E-Image Video Tripod vs. other. at DVinfo.net

Jonathan Levin · November 10th, 2009, 12:06 PM

I got an email from Calumet Photo about this tripod/fluid head/spreader/case kit for about $550.00 US.

Anyone have any experience good or bad with either this or any of their products?

Am I better off looking at a Bogan 503/501? Or other? I'd love a Sachtler, but....

Jonathan

Justin Maguda · February 18th, 2010, 12:15 PM

I bit the bullet and bought one, Created a short review here:

its in HD!:

YouTube - E-Image-Tripod-Review

Jonathan Levin · February 19th, 2010, 10:11 AM

Hey Justin,

Thanks for that (and the email). What is the fit and finish like on this? I was at Calumet in Chicago and did not see this out on display, but I was in kind of a hurry so I didn't have time to go further.

Did you compare this to the Manfrotto or the Schactler by any chance. And not that I've ever had a problem with a tripod with a mechanical problem, but where do you get service if needed?

The web site for E-Image is pretty confusing.

Thanks for the review.

Jonathan

Justin Maguda · February 26th, 2010, 06:49 PM

Sorry for the very delayed response. The fit and finish of this tripod is pretty good, but wouldn't say excellent. Again I have used a nice Sachtler and I absolutely love it to death but it was a $1400 tripod. For that one a new plate was 75 dollars and the rubber feet replacements are $100. This is $525 out the door (student discount ;-) and parts are cheap too, plate is $20, and feet were something like $15. Thought it still is not as good as that Sachtler.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a true fluid head tripod. It is definitely fluid modules with different pre-set drag or dampening levels. This also means you have your dampening adjustment and then your lock knob This is not the case with the cheaper Manfrotto tripods, where there is some sort of weird friction based systems and one knob usually controls all; friction and lock.

The warranty on this unit is 2 years and my guess is you would be sending it to there USA distributor Lumiere Technology Inc Website: www.lumieretech.com

In contrast Sachtler has a 3 year warranty and 5 years on the fluid cartridges in the head.

Call your Calumet store to make sure they have it and have them open it up so you can play with it, that is what I did.

Jonathan Levin · March 1st, 2010, 02:42 PM

Hey Justin,

Thanks. I'll go for a hands on at Calumet soon.

Jonathan

November 10th, 2009, 12:06 PM	#1
Jonathan Levin Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 692	E-Image Video Tripod vs. other. I got an email from Calumet Photo about this tripod/fluid head/spreader/case kit for about $550.00 US. Anyone have any experience good or bad with either this or any of their products? Am I better off looking at a Bogan 503/501? Or other? I'd love a Sachtler, but.... Jonathan

February 18th, 2010, 12:15 PM	#2
Justin Maguda Tourist Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 2	I bit the bullet and bought one, Created a short review here: its in HD!: YouTube - E-Image-Tripod-Review

February 19th, 2010, 10:11 AM	#3
Jonathan Levin Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 692	Hey Justin, Thanks for that (and the email). What is the fit and finish like on this? I was at Calumet in Chicago and did not see this out on display, but I was in kind of a hurry so I didn't have time to go further. Did you compare this to the Manfrotto or the Schactler by any chance. And not that I've ever had a problem with a tripod with a mechanical problem, but where do you get service if needed? The web site for E-Image is pretty confusing. Thanks for the review. Jonathan

February 26th, 2010, 06:49 PM	#4
Justin Maguda Tourist Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 2	Sorry for the very delayed response. The fit and finish of this tripod is pretty good, but wouldn't say excellent. Again I have used a nice Sachtler and I absolutely love it to death but it was a $1400 tripod. For that one a new plate was 75 dollars and the rubber feet replacements are $100. This is $525 out the door (student discount ;-) and parts are cheap too, plate is $20, and feet were something like $15. Thought it still is not as good as that Sachtler. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a true fluid head tripod. It is definitely fluid modules with different pre-set drag or dampening levels. This also means you have your dampening adjustment and then your lock knob This is not the case with the cheaper Manfrotto tripods, where there is some sort of weird friction based systems and one knob usually controls all; friction and lock. The warranty on this unit is 2 years and my guess is you would be sending it to there USA distributor Lumiere Technology Inc Website: www.lumieretech.com In contrast Sachtler has a 3 year warranty and 5 years on the fluid cartridges in the head. Call your Calumet store to make sure they have it and have them open it up so you can play with it, that is what I did.

March 1st, 2010, 02:42 PM	#5
Jonathan Levin Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 692	Hey Justin, Thanks. I'll go for a hands on at Calumet soon. Jonathan