Manfrotto Tripod MK294 Kit at Costco
I was in Costco last night and saw that they have a new tripod available. Instead of the Sunpack tripod they have been carrying for quite some time they now have a Manfrotto MK294 tripod plus 3-way head and two quick release plates. For a beginning tripod this looks like a great deal for less than $150.
Description from Costco:
Strong, stable and trustworthy, the Manfrotto 294 Kit provides the ideal tool for emerging and improving hobbyist photographers to develop their skills and passion for photography and video. Key features include professional aluminum and adjustable leg locks for unsurpassed stability. The kit is combined with a 3-way head to ensure maximum precision and smooth panning. The removable head allows the photographer to mount all original Manfrotto accessories, thereby upgrading to more sophisticated heads as skills improve and technical needs develop. Thanks to highly durable materials, sturdy construction and intuitive ergonomic controls, the Manfrotto 294 Series is an excellent solution that serves photographers for an extensive period of time. A long lasting solution with a solid performance. The ideal tripod to develop your skill and passion for photography and video. With a capacity of 11 lbs perfect for every camera from the most basic cameras to the high end models.
Professional Three-Way Head
The MK294 Kit comes with Manfrotto’s professional 3-way head is the best solution for stability and precision. It’s ergonomic handles allow for quick and easy positioning.
Quick Release System
The MK294 Kit comes equipped with 2 standard 200PL-14 quick release plates, which also for more than one camera to be ready for use. The quick release plate system fits neatly under small-bodied still cameras up to SLR (even with tele lenses) or small medium format, or under small video cameras or spotting scopes. Its rubber pad gives a good grip without damaging the camera. This plate fits in all Manfrotto heads with the RC2 quick release system.
Secondary Security Lock
The 200PL-14 quick release camera plate features a secondary security lock so you can’t accidentally release the plate (and camera) without meaning to. The lock stops the quick release lever from opening fully.
Innovative Three-Faced Column Design
The three-faced column prevents rotation to provide increased accuracy and steadfastness. The MK294A3-D3RC2 also features a new top casting made with high quality aluminum.
Interchangeable Heads
The removable head allows the photographer to mount all original Manfrotto accessories, thereby upgrading to more sophisticated heads as skills improve and technical needs develop.
Large, Fortified Aluminum Alloy Tubes For Maximum Stability
This tripod’s column and legs are made from large aluminum tubes to maximize stability and compactness.
Special Anti-Shock Collar
The anti-shock collar protects your camera from accidental impact.
Professional Grade Adjustable Aluminum Leg Locks
Quick-action extension locks allow you to quickly and quietly set the tripod into position. A rock solid and reliable support with professional grade, adjustable aluminum leg locks.
Non-Slip Rubber Feet Stable Camera Platform With Solid Aluminum Upper Disc
This tripod features a stable camera platform with a high quality solid aluminum upper disc featuring a 3/8-inch universal
attachment.
Specifications:
- Finish/Material: Black Aluminum
- Maximum Height With Extended Center Column: 71.3″ (181 cm)
- Maximum Height With Center Column Down: 59.8″ (152 cm)
- Minimum Height: 20.3″ (51.7 cm)
- Closed Length: 28.3″ (72 cm)
- Leg Angle Presets: 23°, 51°
- Plate Type: 200PL-14 quick release plate
- Leg Sections: 3
- Leg Tube Diameters: 26, 22.5, 19 mm
- Maximum Load Capacity:11.0 lbs. (5 kg)
- Weight: 5.6 lbs. (2.5 kg)
MB MBAG70N Tripod Bag
The MB MBAG70N Tripod Bag is an unpadded ballistic nylon bag designed to carry Manfrotto tripods with head up to 27″ long. The end cap is padded to offer protection to the tripod head. The zipper extends down the length of the bag, but also fully opens the top end of the bag. The end opening allows for faster “quiver” style extraction and insertion of the tripod. Tripod legs fit comfortably in the narrower end and extra space is allowed for the larger volume of the head at the wider end. This also means it’s easier to put the tripod and head in the bag, even if the head levers and knobs are fitted and jut out slightly. The bag includes a shoulder strap. Perfect for travel.
Bag Features:
- Ballistic nylon for durability
- End cap is padded to offer protection to the tripod head, the rest of the bag is unpadded
- Full length zipper
- Bag is slightly tapered to provide a better fit for a tripod with the head attached. The wider end of the bag accommodates the head without requiring all levers to be removed
- Carried by the attached shoulder strap
- Compatible with Manfrotto tripod with head up to 27″ long
- Water repellent fabric is specially treated to resist moisture
It is once again time for the Washington State Cross Country Championships at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco, Washington. I have received my media pass from the WIAA and am set to shoot some photos. With more than 10 races scheduled and about 160 runners in each race, it will be a busy day. Then another couple of busy days trying to get all the photos processed.
, and Picasa 
. Each of the three sites offers something a little different, but my main site is where you can download the image and/or get prints.
