Review on Black Manfrotto 290 Dual Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit with 3-Way Head (Model MK290DUA3-3WUS) by Bob Fasho

This rating refers to the MT290DUA3US. I have other tripods that are cheaper (much cheaper!) and can handle more weight, are bigger, weigh less and/or come with a metal ball head. The tripods I am talking about are also made by reputable companies (Dolica & ProAm USA) and I would highly recommend them to anyone but when it came time to buy another tripod I only wanted one. Sliders, motorized sliders and many other gadgets, the 90 degree retractable center column is such a nice feature. Whether it's a vertical mount for a slider, reflector, diffuser, LED light source, etc., the fact that I can push a button and add another layer of functionality in seconds is practically invaluable. As banal as it may sound, the possibilities are endless. For example, it currently houses my Glidecam HD 2000. (Image attached) The description says it has a maximum payload of 11 pounds, but it seems like it could definitely handle more. Promised but not delivered? The only negative I can say is that my order did not come with the Manfrotto bag pictured in the listing's photo gallery. I hate false advertising/false information but I love this tripod so much that I'm not even deducting a star because I didn't get the bag.