The old saying you get what you pay for doesn't hold true with this tripod. You get more than you pay for. The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is one solid well made tripod. I wanted a new tripod to handle my new Pentax K3 with battery grip and my new Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5mm (all purchased at B&H) so I would have no fear of weight problems. With my camera mounted the 263AB was sturdy as a rock. Even though its aluminum it is not very heavy. I have a carbon fiber tripod also which has a pistol grip head and the 263AB is not much heavier. I wanted the 263AB so I can do panorama's something very hard to do with my pistol grip as it would not stay level. The SBH 100 ball head is smooth to adjust and has a high quality feel and construction. I haven't used the feature of the center column to angle along with angling the legs for macro shots but I am looking forward to this. My tripod even came with two mounting plates so I can put one on my not yet retired Pentax K20D. Don't hesitate if you are looking at this tripod. You get more for your money without sacrificing quality.

I had been looking for a tripod for landscapes and night shots and found there was a huge spread in quality and price of both tripods and heads. After much homework, I decided to go with the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 and am VERY happy with that decision. This is a solid tripod coupled with a very smooth and capable ballhead. This goes down in my book as one of the best values out there for the money AND shortly after placing the order I received an email with a rebate I was not aware of for a free Vanguard PH-22 Panhead!! I would buy this over and over again - thanks B&H!

I was looking for a better tripod for awhile but didn't want to spend several hundred dollars. When I saw the Alta Pro 263AB on the B&N site I liked the price and the features and took a chance. I am very pleased with my choice. Build quality is more than expected and the feature set is impressive.

Very happy with purchase. Tripod is sturdy and perfect for flat lay photography.

I was pleasantly surprised with the weight and sturdiness of the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB. I had previously owned an identical Vanguard Alta Pro that I got from B&H back in 2013, but in 2016 I sold it because I was moving from Brazil to the US. I knew about its capabilities and I loved it. Upon my arrival in the US I got a second-hand tripod, also a Vanguard, for very little money. It was heavier than the 263AB, although it allowed less positions and flexibility. I was in need of a second tripod, so why not go with something that I already knew? I'm very glad I purchased another 263AB. Excellent product at a very affordable price point.

Love this tripod. Had to send it back two times because of it not being level. Great customer service and return times. Thank you!!!

This tripod is the sturdiest one I have ever had as well as the most versatile! My Canon 7D with a Sigma 70-200mm F 2.8 lens is rock solid when mounted on it and easily adjusted to any angle you can imagine and then some! Care does need to be taken not to extend the center column too far sideways without some additional weight to counterbalance the camera and lens! Easily done with provided hook! Greaqt buy for a great product!! Shouldn't be without this tripod!

Extremely sturdy and holds up my mamiya RB67 with ease. Downside is that it is slightly heavy but its more advanced functions make for its weight. Definitely my next tripod will be a carbon fiber one.

I am a sound man, not a photographer, so I really have to rely on online reviews when it comes to photography products. I'm sure glad I did this time. This thing deserves all the positive reviews it had before I bought it.

My first tripod, so I don't have anything to compare it to. What I know is that it works perfectly and my pics are extremely sharp. I don't have any complaints at all. For the money I paid including rebate, it's hard to find a better tripod.