Sony VCTD480RM Remote Control Tripod for DSCF717

Rating:
Summary: Great travel tripod, lightweight
Review: This is a very lightweight tripod. Comes with a pouch. The photo in the description is very misleading. Makes you think you are getting a portable remote control. That is NOT the case. The remote is part of the tripod control handle. The quick release is anything but quick. They advertise this tripod for the new Sony F828. Let me tell you something, that camera is way too heavy for this tripod. The quick release is quick, but getting the quick release device to hold on SECURELY to your camera is a task on it's own. You could use your fingers to tighten it, but I recommend a screwdriver. When loaded on the tripod, the camera is not as secure as it should be. It wobbles. For a camcorder, you may be ok since it is not as heavy. Also, the ad says you have elevator function. Another misleading piece of informaiton. You have to manually function that feature with 2 hands. There is NO remote that brings the device up and down for you. The remote only functions as an on/off switch and shutter release on the F828 and compatible digital camera. On compatable camcorders you can use it as an on/off, record, wide and tele function. Thats it. Not bad when you are video taping but it is not compatable with all the Sonys. Go to Sony.com to see if your camcorder is compatible. My CCD-TRV112 was NOT compatible. Overall , not a bad deal. But very misleading in the advertising. Too good to be true, that's because it isn't. It also is not very high. Stands about 4 feet tall. There are 2 other similar Sony tripods available. Go to Sony.com to see the other available tripods. I belive they are larger, yet a lot pricier.