VANGUARDAlta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminium Tripod with Multi-Angle Column and SBH-100 Ball Head

Leg fell off after 2 months of light use,Tried to contact Vanguard in order to send it for repairs but I got no response.UPDATE: After a month of sending another email (after a response as a comment here) to the official address, I got no response whatsoever. I wish I could get my money back.Verdict: The tripod may initially look sturdy and well-built, but in the case of anything going wrong (and will go), don't expect any repairs from Vanguard. Long term performance and customer service are essential features when looking for a good tripod. Unfortunately, theVanguard Alta Pro 263AB offers none of the two.

I already own a Vanguard Alta Pro 253CP (Carbon).Below is a photo of the side by side comparison of the Specification card that came in the box.Like for like they are very identical.Main differences:1. 253CP is carbon, 263AB 100 is Aluminium2. 253 has a pan and tilt head, the 263 has a ball head.3. 253 has twist and lock legs, 263 has clip legs.4. By default 253 weighs 2.04kg / 263 weighs 2.45kg5. 253 is 5mm shorter that the aluminium 263AB (folded or extended).6. However, closed length of 253CP is 1435mm / 263AB is 1425mm. They somehow made the closed length more for the Carbon.7. 253CP offers a very easy to use quick release plate functionality. The release plate for the 263AB isn't impressive if I'm being honest.8. The 253CP offers in the pan and tilt head Lateral Tilt as well as Front Tilt. With the SBH-100 ball head on the 263AB, you only get a Front Tilt.Other than these main differences, functionality is probably exactly the same (maybe there are differences I am yet to discover).So. It all comes down to price.The Alta Pro 253CP (Carbon) = £200.00The Alta Pro 263AB (Aluminium) = £127.00It all boils down to how much one wants to spend.

This is my first tripod. After 18 months working with my beloved DSLR, I realised I could go no further without one.I spent a very long time researching tripods, but wasn't in a position to buy any of the top end ones. My priorities were flexibility, maximum height, features and portability. I wanted something light enough I could carry around for a long walk, but I was unlikely to be walking all day with it or taking it abroad on a plane, so it didn't need to be one of the super-light traveller models that are more expensive but - inevitably - less stable. What swung me to this one was the retractable spikes (I knew I would get frustrated with any of the ones where you had to remove the rubber ones to put the spikes on) and the different angles you can reach with a centre column that can be set to any angle, rather than just vertical (ie upright or upside down). I'd read the ongoing debate as to whether clips or twist were best for locking the legs, and still wasn't sure what I'd find easiest when I ordered it.All I can say, now I've had a bit of a play with it, is WOW! I think, for me, the clips are definitely better - you can undo all of them for a leg with one action and you know it's locked just by closing it. I think, if I'd gone for a twist option, it could have taken me a while before I was confident I'd got the 'knack' of locking the legs properly (an expensive mistake if they're not!). I'd seen some reviews saying the clips can be hard on your fingers in the cold, and the risk is you pinch your fingers operating them, but these have a rounded edge so they're easy to operate and I haven't had any problems so far.It's easy to fit the plate to the camera, and to then put the camera on the tripod. The ball-head holds the my Nikon D7000 with Nikkor 55-200 lens rock steady at all angles - and I've tried some weird ones! A couple of goes with it, and I'd got the hang of what knobs tightened what bits so I was able to adjust the camera's angle instinctively. Easy to use, even for a first-timer.Obviously, I have little to compare it to (except a few I've looked at in shops) but the feel is solid and sturdy. The same as others who have reviewed this, mine didn't come with the rock bag, but there's someone on Amazon selling these for around £20 - I will probably get one just for times when I may be dealing with very windy conditions (I live on the coast!).Overall, if any beginners are out there wondering which tripod to buy as their first, you won't go wrong with this one.

I’m a professional photographer for almost 10 years now. I was long overdue a new tripod, after lots of research I decided to purchase this one. I have not been let down!!!It’s a sturdy bit of kit, not the lightest but you don’t want a light tripod or it’ll make your camera shake. It comes with spare attachment mounts (what I’ve used one for my lens, and one for camera to save switching about). The spirit levels help guide the camera however at times I can’t see them due to my camera covering.The amount of positions you can put this tripod in is great. It hasn’t restricted me yet with getting the angle I want. I’m still getting used to the ball head though - as not had one before.Overall, great tripod that’s value for money. Comes well packaged, even with its own travel bag. Happy Customer here.

Great tripod. It's both sturdy and incredibly flexible – you can create just about any imaginable composition for your photos. It's a high quality build throughout and precise in handling.On the downside, as a consequence of that relative sturdiness and flexibility, it can get a bit cumbersome lugging around for a whole day on foot depending on circumstances. For reference, I'm a 6ft male in decent shape, and perfectly happy to carry it around London for a day, but would think twice about Snowdon or any long-distance hikes. This is of course not a problem at all if you're intending to use it in fixed locations with transport in between. In terms of air travel, it will never fit into hand luggage, but fits into most checked baggage without a problem – if you remove the centre column, it will shorten the tripod somewhat and make it easier to pack down.Overall, if you have a decent DSLR setup and considering a cheaper, smaller or generally flimsier tripod, definitely get this one instead. If you have a smaller DSLR or point-and-shoot camera AND do a lot of travelling / moving around, you may be better off with a slightly smaller tripod provided it's a good quality build.