areas. The pan and tilt head is a little clunky but it does the job and the quick release plate again makes this a good choice if you need to get your camera back in your mitts pretty damn quick.
The IY-232
Next up is the larger IY-232 it’s heavier which makes it appear more sturdy but it’s not too heavy if you’re lugging it on location. The legs once again are in three sections and tabbed for fast release. The studs on the legs are just like the VT-802 but slightly larger, the main difference is that it has a ratchet centre column which is raised and lowered by using a small handle. If you need to raise/lower the height at speed this is not the tripod to choose although it would be more than adequate for landscapes, which tend to stay put. However the 232 has got a locking collar for the central brace which gives it extra rigidity and the centrally positioned handle is a useful addition.
The MT 9170
Finally there’s the MT 9170 which is a seriously piece of kit, it’s solidly built and on a long trip it could prove too heavy but someone has obviously thought about weight and comfort at the design stage as if you carry the 9170 over your shoulder the padded legs would provide comfort and support. Each leg can be moved independently which is a real plus point for uneven terrain and awkward spaces. The legs are divided into three and are secured by chunky twist and locks, rather than tabs - in principle it’s an alternative but in practise slow as you have to twist them all the way to lock. There’s also leg lock levers at the top and a central leg angle setting ring basically enabling you to lock the legs for pre-determined positions. The feet are big knobs, they’re big and they’re knob shaped.Look for Giottos Tripods at our ONLINE STORE.Discuss this news & share your opinion on our PHOTO FORUM.
Next up is the larger IY-232 it’s heavier which makes it appear more sturdy but it’s not too heavy if you’re lugging it on location. The legs once again are in three sections and tabbed for fast release. The studs on the legs are just like the VT-802 but slightly larger, the main difference is that it has a ratchet centre column which is raised and lowered by using a small handle. If you need to raise/lower the height at speed this is not the tripod to choose although it would be more than adequate for landscapes, which tend to stay put. However the 232 has got a locking collar for the central brace which gives it extra rigidity and the centrally positioned handle is a useful addition.
The MT 9170Finally there’s the MT 9170 which is a seriously piece of kit, it’s solidly built and on a long trip it could prove too heavy but someone has obviously thought about weight and comfort at the design stage as if you carry the 9170 over your shoulder the padded legs would provide comfort and support. Each leg can be moved independently which is a real plus point for uneven terrain and awkward spaces. The legs are divided into three and are secured by chunky twist and locks, rather than tabs - in principle it’s an alternative but in practise slow as you have to twist them all the way to lock. There’s also leg lock levers at the top and a central leg angle setting ring basically enabling you to lock the legs for pre-determined positions. The feet are big knobs, they’re big and they’re knob shaped.Look for Giottos Tripods at our ONLINE STORE.Discuss this news & share your opinion on our PHOTO FORUM.
Read the full review of the Giottos Tripods.
Technorati Tags: tripods, giottos, digital cameras, photo news
Loading ...