Brand Name | SFABF |
---|---|
Item Weight | 8 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 34.9 x 5.5 x 5.6 inches |
Item model number | APGL4 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Color Name | Silver / Black |
Special Features | Minimun Operating Height: 0", Collapsed Height: 32.75" |
APGL4 Professional 70" Tripod with Adjustable Pistol Grip Head and Heavy Duty Carry Bag
Brand | SFABF |
Color | Silver / Black |
Compatible Devices | Camera |
Special Feature | Minimun Operating Height: 0", Collapsed Height: 32.75" |
Material | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 3629 Grams |
Weight Limit | 6.6 Pounds |
Model Name | APGL4 |
Maximum Height | 177 Centimeters |
Tripod Head Type | Pistol Grip Heads |
About this item
- Quick Release Camera plate
- Pistol Grip Tilt Adjustment Head
- Quick Release Leg Locks
- Rubber And Spiked Feet Included
- Invertible Quick Release center Column
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Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B003SQEAY0 |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,196 in Complete Tripod Units |
Date First Available | June 17, 2010 |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
The Ravelli APGL4 is a Professional Pistol Grip Tripod providing a solid base for high-end photographic equipment. This model is all pressure treated aluminum alloy construction and is unrivalled in stability. The pistol grip adjustable head provides smooth fluid adjustment to any angle. The center column is height adjustable and the legs can be inverted for low angle shots. Dual foam grips, quick release leg locks, a quick release camera plate and rubber feet/metal spikes complete a very nice tripod.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, value, grip and ease of use of the camera tripod. For example, they mention it's well-built, the pistol grip head is very good for panning and quick changes of angle and that the price is OK for the sturdiness of the item. They also like the adjustability. That said, opinions are mixed on the weight and fit.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the camera tripod. They say that it is fairly well-built, and is of high quality. The camera feels very solid while attached, and it is not wobbly at all. The diameter of the legs makes the tripod so solid, and the grip is pretty good. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...is not as thick and huge as the backdrop kit stands, these light stands seem thicker and sturdier than light stands and tripods I've seen with other..." Read more
"...With the camera mounted, this thing is rock-solid. There's no flexanywhere. Even when the column and legs are fully extended, it's quite..." Read more
"...The bag seems to be fairly well-built, and it was another nice add-on that saved me from having to go buy some custom bag that probably wouldn't fit..." Read more
"...For those who don't drag a tripod on long treks outdoors, this tripod is great. It would be great for studio type photography and portrait work...." Read more
Customers like the value of the camera tripod. They mention that it is a solidly built, tall tripod with good quality for the money. Some say that the price is OK for the sturdiness of the item.
"...I bought this tripod three weeks ago and it was already a great bargain at the price, which went down $20 since then...." Read more
"...They are not as expensive as other brands and I have bought an 8ft stand that was twice as much as the Ravelli brand and the stability and..." Read more
"...Anyhow, from my perspective, this was a great value - a solidly-built, TALL, tripod without spending hundreds of dollars on professional-grade..." Read more
"...The price was right. If you're looking for something you can carry for a while, look for something else. This thing is HEAVY...." Read more
Customers like the grip of the camera tripod. They mention that it is very positive, solid, and good for panning. They also say that the pistol grip head is very stable in all positions, and is good for quick changes of angle. Customers also say the grip is easy to work with, and the plates are held very securely in the head. The grip moves in any direction, and operates silky smooth.
"...5 star rating because I now have spiked legs, a sturdier frame, a better grip head, and the tripod has MUCH MORE adjustable features with the legs..." Read more
"...The pistol grip is a really nice treat - I always kind of hated futzing around with 2-3 adjustment knobs just to level out a shot; as a hobbyist, I..." Read more
"...The pistol grip moves in any direction. One reviewer wrote that it cannot achieve a 90 degree angle. That is untrue...." Read more
"...The head of the tripod is great. I love the pistol grip and it's really easy to use. It us also very solid well made. That also means heavy...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the camera tripod. They say it's sturdy, easy to use, and not cumbersome. The grip head is simple and fast to adjust as needed. The height is easy to control and the tripod is fast to setup. Customers also like the quick attachment plate.
"...a flip lever like most others, this one is more straightforward, in myopinion. You slide the camera onto the head, like you would slide a..." Read more
"...This tripod and head is well made, strong, solid, and quick and easy to use. The pistol grip head is actually very nice...." Read more
"...The head of the tripod is great. I love the pistol grip and it's really easy to use. It us also very solid well made. That also means heavy...." Read more
"...One of the tension clips on one leg is so difficult to engage that it feels like it's going to snap off...." Read more
Customers like the adjustability of the camera tripod. They mention that the angles of the legs are adjustable, the legs can be independently adjusted, and the feet can be adjusted from rubberized grips to spikes. They also appreciate the adjustable shaft and leg-lock, which is easily adjustable via an Allen screw. Customers also like the flip-type locks for the leg adjustments, which are much easier and quicker than using the Allen screw to adjust the tension. Overall, customers are satisfied with the adjustable features of the tripod.
"...The three legs are adjustable independently, not only in length (duh!) but also with three different angles (see the photo I uploaded)-..." Read more
"...legs, a sturdier frame, a better grip head, and the tripod has MUCH MORE adjustable features with the legs than my last tripod...." Read more
"...leg-lock is easily adjustable via an Allen screw. One of the leg-locksoperated kind of wonky... The lever wanted to twist to the side when..." Read more
"...It seriously can achieve any angle.2) You are able to attach the camera to the top of the extension post and to the bottom of it...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the weight of the camera tripod. Some mention that it's robust and fairly heavy, while others say that it is very heavy and not ideal for carrying along on hikes or long. The weight is distributed evenly, and it holds their EOS 7D easily. However, some customers also mention that the tripod is not ideal to carry along on hiking trips, and that it barely holds their point and shoot camera with out tipping over.
"...At something like 15 pounds it is heavy but to me this is a feature: it is very stable and doesn't vibrate in the wind...." Read more
"...With the oversized plates, the weight is distributed evenly and there's no rock to the camera at all...." Read more
"...This thing is HEAVY. It comes with a couple of allen wrenches...." Read more
"...*Weight - it is substantive in weight and provides a solid platform for my large and heavy spotting scope...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the fit of the camera tripod. Some mention that the legs and head are plastic and fit well, while others say that it's a beast of a tripod and everything is tight. The head does fit while attached, but it takes some maneuvering. However, some say that the bag is a bit too small for the legs, and the head does not fit in the case it comes with.
"...plates that attach to the camera (there are two identical ones) are pretty big, which make them not too comfortable when holding the camera by the..." Read more
"...This is a beast of a tripod.Everything is tight and can be tightened when it comes loose as its used. The head of the tripod is great...." Read more
"...Wont fit in bag with the head mounted. This is the one that annoyed me!..." Read more
"...The size is pretty compact for what you get. All the materials seem pretty well made, nothing looks cheap or tacky...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the screws of the camera tripod. They mention that the allen screw is too loose, and some of the screws just fall right out when they open the package. Some customers also report that the screw heads were deformed by assembly at the factory.
"...a few screw heads were deformed by assembly at the factory4) funky smell from manufacturing5) somewhat heavy..." Read more
"...did not pay attention to reports of loose screws, that I did have one loose screw, when one leg refused to stay locked in place...." Read more
"...The legs are large and sturdy. All connections have an allen wrench screw to tighten. It comes with the allen wrenches needed...." Read more
"...Once you frame your subject and let go of the grip, the frame falls about 1/8 of an inch...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I have had this tripod for more than three years now and I have used and abused it. It is still going strong.
As mentioned at the bottom I most frequently use it with a different ball head but I still lug the original one in the bag's pocket as it sometimes comes in handy.
I found it best to clean the sand and mud after a day out so that the fine sand does not impede the retraction of the legs or grit their articulation.
I also use that tripod in the studio for its height and sturdiness especially with heavy camera/lens combo.
Finally I procured the inexpensive Ravelli tripod dolly and have been using them together. I was a little concerned about the stability as with the legs fully extended the dolly is small enough that the legs won't be at their first locking angle - I was afraid the center column would tilt sideways but no, even with a 7lbs load the result was stable and felt solid. The weight of the tripod becomes an asset as it dampens the vibrations coming from the wheels.
I usually go around with lighter tripods but when I want stability and solidity this is the one I grab.
I stand by my earlier reviews below.
At below $70 I am considering buying a second one just in case.
What follows is the original review:
______________________________________
I bought this tripod three weeks ago and it was already a great bargain at the price, which went down $20 since then. It has already been through the jungle and sand (I live in Costa Rica).
At something like 15 pounds it is heavy but to me this is a feature: it is very stable and doesn't vibrate in the wind. I don't count it as a pro for obviously weight has its downside.
Pros:
- Excellent, sturdy construction
- All joints friction are adjustable; the Allen wrenches are provided
- The three legs are adjustable independently, not only in length (duh!) but also with three different angles (see the photo I uploaded)
- The center column has a standard camera screw at the bottom, allowing to position the camera (or the ball head) below for close-to-the-ground shoots (see photo).
- The ball head can be locked in place using three screws under the column top plate - more on these later on (see photo).
- The ball head itself is probably worth close to the price of the whole thing. Once adjusted it is very solid, even tilted 90 degrees with a heavy camera / battery pack / lens combination (see photo).
Cons / caveats:
- Be sure to have the Allen wrenches in the bag: with heavy usage some of the frictions may have to be adjusted. I use the ball head with a pretty heavy camera combination and I find myself adjusting the friction to my liking about once every few shooting days.
There is a pocket on the side of the tripod bag, whre I typically store the head and other equipment - I have to pay attention not to drop them.
Not a big deal
- If you don't use the three screws to lock the ball head on the center column, they tend to get loose and might fall due to vibrations in your trunk. If you don't want to use them ever this is not a problem, and they don't budge if you lock the head with them (see photo). Not a big deal.
- The removable plates that attach to the camera (there are two identical ones) are pretty big, which make them not too comfortable when holding the camera by the battery grip to shoot portrait (see photo). Not a big deal.
- The plates slide in easily and lock in place without problem (even in the mud of Tortuguero) but the clearance makes it not very sturdy unless you tighten lightly the side thumb screw (see photo) once the plate is in place - it quickly becomes a habit and the third time you do it you won't even notice you did it.
- The plates feature a spring loaded round pin to align the camera, for those models which have the corresponding smooth hole next to the standard 1/4" screw mount. The spring is a simple blade that pushes the pin against the camera through a plate hole - if your camera does not have the corresponding smooth hole, the spring stays pushed back. It weakens and can move aside, letting the pin go. I didn't loose any yet but I am confident I will. And so what? Honestly this is not a problem for me.
- The size of the plate is such that when I mount it to the lens (not the camera) the plate has to be mounted backwards not to interfere with the battery grip. This means that the pistol grip of the ball head is front to back. Not a problem for me: I hardly notice.
Conclusion:
At less that $100 this is an absolute must if you need a solid, sturdy tripod.
This is one of my best buys ever.
Oh, and yes the "free" tripod that comes with it is flaky, especially when the third segment of the legs is extended. Don't dump it, though, as it can be used for a point and shoot, an external flash (a light one!) or to hold a reflector.
Anyway for the price of the main tripod they could as well have left this thingy out.
___________________________
Addition February 2013
I bought another of the DMKFoto Heavy Duty Ball Head with Quick Release Plate , the same I already used on my heavy-duty monopod, and now have it almost permanently on this tripod.
Still my best tripod so far.
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2012
I have had this tripod for more than three years now and I have used and abused it. It is still going strong.
As mentioned at the bottom I most frequently use it with a different ball head but I still lug the original one in the bag's pocket as it sometimes comes in handy.
I found it best to clean the sand and mud after a day out so that the fine sand does not impede the retraction of the legs or grit their articulation.
I also use that tripod in the studio for its height and sturdiness especially with heavy camera/lens combo.
Finally I procured the inexpensive Ravelli tripod dolly and have been using them together. I was a little concerned about the stability as with the legs fully extended the dolly is small enough that the legs won't be at their first locking angle - I was afraid the center column would tilt sideways but no, even with a 7lbs load the result was stable and felt solid. The weight of the tripod becomes an asset as it dampens the vibrations coming from the wheels.
I usually go around with lighter tripods but when I want stability and solidity this is the one I grab.
I stand by my earlier reviews below.
At below $70 I am considering buying a second one just in case.
What follows is the original review:
______________________________________
I bought this tripod three weeks ago and it was already a great bargain at the price, which went down $20 since then. It has already been through the jungle and sand (I live in Costa Rica).
At something like 15 pounds it is heavy but to me this is a feature: it is very stable and doesn't vibrate in the wind. I don't count it as a pro for obviously weight has its downside.
Pros:
- Excellent, sturdy construction
- All joints friction are adjustable; the Allen wrenches are provided
- The three legs are adjustable independently, not only in length (duh!) but also with three different angles (see the photo I uploaded)
- The center column has a standard camera screw at the bottom, allowing to position the camera (or the ball head) below for close-to-the-ground shoots (see photo).
- The ball head can be locked in place using three screws under the column top plate - more on these later on (see photo).
- The ball head itself is probably worth close to the price of the whole thing. Once adjusted it is very solid, even tilted 90 degrees with a heavy camera / battery pack / lens combination (see photo).
Cons / caveats:
- Be sure to have the Allen wrenches in the bag: with heavy usage some of the frictions may have to be adjusted. I use the ball head with a pretty heavy camera combination and I find myself adjusting the friction to my liking about once every few shooting days.
There is a pocket on the side of the tripod bag, whre I typically store the head and other equipment - I have to pay attention not to drop them.
Not a big deal
- If you don't use the three screws to lock the ball head on the center column, they tend to get loose and might fall due to vibrations in your trunk. If you don't want to use them ever this is not a problem, and they don't budge if you lock the head with them (see photo). Not a big deal.
- The removable plates that attach to the camera (there are two identical ones) are pretty big, which make them not too comfortable when holding the camera by the battery grip to shoot portrait (see photo). Not a big deal.
- The plates slide in easily and lock in place without problem (even in the mud of Tortuguero) but the clearance makes it not very sturdy unless you tighten lightly the side thumb screw (see photo) once the plate is in place - it quickly becomes a habit and the third time you do it you won't even notice you did it.
- The plates feature a spring loaded round pin to align the camera, for those models which have the corresponding smooth hole next to the standard 1/4" screw mount. The spring is a simple blade that pushes the pin against the camera through a plate hole - if your camera does not have the corresponding smooth hole, the spring stays pushed back. It weakens and can move aside, letting the pin go. I didn't loose any yet but I am confident I will. And so what? Honestly this is not a problem for me.
- The size of the plate is such that when I mount it to the lens (not the camera) the plate has to be mounted backwards not to interfere with the battery grip. This means that the pistol grip of the ball head is front to back. Not a problem for me: I hardly notice.
Conclusion:
At less that $100 this is an absolute must if you need a solid, sturdy tripod.
This is one of my best buys ever.
Oh, and yes the "free" tripod that comes with it is flaky, especially when the third segment of the legs is extended. Don't dump it, though, as it can be used for a point and shoot, an external flash (a light one!) or to hold a reflector.
Anyway for the price of the main tripod they could as well have left this thingy out.
___________________________
Addition February 2013
I bought another of the [[ASIN:B001BPE3KQ DMKFoto Heavy Duty Ball Head with Quick Release Plate]], the same I already used on my heavy-duty monopod, and now have it almost permanently on this tripod.
Still my best tripod so far.
I replaced my $50 Velbon tripod for this one because I needed more stability for my Canon 70-200 mounted on my 7D. Ravelli, just like its other products, came through again! I read reviews about tightening all of the screws before use, so I checked out the tripod and the majority of the screws have already been tightened enough. I gave this a 5 star rating because I now have spiked legs, a sturdier frame, a better grip head, and the tripod has MUCH MORE adjustable features with the legs than my last tripod. My only complaint is that there are not any bubble levels on the tripod itself (They are located on the pistol grip), however, the 7D has a built in leveler so I'll be just fine with that.
Now this little baby tripod that is included for free is VERY fragile. I'm thankful that I got something with this order for free, however, I broke a piece off of it just taking it out! Just be VERY CAREFUL when you adjust and extend the legs. Also, as I was setting it up to see if it could hold one of my flashes, one of the legs popped off, however, that was an easy fix. I'd say it is at least strong enough to hold my Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras , however, anything more and heavier than that I would not place on the baby tripod. Also, I wouldn't use it unless I put it in an area where I am ABSOLUTELY SURE no one would trip over it or knock it over. I often shoot outside and in busy places.
The bag is pretty decent. If you want to keep the pistol grip on the tripod at all times and fit it in the included bag, you would have to tilt the grip to about 50 degrees or so like another reviewer mentioned. The bag could be tougher, however, I'm pretty delicate with my equipment anyway so it doesn't really bother me. It is not the most comfortable bag to carry, but considering the price of the whole package, I'll deal with it. In case you are wondering, the bags that come with the Ravelli light stands are overall better in case you thought these issues applied to other products within the family.
If it is quality you are looking for with great prices, check out the Ravelli brand. My Ravelli ABSL Photo Video Backdrop Stand Kit with Dual Air Cushion Stands and Bag can reach up 15 feet and the cross bar reaches 13 feet. This thing is a BEAST and EXTREMELY sturdy! My Ravelli ALS Photo Video Light Stands reaches about 10 feet in height and even though it is not as thick and huge as the backdrop kit stands, these light stands seem thicker and sturdier than light stands and tripods I've seen with other photographers. Now, in my opinion, my Ravelli tripod stands with the ranks of cheaper equipment with quality that rivals those of more expensive brands like Manfrotto and etc.
Do yourself a favor and check this tripod out. Read the rest of the reviews and evaluate the issues, but just a side note, CheetahMounts and Amazon have tendencies to sell out of these items for unspecified amounts of time.
Top reviews from other countries
otherwise - awesome strong & steady tripod!
Zur Perfektion für Makrofotografen fehlt nur eins, was komischerweise bei den billigen Wackelstativen meist gegeben ist, in mittlerer und höherer Preisklasse aber sehr selten: eine per Kurbel und Zahnstange fein höhenverstellbare Mittelsäule. Ein Vierwege-Makroschlitten mit Spindel hat eben nur Verstellwege vorne/hinten und links/rechts. Ich frage mich da schon, warum die Billigstative so etwas haben und die guten fast nie.
I have used a number of cheaper tripods, but wanted something more professional this time. As it turned out, I've only paid a few £'s more than usual, yet there is no comparison in the quality.
If you are looking for a professional tripod save yourself some money and buy this.
If you are looking for a cheap tripod, then spend a little more money and buy this.
Either way, you will not regret it.
If i had to be critical, then I wouldsay that it is not exactly lightweight, however to be honest the weight just adds to the overall sturdiness and quality feel of the tripod.
The first thing that impressed me, and others was the sturdy construction of this tripod, and all for £37.07, that in itself would have been good value for money, but then there is the pistol grip, easy to operate exact and very very sturdy (On member bought just the grip somewhere else and paid over £45 just for that).
I can't fault the tripod, or the Grip it's just excellent and remember it's ALL less that £40. I have used a HAMA tripod in the past which I thought was good value at approx. £20, (and it is) , but the plastic parts fatigued over time, I think this will outlast more than 2 HAMA cheap tripods, so consider that. If you use the tripod very seldom on a calm day perhaps even this is overkill for you and go for the HAMA one, but under any other circumstance go for the Ravelli.
As an added bonus I got THREE lens cloths, good quality, a small torch and a bag to carry these in, ok I can't quite see the use of the torch with the tripod, but it's now on my Car keyring for those dark nights so thanks Ravelli.
Now my only small gripe, the carry bag, well made, very lightly padded, BUT with the pistol grip on the tripod about 2-5mm too short unless you angle the grip slightly. (Actually I take the grip off and out it in another bag, but that's just to make it easier for me)
I think I've covered everything, if you are looking for a tripod and you read this then unless you want it plated in gold, covered in diamonds and carried by a butler I don't believe you will find another one of this quality for the price. Stop reading and buy it, you've already spent too much time in the office when you should be working...........