Vanguard Tourist-5 Travel Tripod

Pros:
-Exceptional value for money
-Extremely compact; will fit easily into any small pack or even a larger-sized purse.
-Quality carrying bag (mentioned in a previous review)
-Item arrives fully lubricated (functionally, not excessively), which makes for quick and smooth use of all functions.
-Lockable axes allow for accurate horizontal- and/or vertical-only panning, as well as rotating the camera to shoot at different angles (most likely between portrait and landscape).
-Quick release shoe allows you to mount a small attachment to the bottom of your camera and then mount/dismount from the tripod with the quick flip of a lever.
-When fully extended, I can still comfortably take pictures while standing and bending over slightly (I stand 5'10").

Cons:
-This tripod is not recommended for rough ground or use as a jungle gym. The emphases placed on being lightweight and compact requires the inevitable sacrifice of strength and durability. If you are rough or careless with your equipment, this is not the tripod for you.
-The nature of the legs (similar to the extendable chrome antenna you might find on a boom box, with passive locking mechanism) is such that it's difficult to set mid-range height settings that you might want if, say, you were taking pictures from a sitting or crouching position. The tripod works very well in the fully-extended or fully compacted setting.
-This unit does lack a bubble level. I won't miss the level at all, though, as I never require that my tripod be precisely level.
-The other noticeable sacrifice made for value and reduced weight comes in the tripod head. Unlike the heavier duty, more upscale tripods, the panning motion is slightly more rough and/or uneven. The bearings and materials in more upscale tripods make it much easier to do slow, controlled pans, similar to those seen in movies. However, this should only be a problem for people who would use a video camera with this tripod. Still photographers needn't worry.


Frustrating!!!   September 18, 2004
Edward R. Mcgough (Boston, MA USA)
81 out of 85 found this review helpful

One of the most frustrating pieces of equipment I have ever bought. The legs need to be fully extended for them to securely lock into place, if not, a simple adjust to the camera causes the leg(s)to collapse. Get set for that perfect picture, press zoom, there goes the leg. Better off buying a tripod with individually locking leg sections.


Very disappointed   December 27, 2005
P. J. Ward
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

I ordered this specifically for travel but it was not as advertised. The legs did not lock and continualy collapsed right out of the box. There were no leveling bubbles, as advertised. However, the enclosed information said it may or may not have them. I was very disappointed.


Legs don't lock well   December 29, 2005
Sarah
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

Great tripod for the price. It is sturdy and quite compact. Fits nicely in my backpack while hiking. My biggest problem is with the legs. Unless they are all fully extended, they don't like to lock in place. This makes it very difficult when trying to set it up on eneven surfaces. It is great when fully extended. I am about 5'8" and find it comfortable to use without having to bend or slouch too much.


Good product for the price   July 14, 2004
15 out of 19 found this review helpful

Please beaware that it doesnot have a Bubble level. I initially checked all the features of this product while buying online, and was quite interested in the bubble level. But the actauol product doesnot have a bubble level.

As such it work fine and is quite sturdy, plus compact. The Carry bag is of quite good quality.