Anyone have or used a Manfrotto MK394-H Tri-pod

Just looked at one at Best Buy and it seemed pretty solid and wasn't going to break the bank at 99.00.
Says it's rated at 7.7lbs . Looking for something to use with my 7D-70x200 setup.

Camera is 1.8lbs and the lens is 3.15 lbs. so it's 5lbs o a setup. I would get something better that holds more weight.

I've always been told (and noticed as I use more varied equipment) that the capacity rating on a tripod should always be divided by 2.

So using that scale the tripod you are looking at shouldn't be used with over 3.3 pounds of gear.

cbowlsby wrote in post #16366112
I've always been told (and noticed as I use more varied equipment) that the capacity rating on a tripod should always be divided by 2.

So using that scale the tripod you are looking at shouldn't be used with over 3.3 pounds of gear.

Dividing by 3 is a much better way to go.

Unfortunately, the weight capacity ratings of tripods are not based on any standardized test and, as a result, every manufacturer's ratings (and maybe even ratings on different tripods from the same manufacturer) are unique. In addition, weight capacity in no way reflects how sturdy (the ability to hold its load motionless) a tripod is.

SkipD wrote in post #16366123
Dividing by 3 is a much better way to go.

Unfortunately, the weight capacity ratings of tripods are not based on any standardized test and, as a result, every manufacturer's ratings (and maybe even ratings on different tripods from the same manufacturer) are unique. In addition, weight capacity in no way reflects how sturdy (the ability to hold its load motionless) a tripod is.

I agree with the better safe than sorry attitude. But why not divide by 4, 5 or 6? If there is no standardization at all, then there is no number that makes sense to divide by.

Frodge wrote in post #16366142
I agree with the better safe than sorry attitude. But why not divide by 4, 5 or 6? If there is no standardization at all, then there is no number that makes sense to divide by.

My experience is that, at least with good tripod manufacturers like Manfrotto, if you only load their tripods to 1/3 the specified maximum weight, they are reasonably sturdy.

I just ordered a vanguard alta pro with and sbh-250 head. The head holds 44 lbs and the legs hold 15.4. Go figure. Those legs have the same load capacity as the 055xprob. How does that work? Weakest link idea?

Well just needed something for tomorrow and was wondering. I got the highest rated weight they had on hand.

Sunpak Ultra 7000TM....seems pretty solid.
http://www.adorama.com …ODJ86HukroCFc9i​7Aod9hMAIQ

That unit has leg braces which tend to kick up the load rating quite a bit, especially on 4-section legs.

Leg braces also greatly reduce the adaptability of a tripod to odd situations because they prohibit changing the angle of the individual legs. This could be significant if setting up in some environments where one leg would best swung way out compared to the others as an example. One example is setting up a tripod right adjacent to a stone wall. If one leg can be set way out, the centerline of the tripod can be right up to the edge of the wall.