I was looking into getting the Manfrotto 190XB with 486RC2 ball head for the longest time, but could never find it for less than $200 before tax. Luckily I saw the Induro Adventure Series Tripods on www.vistek.ca starting at $140. I got it for even $10 cheaper using the www.visaperks.ca coupon. So with $8 express shipping (2 days from Ontario to BC), and 5% tax, it only came out to only $145!
Now, I'm obviously not one of those people who only say to buy the best Carbon Fiber tripods that cost $600 for just the legs, and then another $300+ for the head. Their motto is "buy once, and never worry again." Personally, I don't believe in that. I don't think I'll ever have a setup that weighs more than 10 or so pounds. This $130 tripod is just fine, and if it ever happens to break on me, which I doubt, I can buy another one or go for something like the Induro AB1 tripod kit which can support an additional 7 pounds. Still being less than 1/2 the cost of the legs alone. That being said, I forgot to mention that the Induro tripods have a 5 year warranty.
Now onto the actual ABO tripod kit. Why'd I pick it? Well besides the obviously cheap price, it also offered a bunch of features that I was looking for, and other features that are an added bonus. Here's a table that I made comparing the Adventure series tripods, and the Manfrotto 190XB.
Manfrotto 190XB | Induro AB2 | Induro AB1 | Induro ABO | |
| Price | $250 | $180 | $150 | $130 |
| Max Load | 11 lbs (5 kg) | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) | 10.3 lbs (4.7 kg) |
| Max Height | 57.1" (145 cm) | 66.5" (169 cm) | 62" (157 cm) | 56.9" (144 cm) |
| Max Height (column retracted) | 46.6" (118 cm) | 57.9" (147 cm) | 53.5" (136 cm) | 47.8" (122 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 3.1" (8 cm) * | 18.3" (46.3 cm) | 18.7" (47 cm) | 17.1" (43.5 cm) |
| Folded Length | 20.9" (53.1 cm) | 28.5" (72.5 cm) | 26.2" (66 cm) | 20.5" (52 cm) |
| Number of Sections | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Lock Type | Quick Lock | Quick Lock | Quick Lock | Quick Lock |
| Angles | 25, 46, 66, 88 deg | 24, 55, 80 deg | 24, 55, 80 deg | 24, 55, 80 deg |
| Weight | 5 lbs (2.26 kg) | 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) | 3.4 lbs (1.6 kg) | 2.7 lbs (1.2 kg) |
(add 10 cm for head) |
Personally, I want to travel light whenever I can. The ABO only weighs 2.7 pounds with the head! That's almost half the weight of the 190XB with ball head. I wanted something that I can bring around easily. It also folds down to a really small package.
Second, I wanted something taller, and at its tallest, it reaches my eye level at close to 60 inches. My old Velbon CX200 tripod reached 48 inches at best (maybe even less), so I couldn't use it without bending down, and I couldn't use it to take pictures over taller objects.
Next, I was looking for something that can support my camera. Luckily this light weight kit is strong enough to hold a Nikon D700, Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 and Nikon SB-900 Speedlight Flash, and some change. I calculated that the heaviest I'd get in the near future is 10 pounds or less, so this can support my needs. The only way my camera setup would get heavier is if I get the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR. And even that is still less than 10 pounds with the camera body and flash. I don't see myself getting a huge 400mm zoom. If I would, I'd get a stronger tripod for sure. If I had $6000 lying around, I'd think I can spare $180 to get the AB2 if I needed it.
The ABO also comes with a ball head and quick release mount. The ball head allows you to adjust your camera in all directions with just one locking switch. I'm also happy that I can finally adjust my camera to shoot portraits. The quick release mount just allows you to quickly remove and replace your camera onto the tripod. The locking mechanism is really simple to use.
Next, the ABO also can get to a reasonably low level for when I shoot in my light box. Unfortunately it can't get as low as I wanted, but it will suffice. I think you can purchase a different center column to get even lower.
So, a lot of these features are pretty standard, but it also offers more. First, it comes with a padded case and strap. The strap can also be unclipped from the bag, and used to carry the tripod alone. Nice little touch.
The center column also has a hook so you can tie on some additional weight to further support your camera, especially when it gets windy.
The tripod also has a compass in case you ever needed to know which way you are facing, for example if you need to point North for a specific shot.
Now another feature that I really like is that it comes with two bubble levels. One on the actual tripod, and one on the head. Now these are really basic, they are both just rounded levels. To be level you just have to make sure that the bubble is in the middle (within a red circle). My friend had a bubble level attachment which attaches to the hot shoe, so being added onto the tripod is another nice touch.
All of the limbs (legs, and center column) have a groove in them so that they don't rotate. The center column also has an easy to use locking mechanism.
Now onto the cons. The tripod has 4 sections, so there is a little bit more work to expand and collapse the tripod. But, the 4 sections allows the tripod to collapse into a smaller package. When I first held the tripod it did feel a bit unsturdy and weak. Well, it is VERY light weight and NOT carbon fiber, so it will tend to feel a bit unsturdy. But, be sure that it did hold my camera securely with no problems. The legs are also held locked by clips, which some people say get weak over time. But from what I've read, only some brands have screw locks, but they will also take longer to expand and collapse. I'm looking for convenience.
The next problem I have is with the ball head. It seems a bit cheap too. But it safely held my D700, 80-200, SB900 setup securely even at awkward angles. These Induro tripods are also a bit different from what I'm used to. The included ball head actually has the screw attached to it, and it screws into the tripod. So, I'm not sure exactly how to purchase a head by another brand and screw it into this tripod. Normally, the screw is on the top of the tripod, and a new head can be screwed in place. Also I don't like how the locking mechanism rotates with the ball head. I wish it was in the same position all the time.
The tripod legs can only be placed in 3 angles - 24 degrees, 55 degrees and 80 degrees. At first I thought it woudln't be enough, but it honestly is enough. I have a slight problem with the locking mechism though. You have to pull out the locks a bit and then push it back in to lock it. I'm more fond of Manfrotto's locking system where you just have to press down on the lock with your thumb, and when you are at the correct angle, you just let go.
Although I haven't heard much about the Induro brand, I'm happy with my purchase. At only $145 (taxes and shipping included), I got a tripod strong enough to carry my heaviest setup, and is still very small and light weight for me to easily bring on my travels. Sure there's some slight problems, but you can't ask for everything, and at this price, you can't really complain. It gave me everything I was looking for, and a bit more, and I saved over $100. At the time of purchase, I couldn't get the Manfrotto 190XB with ball head for less than $250 before tax.
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