Review on the Slik U212 Universal Tripod

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I found this Made in Japan tripod when nearly give up looking for a inexpensive yet solid tripod which by logic means it will not be light. I was right. This is supposedly a heavy tripod but to me quite okay the weight. I was set on buying a $400 setup at Cathay Photo Marina Square when i noticed this tripod. I was served by Patrick whom i have bought things previously from and he patiently showed me how it works. He also mentioned that as the Slik is a very old line product as its pretty heavy might want to reconsider getting a more modern CF tripod instead but i bought the Slik U212 anyway at $125 using Marina Square voucher as well. Be warned it doesnt come with a free bag and too long for regular gym bags.

This review will be done in steps as i test the tripod in real world conditions. Will come out with findings and conclusion after more testing is done.
0.1 16/12/2008 Preliminary testing of what the tripod can do.

Setup used. Canon 300D + Grip + Bowen SFD 328 Flash + Canon 55-250mm 1.7kg

Preview
http://www.flickr.com/photos/as1_rep...7611289011638/
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...=440904&page=2

Tripod specifications http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-10-2b.html

Video of tripod usage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPdl4o1LrsM <-------------------------

Start of Review~

At first glance, this tripod looks more solid and stable compared to the usual free tripod. In this case the Nikon SL-1200. But as i looked closer, the Slik has a few surprises. If you have seen the video then you may already know.


Nothing special about the plastic head, rated at 2.5kg load..its pretty much decent for most setups. basically have to turn a few dials to make the head pan and tilt. comes with a tilt angle guide, vertical tilt lock knob, Quick release camera post as well as bubble level and panning lock knob.


What you see here is the main body of the tripod. At the neck is a locking collar which you must turn to loosen so that the crank lever can raise or lower the centre column. It also has a brace system for extreme low angle shots. It uses a 3 section non-twist legs. uses lots of shiny nuts and bolts to fix the tripod legs.


Here it is compared with the SL-1200 fully extended. From testing, at this height there is definitely some wobbling if kick the legs but while the slik was able to stabilize itself quickly..the SL-1200 toppled over. Only at half height and center column lowered was the SL-1200 able to withstand a kick to the legs. usually some photographers may use the camera like a periscope and use bodyweight to press on the tripod for added stability or hang something. When both are fully extended no problem for the Slik but the SL-1200 legs looks like its shaking.


Its using 1/4"-20 screw thread so check first if intend to change the default head.

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Uses a quick release camera post to fix the camera onto the tripod. Available at bhphotovideo in case lost which is plausible looking at how small it is.


Here are the rubber leg tips which can be retracted to reveal spikes. Spikes give added stability when used in the field.

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The Various shooting positions...


Standing landscape or kneeling depending on leg extension.


Standing portrait or kneeling depending on leg extension.


Sit down position.


Artillery position. Good for aerial shots at certain angles. Good for back i think. have to extend rear leg full 90 degrees. works in both lowered and extended.


90 degree downwards isnt a problem with this tripod head. While i could see a dropping motion on the SL-1200 head even if tightened, the slik default head shows none of this.

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Simulated in the field.


A good place to try out the spikes.


This may be the most frequently used to take pictures with spikes deeply into the ground.


Here is one i like. Use the centre column as a 4th leg.


Close up. Found that with the spikes and the center column, the tripod was practically un-shakeable.


Here is another setup where if in the scenario of waiting for "animal" to get out of the hole and you are sitting on a chair.

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But then what if need to get lower for macro? Some tripods have removable centre column while other dont even have a centre column.


Its secret lies with this hidden screw thread. With this, you can go lower then low.


Have to check the video to see the exact application but this means you get even more up close then usual and lower then low. best of all, can also do a multi camera setup with a single tripod.


The spikes were really useful for the sandy beaches and uneven ground.

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Decided today to go to Sentosa using the tripod for off road + beach use.











Conclusion.

So far this tripod meets my criteria mostly. from what i observe, this tripod screams to be used in forests, rivers and mountains rather then city usage. After the trip from sentosa, i can safely say if you have ever walked 18 to 21km or more carrying an assault rifle or bigger, no problem with weight. compared to regular tripods, its takes more time to deploy but once deployed is more or less un-movable and i found that at underwater world or the beach which was crowded with people, i did not have to worry about it being accidentally kicked by people as the legs are quite firm...in fact people make a detour which wasnt the case the last time i was here with cheapo tripod and PnS which dropped when people accidentally bump into it or something. Also did a video recording while the tripod was on sand. the pan head wasnt as smooth as there were jerking moments but pretty much okay overall.

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reserved 2.

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reserved 3.

[cheeseme]

Haha Bro. I didn't know this tripod still selling. I bought it almost 15 years ago if I didn't remember wrong. And believe it or not, today it's still serving me perfectly!!!

Will show you some photo if I can, how it looks like when its was made 15 years ago.

Cheers!

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Originally Posted by cheeseme Haha Bro. I didn't know this tripod still selling. I bought it almost 15 years ago if I didn't remember wrong. And believe it or not, today it's still serving me perfectly!!! Will show you some photo if I can, how it looks like when its was made 15 years ago. Cheers!

Good stuff man..Not really selling but more of a clearance sale worldwide in my opinion. doubt will see new stocks made.

If i see my old friend, must thank him for showing me this tripod that time.

Dont show how it was 15 years ago....show how it looks like now


My buying guide for the tripod,

stable and light tripod not cheap, easy to find.
light and cheap tripod not stable, everywhere can find.
cheap and stable tripod not light, even Ebay/Amazon cannot find.

See if the same can be applied to tripod heads.

[othello]

do they have any more stock ?

[amadeuspandora]

Originally Posted by othello do they have any more stock ?

i guess so, i juz bought one today

forgot to add, its made in japan :P

[othello]

just called up both branches. Still have stock but price is $145 cathay pricing is is must go down bargain then they'll give cheaper ?

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Originally Posted by othello just called up both branches. Still have stock but price is $145 cathay pricing is is must go down bargain then they'll give cheaper ?

still same price this week. Bought an extra release plate so that can be used for my camcorder.

[Pokka]

excellent writeup!

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brought the U212 to the Volvo ocean race Family day last night. For those who were there, windy weather was an understatement



clip 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSX2wBETKK4

clip 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JksXCQU7qg

odd that no others had deployed or even brought out their tripods.

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now looking for a bag for this tripod. Been getting surprised looks from other photographers as to its length fully deployed and the size of the tripod. Makes their tripods look insignificant they thinks?

Not going for tripod bag but a gym bag instead...Puma has some nice designs.

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an update...notice at CP-P the Slik U212 is now $179...demand make price increase???

[sbc]

I have an earlier version. It is called Slik 88. Costed me S$145 some 20 years ago. It is rated at 2.5kg max load. I have always wondered why, untill I realised it is the head that is weak. Change it and the tripod can take 4kg load.

[Reportage]

Originally Posted by sbc I have an earlier version. It is called Slik 88. Costed me S$145 so 20 years ago. It is rated at 2.5kg max load. I have always wondered why, untill I realised it is the head that is weak. Change it and the tripod can take 4kg load.

wah 20 years and still with you...i heard this slik u212 has been in production for about 10 years already. Hopefully its a pretty good measurement of just how long it can last.