Manfrotto 7302YB M-Y Tripod with Ball - Replaces 725B: Customer Reviews & Product Details

This tripod feels very solid and sturdy. It has nice finish, the ball-head and quick-release lock solidly in place with no "slop" and all adjustments work smoothly. The leg adjustment levers are plastic and I worry a little about durability but we'll have to wait and see. The two-position leg angle mechanism is clever and will undoubtedly be useful. I was very disappointed to find that the tripod was made in China, something that might have influenced my purchasing decision.

I have this tripod now for about 3 months. I use it extensively for outdoor low-light photography with a Nikon D5000 and a set of 18-55, 55-200 zooms and a 35mm prime lens, and have got very good results. I have been able to take excellent night shots of the Chicago skyline using exposures of up to 15 seconds. The tripod helps take very sharp pictures and does not suffer from any vibration or instability. The ball head is very easy to use. The build quality is excellent. It is light but sturdy, and looks good too. I would highly recommend it to those who need a light tripod for travel (though I use it all the time in all situations, it is my only tripod).

Typically I do not extend the neck, but rather bend down to peer into the viewfinder and compose the shot. I am 5'4" and find this to be very simple to do. If I do extend the neck the viewfinder reaches my eye level without me having to stoop. I also find the quick release to be excellent and I can take the camera off the tripod in a flash to take quick candid shots. The camera can be placed back on the ball head using one hand only.

Contrary to one of the other reviews, this tripod DOES come with a case. Overall an excellent product and worth every dollar.

I was looking for a tripod for my wife who has a fondness for photography, a photographer friend recommended me this brand, and I am very satisfied with this purchase. Thanks.

but when I used it the first time in the field the bail used to tighten the screw to hold the scope to the locking plate came off in my fingers. Got that replaced, and then got the legs extended. When I flipped the lock lever open to raise the center post it broke off in my fingers. This scope has some nice design attributes, but my experience it is too fragile. Beyond the broken parts, it did function as expected in the field and is convenient for air travel. I contacted Manfrotto about replacement parts and after providing proof of purchase they supplied a diagram so I could select the needed parts which they sent at no cost to me.

To this point I am satisfied with their customer service and materials support. After more extensive use in the field I will edit again with longer term durability and performance.

The best tripod is the one you have with you. At only 3.24lbs (1.47kg) you are much more likely to carry this tripod with you.

For how light and versatile it is, I think value for the price is second to none. This tripod and ballhead are rated for 3.5kg (7.7 lbs). I have used this for my D700 with 70-200mm f/2.8 and Nikon 2x extender and it has worked like a champ in all situations.

Here are some of the amazing features of this tripod

3.24lbs tripod holds 7.7lbs of camera!

2 position legs with 3 quick adjusters to switch position- This allows you to get more stability when needed and space is available. Also, it gets the camera closer to the ground.
The quick release plate (QRP) is the bomb. First, it is a no-tools-required plate to put on the camera or lens. Next because the release locks open when you remove the plate, it is a one handed affair
to put the camera back on. Brilliant.

Reversible ballhead column- With this you can put the legs out in the far position, and mount your camera upside down underneath the tripod. You could even point the camera straight down. If you
have the plate on a collar mount you can even spin your camera upright. This is fantastic for getting down low for macro shooting. Why pay for the extra weight and complexity of a macro arm when
you can get 95% of the capability with this tripod.

Ballhead is fast and fairly accurate to use.

Cons
Legs are only 2 position instead of multi-selectable. To my mind this saves weight and makes the tripod more portable but it can make the tripod less stable in a tricky footing situation.

Quick release plate is uni-directional so you need to watch how you mount it on the camera. This caught me out the first time I put it on the camera. It would not lock into place so I didn't drop the
camera but you can trigger the release mechanism to close. No problem since just something to be aware of.

Like all ballheads, the camera moves very slightly after setting the ballhead. This can be fairly significant at super tele distances.

Doesn't come with a case. A case would be nice but I am just nit picking.

Overall, this is a brilliant tripod that is fast, fun to use and easy to tote. Why pay 2 to 3 times the price of this to get a 11 lbs rated tripod and tote around 5-7 lbs when this will work in a vast majority of situations? (I don't think mounting a 300mm f/2.8 on this tripod would be a good idea but a 300mm f/4 would be fine)

Please note, I actually purchased the 7322CY version of this kit which is the carbon fiber version of this kit. It cost $40 more and weighs in at 2.8 lbs.(I don't believe this is available in the US yet) I have used both of these and they perform equally well. I purchased the CF version for the lighter weight and other CF benefits.