Impact #800 Tripod Review

If you're into photography, you know the difference a good tripod can make in nearly all your work. But they can be expensive, running from graphite-constructed, space-age wonders, to less-expensive steel and aluminum models.

While all work well, the more stable your camera is when exposing that image, the greater you can make the depth of field or properly expose low-light scenics. Obviously, the more money you spend, the less shake and vibration you'll have to deal with when taking photos.

When traveling to assignments, though, a good, heavy tripod can be a real drawback. Fitting it into your checked on luggage and toting it around an airport can be a tiring chore, something that makes you think twice before you include it with your gear.

That's one of the reasons the Impact #800 Tripod may be an ideal choice. It weighs only 2 pounds and shrinks to a total length of only 19 1/4 inches. It easily tucks into a corner of most check-on luggage, and even carry-ons. You'll hardly even know it's there, until you need it.

The other reason it's great for trips is the fact that it's so inexpensive-usually less than $30 if you order on line, including shipping and handling. Low cost may not speak well for the unit's overall longevity, but if you run into one of those clumsy baggage handlers and things get mangled, you won't be as concerned about where you're going to find the cash to replace your tripod.

In two flights to Quebec, one to Newfoundland, another into Mexico and four or five others inside the United States, the #800 has suffered one visible ding on one of the aluminum legs, but it's still working just fine. It's been partially submersed in numerous streams, out in sub-freezing weather, taken six float plane rides and loaned out to some pretty clumsy co-workers.

The tripod rises to a maximum height of only 52 inches, which is one of it's drawbacks, in this case more of a compromise. A center column adds about a foot of additional length, without it extended the tripod stands at only 40 1/2 inches. The shortest it can be deployed to is 18 inches.

Capable of handling a maximum weigh of 5 1/2 pounds, it's more than up to the task of most digital cameras and lenses. There is no hook at the bottom of the unit to suspend your camera bag or other ballast to help stabilize it further-and with this light of a weight rating, you probably don't want to doing much of that, anyway.

It has three legs that are locked with flip levers. Even though I've put the test unit through some rough-and-tumble experiences, they still lock up tightly and have yet to slide down when deployed. Stream and river water is notorious for wearing these kinds of units down and that hasn't happened yet. The legs do not spread independently.

The center column simply slides up and is locked into place by a bolt with an oversized plastic handle. A three-way pan head that locks allows you to turn the camera vertically or swing to take in a different view. It also has a neat quick-release mount that I use often, just in case wildlife comes in when you're taking that scenic.

The locking mechanism on the pan head is probably my only complaint. With the camera tilted vertically while it's wearing a relatively long lens, it slowly migrates down. I can't seem to lock the pan head tight enough to beat it, but with shorter lenses there doesn't seem to be much of a problem.

When the camera is in the same position, even if the legs are on level ground, things also don't line up perfectly vertical. It's no big deal, as I've learned to simply adjust the tripod's legs until the head's bubble indicates I have everything right. I'm pretty sure this drawback is the product of that ding during a lengthy trip.

It also comes with a nifty carrying case, although it's a lot larger than the tripod itself. I can only assume it was designed for one of the company's larger versions, but you can use that extra room to store extra gear.

In all, the Impact #800 Tripod is a sound buy. At the price I couldn't possibly call it in investment, more of a "use it until it dies" item that's ideal for a traveling or beginning photographer.