Today I received my new acquire Slik Pro 713 CF, I learned a lot (technique, product review etc) from this forum and thinking to give something to those who looking for this product.
First of all, I will show side by side picture of the tripod with my old Slik U9000 which I used for few years, Initial impression the Slik U9000 feels more solid than my 713 (prob due to heavier weight and aluminum vs. carbon), but I’m sure in real life situation, the 713 will last longer. The weight itself is noticeable lighter than my U9000 eventhough the different is only 100-200 grams max, but the tripod is very sturdy (at least when I tried with my 85 prime). The 713 is very tall tripod, with its extension column including when extended, it’s taller than me (I am 5’9) but I don’t know the stability with long lens if you include the extension column.
The tripod can be adjust to 3 different angles (see picture 2) and it can go low eventhough not as low as other manfrotto / gittos tripods I saw in the youtube but it satisfied my need as I never shoot any macro and gonna use it only for traveling. In pictures 3.1, I show you the lock control to adjust the head, it came with 2 locks (1&2), the manual said it used to help holding long lens as 1 lock might not able to hold the weight. In picture 3.2, you can see how the carbon looks like and in the last small picture 3 in the corner, it shows the control of angles positions, as you have to pull it in able to adjust the leg to the position 2 and 3 (like picture 2). I don’t know if my review is helpful, but when I wanted to buy this tripod, there is no quality pictures available in the internet or even youtube. Thanks
For those who curious I put the tripod with Velbon Ballhead QHD 51Q which initially I bought for my Gorillapod, The ballhead is sturdy enough for all my lens (currently my biggest lens is 10-22) but I suggested to buy larger ballhead if you have lens such as 70-200 2.8.
