Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P

Comments about Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P:

This is a followup to my previous review. I have used this product for 3+ years, with only one problem. About two weeks ago one of the hinges broke off of one of the legs while it was attached to the outside of my bag. I was semi disappointed, but figured I had used it hard for three years so couldn't really complain. I remembered that Sunpak offered a lifetime warranty, but I had assumed it would not apply. I emailed customer service, and was treated to a wonderful experience. I shipped the tripod back, and a week later it was back on my door step good as new. I can't recommend this company enough, they make a wonderful product at a great price and actually stand behind it!

Comments about Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P:

The tripod has three knobs that can be tightened. One for rotation, one for horizon and the other for elevation. I've found that if I want to shoot anything at an elevation higher than 20 degrees, one of the knobs will rub on the vertical member of the tripod making it impossible to tighten. So, if you want to take an extended photo of the moon or that wasp nest hanging under the gable of your house, it isn't gonna happen very easily.

Comments about Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P:

I purchased the Sunpak Pro 523 P from Ritz for the carbon fiber legs and the overall strength and stability of the tripod. Works great. I recently packed the tripod for a vacation trip. Yes, I checked the tripod inside a suitcase in hold baggage. Bad decision. On arrival I found that the metal collar attaching the camera plate to the head had broken off. Very light cast metal ring didn't survive some unknown event in its travel. Unless I can find a replacement head, the 523P is dead. Beware when travelling, what seems indestructible is not. Consider packing the head of the 523 P separately in carry-on bag.

Comments about Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P:

very stable and easy to use for star photo and wild life

Comments about Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P:

This is a great deal for a carbon fiber tripod, compare it to the more expesive tripods that you still need to buy a head for and you have a winner. It may not be the very best but it sure is an awesome deal. The included head is metal and holds my D200 quite steadily, and was definitely a pleasant surprise. Definitely recommended if you are using a similar camera, do no go too cheap or you will end up buying another... or worse breaking the much more expensive equipment attached to it!

Comments about Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P:

I just picked this up after looking at some of the Manfrotto Tripods, which are great products, but the Sunpak 523P was about [$] cheaper and for Carbon Fiber!!! It is much lighter than the Manfrotto model I was looking at. It is similar to Velben's Carbon Fiber line, and is around[$] cheaper. I was so glad to get into a pro tri-pod for under $200.

Comments about Sunpak Carbon Fiber Tripod Pro 523P:

Its a light weight tripod to carry , with smooth adjustments .The legs fan out for a low camera angle ( like the high end rigs ). Rubber covered leg adjustment barrels feel great on cold days with neoprene foam on all three legs above .

It has good hardware and the 3 way standard two handle cheesy pan head is not shown in the ad photo -with a quick release base & plate can use the RS or Arc Swiss plates. It has the 3/8s stud to install your own ball-head without the 1/4 -20 adapter.


This is a great value- carbon fiber legs - strong construction - 7-8 on value & quality - comes with a bag case .

The only thing that looked like a possible issue would be with the legs fanned out for a low height and with the legs at full extension the bottom piece would bow a bit with a heavy camera on it .As the leg diameters are thin ,, top .864 - mid .745 - bottom .638 . If used with only 2 sections extended it was perfect.

At 4.1 pounds it cant be built like a tank ,excellent carbon fiber spiral grain /cloth pattern .