Slik Tripod

[Raven Garrow]

I just looked at a Slik tripod and liked it. The 700 DX. I wasn't quite sure if this model was sturdy enough for a 6 to 8 lb. monorail 4x5. I was wondering if anyone knew if it was, or another model.

[M.]

Definitely sturdy enough for heavy 4x5 or 5x7. The QC head might be a little less than solid, though.

[Jeffrey Goggin]

I use one with my ~9lb. Toyo 23G and it works just fine. The panhead that comes with it is fairly heavy, though -- 2.2lbs -- and you could lighten up your load a bit if you replace it with something else. If you're willing to live without the center column and possibly shorten its lifespan somewhat, you can shave another 1.5lbs off of its 7.5lbs by trimming down bits of metal here and there ... provided you have a retired machinist living down the street (as I do) or some other free access to machine work, that is. If you have to pay to have this work done, then I think you'd probably find it more cost-effective to buy a lighter tripod in the first place.