GEEKOTO DV2 Video Tripod

I highly recommend this tripod. I've searched high and low for an affordable professional video tripod and the Geekoto DV2 is "PURE PERFECTION"... Even though I've only had it for two weeks and taken it out on two filming assignments, it's been an amazing experience for me, and I'm looking forward to using it while filming my first independent feature.

The short review: definitely buy this tripod, it's worth the cost. The full review: I still own and use a squeaky Sunpak .25 tripod, a .90 Manfrotto Compact Advanced, and two Magnus VT-350s. They haven't failed, but their shortcomings have become very apparent, so I invested in this tripod to replace them as my primary tripod and lose their problems: wobbling, squeaking, sticking, legs falling apart, and plastic QR plates flexing during use. The DV2 has very successfully rid me of these issues and is the first tripod I've used that I am completely happy with. While it is not a perfect tripod, its shortcomings are extremely easy to overlook. It is generally quite sturdy, has a very smooth fluid head with a spring-loaded tilt that tries to return to level when loose and hands are off the bar, and EXTREMELY easy to set up and adjust. Leg lock releases are super easy to operate and the top ones double as handles to adjust height easily. Many common shooting situations don't need the second leg extensions at all, but the height is there (at the expense of a bit more tendency to wobble) if you really need it. Another review mentioned that the (Arca Swiss style) quick release plate's locking lever will hit the body of a DSLR, and while I found this to be true, I also found that GEEKOTO designed that lever to compensate: if you pull the black lever away from the QR plate, it's spring-loaded and will temporarily detach from the hex head that it turns, allowing you to rotate it back 180 degrees, push it back down on the head, and tighten some more! A Sigma sd Quattro's right-hand grip cutout also happens to allow the lever to clear (see photo). I also did not have the issue where both QR plates came with 3/8-inch screws; I got one with 1/4-inch as advertised and use it regularly. The screws can be tightened sufficiently for most setups with a fingernail, and a nickel or quarter in the pocket can be used in a pinch if that doesn't work and you don't want to dig the Allen wrenches out of the bag's side pocket. I struggle to find anything to complain about with this tripod after 3 weeks of use with several different photo-style camera bodies, and I bought this expecting some shortcomings. If I have one complaint, it's that the unit's head is heavy enough to make the (fantastic and padded) tripod carrying bag top-heavy on one end. I already wish I had a second one!

I've bought tripods in the past but the GEEKOTO DV2 video Tripod is durable and easy to use. I love the height that it gives and it's not flimsy like other tripods I've had in the past. I definitely recommend any to purchase this tripod.

I needed to upgrade my consumer grade tripod to handle a heavy load (Edelkrone JibOne and Head Plus) and screw mount size. This tripod is a BEAST. Easily handled the equipment plus my camera and is rock solid. Came with 2 slide mounts, which makes it easy to change out equipment. I can see a couple more of these in my future for sure.

Bought this to use with the ikan PT4500-SDI Professional 15 High-Bright Teleprompter Travel Kit because of it's high weight/load carrying capacity. Was easy to setup and put the teleprompter on. Sturdy and surprised at the very smooth movement - although won't need movt. with the teleprompter. Tightening the ikan down: the screw is blocked on tripod but just pull it out and rotate it back - not intuitive but luckily figured that out. The carrying bag appears rugged enough, but there some plastic parts on the legs that hold it together when folded that can break easily - yes, I broke one. Overall very happy with the quality for the price.

This is quite a tall tripod that should satisfy anyone's desire for height. The leg adjusters are a breeze to loosen or tighten without busting your knuckles. Getting it level takes a bit of fiddling especially if you do not want one of the full-extension settings but need something in the middle. We were looking for a head that could do live-action pans and tilts -- and this satisfied. Panning is as smooth as cream cheese on a bagel. And it's got adjustable drag, so bingo, we are happy. It's heavy enough to be solid and stable. It comes with a sturdy carry bag (not a stuffer sack) that is roomy enough and has a nice handle.