Hama "Star 62" Tripod | Light Tripod with 64-160cm Height | 3 Way Head | 1/4" Connection for DSLR and System Cameras | With Carrying Case | Champagne

As a first time tripod user and a total amateur when it comes to photography, I wanted a tripod that would make my product photography easier and less shaky than holding the camera myself.This has proven to be terrific value for money and has helped improve my photos enormously. There are loads of features that make adjusting the height/angle of the camera really easy, that, once locked in, holds very firmly too.The locking mechanism for the camera on the base feels really sturdy, and I feel very confident using it that my camera is safe. None of the locking mechanisms are overly complicated and the whole set up process feels very intuitive.Has a nice weight to it, but isn't too heavy, comes in a nice case and packs away quickly. I don't have much to compare with, but for a beginner this has been absolutely brilliant and excellent value for money.

Lightweight yet relatively sturdy tripod for cameras and camcorders, it's fully adjustable/lockable with quick-release catches on the legs. The product is aluminium and has a satin finish (in an off-silver colour).I'm 5'10" and my camcorder sits comfortably at eye-level when this tripod is fully extended (no bending required). The legs are in 3 sections and are fully adjustable from 45 - 120cm with a locking collar on the central column to keep them firmly in place. (The remaining height adjustment comes from the hand-crank central column).The unit stands upon self-levelling rubber feet which create a triangular footprint of 84cm per side when opened to maximum.The tripod comes complete with a black nylon medium density carry bag with shoulder strap only, though there is a separate carry handle on the tripod itself (on central column).There are 2 spirit levels; a 'spot' level at the top of the legs and a 'line' level on the camera base plate, and each of the movable 3-way aspects; pan/tilt/angle moves smoothly for the most part (the vertical crank seems the least smooth). Also, each of these can be locked independently in position as desired. [Another reviewer stated the panning action was not smooth but I've not found that problem on the unit I got].Finally, there's a hook at the bottom to hang weights from for additional stability, the tripod will hold up to 3.5Kg.All in all, very pleased, this tripod's a bit of a bargain really.

For £15 this tripod is Brilliant, I keep it as a backup and it sometimes gets used for my other photographic equipment.I don’t use it for my main photography as it is a little bit too chunky, but this isn’t a major issue, I just happen to prefer another tripod that I own.Fully expanded, and cranked all the way up to max height, it is almost level with my eyes (I’m 5’8).The telescopic legs are in three sections. They are tightened and loosened by the use of plastic clasps that are very secure. The tripod legs are supported by arms that link them to the center column which. These supports provide extra stability and security as there is a ring which can be tightened. This helps prevent the legs closing back up accidentally.There is a stability hook at the bottom of the column. This is used when you need extra stability (outdoors on a breezy day?). This is where you attach your camera bag or something equally heavy, which helps hold the whole apparatus in place.The central column can add extra height (should you need it) by way of a crank handle. As many photographers may suggest, only use this when you absolutely need to. The higher this is cranked, the less stability you will have which will defeat the object of having a tripod!This has a quick release mechanism which uses the standard threads, it seems to work well and you can buy extra plates if you have other cameras, this will let you quickly switch between them without having to undo the plate each time.The camera mount allows you to shoot in landscape as well as portrait, by flipping 90 degrees. However, this is not a perfect right-angle and I would be hesitant in using it in this mode. The angle does seem rather more obtuse than it should be.Speaking of angles, the tripod has a couple of spirit levels. I am not convinced of their accuracy and I would prefer to use something else to check my levels as they seem a bit off.There is a sturdy handle for carrying and and a canvas bag if to keep it protected which can also be used for transport.All in all it’s a lovely bit of kit given the really cheap price you can’t beat it. Perhaps wouldn’t recommend it for a pro photographer, but for an amateur or as a backup, this is perfect for the price, I can’t fault it!