Ravelli AVTP Professional 75mm Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head
- Professional 3-Segment Interlocking Crutch Type Legs
- Supports Video Cameras/SLRs up to 27LBS
- Dual Handled Head with Continuous Drag Fluid Movement for both Pan and Tilt Axis
- Universal 75mm Mounting Bowl
- Maximum Operating Height: 54.5″
The Ravelli AVTP is a complete Professional 75mm Video Tripod including legs, mid-level spreader, dual fluid head and carry bag.
The legs are a 3-Segment Interlocking Crutch-Type design with a mid-level spreader providing oustanding stability for Video Cameras up to 27lbs. The legs utilize large ergonomic lock adjustment knobs and rubber feet for stability. Interchangeable heads connect to the legs using a standard 75mm bowl with a separate lock adjustment providing pan and tilt adjustment in addition to the head.
The head features dual continuous drag fluid movement for both 360 degree pan and 180 degree tilt as well as dual handles for more precise control. There are independent locks for both the the pan and tilt axis. The camera secures to the head using a quick release video plate with a separate safety latch to prevent slideoff.
The carry bag is large enough to hold the legs, head and spreader and is included for your convenience.
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A BIG Surprise…,
As an owner of both the AVT and AVTP (Professional) models, I can say that the Pro model (AVTP) I received has a much, much better Fluid Head. I’m not sure why. Physically, both Heads look the same and seem to be of the same construction quality. The only visible differences are cosmetic: the handles on the Pro model are longer w/ different grips which are longer as well; the level bubble color on the Pro model is white, while the non-Pro model is yellow. The obvious difference is the way the Heads are attached to the tripod. The Pro model has a bowl attachment and the non-Pro has a traditional screw-mount attachment point connecting to the top of the center shaft.
Although the differences seem obvious and minor, the quality of the pan movements are significantly different. For some reason, the AVT (non-Pro) model exhibits random “sticky” points during the pan. I’ve tried everything to get it to smooth out, but because of the inconsistency, it is an exercise in frustration to get a nice smooth pan for every shot – it’s a gamble! The Pro model (AVTP) is a completely different story.
First impression of the AVTP was, in a word, “Stiff”… both the pan & tilt were really, really stiff. In particular, the Pan was actually difficult to move without grabbing hold of the tripod legs first. Even with the tension knob completely loose, the Head would not pan with out putting some serious force into it. I’ve since fixed it by loosening the large retaining bolt that runs through the pan mechanism. (Looking at the underside of the Head, you’ll see hole which shows the top of a large slotted bold. I loosened this by a 1/4 turn – which was really tight and required lots of force to budge it…) This act made a significant difference. The pan action is now glass smooth! It now matches the tilt action and I’m able to pull off really consistent & smooth pan & tilt combinations with very little or no backlash at full zoom!!! (Practice, Practice… I’m not a pro at all, but I really impressed with how easy it is to pull off professional looking pan & tilt moves now with the AVTP… Wow!!!)
The non-Pro model (AVT) is probably going to be returned. I’ve been emailing CheetaMounts and they are trying to help resolve the “sticky” problem with the AVT Head… but I don’t think it can be fixed.
Here’s what’s in the AVTP box:
* 1 set of Sticks/Legs (the tripod)
* 1 2-way Fluid Head
* 2 Handles/Arms (attach to the head)
* 1 Canvas Bag
Summary:
After making an adjust to the pan mechanism, the Head on this model is really, really good. I was surprised with the difference between this model (AVTP) and the non-Pro (AVT) model. Personally, I’d skip the lower-end model and avoid the spotty performance – just get this model instead.
Great features at a great price!
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|The legs alone are worth the price,
Pros:
*The legs alone are worth the price!
*Heavy and supports my Canon XHA1 no problem.
*Pans are nice and smooth.
*Gives off a professional look to impress clients.
*x2 sliding plates! Plus my Manfrotto 357 Plate fits the head perfectly!
*Pretty good carrying bag.
Cons:
*The head sticks when trying to tilt up and down slowly giving you the snap most cheap heads offer. I’ve tried all tension settings and I get the same result every time.
*Even with the screw taken off completely, panning left and right is so stiff, panning the tripod quickly can pull the entire tripod off it’s legs.
*The Tripod Head and the Ball leveler are reversed, which means if you wanted to replace the head, you’d have to purchase a ball leveler as well which goes for at least $50.
*Wish I could do something to replace the cheap rubber feet.
Other Thoughs:
*Buy this tripod for the legs as they are very well worth the price alone. I plan on replacing the head as I feel it’s causing more problems than solutions.
*Ravelli is very generous with their tripod accessories.
*I have to mount my XHA1 backwards because the tightening knob on the head gets in the way, but I have this same problem with my other mount as well.
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Product Update:
After posting this review, I was contacted by Cheetah Mounts about the product. Let me just say that they offer some of THE BEST customer service a company can offer. Less than a week after I posted this review, the friendly Cheetah Mount representative immediately sent me a new head without hesitation as he feared I may have received a bad tripod head.
The new head preforms slightly better. The snap in the tilt action is caused by the weight of my camera. I’m assuming it’s because the tripod head’s comfort zone is less than 8 lbs. Without the camera, the snap is gone which means lighter cameras should have no problem tilting and panning.
This is an excellent tripod with an excellent company to back it up. Do not hesitate to purchase this tripod, especially if you’re on a budget.
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