We are taking a look at the Dolica GX600 photo tripod legs and B200 ballhead. They are sold as a pair for a reasonable price (at least at the time of purchase). I’ve had them for at least a few years, so I thought it was time to give it a review.
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| The tripod. |
Here is a link to the Tripod on Amazon.com. They have two newer models as well that you might want to consider instead. Extra quick release plates are available. Make sure you get the correct one for your head. B&H has the alternative AX620B100 tripod if you prefer that higher-end model. As of this article they don’t currently have the GX600B200 tripod combo.
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| Here is the tripod with full extension. I think it’s decently stable in this configuration, but that will be up to what you are used to. |
I didn’t mention in the video that the hook piece transforms into a compact inner column. You can remove the plastic hook and that reveals a 3/8ths inch screw mount that can attach to the ballhead. So you are able to use that in combination with the leg clamps to lower the tripod very close to the ground while still using the camera in the normal orientation.
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| I forgot about these accessories that were in the tripod bag. Here we see the tripod hook piece that doubles as a short inner column when attached to the tripod head. |
Another thing I didn’t mention in the video is that it comes with a tube shaped soft carrying case. In there is an inner pocket that has a directions sheet align with the hex tool to tighten the tripod leg connections. I guess you don’t need two hex tools, but it’s more convenient to do that way. Anyways, this is a full kit with everything you need.
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| Here is the tripod transformed to use the short inner section. That allows you to spread the legs or simply carry less weight if you don’t need the extra height of the normal center column. |
The Dolica GX600B200 has many of the expected features such as…
- A removable head with a 3/8ths sized screw on the legs.
- A ballhead with two adjustment screws and a quick-release system. The pan screw shifts the position when being fully locked-down, so you want to compensate for that shift when position the pan’s position. A little quirk with the design.
- Three plastic locks for the leg sections that are quick to open and close.
- The leg sections slide freely when unlocked. That makes it quick and easy to expand the tripod. Pull open all three locks on a leg and let gravity assist you in expanding it.
- The inner column has a plastic hook with a quick release if you want to counter weight the tripod payload.
- The inner column can be reversed. That’s convenient for certain style of photography like macro work. It can also help if you are trying to get a very stable platform and don’t have anything to hook to the counterweight.
- The feet have a combination of threaded spikes and a rubber outer casing that can be rotated to mostly cover the spikes or be pulled back pretty far.
- The joints that connect the legs to the inner area have two hex screws on each side. That allows you to adjust the tension of the legs. In time you will probably have to tighten those regardless. You need two hex tools of the same size to tighten or loosen. It’s as simple as pushing them in the opposite direction.
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| The tripod feet can be rotated to reveal the built-in spikes. I usually cover my tripod feet with something, but the spikes can be useful. In time the rubber might wear down enough so that the spikes stick through when they shouldn’t… |
Here are some of the official specifications of the tripod…
- Maximum height column: 60 inches
- Maximum height column: 51
- Minimum height column : 29.5 inches
- Minimum height column : 21.5 inches
- Closed height: 23 inches
- Net weight: 2.5 lbs (or maybe 3.5… the listing says both)
- Max weight: 15 lbs
- Leg sections: 4 per leg
- Material: Lightweight aluminum alloy
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| The B200 head includes a quick-release plate. Not sure how I feel about that tool-less screw knob on the plate. It’s easy, but can get in the way when I try to re-attach it to the tripod. It’s also can’t get as tight as others (good and bad). |
Official specifications on the ballhead…
- Base thread: 3/8 inch
- Quick release thread: 1/4 inch
- Panoramic angle: Horizontal 360°
- The Ball Head has numeric degree markings suitable for horizontal panoramic shots.
- Material: lightweight aluminum alloy.
The Tripod is composed of Anodized Aluminum Alloy and Plastic Polymer Composite. I’ve had this for a long time now and nothing has broken yet. Though there are a few photos on Amazon of someone with cracked plastic leg clamps. I did notice when I first got the tripod that the plastic parts had some roughness to them, but over time they have become smoother. At least on mine there are no signs of part failure thus far.
Overall, considering the priced I paid I think it’s a nice tripod for photography. I don’t have any major complaints. It’s more stable than my compact Manfrotto tripods due to the extra weight and thickness of materials. When I’m looking to get a bit of extra high I’ll take this tripod instead of the Manfrotto “compact light” tripod. Of course, the other benefit of this tripod is that you can exchange the head for something else. Neither of those Manfrotto tripods allow for that.