The Yunteng Tripod is the most highly recognized professsional tripod that almost all my Photographer/Videographer friends use. And here’s why…
Yunteng VCT 880 Tripod
Specifications:
Brand: Yunteng
Model: YUNTENG VCT-880RM
Head: Three-dimensional head
Moving Head angle: 360 degrees
Tilt (downward): 90 degrees
Tilt (up): 65 degrees
Material: ABS High quality aluminum and plastic combined
Weight: about : 2kg
Maximum load: 5kg
Number of leg sections: 3
Maximum leg diameter: about 26.8mm
Tripod Minimum height: 67.5cm
Tripod Maximum height: 165cm
Package:
1 YUNTENG VCT-880RM Tripod
1 Carrying Bag
Inside the box, is this nice covering bag for the tripod, the user manual, which you should definitely read and the tripod itself.
It’s an all-black design, like most tripods. At least, the ones I’ve seen so far. And it’s mostly aluminum with a few plastics, here and there.
Like most tripod, you open up these clamps to extend the legs for a height increase or shorten them up if you want to go on the low. The maximum number of clamps to deal with are just two.
For mine old tripod, I could add more weight to its cos its fairly light and easy to carry around. But, it does, wobble a lot and this doesn’t make it ideal for putting very expensive cameras on top.
Unfortunately, though, we don’t get a hook at the center bottom here to attach more weight to help balance it. But honestly, with the build quality, the tripod itself is already heavier to me and seems more stable on its own.
For panning, that is horizontally, you just loosen up this screw. Once locked, it becomes extremely hard to move it. Same goes for tilting, just loosen up the top screw and you’re good to go.
One amazing feature of this is the fluid 360 degree panning it offers. And if that’s not enough, they are also graduated on the bottom. Imagine setting specific points and focus in your head, and then panning to that specific mark without your subject being out of focus.
These markings are not just for panning alone. Tilting or vertical motion is also considered. And just as that, we see the graduation on both front and the back.
The quick release plate is among the nicest I’ve seen so far. Just flick it on the side up, and the plate just pops up into your hand.
In case you’re unsure whether your camera is mounted or not, the simple free-lock indication helps as much. Noticed this thing right here, once pushed down, the mounting plate will remain in the locked position. Then, remounting is as simple as sliding to the side and then pressing down hard on the midsection.
The quick release plate uses the ¼” mounting system, so I guess you have a fair idea of the unlimited things you can mount on it. It also feels premium, although plastic. I’ll say it passes for the build quality and durability test over time.
And the cool idea of not needing a coin to always screw things in place is something I missed. This is the case with most gimbal mounts.
Take note. This simple trick can save you a ton of time. Somethings, you’ll have everything in order, but, the mounting plate will just not lay flat and lock. Well, before you mount your camera, take about a second or two to make and the screw tuner, let’s call it that for now, is lying flat. I had this happen to me once, and it was quite frustrating. I kept slamming the camera down, but the thing will just not lock.
On the side is also and integration a mini level that you can always use to make sure you’re always well balanced. And just like every level for camera accessories, it’s very simple to follow. Just adjust the legs until the bubble stays at the center of the mini circle.
For the height, it’s rated to be its tallest at 165cm, which is about 10cm shorter than myself. But if you decide to go crazy and close up the legs some more, you can go even higher. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be super strong and steady with the legs closed to each other like that.
Compared to my older Zomei Q111 tripod, here’s how they look at their maximum heights.
Another cool thing that some tripod makers also ignore is being able to adjust the handle at will. Sometimes, just sometimes, shooting whiles holding the handle this way, is the way to go. That locking screw just in front and away for the shooter. Once loosen up, you’re free to assume whichever handling position, you feel comfortable with.
And even though, I love this so much, I won’t be using it on the daily. And here’s why…
Yes, I know this is more expensive unlike the Zomei, but, just the fact that, they ignore the side grip is a huge bummer. And since, it’s all-metal, it gets quite simply. This is not ideal for me, when I have slippery hands but have to moving as often with it.
Another thing is, it’s heavy, weighing 2080g or 73.04oz. It does say, lightweight on the box though, but I’m going to disagree with them on that. This isn’t the tripod to bring along with you on a hike or when you just want to take pictures of the sunset for that matter. For that, I’ll still use my Zomei tripod. And since that is so small and lightweight, I can easily hang it on my camera bag and just forget about it. But if video is a priority and you don’t mind the weight, then this is the one to travel with.
Last thing, Yunteng also have the VCT 860AV tripod which is very similar to this in a lot of way. But the feet are adjustable unlike this one. So, if you’re someone who shoots in the snow or sand a lot, or even grasses, that’s some extra protection for you. You just screw up and dig tiny holes when you fix the tripod down. This somewhat, helps make it even much steady.
So then, let’s go for the Zomei, right? Well, not exactly. If you’re interested in the review of that, it’ll be up in the cards. I won’t recommend it as a primary tripod. The reason being, when it comes to panning and tilting, the Zomei tripod is among the worse. Nothing is smooth. Just take a look at this footage. I’m trying my possible best to move steadily and smoothly, but notice how much jitters it produces. Almost as if, I drunk coffee and can’t keep my hands steady.
But, when we switch to the Yunteng, the jitters aren’t as drastic. Note that I’m recording all these at 24fps so you see in real-time how it’ll perform for you, in case you get one.
And the last thing is, it can hold up to a maximum or 11lbs or 5kg for that matter.
So, for GHc 450 – 500, is this a tripod for you?
Well, if you’ve watched this far, you mostly likely already have your answer. But if you still haven’t decided. Then, lemme help you out by saying YES. Get this tripod as your main tripod for work. And if you have any other shooters around who aren’t using too much expensive camera and lenses, then you can go and the low and buy the budget ones. But then again, why risk it.
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