Amvona Dynatran Pro tripod mini review

[cfcRebel]

I told some of you in another thread about the Dynatran compact pro series tripods that i have ordered and i would write up some mini review. I finally received one on Friday evening (i ordered three). The timing couldn't be better because early Saturday morning, i had planned to join a local birding trip. It would be a great opportunity to thoroughly test the tripod. This mini review contains mainly my personal opinion and experience. I don't have any Monfrotto or Gitzo to compared with. So don't expect any head-to-head comparison of those tripods.

Just like some of you, i don't have $200 to spend on a tripod head, and another $200 on tripod legs. So i have been hunting for something that is more solid than a plastic tripod, but doesn't cost me a pair of new EF100-300mm. ;)

Before this Dynatran tripod, i have a $15 Wal-mart tripod - the plastic tripod mentioned above. It is flimsy and nothing can be really tightened. One of the legs would retract even after i extended and locked it. :p It has costed me quite a few good opportunities for nice wildlife pictures.

Ok, the first impression when i pulled the tripod out of its tripod bag (yes, it comes with a nice padded bag), this thing is heavy. I guess i was pampered by the weight of the plastic tripod for so long. But the heaviness immediately has translated into solid built and sturdiness. Oh, i have the * AT-663S compact pro tripod BTW. I quickly assembled the handles and checked all knobs, screws, wheels....etc. Everything seemed perfect. The 3-way pan tilt head is awesome. To test its grip, i mounted my 300D with a BIGMA, together about 6~7lbs maybe, on the tripod. I tilted it left/right, up/down, the head did NOT slip a bit when it's tightened, even when i shook the whole tripod. :cool: Impressive! It was a pleasant surprise for me(who suffered from a loose tripod for a long time). The next thing is to learn how the quick release works. I know, everybody knows this, but u gotta understand, it's new to people like me who came from plastic tripod that doesn't offer sophisticated quick release. I can say the quick release/plate lock mechanism really shows what Amvona is trying to achieve, i.e. immitate the quality of major name brand tripods. A POTN member (longshot) said it right in another thread, Amvona's Dynatran pro series tripod is a Bogen copycat.

Saturday morning birding trip. I took the tripod to the field. I looked extremely clumsy in front of my team mates when setting up my tripod as I was still unfamiliar with the function of the knobs, screws. Different direction means different function. I finally successfully mounted my gear on the tripod, and this time i fully extended all 3 sections of the legs. Oh my, the camera was just right in front of my mouth! I am about 5'9". And i haven't even used the adjustable geared center column to raise the tripod head higher. Man, this tripod offers the height that i thought i could only get from Bogen Monfrotto or Gitzo! I don't have to worry about the tall grass blocking my perfect shot no more.

Carrying the tripod. This tripod allows me to use a "normal" way of carrying that the plastic tripod doesn't. Now i can put the tripod on my shoulder, tripod head/camera at the back of my ear, and the tripod legs pointing forward. I couldn't do this with the plastic tripod because the pan head would be all out of positions because it couldn't be tightened good enough. The Dynatran tripod also has foam rubber tripod leg protectors on two legs, makes it easier on your shoulder when carrying.

In general, i am very please with this new Dynatran tripod. I need to get used to the weight though, but it would be the same if i got other professional tripods. Now i think i won't use the 4-letter word as often when using tripod to shoot. :lol:
Please don't be mistaken by my comment above. I am not saying Dynatran is as good as a Bogen or Gitzo when comparing apple to apple. But IMHO i think Dynatran is great for the price, best bang for the buck. Would i recommend this tripod to anyone who is looking for a good tripod but has limited fund? Absolutely! But if u have the money, by all means, go get a good Bogen or Gitzo. :)

Feel free to post any comment and/or question. Click the following link to see the specs of the tripod. AT-663S (http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/flypage&category_id=f9419558b13b1c51d6c23c56d5ab586e&product_id=1919)

Thanks for reading.

cfc

[wareseeker]

Hey, very good review.

[dsze]

Thanks for that review. I must say that I've been VERY pleased with my Dynatran AT-6703 as well. Excellent "bang for the buck."

-daniel

[scott stokes]

Thanks for the review.I have been looking for something to replace the junky one i have. thanks scott

[cfcRebel]

You are welcome. ;)

[cokinut]

excellent review :)

I have the AT-6703 and it's EXCELLENT! my only complaint, not a big complaint, is that it is a very heavy tripod package. But the thing is rock solid, comes with a monopod & pistol ball head grip, and a nice bag. I would definately buy one again. I'm gonna get something more lightweight. I'll be checking their site in a few.

[cfcRebel]

Thanks. I wish i can affort a 6703. I like it because it's a nice tripod/monopod combo. And the ballhead looks really nice for fast setup and breakdown.

[tucked]

Hey, thanks for the review. I am in the market for a new tripod, and in need of a monopod... so I am looking seriously at the Dynatran 6703. I hope to be getting me a good deal on one on ebay in the VERY near future... UNLESS I get talked out of it here before my purchase. Anybody that owns one already have any problems yet. How about the monopod... how is it holding out.

Thanks

[dsze]

...been very happy with my 6703. I've had to tighten one of the screws on the trigger grip once, but thats it. I don't use tripod for most of what I do, and I am not overly abusive, but I do use it for some shots in just about every paid shoot that I do and I put a 10D/grip, flash, and sometimes 70-200 f/4 on it...and it holds nicely.

-daniel

[tucked]

...been very happy with my 6703. I've had to tighten one of the screws on the trigger grip once, but thats it. I don't use tripod for most of what I do, and I am not overly abusive, but I do use it for some shots in just about every paid shoot that I do and I put a 10D/grip, flash, and sometimes 70-200 f/4 on it...and it holds nicely.

-daniel

Daniel,

How good is the monopod? A monopod is actually what I am in most need of, and what I feel I would get the most use out of...but i really need a tripod to replace my (um) vivitar tripod also. I know there are probably better monopods... but for the price for both... Will it do me okay? I am "just" an enthusiastic dance dad who likes taking pictures of his daughter.:lol:

[felix21685]

thanks for the review cfc.
how long did shipping take ?

[Keiffer]

Nice review Fee, But where da hell are da pics?? You do still own a camera right? LOL I look forward to seeing some pics, can you tell. LOL

[dsze]

Well, I've never had another mono to compare it to, but it seems to work fine. I really don't use it much though, so I'm probably not qualified to make a real statement about it. The couple of times I've used the mono w/out the rest of it, its worked great.

-daniel

[cfcRebel]

thanks for the review cfc.
how long did shipping take ?You're welcome. I didn't pay for premium shipping, so it took slightly more than a week to arrive.

Nice review Fee, But where da hell are da pics?? You do still own a camera right? LOL I look forward to seeing some pics, can you tell. LOLHeh hey bro, sorry for the missing pics. The tripod is attached to my Bigma at all time, and the Bigma is mounted on my camera 24/7 too. So how the heck am i able to take pictures of the tripod? LOL! :lol:
I'll get a few pictures of it soon. ;) Stay tune.

[Duder]

After months of bidding on ebay but not allowing myself to exceed $75 I finally won an AT-6703 auction for $62. :) they've generally been going for $80-110, although I did see one go for $51 one day.

now I can finally experiment with long exposures and night photography.

[kaitanium]

got a dynatran at858cl and its rock solid. if course gitzos, manfrottos, just look more distinguished and elegantly build but for dynatrans price, you just cant beat it

[Mitcon]

I'm hoping these are great, I just won an Ebay auction on the AT CF94 legs. Seemed a little too cheap to me but I hear good things about them so I'm hoping I got a really good buy.

[DozerLYP]

i'm looking for the DynaTran 6703 and i can't find any places that still have this item. is there any tri/monopod as good for about the same price range?

[tucked]

I have a diff Dynatran tripod that I have had for quite awhile. Still works as good as new. If you search ebay for 6703 Tripod.... there are currently 13 on there. Try real hard as I did for mine and you can get a great deal...

[DozerLYP]

thanks, i did look on ebay before, but i guess i typed it wrong, and couldn't find any. now lets see for how much i can pick up one...

[cfcRebel]

thanks, i did look on ebay before, but i guess i typed it wrong, and couldn't find any. now lets see for how much i can pick up one...Hi there,

I think the AT-6703 has been replaced by some newer Dynatran models. Check out the AT-L104T legs and ATH-05H ballhead. Much better quality than the 6703 but not much difference in price, if bid carefully and patiently. :D
Good luck.

[DKphoto]

I just purchased but have yet to receive the Dynatran AT-A103T enDurance Carbon Fiber tripod legs from Amvona (via eBay) for about $100 and I'm second guessing my purchase. In the course of bidding across a few items I failed to realize some small differences and I'd like some opinions. First of all the max height of the tripod is 60" (5 feet) which seems rather short. It says it can hold about 17.5 lbs, and I believe that is sufficient to hold my Canon 30D and 70-200 f/4L, right?
Trying to weight out my options and don't know if I'm missing the obvious.

Tripod is 3-4lbs versus 9lbs on other models. However extending only to 5 feet seems rather short. I plan on using the portraiture as well as some outdoor photography. Nothing too wild and crazy. The weight seemed to be a nice thing for me because I'd consider taking it on a trip or up a mountain; even a trek through the city where another 5lbs on my back might become cumbersome. I really am not in the market to buy a Bogen or Manfrotto. I DO want a sturdy tripod that should get me through just about any photography I'd be doing (indoor or outdoor). Any recommendations? Anyone have experience with this model or like models? Any head recommendation? They have a 54mm ball head for about $50.

[cfcRebel]

I just purchased but have yet to receive the Dynatran AT-A103T enDurance Carbon Fiber tripod legs from Amvona (via eBay) for about $100 and I'm second guessing my purchase. In the course of bidding across a few items I failed to realize some small differences and I'd like some opinions. First of all the max height of the tripod is 60" (5 feet) which seems rather short. It says it can hold about 17.5 lbs, and I believe that is sufficient to hold my Canon 30D and 70-200 f/4L, right?
Trying to weight out my options and don't know if I'm missing the obvious.
Hi DKphoto,

Based on the specs, the A103T is more than enough for your 30D+70-200f4 setup. So, that part you don't need to worry. When the tripod legs are fully extended, it's 60" tall. When you put on a tripod head, it's another 5" or 6". I believe you can also raise the center column another inch or two if it's still not tall enough after adding the head.
The Dynatran that i have are CF94, and L105T. They are both tall enough for me (5'9") but a little heavier than the A103T. If you want to get a good Dynatran ballhead, get the ATH-A03 instead of the A04. The slide-in clamp works better IMHO.

[DKphoto]

...They are both tall enough for me (5'9") but a little heavier than the A103T. If you want to get a good Dynatran ballhead, get the ATH-A03 instead of the A04. The slide-in clamp works better IMHO.

Thank you for the quick response. Did yours come with feet? It appears as if the lesser models have feet and these do not. I was between the A03 and A04 and it's funny because the A04 looks like it has a better quick release and plate from the photo. I will definitely go with your recommendation though.

[cfcRebel]

Did yours come with feet? It appears as if the lesser models have feet and these do not. You mean the flexible rubber that can rotate all directions? My CF94 came with those but i have lost all 3 of them. Maybe that's why the new Dynatran, like the L105T, no longer uses those feet.

[laxx]

I just won a bid on the Amvona AT-A103T tripod. I'm a little worried about the max height of 60" + 5" from ballhead since I'm 6'1", but we'll see how it goes. If it's not tall enough, I'll have to shell out the extra money for the AT-A105T.

[cfcRebel]

I just won a bid on the Amvona AT-A103T tripod. I'm a little worried about the max height of 60" + 5" from ballhead since I'm 6'1", but we'll see how it goes. If it's not tall enough, I'll have to shell out the extra money for the AT-A105T.For general use, i think A103T (60" + 5") should be fine. I am 5'9", when i fully extended my A105T legs, it's too tall even without ballhead. :o So, i seldom extend the legs all the way.

[laxx]

Does the center column rise at all? The specs aren't clear as to whether 60" maximum height is with or without the center column. If the center column could rise a few inches, I think it would be a perfect height for me.

[cfcRebel]

Does the center column rise at all? The specs aren't clear as to whether 60" maximum height is with or without the center column. If the center column could rise a few inches, I think it would be a perfect height for me.I know the max height stated on the specs for both my CF994 and L105T is without raising the center column. So, i think it's the same for your L103T. You should be fine.

[laxx]

That's the best news I've heard this week, aside from Amvona shipping it out the day after I ordered... I think.

[cfcRebel]

That's the best news I've heard this week, aside from Amvona shipping it out the day after I ordered... I think.
Please let us know how you like the L103T. I was asked a few times to recomment some good quality light weight tripod that does not break a bank. The L103T might make the cut but i need more information. :)

[linuxguy]

I'd like to hear how this worked out. I'd like to buy a decent tripod that doesn't break the bank.

Thanks.

[cfcRebel]

I'd like to hear how this worked out. I'd like to buy a decent tripod that doesn't break the bank.

Thanks.Yep, Amvona offers the best value when it comes to budget tripod. I posted some recommendations in the tripod thread you started.

[Dunderhead]

+1 for the 6703. Purchased on e-bay. Rock solid. Would purchase again.

-Brian

[DStanic]

What are the current models of Amvona/Dynatran? I'm looking on ebay and am a little confused.

[cfcRebel]

What are the current models of Amvona/Dynatran? I'm looking on ebay and am a little confused.There are several Dynatran models available on eBay, for different needs. So, what do you plan to use it for/with? :)

[DStanic]

Well I don't use a tripod very often, usually for night pics (landscape), shooting the moon, a little bit indoors, pretty basic. I like the idea of light weight, but if it's going to be flimsy like my $40 tripod then I'd rather lug around a few more pounds. I'd like it to be good enough to hold a gripped 40D with 70-200 f/2.8 IS as a maximum weight that I'd ever put on it. Right now I just have my XTi and a cheap Tamron 75-300 which doesn't weigh very much, but it's too much for my cheap tripod to handle.

[cfcRebel]

Well I don't use a tripod very often, usually for night pics (landscape), shooting the moon, a little bit indoors, pretty basic. I like the idea of light weight, but if it's going to be flimsy like my $40 tripod then I'd rather lug around a few more pounds. I'd like it to be good enough to hold a gripped 40D with 70-200 f/2.8 IS as a maximum weight that I'd ever put on it. Right now I just have my XTi and a cheap Tamron 75-300 which doesn't weigh very much, but it's too much for my cheap tripod to handle.There are a few Dynatran that might fit your need. I recommend the AT-858 (http://cgi.ebay.com/PROFESSIONAL-CAMERA-TRIPOD-KIT-BALL-GRIP-HEAD-AT-858_W0QQitemZ180213402507QQihZ008QQcategoryZ30094Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). It is rock solid and sturdy. More 858 discussion from other members can be found here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=293310). Currently i don't see this model available for auction on eBay but check back later. They might list a new batch soon.

I prefer to buy the head and legs separately (just personal preference :)). Amovona's Nomad series is their newer tripod generation. Check out the AT-L102T (http://cgi.ebay.com/AMVONA-PRO-PHOTO-CAMERA-TRIPOD-BASE-LEGS-AT-L102T_W0QQitemZ360025184844QQihZ023QQcategoryZ3009 5QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)legs. Quite affortable if bid carefully/patiently. It weights only 3.5 lbs and could support heavy gears. It would very ideal if you pair it with a ATH-A03 (http://cgi.ebay.com/AMVONA-PRO-CAMERA-TRIPOD-ACTION-BALL-HEAD-ATH-A03_W0QQitemZ200201453121QQihZ010QQcategoryZ30095Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)large ballhead. I even see a ATH-A04 (http://cgi.ebay.com/AMVONA-PRO-CAMERA-TRIPOD-ACTION-BALL-HEAD-ATH-A04_W0QQitemZ200201470632QQihZ010QQcategoryZ30095Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)becomes available for auction currently. It's been missing on ebay for quite some time. They contain a 44mm-diameter ball. The larger it is, the better its grip. If the bid on those ballheads go beyond your budget, take a look at the ATH-H95 (http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-CAMERA-TRIPOD-ACTION-MAGNESIUM-ALLOY-BALL-HEAD-H95_W0QQitemZ180217451775QQihZ008QQcategoryZ30095Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)magnesium ballhead. It is a pretty capable ballhead too. Hope this information helps.

I started out with a Dynatran AT-663S tripod. Currently I have:
one ATH-H95 ballhead
one ATH-A04 ballhead
two ATH-A03 ballheads
a set AT-818 legs
a set of AT-CF94 carbon fiber legs
two sets of AT-L105T legs

I've been extremely happy with their performance for the price i paid. :)

[DKphoto]

Is the AT-6703 not available any more? If so what model has replaced it and is it as good.

[dsze]

Hi DKPhoto: I"m not sure if it's still available or not, but I can tell you that I hardly ever (maybe once/year) use a tripod as it just doesn't fit into my style of shooting and workflow. If you're interested in this tripod, I'd be happy to make you a deal on it.

[E James P]

http://amvona.com/home
Amvona still exist It just does not sell from ebay anymore .
Here is the online store