I need a rock-solid tripod. I typically zoom to between 2000 mm and 3000 mm to shoot bird portraits. At this magnification any vibration in the tripod results in soft photos. I purchased the FT-6852A because it was designed specifically for extreme strength and stability as an optics platform for long lens photography and similar activities. I have found that it is indeed very sturdy and damps vibration fast. With it, I routinely take tack sharp photos at 3000 mm equivalent. Since I pan the head between shots, I added a FLM leveling base to the top of the center column (under my pan/tilt head). This addition does not affect the features of the center column. The center column (being both separable and reversible) provides two ways to shoot from ground level; and, (being 32 mm in diameter) it also provides a way to quickly change the tripod height
without degrading image sharpness. Finally, the tripod comes with a nice padded case that holds the tripod with both my leveling base and pan/tilt head attached.My photos have definitely improved since I bought the FT-6852A. I can transport it easily, set it up quickly, and take sharp photos at very high magnification.

I haven't put this through the wringer yet, but I have initial impressions.

Strengths:
Light
Strong
Smooth panning
Smooth plate release
Bubble levels

Potential weaknesses:
The pan tension screw seems to be an all or nothing deal. The panning is smooth and has a fair bit of resistance so the screw really only serves to lock the panning. Maybe the panning will become less resistant over time

The 'ratcheting' mechanism for tightening the ball is a great feature since you aren't limited by turning once right or left then running out of room to turn. IMO, it would be nice if each turn added resistance more slowly so fine tuning the tension was easier

After using this tripod for two weeks I have decided to update my review to five stars. Yes this tripod could be sturdier but it is extremely well made for the price. The quality of this tripod is comparable to my much more expensive and heavier Gitzo tripod. Considering its weight and price I do not think one could expect more.



I really like that MicroLite folds to such a compact size and weighs less than two pounds. You do sacrifice height and total stability, but if you need something very light and compact in a full size tripod this may be the one to get.

Yes, a little pricey, but very good. I have not been able to find anything else that really competes with these.

B&H is the best!

Worked great. Excellent after market accessary

Precision engineered with solid feel, yet very, very light. I generally use the larger FPH-200 pan head with the 85mm spotting scope for range duty, but this ball head is a perfect complement to my 55mm spotter for backcountry glassing.
Another top tier product from Field Optics Research.

Sturdy build with super smooth adjustments. Currently using with a Sony a6300 and 12mm on a slider for indoor fitness shoots. The ball head mounts quickly and setting up the camera is a breeze.

I bought this to replace my 3-legged thing I bought a year ago.  

The 3-legged thing tripod has lost several components, including the weight hook under the center column. The worst is the center column can be accidentally pulled off and can never be put back properly again.

I choose this model for its light weight, which is barely over 2 lbs. Also, it has an excellent price.

The first impression when opened the box is its surprising robust construction, very sturdy. 

I knew it is short, that I planned to use it with waist level finder on my medium format camera and the angle finder on my Leica. It is what I wanted, but after opened it, I think a little taller could be better.

Its weight is slightly heavier than I thought. It does match the spec, but I just realized that my 3-legged thing is about 1 pound lighter. So, if you want something really light weight, get the carbon fiber version. And better yet, get a taller model from this manufacturer.

Overall, I am very happy about this manufacturer for its quality. ButI recommend to get the taller and carbon fiber version. 

No, I would not return it or make exchange. It is more than good enough for me.

To be completely upfront, I purchased this pan head as an inexpensive quality-of-life upgrade for my copy stand, which I use to photographically digitize film negatives and slides. Essentially, it probably won't move very much for the next several years. However, in setting everything up, I noticed a few things:


1. The milling and forming of all the components is excellent. I have significantly more expensive tripod heads that don't feel as substantive or tightly assembled.


2. All of the locking knobs are superb. There's hardly any movement once you have things set and locked down, which, again, I can't say the same for other ball heads I own.


3. Even though I'm not using it for myself, I tested the included quick release plate and found it to be quite excellent. It secures quite nicely, it doesn't foul the tilt/swivel screen on the X-T100 I'm using, and I can't think of many cameras where it would cause a problem.


If I weren't making this an explicitly single-use device, I could easily see this as an inexpensive entry for anyone looking to make stitched panoramas, architectural photos, or even as a portable tripod head for video.