First time out with Dynatran 882a, problems already

[fleurya]

I got this tripod because it was affordable and lightweight. The legs have are the twist-tighten type instead of the flipping lock. I didn't tighten it really hard, but one of the legs is already having problems.

When I go to try to loosen it up again, the whole thing kind of turns instead of just the part that loosens it. I know it sounds odd or maybe I'm not doing it right, but that's not the case. It just seems like the build quality of the screw in tightening isn't good and it's not going to last long.

Is this way of securing the legs the preferred method or are the kind that have the flipping lock considered better?

[kevin_c]

I got this tripod because it was affordable and lightweight. The legs have are the twist-tighten type instead of the flipping lock. I didn't tighten it really hard, but one of the legs is already having problems.

When I go to try to loosen it up again, the whole thing kind of turns instead of just the part that loosens it. I know it sounds odd or maybe I'm not doing it right, but that's not the case. It just seems like the build quality of the screw in tightening isn't good and it's not going to last long.

Is this way of securing the legs the preferred method or are the kind that have the flipping lock considered better?

That probably means it was 'cheap' :-) You really do get what you pay for with tripods and heads.

How much did it cost? and more importantly is it still under warranty :-)

I have the Manfrotto 190 PRO B and this has the 'flip' type leves to lock the legs and it's adjustable as well if they loosen up with old age.

[Jejunum]

I got this tripod because it was affordable and lightweight. The legs have are the twist-tighten type instead of the flipping lock. I didn't tighten it really hard, but one of the legs is already having problems.

When I go to try to loosen it up again, the whole thing kind of turns instead of just the part that loosens it. I know it sounds odd or maybe I'm not doing it right, but that's not the case. It just seems like the build quality of the screw in tightening isn't good and it's not going to last long.

Is this way of securing the legs the preferred method or are the kind that have the flipping lock considered better?

i have a dynatran monopod and tripod and they are both great for the price. On the monopod the ball head needed tightening down with allen wrenches as it came from the factory (hard to describe, basically the head portion wasnt secured - even when the friction knob was tight).

anyways I suspect that there might be some way to adjust it, look around?
or contact them - they are really good about returns...

[JohnJ80]

i have a dynatran monopod and tripod and they are both great for the price.

well.... 3 sticks and a rubber band are even a greater deal using that logic.

As above, you get what you pay for in tripods and ballheads.

J

[cfcRebel]

I got this tripod because it was affordable and lightweight. The legs have are the twist-tighten type instead of the flipping lock. I didn't tighten it really hard, but one of the legs is already having problems.

When I go to try to loosen it up again, the whole thing kind of turns instead of just the part that loosens it. I know it sounds odd or maybe I'm not doing it right, but that's not the case. It just seems like the build quality of the screw in tightening isn't good and it's not going to last long.

Is this way of securing the legs the preferred method or are the kind that have the flipping lock considered better?If I understand your ellaboration correctly, the 882a twist lock works as designed. At least it is for my AT-CF994. When locking or unlocking, i just start with the thicker section and work the way down so the thinner section won't turn when twisting the lock.
I agree with Jejunum. It's a great value for the money. I certainly won't expect the tripod is as good as a Bogen or Gitzo when paying that kind of money, but it is 1000 times better than the tripod i get at Walmart or a $40 Slik tripod. Some people like to use the total cost of their Canon gears to determine what tripod to buy, while others seek the best value their money can buy. IMHO, nothing's wrong with either way. Just difference in priority.

[condyk]

Agree with Fee ... there is a way of tightening and releasing these tripods and it is a common approach. Do it correctly and you will have no problems. I prefer the flip type but having had a Dynatran CF94 I know they are decent tripods.

[JohnJ80]

.... but it is 1000 times better than the tripod i get at Walmart or a $40 Slik tripod.

Which is essentially worthless and maybe worse. Not sure that is any kind of a base comparison from which to start. 1000 times nothing is still nothing. These cheap tripods vibrate like a guitar string in the slightest breeze, they fail suddenly when some cheap rivet pulls out, and have little durability.

Are you interested in critically sharp photos with the DOF and exposure you need? Then you need to acquire appropriate gear to support that. It has nothing to do with looking at how much my camera costs and then deciding that I need to buy a similarily expensive tripod. That is simply garbage.

That said, getting all that done takes some serious engineering and it is all put underneath the paint and below the surface. This simply does not happen in the cheap tripods and in most of the knockoffs.

Here is a good example. Read this thread where some guy on Naturscapes is arguing that Benros are as good as Gitzos. Then the Gitzo product manager steps in and starts discussing the differences in construction. You can then see the differences and understand what is in play.

Gitzo commens - Benro C-228 (C-258) carbon fiber tripod (http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=101990&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20)

I'm not advocating Gitzo vs Benro or any other combination. I am advocating that the guys who do the development - like Gitzo, Manfrotto, Giotta, etc... know a lot more about how to make this work and are much more successful than the knock off guys. Consequently, you will be much more successful in having a critically sharp picture in difficult conditions than you would be without.

It all boils down in large degree to the fact that there is no free lunch.

J.

[fleurya]

When locking or unlocking, i just start with the thicker section and work the way down so the thinner section won't turn when twisting the lock.

I thought someone would misunderstand, but that's ok. I've gotten the idea on the best way to tighten and loosen them. It's just when I was tightening one leg up. I must have used a little too much pressure and it moved, kind of like stripping a screw. I guess that's a good analogy. I guess that material is a little weak if I can overcome just with my hand, and not a whole lot of pressure, I might add.

I'll just have to see how it holds out. But what I'd like to know for the next time I eventually need a tripod is, which type of leg-securing method is better: the tightening or the locking mechanism? The flip-lock one would be a lot more convenient, but I actually feel safer knowing that I've tightened and secured the legs with the screwing mechanism.

[cfcRebel]

I thought someone would misunderstand, but that's ok. I've gotten the idea on the best way to tighten and loosen them. It's just when I was tightening one leg up. I must have used a little too much pressure and it moved, kind of like stripping a screw. I guess that's a good analogy. I guess that material is a little weak if I can overcome just with my hand, and not a whole lot of pressure, I might add.

I'll just have to see how it holds out. But what I'd like to know for the next time I eventually need a tripod is, which type of leg-securing method is better: the tightening or the locking mechanism? The flip-lock one would be a lot more convenient, but I actually feel safer knowing that I've tightened and secured the legs with the screwing mechanism.I apologize. It wasn't clear to me. Now i think i know which issue you are referring to. I tried that (tightening the lock with more pressure) on my CF994 and the lock didn't slip. I could tighten it more but no point of doing that since the leg section was locked nicely. I have not used the 882a before but i hope the twist lock is the same as my CF994.
Recently i purchased another Dynatran legs AT-L105T, a new series from Amvona. A lot of enhancements/improvements. The twist lock is one of them. It gives the feel of liquid-like twist and more solid locking mechanism. They also get rid of the approach (where Condyk agreed upon) required when locking or unlocking the leg sections that i mentioned earlier. Now you can start with any section of the legs when locking or unlocking. No need to start with the thicker section and work your way down to the thinner ones. Also, it's air tight now because as i collapse the sections, i hear the air being released, you know, like the absorber used for office door. You'll definitely hear it when collapsing a Gitzo leg. Glad Amvona added the air tight seal. That makes the new Dynatran series even more attractive, and better value. ;)
I love the value i get from the CF994 but the AT-L104T and AT-L105T totally blow me away. :cool: