Slik U9000 Tripod with 3-Way Fluid-Effect Head and Built-In Bubble Level,Silver | 3-section aluminum tripod with 3-way pan head and bubble level for photography, videography and travel

I recently received this tripod as a gift and I am very happy with it so far. It is indeed light-weight yet very sturdy and steady. The pan action is very smooth and I really like the Quick-release feature on the head where the camera is mounted so I can take the digital camera right to my computer without having to mess with removing it first from the mounting pin. The only thing that is a tad odd is that when you want to remove the camera from the mounting plate, you have to use either a coin or a screw-driver to turn the threaded pin but that is really a non-issue and it is easy to turn anyways. I like the locking mechanisms for the legs and everything is easy to adjust. Yes it seems pricey but either you want quality or you want something cheap and the two do not go hand in hand and just because one is not into professional photography does not mean you should skimp on a decent tripod. If you are looking for a tripod then I suggest considering this one.

Very pleased with the tripod - it has a very nice silky feel to the catches and threads that hold the head in place. I wouldn't call it 'heavy duty' by any stretch, but it can handle my Nikon D50 with a Nikkor 70-300mm zoom on it, without much problem. I have used a video tripod with my camera and it kept everything pretty tight and steady, for even long night-time shots. This one does the same, but isn't as heavy or bulky to carry. However, if you have an older, heavier camera or use heavier lenses, this might not be for you. For all-purpose serious amateur use with modern cameras, it's fine. Pretty lightweight for travelling and fits very nicely in the bag, which I also bought (from separate Amazon vendor). Minor irritations - I probably could use a few more inches on this, as I'm 6' 2", but it's manageable. Also screw plate that fixes to the camera needs to be screwed down quite tightly to prevent movement. Otherwise all fine so far - very happy with the product and vendor.

I'm very please with this tripod. The operation is solid, smooth and precise. And I was very tempted to give this 5 stars but was not able to due to the camera mount screw being an exposed flat head screw that requires either a coin or small flat edge to tighten it up to the camera. They really should have put a knurled wheel around this screw so that you could hand tighten it to your camera base. Most people do have coins with them and can readily fish one out of their pocket/book to tighten the screw. But iI think it's a bit short-sighted on SLIK's part as even my 50 year old tripod incorporated this means to easily hand tighten and anchor the screw to the camera base.. The tripod finish is terrific, smooth and satin-like as the material lends itself to being strong yet lightweight (about 3 lbs.). The legs and feet are quickly and fully adjustable for most any length and surface I think you'll encounter. The small bubble balance is visible and should prove to be of assistance if you're inclined to wonder about your camera's level. The lever and crank to pivot, adjust as well as swivel is just what you would expect in operating smoothly and supporting any viewing angle you desire. I use this with a Canon EOS Rebel series and as it supports that weight just fine and am sure it would support quite a bit heavier of equipment as well. Overall I'm please with this tripod and think it was a good investment.

I have always used Slik tripods. When I lost my U-212 I had to replace it quickly but couldn't afford another, so I saw this and figured it would suffice. Much to my surprise, this tripod was sturdier than expected. It is easy to adjust and with the ability for vertical shots, makes it very versatile indeed. If you're looking for a quality tripod at a great price, this is the one.

This is NOT a "heavy duty" tripod, nor is it for the serious creative amateur using a video camera. The instructions enclosed said the tripod could withstand a camera up to 4lbs. 3oz., but when I used a video camera just under 4lbs., the top assembly flopped over easily and had to be tightened VERY tightly with the handle grip, which then kept me from moving the camera vertically or at angles during during filming. In order to move the head up and down during a shoot, the handle must be unscrewed many turns, and the whole upper assembly (and camera) jiggles always while doing this, thus ruining any attempts at smooth transitional shots, which in turn ruins the video. I do not know how this would be with a small ultra lightweight camera, though. Also I did not like the way the small plastic piece attaches to the bottom of the camera--it has to be screwed in and secured by using a coin. If one wants to set up or take down the equipment quickly, one as to rummage around for a nickel somewhere, and then hang onto it for later. This plate piece could have easily been designed with a serrated knob (for traction) that could simply be turned by hand without any hassle, like I have seen on other better models. However, this being said, I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 or a 1, because the price is very good, the assembly head DOES move very smoothly horizontally, even with a heavy camera, and the tripod is very lightweight and sturdy for its size. It is great for still cameras, and for limited lightweight video use. If I had to do it over, I would not have bought this tripod, but gotten a more professional one for a higher price. -K.Brett

Very simple to use, basic, not complicated

This is my second Slik tripod; this one lasted less than a year. The first one only about two. The plastic clips extending the legs snapped in half on both occasions. I'm disappointed, I really liked this lightweight tripod, but I need something reliable in the field.

I use this with my Canon Rebel T3i. Gone on a couple Senior Photo shoots, it's worked great for that. Take macro photos with extension tubes on, it holds my camera steady. The pivot points feel strong, and they have no problem holding my zoom lens up. Quick release plate is awesome. This is an excellent quality tripod, and I am very happy with my purchase.

i bought this for my boyfriend. it's a good quality and he loves it.