Slik Heavy-Duty Tripod with 3-Way Fluid-Effect Head and Built-In Bubble Level

In Feb 2007 I ordered a SLIK tripod through Amazon.com from Ace Photo Digital. When the shipment arrived (from UPS) the box was empty. I contacted Amazon and was advised that my recourse was through UPS and/or the seller. I contacted UPS. They sent a rep to retrieve the empty box from me, which I surrendered to them. They investigated ( I guess ) since I had to contact UPS 60 days later to be told they hadn't heard back from Ace Photo Digital. I, being a patient soul, waited another 6 months and re-contacted UPS to be told they still hadn't heard from Ace Photo Digital on their inquiry. Now understand that this was 10 months later and I had no recourse to contest the purchase thru my credit card company which says you must file a complaint within 60 days. I sent an email inquiry to Ace Photo Digital and never got a reply. It is now May 2009, 2 years and 3 months after this debacle, and I have not received any contact from any of the principals in this online f***ing.
I suggest that nobody deal with Ace Photo Digital, or UPS, or even Amazon since no one seems to be willing to accept responsibility for the acceptance of payment and non-delivery of product that occurred.
I would give this review a ZERO STAR but the options only allow me to give a minimum of 1 STAR. Too bad, it deserves less.
Slik U9000 Video / Photo Tripod with a Soft Carrying Case

I am new to videography. I just bought a Canon Vixia HG10 (High Def camcorder) and wanted a tripod solid enough to hold up the camera without any issues. For that concern, this tripod is excellent. It does its job fantastically and is very easy to extend, lock, and unlock with the tab mechanism built into the legs.

I do have one complaint. I set it up in my dorm to record me playing Rock Band (for split screen videos with the drum chart) and due to limited space my positioning is very restrained. It would make it much easier to be able to angle the tripod camcorder mounting plate down, but it locks flat at 90 degrees, level with the ground. This is my only complaint, it tilts up and to the sides very smoothly and as long as you tighten with pressure, the threads hold and do not unthread themselves.

Overall I would recommend it, but if you know you want to angle any downward-looking shots, do a little bit more research before deciding.

I recently purchased this tripod and have to say that we are delighted with it's quality and versatility. For the price, I would not have expected an item of this standard - You can probably pay a ton more and end up less satisfied than we are.

Item was shipped with broken handle AND an invoice that claimed a tripod bag was in the box! RMA procedure by Amazon is very good.

This tripod is great for anyone on a budget. Its construction, while not overly impressive, gives the sense that it won't tip over. Beyond that, it does what it's meant to do -- holds a camera steady and allows you as the photographer to make adjustments easily and with precision. The built-in level helps get things straight, while the adjustment knobs are easy to learn and work well for quick adjustments. I really can't ask for anything more for the price.

Simply put, if you don't want to spend over $100 on a tripod, this is the one to get.