I have a large Manfrotto backpack for long trips, but for daily work it is too bulky. it also has a compartment for a notebook and a bottom for the rain, all in the ideal size.

My current tripod is a Manfrotto and while it is a good tripod, I was looking for something that was a little more versatile, lightweight but sturdy.I almost ordered a product twice the price but decided to take a risk on this one and i'm not disappointed.The tripod is stylish, easy to use, feels really robust yet reasonably lightweight.The mobile phone tripod mount also doubles as a secondary mount for a camera so means out of the box, you can have two quick release mounts and the mobile phone holder just gives that extra bit of versatility to the kit.Having the level on the ball head is a feature i didn't really expect to like but in fact its really helpful when setting up.I love the ease of use and I love the colours and styling.

I state that I already have a Manfrotto 546GB with a 504HD head (great headstand), I needed a second tripod but I had no intention of accessing a mortgage to buy it... so I will compare it to this...
what can I say I was amazed at the quality... I was expecting a cinesata but had to change my mind, large size, closed it is the size of a photo tripod, it has a fantastic carrying case, a liquid head with different adjustments, adjustments, bubbles, etc., dimensions during use both in height and in perfect dimensions, possibility of using them as a monopod.

Let's go to the dark side...
The weight is definitely not light, the head I still say good does not have all the Manfrotto head adjustments, for example the adjustable clutch for horizontal movement... which is present on Manfrotto and is not present here... but we always consider the price, the boom for moving the head is a little short and not telescopic, there is no three-foot base in monopod mode, so you get tired of holding it in place for long-term use. The hooks for tightening the tripod rods seem undersized to me, but it still does their dirty work.
Conclusion Manfrotto is still Manfrotto... but this Cayer surprised me.
... And good!

recently moved back to America from Japan and had to leave a lot of stuff behind, Including a Manfrotto tripod so I needed a new tripod to sell some things to help me get back on my feet. I looked at geekoto and some other brands and they're all pretty much like this one except they either had plastic where I didn't want plastic or it wasn't clear where the plastic on the tripod is. Using the Manfrotto for years, I at least know where I like there to be metal and this K&F unit has a cast aluminum mount and ball and it's all very smooth.Likes:Ball head: is solid and smooth. I would have preferred a toggle over a screw for the quick release plate.Legs: well they're legs, the aluminum feels solid. The also have stabby things at the bottom if you remove the rubber feet. Some one mentioned the locks for the leg extension were unfinished and sharp. Mine are comfortable to use.Column: Not too much to say. It does it's job. All the locks have comfortable rubber grips. Someone mentioned the column will collapse if pushed down on. That's true of mine too but I have to make an effort. It's not something that's happened during normal use.Portability: was not a selling point for me but it's nice to have the optionMonopod: also not a selling point but another nice to have the option. I've never used one before but now that I have the option I might.Bag: not a selling point, but it's a nice one if the zippers stand up to use, aka not YKK zippers.Dislikes:Legs: the spring-loaded locks for the top leg extensions seem weak. On lock solidly clicks into place, the other two are kinda, meh. This might not bother you but it makes a difference to me when setting the tripod up in the dark. The audible clicks tell me where the legs are set.Conclusion: Ball head is solid. With the exception of the leg locks not clicking solidly/audibly, into place, the unit is well built, uses high quality parts and is enough for what I want it to do and looks like it's versatile enough that I might try some stuff that I wouldn't try otherwise.

This tripod is a beast! Whilst it may not have the name "Manfrotto" or "3 Legged Thing" all over it, it is more than capable for it's price point!

Having switched to this from a similarly priced Manfrotto, albeit a much smaller tripod I am initially surprised with the similarly in quality.

Whilst the Manfrotto feels ever so slightly more refined, the K&F blows it out the park with height, versatility and ease of use!

I always found the Manfrotto locking mechanisms very small, fidgety and likely to give me small blisters from repeated adjustment. Whereas the K&F model has comfortably sized levers/screws.

The ability to dettach one leg and use it as a monopod is an excellent addition and the additional grip on this leg is nicely positioned and very comfortable.

The ability to move the main central point to a over the top arm for top down/lay flat is amazing! This creates much more potential, and having all this in ONE tripod is a bonus.

Overall this tripod feels very well built and feels like it will stand the test of time!

There are only three cons I can find!

- The included bag is not the greatest of materials and the added shoulder strap has plastic vs metal clips. However if your dedicated camera bag has space for a tripod this isn't an issue.

- The twist locks on each leg are plastic, however they do feel very strong and not flimsy at all. Being used to aluminium locks on the Manfrotto tripod I noticed this immediately.

- The springs that hold ratchet locks on each leg tight are a little flimsy, again being used to a different mechanism on the Manfrotto this bares no effect on quality and durability. If anything they are actually easier to release as the spring isn't extremely stiff!

Who would I recommend this to?

Anyone! This tripod is capable of meeting the needs of all photographers at all levels in my opinion! Whilst it may not be as rugged as some higher end brands, the fact remains that it is of very high quality and packed full of features. 10/10 for me.

Wow! That should say it all. This is the best tripod I have ever owned. My Manfrotto is going on Gumtree. Sorry Manny. I've also got a no name pan and tilt that doesn't even come close. I am 100 percent happy with it. The articulated boom is something I never thought I would need, now I don't know how I managed without it. A great buy at an unbelievable price.

Was looking for another tripod with a removable head so I can fit my Manfrotto fluid head onto. The tripod is super compact, lightweight and sturdy.

This tripod has allowed me to do overhead shots and amazingly it's holding my Panasonic GH5, but obviously you have to make sure you have the supporting leg in the same direction.

Overall I'm very happy with it and it's so versatile for many different scenarios.

In the past, when looking for inexpensive tripod heads with gears, we actually only had three to choose from. the GD3WH from Benro, the rather overpriced Manfrotto 410 Junior (not to mention that this head is really showing its age) and the Sunwayfoto GH-PROIIS. Now we have this $199 model from K&F. I had all three of these heads. The Benro is pretty good... for several months before the gears wear out and plastic parts break off. It's a well-functioning head, but cheaply made. The Manfrotto heads, which have been around for decades, are fine but lack the characteristics of more modern heads. It's not very smooth when you're trying to achieve really smooth movements, and the proprietary top plate is just plain annoying. Also, it becomes unstable after about a year of use. The Sunwayfoto is a solid head, but quick adjustments are a bit difficult to make. How does this new K&F device perform? In my opinion incredibly good. It is constructed like a take and consists mostly of metal parts. They have a standard ARCA Swiss top plate. Quick adjustments are incredibly easy with the spring-loaded adjustment collars, which simply snap back into the locked position once released. The spirit level is offset far enough that you can still see it when your camera is mounted on it. Something the others lack as it is obscured when you mount your camera. Basically, the K&F gear head solves all the problems I've had with all other budget heads. As a real estate photographer, having a sharp head is a must. Having used every other inexpensive specialty heads on the market, THIS one stays on my tripod. I think you will find that this will quickly become the most recommended geared tripod head on the market.