Manfrotto Trípode Triman 028b

I often find that I am shooting events where I dont have an elevated platform to see over the top of standing adults. It is vastly more expensive and complex to purchase and setup a riser assembly than to use this tripod and a simple step stool to put the operator up high enough to comfortably operate a camcorder. This is incredibly sturdy. Its long--even when folded--and relatively heavy. But the its extremely sturdy. Most normal uses wont require extending the center column, as the tripod extends to nearly 7 feet without doing so. But even with column extended, its significantly more stable than my previous video tripod.

Its OK. I have heavier and lighter tripods and those are mechanically better than this. So its not the weight class that is the issue, its just isnt well made.

had previous Manfrotto tripod but the handle to lower and higher it is a game changer for me

Amazing tripod. Incredibly solid, even more so when the lower legs are not extended, and one lifts instead the center column. The column mechanism is so smooth, one could use it for special filming effects... If you want to be able to pan hi drag without having the tripod jump, this is the one to get. Fits with tripod head into theMBAG100PNHD bag, even, at the limit, with the very tall N8 head which I use. Just be careful with the column: your camera may hit the ceiling...

I didn't intend to get this tripod, but the single-section-leg one was out of stock and I was short on time. This has ended up be a really great tool - relatively (relatively) light, incredibly tall, and releasing the legs isn't fussy. Great for getting up high in architectural work, 'light' enough to carry around on location, pretty steady. Spreaders feel a bit flimsy, feet seem inclined to turn a bit and let the spikes through, but for the price it's an amazing tripod.