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View Full Version : Just got my Amvona.com / Dynatran AT-828 tripod


marka123
3rd of August 2006 (Thu), 00:20
Howdy,

My Amvona.com AT-828 tripod showed up today.

http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=2350

I got it on Ebay direct from them for $75 to my door (note that if you bid on one that there's a $24 shipping charge... I won the auction at $51).

It seems like a nice enough rig. Reasonably heavy duty, seems quite secure. Very, very easily holds my 350D w/grip & Sigma 24-70 f/2.8.

I like how the grip head works, but the reports that the mounting plates on the included Dynatran ATH-918 Ball Grip Head were interchangable with the Manfrotto/Bogen RC2 plates were incorrect. The RC2 plates don't lock into the Dynatran securely and allow movement. The Dynatran plates are a bit larger and lock in securely. In fact, they lock in more securely than the RC2 plates do to my two RC2 receivers (one spare and one for my Manfrotto/Bogen monopod).

Came with a nice canvas bag and a set of convertible swivel / spike feet.

I don't think its quite as nice as the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPRO setup I'd been planning on buying eventually (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=284782&is=REG&addedTroughType=search)... The 3021 pro allows the upright to be mounted horizontally and also has a removeable top portion to put the camera right down on the ground. But the Bogen/Manfrotto grip head I played with at B&H didn't lock as securely as the Dynatran and it doesn't come with a case. Oh, and the 3021BPRO setup is over three times as much money... :-)

I'll probably machine up a different center column setup that steals the removeable top idea from the 3021 so that I can put the camera right down on the ground. The legs do go to a nearly 90 deg. position.

We'll see how everything holds up over time but at the moment I'm quite happy with this thing. Seems to be a _very_ affordable choice for a 'real' tripod if you can get it via Ebay for a similar price.

Mark

EOS mE
3rd of August 2006 (Thu), 02:08
this is a pretty good bang for the buck. i've read some reviews from dpreviews and some ppl that won it loved it.

marka123
3rd of August 2006 (Thu), 08:55
Howdy,

One note for someone looking at these... The AT-828 has a round center column. The AT-858 has a 'keyed' one that looks like it stops the column from rotating.

I can't see any other differences.

Mark

cfcRebel
3rd of August 2006 (Thu), 12:20
Good deal! I don't think you can find any other tripod that is just as good for $75.