SLIK 824 CF - Carbon Fiber Tripod

Just got one of the newly released Slik 824 CF tripods.
I was looking for something more compact and lighter, but with the weight bearing capability of my existing 500DX.

First impressions are that it is well made, up to the normal SLIK production standards with a swirl pattern in the main 28mm diameter carbon tubes. It appears well dampened and stable, but the light weight could cause some issues in windy conditions. To combat this, there is a hook at the bottom of the center column to hang a bag off.

It has 4 leg sections held together with beefy leg locks and split center column allowing it to get quite close to the ground. The leg locks are very smooth and do not bind, making it easy when gloves are on. The three leg positions allow the tripod to be splayed out at ground level or set higher up. There are also some nice large grippy rubber feet.

It has a good height when fully extended to 64 inches and would suit most people of average height, when folded down it is extremely compact for the tripod of this size. The center column is not geared and has 2 locks to keep it from moving when raised. It is also reversible to allow the camera to be mounted upside down for macro work.

The tripod platform is thick and has some strong arms connecting to the leg sections, no real chance of this area flexing or bending. Tripod head mount screw is a reversible 3/8 or 1/4-20 in.

As with any CF based equipment, there is the chance of crushing the tubes so the tripod comes with a padded tripod bag for protection.

The price of USD 300 is middle level, but there are some cheaper CF brands available.
The strengths of the Slik appear to be the simple no nonsense design, strong parts and reasonable weight capacity for such a light and compact unit.

Here is the link to the manufacturers website.

http://www.thkphoto.co​m …slik/slik-pro824cf-a.html

Continuing on.

Large grippy leg locks.

great review! do the sections of the legs shift or do they stay put a la gitzo's ALR?

midget wrote in post #11214049
great review! do the sections of the legs shift or do they stay put a la gitzo's ALR?

From my understanding of ALR, the SLIK leg locks work a similar way, just loosen then and the legs can be pulled straight down, you don't need to unwind the legs as well, there is no twisting motion, except to loosen the leg locks.

This statement is from the SLIK website.

"A.R.S (Ant-Rotational System)
All the New SLIK PRO carbon fiber tripods feature a new A.R.S (Ant-Rotational System) designed into the legs and log locks. The A.R.S. systems prevent the leg tubes from rotating inside each other making it much easier to lock and release all the twist-release locks securely. The size of the rubber grips have also been increase in diameter to make them easier to operate. "

wow looks amazing!

I don't think it looks any better than the cheaper chinese CF tripods, maybe the quality of the fittings and finish is a bit better. According to Slik they source the CF tubes from europe, but you can't tell if the quality is any different. I've got 4 Slik tripods, so I knew that the 824CF would be well made and designed.

After three years of use, how has your SLIK 824 survived. I am looking for a small short compact tripod while folded but still be able to support my gear. The SLIK 824 has caught my eye and I figure I may as well ask someone who has it and been using. Thank you.